Secrets of Lakefront House
CHAPTER 44. INHERITANCE

When Jilena arrived at the City Hall, there were already about a hundred people already gathered around the entrance of the building. The new city hall building has an interesting design, made of red brick with details that blend with the surrounding environment. He took several photos of the building and a photo of the crowd in front, not to forget he also took a photo of a contingent of important-looking people stepping towards the main entrance, where there was a thick golden ribbon draped on the wooden and glass doors.

One of those people is Mr. Arsyanendra. Seeing the man made the fine hairs on Jilena's back stand up. The man turned his head when he saw someone there taking a photo. His eyes narrowed at Jilena, still anger lingering on Mr. Arsyanendra's face.

Jilena who felt someone was looking at her, knew very well who that person was. Despite his doubts, he ventured to raise his head and turned his eyes straight on Mr. Arsyanendra. The man flinched when he found Jilena returning her gaze sharply.

The mayor stepped onto the small podium to the left of the door. Jilena took a photo and her entourage before taking out her micro-recorder. He held towards the man to film it. Then the mayor introduced Mr. Arsyanendra, who was also scheduled to say a few words.

About a minute after Mr. Arysanendra began his speech when Jilena felt the presence of someone close behind her, so close she felt a breath in her hair.

“My dearest father. He's pretty good at talking, don't you think?” Noah said in a low voice. He intentionally did that. So many other seats in the spacious room that can be occupied but Noah chose a chair that is right behind Jilena.

"I tried to call you last night" he continued. “Why didn't you call me back?" ask Jilena.

"Shhh, I'm at work" he whispered.

He leaned closer, his mouth near his ears. "I want to talk to you."

A gentle breath in his ears made Jilena goosebumps, rustling all over his body. He didn't want Noah to be that close.

"Please, go," she asked, keeping her voice low, trying—concentrate on her task.

"Meet me at the City Park after this is over."

“I can't. I have a job to do." said Jilena trying to dodge.

“Then this afternoon.”

"I have an appointment this afternoon" he said.

"After that."

He would not be able to dodge it, he could see it. “OK, but only for a few minutes."

"So, four o'clock in the City Park?" ask Noah again.

"Yes, yeah, now go." He waved at her. Did she just agree to date a demon or an old friend?

...*...

Sitting around a conference table at her father's law firm, Jilena admires an antique carved wooden wall and a thick dark green carpet. Her sister Sarah was there, sitting opposite her with a sharp gaze towards Jilena, as well as Ramira and Aunt Goddess. Mr. Hardi walked with the file in his hand and sat down at the end of the table. His assistant sat in the far corner of the room with a notebook and pen in his hand.

“This will all be rather informal, miss. Rafael gave his instructions very clearly and concisely. I'm sure you all want to do it now. Can we start?"

He glanced at every face on the table, receiving nods around him.

“To my sister, Dewi Ginanjar, I bequeath my antiques, except my desk,”

“For Ramira, whom I have considered like a daughter to me, I bequeath five hundred million rupiah.” Ramira's face beamed and she clapped lightly.

“For my eldest daughter Sarah, I left her mother's estate The Upper Spot Bakery & Cafe.”

Sarah smiled politely, as if that was not all she thought she would get. He thought he would still get another treasure.

“And for my daughter Jilena, I bequeath my house, my car, and my antiques including the table. It belongs to your mother and my hope that all this will take you back to Lembayung City to settle down and build a family.”

Surprised, Jilena laughed out loud, not believing the legacy she received, all the possessions. That house is mine? And the Roadster? Then the real surprise is papa wants me to settle down —papa wants him to go back to Lembayung City? Well, yeah, now papa's gone.

"He got his house?" Sarah asked in a voice that showed her annoyance. "That's not fair." she protested. "I can't take it if he gets the house! I'm her eldest daughter and that house should be mine."

"Sarah," rebuked Aunt Goddess. “Now you already have The Upper Spot, which is a very successful business. Don't be greedy.” reprimand Aunt Goddess.

“But that big house, Auntie. I like that house. I want to raise a family in that house."

"There are still many other houses, Sarah," said Aunt Dewi annoyed at Sarah's reaction which she thought was excessive.

Sarah crossed her arms and sat back down with a frown. Now his eyes looked at Jilena with hatred.

"That's all, Hardy?" Goddess asked.

"One more thing." He stared back at the will and began to read again.

“Cash, deposits, stocks and bonds, and all other assets in the form of several hectares of land and estates belonging to me, should be divided equally among my daughters.”

“See that, dear,” Goddess pats Sarah's arm, “Your father treats you both equally. He loves you both.”

Sarah scowled at Jilena. “But I am a good princess. I've been staying here all this time and accompanying papa. But why did he get more treasures?”

“Sarah! Stop it right now,” exclaimed Dewi.

“Your father loves you, he is a good father. You must bite your tongue and be grateful for the generous gift your father gave you. That's what your mama wants.”

"Don't bring mom into this." Sarah's eyes are wet. “She is still alive if—Jilena did not run away and refused to go home at Christmas.”

Jilena's heart was pounding and her eyes were also foggy. Although those words were true, he could not think of a clever answer, there was no defense from him. Although she wanted to debate that, she was sure Sarah was right.

Ramira's eyes widened as he looked at the quarrel, slowly he shifted back and— out from between the two brothers, as if he wanted to say something to make the situation better, he said, but he also seemed to be unable to find his words.

The Goddess' lips pursed as she picked up her bag from the floor and— stood up. “If that's all the contents of his will, I think it's time we leave before we embarrass the family further. Come on girls."

Jilena strongly agreed. He jumped out of his chair and headed to the door. She did not dare to talk to Sarah now, as she would definitely end up saying something she would regret.

...*...