Underestimated Heiress

CHAPTER 7 - Annual Break

The car drove through the gates of Mitcham farmhouse, the entrance gates were big and hard to miss. The drive was roughly around 2 hours from Melbourne.

"Finally! we are home!" Jess said while she sighed in relief. She loved being around her family and being at home gave some break to her mind and body.

"We are home.", Ethan said in the opposite tone. He will have to work hard for the next few weeks, he can't slack off or take his sister's help as the big guy will be watching over him.

"Sis, how can you sound so happy and at peace? You have seen the plan that the big guy sent us, right?" Ethan said and gave a sad sigh.

"He is our father. Respect!"Jess said seriously.

"Yeah, I know you love him more than you love me and mom." Ethan said playfully. He always liked teasing his sister and didn't get many opportunities when they were in school, so he didn't miss any when they were home.

The car stopped in front of the mansion. The kids got off and the butler arrived with some servants to carry their luggage to their respective rooms.

"Miss and master, welcome home.", butler said.

Jess and Ethan greeted the butler back in the appropriate way.

"Mr and Mrs Mitcham are waiting for you in the family room. I will let them know that you have arrived."

"Thank you Uncle Rob. How many books were added to my father's library while I was away?" She asked.

Uncle Rob smiled and said, "Young Miss, I have prepared the list, it's on your desk in your room."

"Thank you uncle, you are the best", Jess rushed to her room.

Jess was an elder daughter of Mitcham family, her room was twice the size of Richa's, specially designed by one of the famous designers, Jess didn't know which designer as she didn't care. As long as her things are easy to find she was happy with it. She had a covered balcony in her room with a swinging chair, a comfortable and cozy place to read books, this was her favorite part of her room.

Ethan's room was opposite to Jess's room, his room was also designed by a famous designer. It was a bit smaller than Jess's room but he didn't complain or mind it. He knew if he asked Jess to swap she would do it instantly as his room was closer to the library and dad's study.

Ethan also loved reading, he looked naughty and pampered but he was smart and intelligent. He took most of his features from his mom, he looked both delicate and handsome. He trained everyday in the gym to build his muscles. Boys hated any features that could be a synonym for delicate and he wanted to get rid of them asap. Apart from gym and reading, Ethan enjoyed outdoor activities with his family and loved playing video games with his father.

Ethan and Jess went to their respective rooms and got ready for dinner after they had had a shower and changed.

Jenna was sitting comfortably on a couch leaning on Eric, both reading. Jenna was reading a book on business and finance and Eric was reading a business contract. Eric checked the time in his wrist watch and looked at Jenna. Jenna understood what Eric was thinking, without lifting her head she said, "give them another 5 minutes." Eric nodded and continued reading the business contract. He was excited to see his kids but also had to act like the head of the family.

As Jenna said, Ethan and Jess arrived within the next 5 minutes. "Mom... Dad.." they both said in unison and hugged their parents for a few minutes, expressing all their emotions of how much they missed them and how secure they felt in their arms.

Both Jenna and Eric assessed their kids from top to bottom and saw how much they had grown in the last 6 months. Just like any other parents, they thought that their kids starved and lost weight.

Jenna was a bit emotional and said,"Jess, why don't you slack off a bit my child? Look at you, you work so hard, you have lost so much weight.", then she looked at Eric and complained," Why do you insist on not giving them allowance? It's all because of you that they are so tired. They are good in academics and sports and still you insist that they work part time to earn an allowance.", everyone was used to Jenna's nagging. She said these lines every time when she saw her kids after a long time so no one took it seriously, they all knew that she didn't mean it. They knew this because, when Ethan was in grade 7 and was expected to start part time jobs to earn an allowance, he requested his mom to talk to his dad and get him a part of his previous allowance. To which his mom responded that she agrees to his dad's strategy and will not interfere.

"Mom, you know I enjoy working in the library and I am grateful for this opportunity. If people knew our real identities I would feel very conscious all the time. I am too young and I don't want people to compare my achievements to you both. I can't imagine what that might do to my self esteem." Jess said to her mom. They all knew that one of the reasons that Eric insisted on hiding the truth was to give their kids freedom to make mistakes and not be judged at every single point. Both Ethan and Jess were grateful for this, they both were also smart enough to earn their own allowance. They didn't feel it was necessary for the parents to support their kids financially. When being asked if you are rich or poor, their answer would be I am poor, my parents are rich. That's how Eric and Jeena have brought them up, they were humble and earned things by hard work.

"Come on now, let's all have dinner", Eric said before they all walked into the dining room.

They had many servants to prepare food, but Jenna and Eric often liked to prepare dinner together. Today was no different, they wanted to prepare their kids' favorites for dinner. All four of them walked into the kitchen, the food smelled delicious.

"Dad, did you make my favorite pesto pasta?" Jess asked.

"And my favorite fish?" Ethan added.

They knew their dad was an amazing cook. "Of course", replied Eric.

Everyone carried the dishes to the dining room, the cutleries were already organized by servants. They had their dinner and appreciated the efforts put in by their parents. Jess thought while her eyes were teary,"this is the warm feeling that I miss the most. I feel lucky to have the best parents."

Eric noticed Jess's eyes and said softly, understanding her thoughts, "We miss you too, my dear". The atmosphere got emotional, that's when the naughtiest kid in the house jumped in to cheer everyone.

"Yeah, of course, you only love sis. Why would you love me, after all I was adopted.", Ethan was not an adopted child, but whenever he saw his parents showering love over his sister, he would always use this line.

They all cheered up and got up from their chairs to hug Ethan, it was a family hug after a long time.

Ethan and Jess were tired as they had a long day, they wanted to go to bed. Jess yawned and asked," Mom, dad, I would like to go to bed a bit early today. I will see you all tomorrow." Ethan joined in, "me too. I am also tired." Eric and Jenna looked at each other and smiled, they kissed good night to both the kids.

While Jess turned around to go to bed, Jenna called her and reminded, "Jess, I have updated your wardrobe, I don't want to see you in the same old jeans and a simple tshirts. Please dress appropriately like an elder daughter of the Mitcham family."

"Oh no!" Jess thought. She hated this part of being home, her mom will be nagging her everyday to wear those uncomfortable girly clothes. She felt a lot more comfortable in simple jeans and tshirts. She liked to bun her hair so that there is not much to do and put on simple sports shoes, comfortable for any activity. But she will have to listen to her mother while she is here, she cannot afford to upset her. Their dad doted on their mom, if any of them upset their mom, he would make them pay. Jess was smart enough to understand that this was not the time she could afford to upset her mom and dad as she still needed those couple of days for the camp.

Jess replied while walking towards her room,"you got it mom. Thanks for updating my wardrobe, I will make proper use of it."

Jenna couldn't believe her ears, she looked at Eric, he understood what his wife was thinking, he said,"she has a special request this time, wants a couple of days to herself."

Jenna smiled while saying,"Hmm, I should make good use of this opportunity.".

The kids were already in bed when the parents were scheming.