10!Let them come!

Sylvia 

We had barely stepped into the house when Maryann and Emily collapsed onto the soft, fancy couch in the living room like two actresses after a big performance. Both were rubbing their throats, pretending to be tired.

“Ugh, I’m so exhausted,” Maryann groaned, faking a wince. “All that crying gave me a sore throat.”

Emily nodded, smirking. “I know, right? I think I damaged my vocal cords from all the wailing. I really need to wash my face and do my facials, I don't want this tear stain to give me bad skin.”

Then they burst out laughing.

Not soft, polite laughs, real cackling. Loud and ridiculous. The kind of laugh that made your skin crawl when you knew what they were really like underneath.

As they wiped fake tears from their cheeks, Emily clapped her hands with excitement and pointed toward the window. The porch was overflowing with flowers, gift baskets, sympathy cards, and boxes. “Look at all the goodies! We would never be able to afford some, or even if we could afford them, due to our level we can't get them.” she squealed. “People are so generous.”

Maryann leaned back, smiling smugly. “We should have a funeral every year. This is better than Christmas.”

Emily frowned a little with her hands held underneath her boobs. “ Mom, why didn't you ask if I could join you for the vacation, or ask for me to be included? I thought we were in this together?”

“How can I ask that kind of question, although I would love you to join me, I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation.”

“Whatever, you should have asked her anyway.”

“I'm not in the mood to argue with you, I don't even want to do that in the face of our enemy,” she said, turning to me and they both laughed.

“Anyways Mom, you can have the trip to China, Miranda booked a staycation for me and her.”

“You see, and you want to go with me, how did you get Miranda to book a staycation?”

“Humm, Mom you're still asking? I just played the normal role and got myself a staycation.”

“Ha ha ha,” she laughed on top of her voice. “You know we can afford that staycation f*e, there was no need to do that.”

“I know mom, but spending someone else's money while yours is growing is a different kind of feeling, you talk like we can't also afford the trip to China.”

“I was thinking the same thing with you, you're truly your mom's daughter,” she said and the both busted out laughing again.

I stood quietly in the doorway, watching them like a stranger. My face didn’t show anything, but inside I was boiling. These two weren’t mourning, they were celebrating. My father’s death was just another opportunity for them. But I stayed calm. I couldn’t show my anger yet. Not until I knew exactly what they were planning. 

How could someone prepare a burial ceremony over Christmas celebration? I shaked my heart, if one saw them, they would think they are from a poor background pawning over riches, but that wasn't the case. They were rich people pawning over more riches. Rich people using other people in order not to spend, but leave their money to grow, what a joke.

Then Maryann turned her head and locked eyes with me. Her smile changed, it wasn’t playful anymore. It was sharp, like a knife pretending to be a spoon.

“Sylvie,” she said sweetly, in that fake sugar-coated voice she always used when she wanted something, “come here for a moment, dear.”

I stepped into the room, my arms crossed, my tone cold and controlled. “What do you want, Maryann?”

Her smile grew even wider, but there was something dangerous behind her eyes now. “There are two things I want to talk about, one, your father's dying wish and the shares.”

“Okay, what about Dad?”

“Since you decided to arrive late, unable to see your Father before he passed away, he said he wished for you to move back home. The home he was talking about, isn't this old building, you decided to bury my husband, God bless his soul, but the one in the city.”

“How am I supposed to know you are not lying?”

“Emily, play the voice record for Sylvia.”

“Okay mom,” she said while walking towards me with the voice recording playing.

“You see, I wouldn't use my dead husband to lie.”

“Okay, I will move back in, by next week.”

“That’s a good girl, I knew you wouldn't stress it out and I hope you do the same for the one,” she said while smiling sheepishly. “I think it’s time we talk about the shares,” she said smoothly. “You see, Emily is supposed to be and is going to be the new owner of the hospital. And we need you to transfer your shares to her. It’s the smart thing to do.”

She paused, then leaned forward just a little, her voice turning low and threatening. “And if you don’t... well, let’s just say you’ll regret it.”

My blood boiled.

“No,” I said clearly, firmly. “That’s not going to happen.”

Maryann blinked, her smile fading. “Ohh, really?”

“Sylvia, don't test Mom's patience, just do what she asks of you,” Emily said, while walking up to meet me.

“You can’t threaten me,” I continued. “If something happens to me, those shares still won’t go to you or Emily. So if that’s your plan, it’s already failed. I’ve made sure of it.”

The room went quiet. Emily stopped smiling. Maryann’s face turned stiff, and her eyes burned with fury.

“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” she hissed. “So smart. So noble. But let me tell you something, dear stepdaughter: I always get what I want. And what I want is control. I want the hospital. And I will do whatever it takes to get it.”

I didn’t flinch. My heart was pounding in my chest, but I stood tall.

“You’ll never get it,” I said. “As long as I’m alive, you won’t touch that hospital. And if something does happen to me... my shares are already protected. Someone else will make sure the hospital stays in safe hands.”

Maryann’s face turned red with rage. For one terrifying second, I thought she might actually lunge at me. Her fists clenched. Her jaw tightened.

But then she paused.

She pulled back, her face smoothing out again into a cold, cruel grin. The fire in her eyes didn’t go away, though, it just shifted into something darker. “We’ll see,” she said softly. “We’ll see how far you’re willing to go to protect what’s yours. I hope you know what's best for you. You have to change your mind by one monday or else, anyway I won't say much, let's leave it as it is for now.”

I didn’t respond. I just stood there, watching them, feeling the weight of the war that had just begun.

I knew what I was up against now, two greedy women who would stop at nothing. They had money, charm, and no conscience. But I had something stronger: the truth. My father’s legacy. And a fire in me that they couldn’t touch. I really hope they don't touch me or else they would get burnt.

They thought they were clever. They thought I was weak. What they didn't know is that, I am not the girl I used to be before, I came back much stronger and wiser.

But they had just declared war.

And I was ready. 

Let them come.