Contracted Hearts

“I'm off. See you tomorrow. “ Emma bade her colleagues goodbye as proceeded to leave the firm. She worked as an intern finance consultant in an accounting firm. She hailed from a very wealthy home as her parents owned the biggest winery in the city. Her father had tried to convince her to work for him after she graduated college, but she craved some independence from her parents. She had graduated with good grades in school and she landed an intern role at a prominent firm where she felt she could garner some experience. “Emma, why don't you come and work for me, I'll pay you ten times whatever that firm is offering you.” Her father had said when she told him about her decision to work for the firm. “It's not about the money dad, I just want to make a name for myself also, like you and Mum have.” She had replied. Truly, the money wasn't a lot, but it was enough for her to get by without relying on her parents. “You know one day you'll inherit this business. I just want you to be aware of how it works before then.” Her father had said. “I know dad, I'll get a hang of it when the time comes.” Was Emma’s reply before her father resigned, as he knew he couldn't change his daughter's mind. Emma got into her car and began her journey home. She always enjoyed her drive home, she found it soothing driving home at night in the city, with the beautiful scenery which was accentuated by the bright city lights at night. When Emma got home, she was surprised her parents weren't around. They always got home before her, and on the occasions they didn't, they informed her beforehand that they were going to be late. She asked the staff working in the house, and they confirmed they were yet to return home. She tried calling their phones but there was no response from either of them. Emma felt some troubling pit in her stomach, but she decided to remain optimistic. She put on the television and her greatest fears were confirmed. “Breaking News:, Millionaire owner of Anderson winery, Ted Anderson and his wife Jane Anderson, passed away today after a ghastly car accident, claiming the lives of all three people that were in the car including their driver.” Emma screamed, attracting the attention of Rose, her younger sister and the staff at home who rushed to the sitting room to discover what had happened. Emma wept uncontrollably, her whole body trembling. She couldn't be consoled. Her younger sister also burst into tears and the staff all looked sullen. It was a dark day at the house of the Andersons. The next day, people trooped in to offer their condolences; friends, relatives and colleagues. Emma had never seen some of them before. Ted Anderson was a nice and generous man, and he did a lot of good in the community, so it wasn't a surprise to her a lot of people knew her father. “We're sorry for your loss. He was such a good man.” She kept hearing but none of them could fathom how much pain she was going through. Emma looked at her younger sister, Rose. She was the only immediate family she had left, and it was her job to provide for her and protect her. After the burial, her uncle came by the house. “Errmm.. Emma, I know you're still recovering from the loss, but we'll have to discuss some important matter.” Emma listened attentively, she knew from the tone he was speaking, that he wasn't here with any good news. “So as we both know, your father's business was very important to him, and I'm sure that he'd like someone to carry on in his stead to look after the business now that he is gone. We all know you've never had much interest in the business, so I'd like to take over the winery business if you don't mind?” Emma looked at her uncle with disgust. She knew him well and knew he couldn't be trusted, he was lazy and greedy and always on the lookout for a shot cut. She knew he had no care for the business, he just wanted an easy way to make more money. “We'll, uncle,” Emma said, trying to compose herself so as not to say anything disrespectful. “I know it may appear I have no interest in the winery business, but it was my father's legacy and he wanted me to take over from him, I have no intention of letting him down. I will do as he wants and take over from him. So you don't have to worry about the business, uncle.” Emma noticed the look of disappointment on his face, he seemed slightly surprised too. “Did he just expect I was going to hand over my father's business to him just like that?” Emma thought. “Well, it seems you've made up your mind about it, but trust me, this won't be the last you hear about the matter. Remember this.” Her uncle said as he stood up to take his leave. This last sentence infuriated Emma so much that she was boiling with rage. What does he mean by “This wouldn't be the last you hear about the matter?” The next day, Emma was preparing for work when a staff member came rushing towards her. “It's your sister, Rose, she's not feeling too well. Emma immediately headed for her sister's room and saw her holding her stomach, writhing in agony on the floor. “Rose, what's the problem?” Emma asked. Panic could be sensed in her voice. “It's…it's my stomach, it hurts so bad,” Rose mumbled as Emma and the staff tried to help her to her bed. “Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'm taking you to the Hospital.” Emma said as she ran her hands through her sister's arms to try and comfort her. “Hurry, help me carry her to the car.” She told the staff. They lifted Rose and helped her to the car before Emma drove her to the nearest Hospital.