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The Moment Before the Reading of the Will.

June 6, 2014.

Three days had passed since Alvin, his wife, and their eldest child were buried. The news about them spread throughout Indonesia. The owner of the second-largest retail business in New York City had tragically passed away, filling the columns of newspapers and online news pages. It was also broadcasted on TV.

However, Fathia didn't want to hear any of it. For her, the three of them were still there. Still in an important meeting discussed in Levine Village. Fathia remembered their visit, which was also intended for the soon-to-be-inaugurated new factory.

The sound of her bedroom door being knocked made Fathia lift her face from the pillow. She didn't want to move from there at all. Naomi prepared her meals and made sure the young lady ate properly, although it was difficult to persuade her.

"Just come in, Auntie," Fathia replied, slightly tightening her voice. She thought it was Naomi entering, but she was mistaken. Sebastian entered with a sharp gaze directed at her. Without hesitation, he sat at the edge of her bed without asking for permission. Not far from where Fathia was sitting, now looking at Sebastian with a mix of surprise and recognition. "Sebastian," she whispered softly, just to make sure if this man was indeed the one she knew.

"Why didn't you want to eat this morning?" Sebastian asked.

Fathia looked down again, shaking her head slightly in response.

"Eat, Fathia."

Again, Fathia shook her head. "I just want to be with Mommy and my sister, Felice."

One thing that Fathia now remembered about Sebastian's behavior towards her. Without hesitation, Sebastian picked her up, causing Fathia to scream, but he ignored it. Only when she was seated inside a sedan that she recognized as belonging to the sharp-eyed man, did Sebastian speak. "We're going to eat."

"But I don't want to!" Fathia protested.

"Eat, Fathia!"

For the first time, Sebastian used a dominating tone, making Fathia's spirit suddenly shrink. All she did now was tighten her grip on the seat belt that encircled her body.

Throughout the journey, Fathia and Sebastian were silent. His strong arms gripped the steering wheel tightly, unknown to Fathia, there was a tinge of regret in his heart for the harsh tone he used earlier. When the engine was turned off, indicating they had arrived at their destination, Fathia refused to speak.

"We're here," Sebastian unfastened his seat belt and turned briefly to look at Fathia, who imitated his movements. "I'm sorry for speaking harshly earlier."

That apology succeeded in making Fathia turn her head, making them face each other at last. Those eagle-sharp eyes had now transformed into a much gentler gaze. Fathia remembered that look Sebastian always gave her when she was with Felice and her fiancé. Yes, Sebastian was Felice's fiancé. Fathia felt that they both shared the pain of losing the same person.

"Yes, I'm sorry for causing trouble," Fathia accepted his gentle touch, closing her eyes for a moment, savoring it. "Felice said you like 'soup kare’ here."

Then Fathia's eyes darted around, and she finally laughed. A joyful smile appeared as this little thing somewhat diminished her sadness. "Thank you, Sebastian."

"We'll eat, okay. Later in the afternoon, there will be a reading of the will by Mr. Ronald. You know him, right?"

Her smile vanished right away.

***

Sebastian didn't mince his words when he informed her. When they arrived at her home, it was already filled with family members from both her mother and father's sides. They all looked at Fathia with keen interest, as if ready to be led by the fifteen-year-old girl. Fathia shivered in fear as she observed them all, tightening her grip on Sebastian's hand, who didn't move from her side.

"I'm scared, Sebastian," Fathia whispered softly when they sat in the living room. Some of the people there were familiar to her, while others were not.

Hearing Fathia's complaint, Sebastian tilted his head slightly towards her, trying to comfort her. "I'm here. Just stay calm."

And they positioned themselves close to someone whom Fathia knew as her father's colleague, Ronald Nasution. She briefly shook hands and received condolences from the middle-aged man.

"I think everyone is here now," Ronald began speaking, and the commotion that had been happening ceased. Silence fell as he greeted everyone, including a brief glance towards the youngest daughter of the man he deeply respected. His relationship with the Claire family went beyond just being colleagues; it was quite close. Ronald treated Felice like his own daughter, and he never hesitated to seek her assistance as he regarded her as part of his own family.

Knowing that Alvin passed away in such a tragic manner, Ronald had conflicting feelings. It might make his work much harder from now on, but he was ready for it. Especially when he recalled receiving a letter from Alvin a week ago, making him visit his friend's office without hesitation. Alvin bombarded him with numerous questions that left Ronald completely bewildered.

"A will is needed, Ron. How can you not know that?" Alvin joked at the time. At first, Ronald responded with a relieved smile, but hearing the news three days ago made him contemplate. Was it liking a sign?

