buying an heiress

The doctor kept saying words like “I'm sorry “and “heart attack.”His lips were moving but somehow the words never reached my ears cohesively; it was like they were being scattered on the way and I couldn't pick up the pieces. My mind drifted to numbers. It helped me keep distracted from the sudden change in events.I thought of the probability of a healthy 55 year old dying on a random Tuesday of a heart attack but with the data I had it was simply impossible. After what seemed like forever, we were led to see his body before it was transported to the mortuary.I walked robotically to his side. He didn't look dead at all.I never imagine how my dad would look like dead. He simply looked like he was asleep. I hoped he would wake up and say it was a prank but he didn't move an inch.I placed my hand in his but it felt cold.He was really gone. My mom sobbed quietly as she caressed his face.I wanted to rush to her side and hold her but my feet wouldn't let me. A nurse arrived and told us it was time. We both left the room reluctantly. My mom signed the documents and paperwork while I headed to the car. 30 minutes later she came to the car too. “Drive us home Jeff" she said in a calm tone. Jeff-our chauffeur- nodded and started driving.The car ride was the most silent one I've had in my entire life.My mom was usually chatty.However she just looked out the window at no particular thing. She barely looked at me. We finally arrived home. My mom bolted straight out and rushed upstairs.I slowly followed and went to my room which was on the same floor. It had been a while since I had been home but my room was spotless as it always was. Since I moved out the room feels more bare. Maybe because it no longer has multiple monitors staring back at me. I jumped on my bed and let out a huge sigh.I should be crying. My dad just died. Truthfully I feel so much and nothing at all at the same time. Crazy right. I stared at the ceiling till everything went dark. When I woke up, almost 5 hours had passed, the most sleep I've had in one go. I went downstairs and found dinner was ready, however my mom wasn't there. I went back upstairs and knocked before entering. She sat on her bed with her head lowered her brown long hair cascading in her laps. “Mom?” I said I was a bit nervous. “Yes sweetheart"she said faintly, almost clear enough for me to hear. “Dinner is ready" I said in a more steady voice. She didn't lift her head or replied but she nodded and stood up. We both headed downstairs and sat for dinner. We had some lamb, my moms favourite but she was not particularly enjoying it because of the current circumstances. She tried eating the majority but she seemed unwilling to do so. After dinner we said goodnight and I headed to my room. I opened my metal briefcase to release S.A.M. (Support and assistant module) He was powering up. He's eyes open and he started talking. “Hello Amy” he said as he looked down at me on the bed. “Hey sam” I said. I didn't even look at him. “How can I be of assistance today?” He said sitting down in front of me “He's gone, my dad he's dead" I replied, my lips trembling uncontrollably. “It's gonna be okay," he said as he patted my head with his metal hand. He reloaded then said “I can provide resources to help you with grief and-” “No” I said interrupted. I wasn't interested in finding the solution to these wandering emotions i just wanted to cry. Tears streamed down my eyes continuously. S.A.M. put his hand on my shoulder and tapped me gently. My dad made him when I was 10. He was the only friend I had. A robot. You might think I'm weird but I preferred it that way. S.A.M. Was reliable and he never judged or bullied me. He made me feel safe. I felt good after letting it all out. I coded till the next morning then headed downstairs to get some water. The house was quiet it was a bit too early to be up anyways. I looked at the portraits hanging in the living room and admired the captivating photos that my mom forced me to take almost every year. Looking back I see it was necessary. At least there were some memories I could revisit through photos. I went upstairs but instead of going into my room I went to my dad's study. I opened the door cautiously as though I was a burglar. His laptop was still on. I wandered how it even lasted. He had a couple of miniature collections of the robot designs. It seemed he was working on a new one. Probably amazing and it's designs were always out of this world. He really was the biggest in the market and no one was going to stop him. They called him “the robot man” in the news. They said he was the biggest thing to ever happen in the industry. He was the brightest of Minds but all of that was now behind us. It was a chapter I was not ready to close. It was a page I was not ready to turn I wish I could undo the last 24 hours of my life because this is not my code and there is no Ctrl+Z I left the study after ensuring no one was on site then crept to my room. I headed to the bathroom and hopped into the shower. I just stood in their letting the water run through my hair and onto my body.After a while I snapped back to reality and stepped out of the shower. I walked almost mechanically and pulled out the first black dress I could find. I knew reporters would