Rosemary and Thyme | Mafia Romance

Chapter Four

Chapter IV: I've Got Questions

Valencia Noor

"Ms. Noor, as you know, after a person becomes deceased, their loved ones have a life to close out. We have lots of paperwork right here, it will consume a lot of your time today, so make yourself comfortable. In the other room there is access to water, coffee and snack, feel free to help yourself. There are napkins right here and I ask, are you ready to begin?"

I nodded. The shock hasn't subsided much. "Yes, I am."

She nodded and put her glasses "First off, we have the results from the autopsy. It seems that she did die from her diagnosis. Here are some papers on that, you can keep these." She handed me a little packet and grabbed a piece of paper. "This is the legal pronouncement of death. You will have to sign right here." 

Signed. 

"Now, did your mother ever share her ideal funeral or burial plans?" 

"She did not," She never talked to me. 

"Do you have something in mind for her?" 

"A traditional funeral and burial will be fine." 

*         *        *

      "Could I be excused for a moment?" I stood up and went to the bathroom and went to the break room for a water. "An Iced coffee maker machine? Dang." I muttered to myself and chose it over the water. 

It's been several hours, like she warned me. The process seems to be coming to an end, though. Thankfully. 

"I see you found the hidden gem in the break room," She smirked at me. I chuckled, "Yes, my own personal life saver." I took my seat and put my stuff aside so no paperwork could be damaged. 

"Well, Ms. Noor, it seems this is coming to an end. However, there is just one more thing." She smiled and handed me a piece of paper without saying anything. I looked at it, my confusion only getting heightened. "Um, I'm sorry, I don't understand." 

"That, Ms. Noor is your inheritance." 

I looked up at her, shocked. "W-what?" 

I looked back at the paper to make sure I was seeing it right. 

$3,500,000.00

This isn't helping the shock.

"I- Uh. I- Where did this come from?" 

"It seems that is was originally under you fathers name, but he moved it into an account for you before his death. Your mother kept it a secret it seems." 

Why would she keep this from me? Is this why she grew to resent me? How did my father have this much money? When did he die? 

"My mother didn't even tell me I had a dad. She told me he hated me the second I was known to exist." 

This earned a look of pity from the woman across from me. "What was his name?"

She chuckled. "This right here proves you deserve that money. You just learned you are a millionaire but you're more focused on a loved one." She looked through some papers. "Unfortunately, everything about him was closed off, it was a dead end." 

I nodded, an unfamiliar feeling creeping up. I had a dad and he cared about me. I had a dad but he's dead. I had a dad... I had a dad and he left me 3,500,000.00 dollars. 

"This is absolutely insane." I stood up. "Are we finished?" I bet she could see the composure dripping off me like sweat. "Yes, we are finished. These papers are yours to keep. I will show you out," She smiled and led me out the way I came in. 

"Have a good day, Valencia." 

"You too, Gael. Thank you." 

       I walked into the house, my brain trying to piece everything together. 

My mom is dead.

I had a dad who cared about me. 

My dad is dead.

I am a millionaire.

What do millionaires even do? 

I walked into the kitchen, setting everything down on the counter. I could leave. After the funeral. I could live out all my dreams. I could donate money. I could have my own restaurant. I could- 

The phone rang. I ignored all the phone calls yesterday; I don't really feel like talking to anyone, but it is my obligation to break the news to everyone. 

I sighed and picked up the phone. 

"Hello?"

"Valencia? Are you okay? A neighbor told me the ambulance was at your house last night." 

Small town, news gets around fast.

"Yeah, Uhm. I-I'm okay, it's uhm, my mom. Uh, she's dead." 

That was the first time those words have come out of my mouth. I felt a veil of reality set in. 

"Oh my god, Valencia. Are you okay?" 

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." 

"Do you want some company tonight? We can have a sleepover- like old times?" 

I debated for a moment but agreed to it, my brain unable to keep up with my mouth. 

"Alright, I'll be over soon, Cia." 

We hung up and I thought it strange that she showed up back in town at this time. Everything happens for a reason, I guess without her I would break. 

I opened my glass of wine and poured some, sitting down at the island with the lights dimmed. 

I looked down at my cherry wine and chuckled. "It's just you and me from now on."