Verendus

Chapter 3

Braelyn watched as her little sister entered the office and froze. There were a lot more people here than Bonnie had probably expected; however, Braelyn knew better. She observed as Bonnie walked over to the only empty chair and sat down.

Mrs Gandilley and her partner looked around the room and nodded before speaking. "You are all gathered here today for the reading of the final will of Sheila Bennett."

Some individuals in the room paled, having had no idea whose reading they had been summoned for, and the news devastated them. Mrs Gandilley opened the envelope and pulled out the respective papers.

"I, Sheila Bennett, in sound body and mind, declare this to be my final will.

Unto my daughter, Miss Abigail Bennett, I bequeath $20,000 for your personal use. I forgive you for when you ran. I didn't understand then, but I do now.

To my nephew, Zion Bennett—when my sister died, you struggled but upheld our Bennett family values, taking care of your family. You are a good father and a great brother. I leave you $20,000 and the deed to your mother's property in Salem. Make us proud and continue to take care of your family.

To my niece, Zahra-Rose Bennett—you and Zion have always been close and have fought to protect our family legacy in New Orleans. Your mother, uncle, and I are proud of the woman you have become. Like your brother, you have built a legacy. I leave you $20,000 and the deed to your father's property in Washington, as he asked me to hold onto it for you. You have trained your daughters well; we are happy with you.

To my only and favourite grand-nephew, Elion Zayan Bennett—I watched you grow up with your grandmother's eyes and your grandfather's wisdom. You have the Bennett temper and strength. I also know about the promise you and Braelyn made to one another, and I trust you to stay by her side as her chosen second. I leave you $50,000 for all your endeavours and the deed to a house in the English countryside that I bought for you. Continue to embody our family motto and grow in your talents.

To my six grandnieces—Shamsi Evangeline Bennett, Shaye Alora Bennett, Seena Emalyn Bennett, Safiya Evara Bennett, Sadira Anika Bennett, and Seren Aurelia Bennett—you are young and still learning about your talent and the family gift. However, I see immense strength in you. I leave each of you a trust of $25,000, available to you on your 26th birthday.

To my niece, Lucy Calia Bennett—your father, my baby brother, died early in life, and your mother followed shortly after. I know of your talents and intelligence, and I understand that you have sacrificed much. I leave you $20,000 to use however you wish. Additionally, as your 25th birthday would have passed by the time this is read, I release to you the trust fund your father set up for you and the deed to the house in Southern California that your mother left to you.

To my favourite students, Levi Joseph, Nova Daniels, and Caius Bianchi, I leave $5,000 each.

To Levi—I leave the electric guitar in my home that is still wrapped.

To Nova—I leave the black grand piano that sits near the Christmas tree, my special gift to you.

To Caius—I leave a brand-new violin that also sits near the Christmas tree, along with this advice: propose to the girl already. I know you're scared, but she loves you with her whole heart, and Levi will support you.

Now, to my granddaughter, Bonnie Shelia Bennett, I leave the beginner journals I originally made for your mother. I also leave you the emerald necklace I had made for you and, finally, $20,000 in an account that neither of your parents can touch.

To my grandson, Oryn Aeros Bennett—I leave you $21,000 and a letter from your father from before he passed, alongside your trust fund, which you shall access on your 25th birthday. I also leave you the deed to your family's vacation home in California.

To my granddaughter, Diora Sophia Bennett—I leave you $21,000 and a letter from your father. Alongside this, I leave you the trust fund that you shall access on your 25th birthday. I also leave you the deed to your family home in Georgia.

Finally, to my beloved granddaughter, Braelyn Anastasia Kana Cerys Nayeli Bennett—whom I named myself—I leave you the rest of my estate and $25 million. Alongside this, I leave you a letter and officially pass on the Alayza estate to you.

Braelyn, you took care of me in my last days, sending funds for my daily living and appointments, even though I told you it was not necessary. To you, I also leave the family headship, and in my safe, there is a letter from your father and aunt from before the accident."

The lawyers paused before concluding, "This is the end of the reading of the final will of Mrs Shelia Bennett."

Bonnie was stunned. She had so many family members she had never met. She watched as they were all handed their letters and deeds. Meanwhile, a group of three people—whom she assumed to be the students—hugged each other while crying.

The blonde one pulled away, knelt, and pulled out a ring. "Nova Marie Daniels, will you marry me?"

Bonnie watched as the girl nodded and her family members congratulated them. Finally, she took her things and was ushered out of the room, where Sheriff Forbes stood with Jenna, who hugged her tightly.

At last, Braelyn walked out with the lawyers, who handed her a large box. "These are the books and the necklace your grandma left for you, along with the information for the account."

Bonnie nodded and thanked them before making her way to her car.

"Bonnie, are you okay?" Jenna asked softly.

Bonnie nodded. "Yeah, just a bit overwhelmed."

Before Jenna could respond, a girl ran over. "Hey, I'm Diora, your cousin. Sorry to catch you like this, but your dad has a restraining order against most of the family, so I'm the only one who can approach you. We are very sorry for your loss. If you need anything, I attend Yale—here's my number, just call me."

She quickly ran off, leaving Bonnie feeling confused and hurt. Why did her dad have a restraining order against her family? What did she mean by being the only one who could talk to her—did that apply to her mum as well? Jenna sighed and ushered the nearly catatonic girl into the passenger seat before getting in and driving off.

Did Rudy really think Bonnie wouldn't find out what he had done?

Author's Note:

Shelia was a powerful witch who stood her ground. I firmly believe she used her magic occasionally to bring in some cash. Bonnie did get something, but not as much as the sister she hated. Here, you meet some of the Bennetts while hearing the family drama—enjoy!