As Aurora left the office, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. Her life had been turned upside down in the span of a single phone call, but she knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter.
She went back to her apartment and sat at her small kitchen table, staring at the envelope in front of her. Taking a deep breath, she carefully opened it and began to read her father's letter.
*******My Dearest Aurora,********
If you are reading this, it means I am no longer in this world. First and foremost, I want you to know that I loved you deeply, even though I could not be a part of your life openly.
I understand that learning the truth about your parentage must be shocking, and for that, I am profoundly sorry. My life was complicated, and I made choices that I thought would protect you and your mother. I can only hope that you can find it in your heart to understand.
You are my daughter, and I have always been proud of you from afar. I followed your achievements, your struggles, and your growth into the remarkable woman you are today. I wish circumstances had been different, but please know that my love for you was unwavering.
In this letter, you will find detailed instructions regarding your inheritance. You have a choice to make, and I trust you will make the decision that is right for you. Whether you choose to embrace your legacy with Mirage Corp or simply take what is rightfully yours and forge your own path, I support you.
Enclosed with this letter is also a key to a safe deposit box. Inside, you will find personal items that I have kept over the years, including letters I wrote to you but never sent, photographs, and other mementos of the life I wished I could have shared with you.
I hope that these items will help you understand a little more about who I was and how much you meant to me.
Whatever you decide, know that I am proud of you, and I believe in you.
With all my love,
Kenneth
**********************************
Tears streamed down Aurora's face as she finished reading. The weight of her father's words, combined with the reality of her mother's choices, pressed heavily on her heart.
But amidst the pain and confusion, there was also a sense of closure. Kenneth's letter was a bridge to a past she had never known, and a beacon for the future.
Aurora wiped her tears and looked at the key that had fallen from the envelope. She knew what she needed to do next.
[Day-3]
The next day, she visited the bank and opened the safe deposit box. Inside, she found a treasure trove of memories: old letters, photographs of a man she now knew as her father, and keepsakes that showed the life he had led and the love he had felt for her.
Holding a photograph of Kenneth, Aurora felt a sense of connection and understanding. The man in the picture was a part of her, and now, she had the chance to decide how that part would shape her future.
With newfound determination, she returned to Alexander McCain's office. She had made her decision.
"I've read the letter, and I've seen the keepsakes," she told Alexander. "I want to learn more about Mirage Corp and see where this path leads. I'm ready to embrace my father's legacy and discover what it means for me."
Alexander smiled warmly. "You're making a brave choice, Aurora. Your father would be very proud."
"I won't lie to you, the path you've chosen has its own challenges, and I can't promise that circumstances will go the way you envision," Alexander said, his expression serious yet supportive. "But I can assure you that I'll support you the best I can, as I've promised your father."
"I understand, and I'm grateful for that. You've been quite helpful to me," Aurora replied, appreciating his support.
"I do have a question, though," Alexander said, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
"Yes, what is it?" Aurora asked.
"You could have walked away with millions and lived a happy life with your mother. Why choose this path? Honestly, I myself would have done so."
Aurora paused, collecting her thoughts. "Well, I've lived most of my life wishing I had a father, and now I've found out he did care for me. I can't forgive him for not being a part of my life, and I can't act like I understand his reasons for doing so. But I want to show my gratitude for what he left me. I don't want to walk away from what he left for me. That's how I feel about it."
"Oh, I see now. That's a sentimental way of thinking about it," Alexander acknowledged, nodding in understanding. "Very well then. Tomorrow is the set date your father arranged for the family will to be read. As his daughter, you are obligated to be there as well."
"Is that okay, though? I mean, I'm not exactly a legitimate child," Aurora hesitated.
"That matters not," Alexander replied firmly.
"Alright then, I guess," Aurora agreed.
"I'll send you all the details regarding the meeting place later during the day. Please try to be punctual," Alexander said.
"I'll be on time," Aurora assured him as she got up to leave. Alexander accompanied her to the entrance of the building where they parted ways.
[Aurora's Perspective]
Aurora stepped outside, feeling the gentle breeze against her face. The weather was pleasant, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling within her. She began to walk, her thoughts racing.
"Show my gratitude for what he left me?" she scoffed internally. "Oh please, that has to be the most cringe thing I've said this week. Is this some telenovela where I have to pretend to be nice? Might as well be, because apparently my dad was Bruce Wayne."
She shook her head, frustration bubbling up. "I couldn't care less about the old man who abandoned me and my mother. But his wealth? His wealth isn't guilty of anything, so I'll take it. I'll take all of it. I've suffered my whole life in poverty because he wanted to protect his own family by keeping us a secret. Now he's grown a conscience and includes me in his will. I'd be a fool to walk away from that."
Aurora smirked as she continued to walk. "Still, Alex seems like a nice guy, so this goody two-shoes character I'm playing is to get him not to be reluctant to help me. But there's so much I don't know. I have no idea what the hell goes into running businesses or corporate mambo jambo. Nonetheless, all that can be learned as time passes."
She stopped for a moment, gazing up at the sky. "There's only one problem, if not many," she mused. "My dear loving half-siblings I've never met. Will they be willing to let me get my portion in peace, or will they wage war against me and lose all theirs in the process?"
Aurora chuckled at the thought. "Hmph, this is going to be fun," she decided, a sense of determination settling in as she resumed her walk back home.