be swarming around the house today. I had to look ”put together” as my mom usually said. The sweatpants and hoodie combo I usually wore was not going to cut it. I slipped the dress on. It was a plain black dress, nothing special about it. It had a black bow at the back which made it feel more girly. I shifted uncomfortably trying to find a natural looking position and posture. I opened my bathroom cupboards and released my hair accessories I barely wore. I settled for a black bow. I rummaged through the cupboard and found a pair shades they were perfect.I headed to my room towards the wardrobe to take out a pair of black ballet flats. Then when I went to the mirror and scanned myself I didn't look as bad as I thought I would but then again fashion was not exactly my strong suit. I wasn't sure if this outfit was going to cut it but it had to do for now. I left my room and entered my mother's room and found her getting her hair done. They were slicking it into a slick back bun then they placed a black head band she had pearls on around her neck.She was wearing a pencil dress which was also black and a huge trench coat. She looked like old money. I mean we were but she looks super old money today. She scanned my outfit up and down. I stood there waiting for her approval. She nodded slightly, motioning that she approved the outfit. She always wanted me to look my best. She always told me that people didn't care Whether you're smart But how you looked. It gave a good first impression and she was right as always. After her stylist left she said the lawyer was coming and he wanted to discuss a few things before the funeral programs started. As a both-headed downstairs my mom please her hand on my shoulder assuringly looking at me. It gave me courage and God knows how much I needed that. After we beat the living room the lawyer was already there he he's straightened his jacket and cleared his throat and reached out his hand towards my mother first greeting her and then greeting me afterwards. ” I'm sorry you have to meet under this circumstances," he said, trying to do something sympathetic. I couldn't tell if he was being genuine.I could never tell really human emotions or far too complicated. “There's nothing we could do “my mother said, trying not to sound sad. He opened up his documents and said he was about to read the will “Dear Madeline and Amy, if you're reading this I must be dead. I'm sorry for not keeping my promise to always be there for you. I know these are the last words you probably ever read from me but I would hope you carry me throughout your whole lives. There were hard decisions I had to make. I hope you understand that I made them all with love. Now without further ado I'll discuss the division of assets in my company. The company will go to our daughter. Our house will go to you Madeline.I also have a trust fund that is in Madeline ‘s name. However for Amy to inherit the company she has to get married to Jason Taylor within 6 months before she can become the official CEO. Failure to comply with these rules will mean you will not get anything and all our assets will be given to charity With love Carl Mcrae The room grew quiet. My mom didn't speak at all; she didn't dare. I couldn't even piece out what we just read .I was supposed to get married ?And who the hell is Jason Taylor? My anxiety started to build. I was supposed to get married. It hit me that I was supposed to get married to someone I barely know and start a family. There had to be a way out of this I was not getting married to a total stranger who are Belling you just because my dad said so I mean he's dead after all it should be a way to appeal all of this. After what felt like forever my mom finally spoke. “ I would like this reviewed by another lawyer and also I would like to hear why my daughter has to marry this Jason Taylor and what the terms are” she said in a Firm tone she motioned that the lawyer leave us and she turned to me I was shaking I was scared and I was surprised to say the least. She held me by stroking my hair and she looked me in the eyes and said’ I'll protect you sweetie don't worry “ . After that strange interaction I tried to shift my tension to something else. The media came and my mom's submitted a statement. We went to collect my dad's body which was later brought to the house we were buring him on our land. Every corner of the house was being cleaned and decorated and repainted for the 12th time today. Everyone seemed busy. It felt more like a party than a funeral . My mom's specifically catered the best chef in the city. I mean she had to or else people would talk. People always talked in the circle of the rich and the famous. If you couldn't afford it and things they looked down on you. It was go big or go home in these types of scenarios. I went up to my room because I couldn't be of help anyways. I mean I knew nothing about gatherings and parties organizing those type of things. My mom was more into that. I took out my laptop and decided to search up Jason Taylor or at least anything I could find. I covered my hand with my mouth I couldn't believe it the Jason Taylor dad's best friend he he was well in his 50s eat s*** I'm marrying someone who's over double my age? how did this happen? What's going on?