Chereads / Secret Heir / Chapter 1 - Chapter One: The Unexpected.

Secret Heir

🇳🇬victoria_bassey
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Synopsis

Chapter 1 - Chapter One: The Unexpected.

Emma pressed her foot on the brake pedal, bringing her small bike to a gentle stop in the parking lot of the grocery store. It had been a long day at work, but it was Friday, and she had just been paid. As a graphic designer at a cyber cafe, the pay wasn't fantastic but it was steady enough to cover all her expenses and allow for a few luxuries Emma wasn't a luxury-driven person, she loved her tomboy nature. She climbed down from her bike with her mind set on the foodstuff she needed to pick up. The familiar sound of the store's sliding doors opening greeted them as she entered, and she grabbed a basket, weaving through the aisles.

She reached for some pasta, her mind was thinking of the simplest dinner she'd make later, her hand lingered for some bottle of wine before she decided to treat herself and added it to the basket. After all, it was Friday night. She thought to herself. 

She continued her shopping, adding some more veggies, a loaf of bread, and some snacks for the weekend. As she carried the basket through the aisles, her mind drifted to her friend Laura. Laura was the best thing that had ever happened to her after the death of her mother, Grace Robinson. Two years ago, after her mother died, Laura took her in. Living together has been a comfort for both of them, and their friendship has grown even stronger through Emma's grief. 

With her basket full, Emma headed to the checkout counter to make her payment. As she placed her items on the belt, she felt satisfied she was still able to foot her bills without worrying about her bank balance. The cashier rang up all her purchases. Emma reached into her purse, brought out her credit card, and gave it to the cashier who swiped it with a smile on her face. "We'll see you next time," the cashier said as she handed over the credit card to Emma. 

Driving home was so uneventful, the late evening sun was still warm, and it had a golden glow over the streets. Emma, while driving her thoughts returned to her mother, as they often did, whenever she was alone. The pain of her loss was still there, but she had to learn to live with it. Laura was Godsent, she had to invite her to move in with her after the funeral. She needed the companionship, the shared apartment had now become home for Laura.

She pulled over into the the driveway, took out the things from her bicycle cart, and started walking towards the door other house. When she opened the door, Buster, her little dog was already running towards her. His tail wagged furiously as she noticed the excitement in his eyes.

"Good boy Buster," she said feeling his hairy head with a smile on her face. Buster was her mother's dog and now he was her loyal companion. He was always there to greet her, no matter how long her day had been. Buster bounded toward her, his small body quivering with so much excitement. But instead of just jumping up at her feet as usual, he had something in his mouth, a letter. 

"What have you got there, boy?" She asked, setting the bags down on the floor. Buster sat at her feet, wagging his tail furiously as he offered up the envelope. Emma took it and patted his head affectionately. "Thank you, Buster. You're such a good boy."

She grabbed a biscuit from the treat jar on the counter and gave it to Buster, who accepted it eagerly. As he trotted off to enjoy his reward. Emma looked at the letter in her hand. It was a crisp white envelope, thick and official-looking, with her name written in neat, bold lettering on the front cover. She turned it over, noticing the embossed seal of a law firm she didn't recognize.

"What's this about?" She muttered to herself, her brow furrowing in curiosity. Before she could open it, she heard footsteps coming from the kitchen. 

 

"Hey, Emma!" Laura's voice was warm and cheerful as she emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "How was work?."

"Hey Laura," Emma replied, glancing up with a small smile. " Work was fine, just the usual, how about you?"

"Oh, you know, the same old chaos at the hospital. But nothing I can't handle," Laura said with a grin. "Let me help you with those bags."

"Thanks," Emma said, handing over a couple of bags. As Laura took them to the kitchen, Emma's thought returned to the letter in her hand.

"Oh, by the way," Laura called from the kitchen, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Some agents from Evelyn's law firm in New York stopped by earlier. They brought that letter you're holding. They said it's really important."

Emma's heart skipped a beat. "Did they say what it was about?"

"No, just you should open it as soon as possible, I've been dying to know what's inside!" Laura replied, her curiosity was evident as she returned to the living room anxiously looking at Emma.

Emma's hands trembled slightly as she sat down on the couch, the letter resting on her lap. " I guess I'd better open it, then."

Laura sat down beside her, practically she was sure of what to expect. "Do it already !." She said to Emma.

Emma took a deep breath, sliding her finger under the flap of the envelope. The seal broke with a soft crack, and she pulled out a thick piece of parchment paper. Her eyes scanned the type of written words, and her mind was struggling to process what she was reading.

Dear Ms. Emma Stones,

We are pleased to inform you that you are the sole heiress of your late father's company, Stones Enterprises, located in New York City. As the Primary beneficiary of your father's estate, you are entitled to all assets, properties, and shares associated with the company. Please contact our office at your earliest convenience to discuss the necessary steps to transfer ownership and manage your inheritance. 

Sincerely, 

Evelyn Harper Law Firm.

For a moment, Emma just stared at the letter, her mind was unable to comprehend the words on the page. It felt surreal, like something out of a movie or a dream. She had always believed her father abandoned her and her mother before she was born and her mother had never spoken much about him. Now, out of nowhere, she reading that she's supposed to inherit the properties of a man she never knew.