"I, Ronald Nasution, hereby state that I have been given the power of attorney on behalf of Alvin Mehram Claire, as his personal lawyer. In this capacity, I shall work privately for and on behalf of the Claire family, which includes Mr. Alvin Mehram Claire as the grantor, along with Mrs. Rosseanne Thompson and their two daughters, Felice Leah Claire and Fathia Bernessa Claire."

One by one, Ronald looked at the people present. He knew they were all waiting for something, and he was ready for it. He felt both joy and fear in his heart.

"And with the authority granted, I can now legally read the will written by the grantor, Mr. Alvin Mehram Claire, SE." Ronald took a deep breath. He had read the will before, and some of the points in it had puzzled him. However, after receiving a sensible explanation, in which he himself agreed with Alvin's thoughts, he began to open it slowly.

"Good morning, all my brothers and sisters. And a special greeting to my beloved daughter, Fathia. How are you? Papa hopes you are always healthy and happy. Nothing would make Papa happier than seeing your smile as warm as the morning sun. Also, Felice, my pride and joy. If Ronald is reading this letter in front of you, it means I have met God and found happiness with Him. To my beloved wife, don't be sad, endure just a little longer, for I will surely come to get you. Waking up in the morning without a cup of your homemade coffee feels empty."

Fathia tightened her grip on Sebastian's hand. In her mind, the warm smile of her father was deeply imprinted. He sat relaxed on his favorite sofa, reading business magazines, with Mommy by his side. He was so happy then. And now, that image was no longer real, making Fathia feel suffocated.

She deliberately covered her ears, not wanting to hear anything except cherishing memories that she would never erase from her mind. One by one, the names of the family members from her father's side were called out, and Fathia didn't care. She didn't know about her father's business since Felice always told her not to bother knowing more, not even her father's office address.

Felice said, "You have to finish high school first before I'll tell you anything about Papa's business. You have to know it well because we're the Claires."

"Why does it matter if we're born as Claires?"

Fathia remembered Felice laughing at her question. "We have a big responsibility, Fathia. You'll understand someday. Now, enjoy your time in high school because it won't come back."

Fathia furrowed her brows. "Don't you want to date classmates or guys who have a crush on you?"

"I'm not interested."

"Oh, if the guy is as cool as Sebastian, you'll definitely want him. Right?"

Now, it was Fathia's turn to laugh. "Maybe. Sebastian is indeed cool. You're so lucky to be loved by him, Felice."

Felice nodded with a glint in her eyes. "One day, a man like Sebastian will come for you too. I'm sure of it."

Until she felt someone touch her shoulder, interrupting her daydream. Fathia wanted to scold whoever it was, but when she turned, she saw Sebastian there, with a tense expression.

"Be prepared, Sebastian Sachdev. This is your duty, and you must carry it out."

Then what Fathia remembered was the mocking and disgruntled voices that came from her father's relatives.

"This can't be right! This man is an outsider! There's no way he can lead Group Azure!!!"

"Exactly! Sebastian is an outsider. He's not worthy of holding the highest position there. Then, what are we? Just servants? Unacceptable!!!"

"We don't mind if Group Azure is led by Fathia in the future. Although Fathia is still young now, at least Group Azure will be rightfully back in the family's hands. Until then, why not one of us, the rightful family members, take over?"

"Ah, perhaps you, Ronald, are fabricating this will! Just admit it!"

Fathia looked at Sebastian, full of questions, while the man still refused to release her hand, staring at each person in front of him one by one. Fathia knew that the ominous aura Sebastian projected in his gaze was truly terrifying. It was as if he was calculating something based on what he heard.

"ENOUGH!" Ronald's loud voice interrupted the commotion. Silence suddenly appeared without a command. Everyone there looked at each other, giving sharp glances towards both Fathia and Sebastian. Oh, not to mention the clear expressions of dislike that were thrown directly at Sebastian.

"This will be legally made before we experienced this great sorrow. The points stated here are quite clear. If anything happens beyond our control, and Felice cannot lead Group Azure, then Sebastian Sachdev will manage everything temporarily. Dividends will continue to be distributed as usual, overseen by the legal bureaucracy in place. Fathia must be informed of the monthly reports. Until Fathia is of age, 23 years old in the future."

Fathia was in shock. She didn't know anything about her father's business, and now? Ah, that was nothing compared to what Ronald said at the end of the will.

"And from the moment this will is read, Sebastian Sachdev is the legal guardian to take care of Fathia until she can lead Group Azure in the future."