the will

LEAH.

Three weeks had gone by since the passing of my parents, and we had finally arrived at their funeral.

Lucas kissed my forehead, as he wrapped his arms around me.

I touched his palm, trying to give a sense of peace.

“I still don't know how I was able to plan this entire thing,” I admitted out loud, “at first, I thought I wouldn't be able to move, or even talk.”

“You did this because you're tough, and strong. Your parents would be so proud of you.” Lucas added,

I smiled gently at him, and he placed his lips on mine.

“Thank you for everything,” I thanked him.

He simply nodded, and murmured a reply.

Throughout the preparations, he had been running around trying to ensure everything was perfect while I had given most of my focus to the grounds where my parents would be laid.

I wanted them buried in my home, where I would always feel close to them. Lucas hadn't objected. In fact, he had even helped me get the men to dig the grounds.

The bell rang, gaining our attention.

“I think it's time for the ceremony to begin,” Lucas said, taking my hand.

I followed as he led me towards everyone else.

As soon as we approached them, all eyes were cast on us. I took a seat.

The minutes couldn't have passed by soon enough, but we were eventually done with the rites. I stood silently, watching as my parents’ bodies were lowered into the ground. I had expected to cry, or wail, but I didn't. I just stood there with a heart filled with sorrow and pain.

I could feel the piercing eyes of my father's brothers on my back, and it did nothing to ease how I felt.

“Drop the flower,” the priest said to me.

I obeyed, blowing my final kiss to my loved ones. Lucas never left my side.

We stood there in silence as the visitors left one after another. Soon, it was just us, my father's brothers and Kate.

The youngest was the first to speak, “Our company cannot remain much longer without a leader,”

“What a way to sympathize for the loss of your eldest brother,” I replied, turning around.

“There are times for emotions, and there's time for-”

“I think what Michael means is,” the second eldest interrupted, “there's no time on our hands,” he continued, placing his hands in his pockets. “We know you feel devastated over the loss of your parents, and we are equally sad.”

What a fat lie.

“However, traditions must be upheld. The Irvings lineage must go on. Someone needs to step up, and you-”

“What's wrong with me?” I cut in.

“I-I-”

“What the fuck is wrong with me?” I asked, charging towards him. Lucas was behind me.

“Leah, we are not saying there's anything wrong with you. We are just saying that-”

“Leave.” I ordered him.

“Leah, you have to listen-”

“Did you not hear me the first time? Leave my home!”

He jerked back in shock.

“Shall I call security or will you leave?” I threatened even further.

He took a step back, signalled the rest of his brothers and walked off.

“Fucking hell,” I muttered as soon as they left.

Lucas placed an arm over my shoulder. “They'll be back,” he said,

“I know,” I replied, wiping my nose. “Mom always tried to prepare me for this. She knew they would start showing off some claws once they were gone, and she was obviously right. Their bodies are barely in the ground, and everyone's already agitated on who will lead next.”

“I'm sorry about this, darling. We will find a way to fix it.”

“Definitely. There's no way I'm letting any of them place their filthy hands on my family's riches.”

Lucas patted my head.

I spotted Kate walking closer to us. “Your mum was right, these men are evil.”

I nodded in agreement.

“Your dad's attorney is here. He has asked us to meet him in your dad's library.”

Oh. “I didn't think the will would be read so soon,”

“Neither did I.” Lucas added, “let's go see what he has to say.”

Kate led the way and I walked beside Lucas.

Soon enough, we were at the library.

“Welcome,” the attorney said, holding a file.

I took my seat, and so did the others.

“As you may know, your father had quite a will. He changed it three times.” He chuckled dryly. “Well, let's get to it. He left a letter, and asked me to read it out.”

I listened as he read out the will.

“To my lovely Leah, I hope by the time this will is being read, you would already have a child or many children of your own. I want you to know that I love, and cherish you. As much as I always wanted a son, I hope you know I love you just as much.

To Lucas, you've been more than a son to me. You've taken good care of my Leah, and stood beside her in times of trouble. I am proud of you.

Kate, I acknowledge you.

Now, back to my wonderful Leah, you might not like what I'm about to do, but trust me when I say it's for the best. I leave all my properties in Lucas Irving's care. As your husband, I believe he is more capable of running things as I would've loved. Although I have made an exception for you to keep the house, it will be under Lucas's care as well. I hope you understand my wishes.”

I gasped. “So you mean, the-the house, the- everything is for Lucas?” I asked in disbelief.

With a grimace on his face, he answered, “your father believed you were both a lovely couple, and whatever belonged to Lucas belonged to you.”

“He's right, baby.” Lucas said, touching my shoulders.

I wanted to shrug him off, but I couldn't move.

“But-” words failed me, so I sat there stunned.

“Those were his last wishes,” the attorney emphasized. “He also asked, on a day before his death, that you give surrogacy a chance. He strongly supports it.”

My throat was too dry to form words. This had to be some prank.

“Are you sure you're reading the right will? I mean-”

“Those were his words, ma'am.”

I blinked repeatedly, “it's not possible,” I whispered into the air. My father wouldn't leave me with nothing.

“It doesn't matter, baby. What's mine is yours.” Lucas tried to console me, but I could hear the excitement in his voice.

My shoulders fell.

“Is this the right time to make an announcement?” Kate asked,

I turned to face her.

“Well, after giving it much thought, I have realized that you've done so much for me as a friend and I need to find a way to repay you. I mean, your parents paid for my tuition from highschool to college, and secured my first job. In that light, I would like to repay their good deeds by giving them what they've always wanted. I want to be the surrogate mother for your child.”