Annabelle's POV
I sat next to my mom in the private jet. We were going to my father's funeral. My mom couldn't stop crying. Even though we were not so close to my dad but he loved us and took care of us. I had graduated with a degree and a masters in computer science . I have also take art and designing course and have just finished my masters. I was going to call my dad and tell him the news but he surprised me by his sudden death due to a stroke.
The last time my mother and I went to America, is when I was 15 years. Then we found out about the other family. It didn't go well with us at first but eventually we let it go.
After the long flight we arrived in America's international airport. A driver was already waiting for us. I recognized him as Drake, my father's driver.
"Mrs Luis, young miss Annabelle, welcome. Sorry for the loss." Drake gave his condolences. He was a good groomed man at his late forties. He drove us to the hotel. The funeral was tomorrow and we needed to rest.
Morning came fast, my mom was in a vulnerable condition, she really needed me close. I stayed by her side as Drake took us to the cemetery church. I was dressed in a long black pollo dress with long sleeves while my mom wore a below the knee short sleeve dress and a coat.
The priest gave the last honors and prayed. Now the family went to have a last look. Lucia, Sam and their mother Janet, went first. Sam looked much like our father with his coffee eyes and dark brown hair with a clean cut while Lucia resembled her mother with a fair complexion, green eyes and gold hair.
They were finally done and now it was our turn. I held my mom's hand and led her to the coffin. She broke down again. I couldn't help letting my tears flow. I looked at the man who inspired me to be the woman I had become today.
He had prepared me enough to be independent and look after my mother since he resided in the USA. Don't be surprised I own a black belt. My father made sure I had one, I guess for this future which I'm now about to face. Apart from my dad, only mom knows I own a black belt, and my stupid ex boyfriend of course!
After that, my father was taken to the grave and we buried him. " Good bye father." I muttered to myself still holding my mother. We walked out of the cemetery the last ones after the priest. Janet and her kids were already out.
" It's so sad we had to meet again in such an event Marina." Janet said to my mom. They exchanged greetings and so did I with my step siblings. We didn't like each other so much but we didn't show. It was already bitter for them that dad wrote half his inheritance to us including the company which I have to become the CEO. And the other half given to them. Dad has divided his wealth between his two wives. Janet loathed us for having ownership of the company, she expected that her son would take over bUt unfortunately.
"Let's go mom!" I held my mom's arm leading her to my car. " Hey, sis, maybe we should have coffee sometime!" That was Sam. " Don't worry, I'll arrange for that too. I'm sure dad would want us to be a good family after all!" I said glaring at Janet.
I drove my car to our new home. And escorted my mom upstairs to her bedroom. " Mom, I've contacted the agents they will be sending a housekeeper in an hour. For the time being, take a shower and rest as I prepare lunch." I told my mom who nods at me then I walked to the kitchen.
I had already asked Drake to help me buy some groceries and gladly he did. I decided to prepare Fried rice and black pepper chicken. My mom likes that meal so much and she likes it more when I'm the one who cooked. Within one hour I finished cooking and also set the table.
" Mom, lunch is ready!" I called for her. I heard a knock on the door so I went for it. A beautiful lady in her early 20s stood there. " Hello!" I greeted. " Hello!" She greeted back. " Come in!" I ushered her in.
" Sorry, I came late! There was traffic. I'll change and make lunch immediately!" The lady said pulling in her suitcase. " Relax! No need to worry about that, I already made lunch!" I told her. I heard her sigh in relief.
My mom came downstairs. " Honey, who is it?" She asked. " The house keeper!" I said as I led the way to the living room. " You can call me Annabelle, and this is my mom, Marina!" I told her.
" Nice to meet you Ma'am! My name is Lily!" She said shaking hands with my mom. " Your room is just here at the ground floor, I'll show you, then we can all have lunch. Mom, we will be right back." I led Lily to her room. She place her suitcase beside her bed and turned to me smiling. " Thank you Ms Belle!" She said.
" Feel at home!" I told her then we made our way to the dining room. My mom has already taken her seat and served herself. I sat next to her and Lily sat opposite us. " How old are you Lily?" My mom asked. "I'm 21 years." She said. " You're indeed young." My mom said surprised.
" I'm a first-born in our family. So I do work to help my family raise my siblings." Lily said excitedly. " That's the best thing to do." My mom said. We then ate in silence until we finished. I helped Lily clean the dishes as I explained to her the daily routine since I would be thoroughly busy when I start going to the company tomorrow. With that I left to my room to change in something more comfortable. I was going to meet Assistant Felix Gallardo, who was my father's right hand man.
