Chapter 5 The Weight Of Inheritance

• **TAYLOR**
• Upon arriving home, I head straight to my room, throw myself on the bed, and stare at the ceiling. Hearing news about the shopping mall owner's accident reminds me of the crash that took my parents two years ago. They went on a trip to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary when the jet lost altitude and crashed into the sea. It took days and days of searching for their bodies and the wreckage.
• That left me lost, unsure of what to do. I think I spent a good amount of time not knowing how to handle so many responsibilities. The first person I considered calling was Andrew, who had just returned to Canada. If it weren't for my best friend, I might have done something crazy. I've always had only my parents; the rest of the family wasn't as close. I have only the family housekeeper, Ellen. I've always considered her a mother, and now she takes care of everything for me, from the house to meals and staff duties.
• I hear a knock on the door, and I close my eyes because I know it's Ellen. She enters the room and sits on the edge of the bed.
• "My boy, how are you? You came home late today." I lay my head on her lap, and she starts stroking my hair.
• "It was interesting and exhausting; I didn't see myself taking on so much at once, Ellen. Just when I thought I would pursue a career away from the family spotlight, here I am, overseeing multiple branches and subsidiaries with shareholders who, if they could, would take everything from me."
• "Ah, my boy, don't be like that. I guarantee you'll handle it with ease, and did you manage to meet Andrew?"
• I continue to feel her caresses in my hair, and it makes me a bit sleepy. But her question makes me wake up a bit. I smile, "Yes, I saw him, that crazy guy, he hasn't changed a bit, still the same arrogant womanizer. Remember his sister who always turned her nose up at me when she visited him?"
• She confirms that she remembers. "She's become quite a woman, always had something about her that I liked; she has a self-confidence that drives me crazy. Now even more, she runs the company with Andrew, and she left me quite shaken."
• "Taylor, you're talking about your best friend's sister. Are you sure you want to risk it like this?" I sigh heavily and look at her.
• "Ellen, I'm not risking anything, just thinking doesn't hurt. I know how protective Andrew is of his sister; it would be foolish of me to hit on her. But I won't deny it will be difficult to resist."
• She kisses my forehead and gets up. "Go take care of yourself and have dinner, or it will get late, my boy." I see her leave the room and close the door. I get up and head to the bathroom, take off my clothes, and step into the shower.
• I run my hands through my wet hair and think about Kate, how that girl turned into such a stunning and sensual woman. Her control and confidence will cause me many problems. She's the kind of woman who attracts me and ignites an intense desire in me.
• After the shower, I leave the bathroom and get dressed. Still lost in my thoughts about Kate, I decide it's better to focus on other things. I need to deal with the responsibilities of the company and the challenges that arise every day. I can't let a momentary attraction distract me from work.
• I go downstairs and find Ellen in the dining room, preparing dinner. The delicious aroma of food fills the room, awakening my appetite. She smiles when she sees me, and I approach.
• "Dinner looks amazing. You always make delicious food."
• "Thank you. I like taking care of you and making sure you have a good meal. Sit down; I'll serve."
• While we eat, we talk about various topics. Her presence is comforting, and her wise words calm me.
• "Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the responsibilities. It seems like the weight of losing my parents still affects me."
• "My boy, it's natural to feel that emotional burden. Losing parents is a painful and unforgettable experience. But remember that you are strong and capable. Your parents would be proud to see the man you've become."
• "I hope so. Sometimes, I feel like I'm taking on more than I can bear. Dealing with the branches, the shareholders... it's all quite challenging."
• "I understand. But I believe in you. You have incredible skills and the ability to overcome any obstacle. Don't doubt yourself."
• "Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me. You've been my support since my parents passed away."
• After dinner, we help clear the table and tidy up the kitchen. We bid each other goodnight.
• "Go rest; you worked hard today and need to recharge. Tomorrow is a new day, full of possibilities."
• "You're right, Ellen. I need to rest to face tomorrow's challenges. Good night, and thank you for everything."
• I climb the stairs to my room, still with Kate's image in my mind. I lie down on the bed and stare at the ceiling once again, reflecting on my conflicting feelings.
• "Am I making a mistake? I know Kate is my best friend's sister, but I can't deny the attraction I feel for her."
• In the silence of the room, thoughts about Kate continue to haunt me. Her confidence and sensuality affect me in a way I've never experienced before. But at the same time, the voice of reason echoes in my mind, reminding me of the bonds of friendship and loyalty I share with Andrew.
• I sigh deeply, feeling torn between desire and responsibility. Is it worth risking a years-long friendship for an unexplored passion? Could I face the consequences if something goes wrong?
• Closing my eyes, seeking clarity and tranquility, I decide it's time to set aside these thoughts, at least for now. Tomorrow is a new day, full of responsibilities; I allow exhaustion to finally take over. I close my eyes and let sleep envelop me.