Chapter 1 The Heiress

"I, Kennedy Wilbert, sole owner of K&S Empire, bequeath the company to my estranged daughter, Mia Kennedy."

Mia sat like a total zombie as the sophisticated middle-aged lawyer read the will of her grandfather, she never knew existed until a few minutes ago. This was the richest man in New York City, and he had been Mia's grandfather all along, and she had no idea!

"I wish I was doing the explanation myself," the lawyer continued, "But some things are better left unsaid. I know that by the time this will is read to you, you would have finished college. Now, you have an empire to run, my dearest Mia. It's time to buckle up, take your rightful place as K&S heiress, and push the company to its full potential. I trust you completely, Mia."

And that was all. Mia could not believe her ears. It all felt like a dream. She was a poor girl living with her drug-addict of a mother in the slums, and she had had to go through high school and college based off of scholarships and merits.

Yet, all this time...

"When you are ready to take over, we would send a driver to come for you," the lawyer said to Mia. "You are to take over Mr. Kennedy's cars, mansion, condo, and all other properties he owned while he was alive. You only need to give the order, and everything will be handled. In the meantime, you have an empire to run, and your grandfather has given you two years to learn the ropes of the company," the words rolled out of the lawyer's mouth effortlessly.

"Why me?" Mia asked as tears rolled down her eyes

"You are Mr. Kennedy's only surviving granddaughter and family, and he did not want the empire to go to a total stranger," the lawyer explained and left.

Mia charged at her mother when the woman stumbled into the house hours later. "Why didn't you ever tell me that Mr. Kennedy of K&S Empire was my grandfather?!"

"Because it was none of my business. Your father should have told you. He was the one who left his fortune and never looked back, not me," Olivia said. "And stop yelling at your mama."

Mia could hardly believe everything and everyone right now. "Well, guess what? He left me the empire and all his riches!" Mia said in disbelief.

"Good then, so we can finally get out of this stinking apartment and live like the rich people," Olivia said and slumped on the dilapidated couch. "Damn, I knew I was right to have married your father. Look how it is paying off eventually," she chuckled and dozed off instantly.

Mia stormed outside and cried regrettably.

Two years later, Mia Kennedy, sophisticated with an air of ruthlessness and class, all rolled up in one, stepped out of her private jet, got into the expensive car waiting on her arrival, and they drove right to the company.

"Congratulations to K&S for emerging as the biggest multi-million dollar company in New York City, and this is all thanks to the new heiress of the empire, Miss Mia Kennedy."

"Miss Mia has taken K&S to the height it has never attained before her takeover."

"New York has never seen a more fierce and ruthless heiress in its existence. Miss Mia Kennedy is one of her kind."

Mia smiled with pride as she watched all the news from the paparazzi and news reporters on her iPad. It had taken endless months of hard work, resilience, and sweat, and so Mia deserved every accolade she was getting.

When she arrived with her driver at her company, there were news reporters and paparazzi all over the entrance. Her bodyguards swung into action quickly to protect her from the throngs of people who wanted to either get a word from her or a selfie.

"Miss Mia, what does it feel like to be the richest and most successful young woman in New York in the shortest space of time?"

"Miss Mia, how did your company emerge as the biggest company in the City?!"

Everyone was asking questions all at once. Mia threw them a proud smile and said, "Soon, I will grant an interview." And with that, Mia was escorted into K&S.

"Wow, you sure do steal the show without trying," Eloise, Mia's best friend, said immediately Mia entered the building. "Welcome to your cocktail party, heiress," Eloise applauded Mia.

Mia looked around and sighed in contentment. "I am happy, El," she said.

"You should be! Please, when is the party starting? I need some booze!" Eloise screamed and turned towards the bar as Harlem walked towards them.

Harlem was Mia's breath of fresh air from all the work and craziness of dealing with the press and work. He kissed Mia's cheeks sweetly the moment he got to her.

"I have been calling and texting all day, honey," he said calmly.

Mia looked into his eyes, smiling, but then she also sensed something about his demeanor, "I just got off the plane, Harlem, that's why."

The party began in earnest; a room filled with the elites of the society, all in honor of Mia. As she looked at the carefully selected crowd, she thought to herself and said "I would never have found myself in such a space, talk more of being the center of attention if I wasn't an heiress."

Mia smiled again as she sipped from her glass of extremely expensive wine. "There is no going back to the slum where you have risen from, Mia. This is yours to have forever," Mia told herself.

She sensed her guests and members of staff's mushy look in her direction. Confused, Mia turned and saw Harlem on his knees.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Harlem, it has barely been five months. What are you doing?" Mia whispered, stunned.

"Mia Kennedy," Harlem started sweetly as everyone's attention was drawn to them. "Not only have I loved you from the very moment I set my eyes on you, but I have also known that I would want to spend the rest of my life with you. Please, do me the honor of agreeing to be my wife," Harlem finished.

Mia looked at the expensive diamond ring, the fact that her best friend was also present, and she was in the midst of her achievements, but she wasn't sure she wanted to go down that road any time soon.

So with a tight smile, not wanting to embarrass Harlem, Mia said, "Yes, Harlem, I will marry you."