The unexpected heiress.

Unexpected inheritance.

Anya stood at the edge of the graveside, her heart heavy with grief. The rain had started to fall, mirroring the somber mood of the funeral. Her father, a kind and gentle soul, had passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void in her life. She could still remember his voice as he cried to her on his deathbed,"Anya my dear, you are going to be alright. Just trust your instincts and everything is going to be fine.

As the ceremony concluded, a group of unfamiliar faces approached Anya. They were well-dressed, serious-looking individuals, their demeanor formal and businesslike. Many would have thought they were coming to seize Anya for the money her dad owed or something.

Yes, her father and she weren't rich, that she knew, but she knew he did his very best to make sure she had a good life and was comfortable.

"Miss Anya Petrova," one of them began, his voice low and respectful. "We're here to discuss a matter of great importance. We know the timing isn't right, but it's a matter beyond our control."

Anya was taken aback. She had never met these people before. Moreover, their timing wasn't right. At least they knew so, but that wasn't the problem here." Who are you? She asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"We represent the Petrova Empire," the man replied, his tone unwavering. "Your father, may he rest in peace, was the sole owner of this vast conglomerate. And now, you are to take over from him today. We apologize for this being so sudden, but we are just following instructions from the higher ups."

Anya's mind raced. Her father, a simple man who had always shied away from wealth and power, who had spent his life living in the rural area, for all she could remember, had been the head of a global empire? It seemed impossible, it seemed like a dream that she herself needed to wake up from.

"I'm afraid we must insist that you come with us," the man continued, his voice firm. "There are urgent matters that require your immediate attention. For your position awaits you."

Bewildered and confused, Anya found herself swept away from the funeral, her life irrevocably altered, feeling as if she was bewitched or something.

*******

As the sleek, black limousine glided through the rain-slicked streets of the city. Inside, I sat, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I was still struggling to comprehend the news I had been given. My father, the quiet librarian who had always preferred books to business, had been a powerful tycoon.

If it was true, why would he shy away ?

From the few magazines I read at the library, Petrova Empire is one of the biggest global businesses in the city, taking its business ranking to be No 3 business on the global business scale.

If it's worth being as much as that, why would he shy away from such?

How come I hadn't thought about how my name seemed to be the name of the company? Who would have thought so?

The limousine pulled up to a towering skyscraper, a symbol of wealth and power, with the name PETROVA greatly embodied and stood out. I was ushered into a luxurious office, where I was met by a board of directors. Each looking all serious, keeping a straight face and heading to business. They explained the extent of my inheritance:

It was a vast network of companies, spanning technology, fashion, real estate and finance.

Overwhelmed, I felt a surge of fear and uncertainty. I was a librarian, not a CEO. Yes, I dreamed of living a simple, comfortable life, not waking up on the day of my dad's funeral to realize I was a billionaire. How could I possibly manage such a massive enterprise? I felt a strange sense of excitement, a thrill of anticipation and more or less a wave of sorrow, disappointment because my dad had all this. Why didn't he say so? Now I have to mingle my way through it and figure everything out myself.

Figuring it out would be difficult, but it would be possible, but his advice and guidance would actually have meant a lot.

"I don't know what to do," I confessed, my voice trembling.

The majority of the members of the board had this somewhat slight expression etched on their faces. You could decipher that they were actually disappointed. Who wouldn't be

How would a 23-year-old who knew nothing about business, who has spent her whole life in the library? Yes, she went to school, but her education didn't prepare her for that.

One of the board members, a stern-faced woman named Elena, offered a reassuring smile. "We'll be here to guide you every step of the way," she said. "But ultimately, the future of the Petrova Empire rests in your hands."

As they left the office that day, I knew my life had changed forever. The quiet, ordinary existence I had once known was gone. In its place was a world of wealth, power, and responsibility. A world I was both terrified of and strangely drawn to.

I slurped into the office chair, still trying to recover from all the events that have taken place today. I was in no mood for any surprises and had enough for a day.

"Miss Anya". I am Mr Davidson, your Father's attorney and a very close friend.

Please don't tell me there is another secret I have to learn today.

He asked me to hand this letter over to you so that you can go through it, your things have been moved to Petrova mansion, and it is all settled. The butler is already awaiting your arrival, in the box in front of you has a black card, and all the phone gadgets you need with the necessary information you need inside too. You are now the new head of the Petrova Empire. I have hired your personal bodyguard and a security agency. They work undercover. He is by the door and with time you will get to know him. Rest assured that his top priority as your bodyguard is your safety. Your personal driver is also downstairs. In the presidential packing lot, in case you are about to take your leave, you are given access to all the buildings, but as the CEO, you make use of the presidential elevator.

As for the signing of the shares, rest assured it can be done whenever you are ready. You will also have to travel abroad to meet your grandparents. That can be done when you are settled in. I have also put up a portfolio of the most capable and reliable employees for you to choose from whom your personal assistants should be.

The document concerning things you need to know about business is all in the study in your mansion. Your Father prepared everything. Anything else you need to know, the letter will help you out.

If you need anything, I am just a phone call away.

Anya, I just want you to know that your dad wouldn't have given you this responsibility if he knew you weren't capable, all the secrets kept were for a reason which with time you will discover soon. Be careful you are no ordinary person anymore. I trust you and I know you will do just fine.

Thank you, Mr Davidson. I will give you a call later on, I replied.

I wasn't in any mood to read the letter, so I decided to just head home, as Mr Davidson said the bodyguard was by the door. He was well-built and had a sturdy appearance. I hate being mean, but at that point, I wasn't in the mood to get to know anyone recently, and I am glad he could understand it and didn't say anything. Even on our way, I loved the silence. It was all I craved.

******

At the Petrova mansion;

As the imposing wrought-iron gates creaked open, a shiver ran down my spine. The grand driveway, lined with towering hedges, stretched out before me, mysterious and intimidating. The mansion loomed ahead, a colossal structure of stone and glass. Its imposing facade, adorned with intricate carvings, seemed to whisper of a life of luxury and privilege.

A line of impeccably dressed servants stood at the entrance, their faces etched with practiced politeness. The head butler, a dignified man with silver hair, stepped forward, his voice a smooth baritone. "Welcome, Miss Anya," he intoned, his bow a picture of refined courtesy.

As I crossed the threshold, a wave of warmth washed over me. The grand foyer, with its soaring ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes and a grand chandelier casting a soft, golden glow, was breathtaking. The air was filled with the subtle scent of expensive perfume and polished wood. It was a world I had never known, a world of opulence and excess.

I just responded with a bow and headed to my room. I needed to have a nap and know whether all this was a dream and if it was, I would be happy because it wasn't what I wanted, and I knew that if it was reality, I

It was going to be a tough one, because I had never lived such a life.