Chapter 3
by @precious20
Three days passed after the funeral.
The Hassan household had settled into an uneasy routine.
Amira barely spoke during meals. She ate only enough to avoid worrying anyone, then returned to the guest room that had become her refuge. Every night, she looked through old family photographs until sleep claimed her.
Downstairs, however, another kind of silence lingered.
Greg was waiting.
Waiting for the call that would determine the future.
On Monday morning, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Mr. Kareem Sule.
A smile briefly flickered across his face before he answered.
"Good morning, Mr. Sule."
"Good morning, Greg. I would like everyone to come to my office this afternoon. It is time to read your brother's will."
"Of course."
"I expect you, your wife, Amira, and your daughter."
"We'll be there."
The call ended.
Greg leaned back in his chair.
"This is it."
Nadia looked up from the dining table.
"Today?"
"Today."
She smiled knowingly.
"Your brother owned a successful company. That inheritance must be worth a fortune."
Greg's eyes gleamed.
"It is."
"What if he left everything to Amira?"
Greg scoffed.
"She's sixteen. She can't manage millions."
"So?"
"So naturally, I'll manage it for her."
Neither of them noticed Amira entering the dining room.
She had heard only the last sentence.
"I'll get ready," she said quietly.
Greg looked up and forced a warm smile.
"Good. We'll leave in an hour."
...
Mr. Kareem Sule's law office stood in the heart of the city.
Its glass walls reflected the afternoon sun, giving the building an air of quiet authority.
Inside, the receptionist welcomed them before leading them to a large conference room.
Amira sat quietly at one end of the polished table.
Greg and Nadia sat together.
Tiffany scrolled through her phone, clearly bored.
A few minutes later, Mr. Sule entered carrying several folders.
His expression was calm but serious.
"Thank you all for coming."
Everyone exchanged greetings before taking their seats.
Mr. Sule opened the largest folder.
"This document contains the final wishes of Kareem Hassan and his wife, Samira Hassan."
Amira lowered her head.
Hearing her parents' names still hurt.
Mr. Sule adjusted his glasses.
"I will begin."
His voice filled the quiet room.
«"If you are hearing this, it means our greatest fear has become reality. To our beloved daughter, Amira..."»
Amira's eyes filled with tears.
«"We are sorry we could not stay by your side longer. Never doubt that every decision we made was because we loved you."»
She pressed her lips together to stop herself from crying.
Mr. Sule continued reading.
«"We pray that you grow into the kind, courageous woman we always knew you would become."»
Greg shifted impatiently.
He wanted to hear about the money.
Finally, Mr. Sule reached that section.
"Kareem Hassan's estate consists of the family residence, company shares, savings, investments, and a protected trust fund established solely for the benefit of Miss Amira Hassan."
Greg straightened in his chair.
Mr. Sule continued.
"The trust fund cannot be accessed by any guardian, relative, or third party."
Greg frowned.
"It will remain under independent legal protection until Amira reaches twenty-one years of age."
Nadia's confident smile disappeared.
"The trustee appointed to oversee the estate is myself, Kareem Sule."
Greg raised his hand.
"Excuse me."
Mr. Sule looked at him.
"Yes?"
"Since I'm her legal guardian, shouldn't I manage those assets?"
"No."
The answer came without hesitation.
Greg blinked.
"No?"
"The instructions are very clear."
Mr. Sule slid a copy of the will across the table.
"You are responsible only for providing Amira with food, shelter, education, and proper care."
"And the money?"
"You will receive a monthly guardian allowance specifically budgeted for Amira's needs."
Greg's eyebrows drew together.
"How much?"
Mr. Sule mentioned the amount.
It was generous enough to provide Amira with a comfortable life but nowhere near the value of the estate itself.
"And the rest?"
"Remains protected."
Greg's jaw tightened.
"There must be some exception."
"There isn't."
"What if she agrees?"
"Even then, strict legal procedures must be followed, and any transfer must clearly benefit Amira—not anyone else."
Silence settled over the room.
Mr. Sule closed the folder.
"Your brother anticipated every possible situation."
Greg forced a smile.
"My brother was always... thorough."
"He certainly was."
Mr. Sule turned toward Amira.
"Your parents also left you something else."
He reached into a drawer and removed a small wooden box.
"I was instructed to give this to you today."
Amira accepted it carefully.
Inside was a silver necklace shaped like a tiny star.
Beneath it lay a handwritten letter.
Her hands trembled as she unfolded it.
«My dearest Amira,»
«If you're reading this, then life has taken a path we prayed it never would.»
«We know you'll be frightened and lonely for a while.»
«But never believe you are weak.»
«A star doesn't stop shining simply because clouds hide it.»
«One day, your light will guide not only your own life but the lives of others.»
«Be kind.»
«Be honest.»
«Be brave.»
«And never let greed change your heart.»
«We love you beyond words.»
«— Mum and Dad.»
By the time she finished reading, tears had soaked the paper.
She gently held the necklace against her chest.
"I'll make you proud," she whispered.
Mr. Sule smiled warmly.
"They already were."
Across the table, Greg watched the scene with a carefully controlled expression.
Inside, frustration boiled.
His brother had locked away everything.
Every account.
Every investment.
Every valuable asset.
All beyond his reach.
As they left the office, Nadia walked beside him.
"What now?"
Greg glanced back at the building.
His eyes narrowed.
"If there's a lock..."
He spoke so softly that only Nadia heard him.
"...there's always a key."
High above the city, the afternoon sun broke through the clouds, its rays catching the silver star pendant resting around Amira's neck.
Hidden beneath her grief...
A light had begun to shine.