Heir of Revenge

Sad News.

June 2, 2014.

Without hesitation, Fathia ran through the school corridor. Drops of sweat had already started forming on her forehead. She didn't care. Her mind was solely focused on the principal's office. They said... someone was sent from her father's office.

Since yesterday, she had been feeling restless. And until she finished breakfast, she hadn't received any news from the people she cared about. Usually, her older brother diligently contacted her whenever he had a chance. Ah, perhaps they were all busy with their own affairs.

That's what Fathia tried to reassure herself with. She tried her best to concentrate on all the exams until... the call for her arrived.

Her heart raced, and her eyes made sure once again that she was heading to the right place. Throughout her time at Bina Nusantara School, she had never set foot in this room. She only visited the teachers' room a few times, and that too with specific purposes. Delivering assignments and other instructions from her homeroom teacher.

It took her a few minutes to calm her racing heart and catch her breath, a consequence of her earlier sprint. Feeling composed enough, she mustered the courage to knock on the perfectly carved wooden door; Head Master, at its center.

"Good afternoon, sir," greeted Fathia when she was finally inside the rather large room. She was only allowed in after being invited. Her eyes wandered slightly, trying to hide her nervousness. Fathia didn't want to move from her position near the doorway just yet. To the right, she was presented with a large glass door cabinet full of numerous trophies and certificates of appreciation. Fathia's school was considered one of the top schools in all of New York City.

She immediately lowered her gaze when Horrison Stone turned to face her.

"Ah, Fathia," Horrison cleared his throat briefly. He glanced at his interlocutor for a moment and then continued speaking. "Please, have a seat, dear."

Fathia complied, and as she settled into her seat, her forehead furrowed in confusion. She knew this man, but what was the matter?

"Fathia," called the man.

"Sebastian." Somehow, the uneasy feeling she had been experiencing intensified in her chest. "What's going on?"

What Fathia received was not an immediate response, but rather an exchange of glances between the principal and the man she knew as her beloved brother's fiancé; Sebastian Sachdev.

"Please... pay close attention to this news and," Sebastian paused for a moment, feeling the pain he had been holding back since earlier. Especially when he pronounced a name that stirred his emotions. "Your parents and... Felice," Sebastian closed his eyes briefly, feeling the ache he had been carrying. Especially when he uttered the name that touched a deep place within him. "Were involved in an accident last night."

Fathia didn't blink. She just stared at Sebastian without a break. Absorbing all the words she had just heard.

"And... they all passed away on the spot."

***

Funeral.

June 3, 2014.

The drizzle didn't bother the girl wearing a black dress. She stood resolute among three neatly covered mounds. Beautiful flowers were scattered over them, each bearing a name that made her part of the family.

The glasses she wore merely served to conceal her swollen eyes from crying. Especially when the funeral car arrived at their grand residence. She wailed, screamed hysterically until she passed out several times. But still, the three people she loved so much would never wake up to greet her again. They lay stiff, facing God with happiness.

Left behind was Fathia, still very young, facing the world alone. The ground she had stood upon felt shattered without any support, especially when Sebastian delivered this sad news. Fathia's collapse worsened when, for the last time, she was allowed to look at her three family members: Papa, Mommy, and her beloved sister, Felice.

"Miss, have some milk first," offered Naomi a moment before they all headed to the funeral. Since yesterday, Fathia hadn't eaten or drunk anything. Everything tasted bland and filled her up at the same time.

"No, Auntie. I don't want to," Fathia refused while wiping her tears. Family members, whether from her father's or mother's side, started arriving. They all hugged Fathia and conveyed their condolences. Fathia still couldn't believe that everything had happened so quickly.

She recalled the night before when Felice had reminded her to be careful during exams. If her grades were good, a reward of a vacation to Bahama awaited her. Fathia pouted because the same reward had been given last year too; a vacation to Bali.

If she remembered correctly, that night her parents had given her many pieces of advice. From taking care of her health, not forgetting to eat regularly, to one thing that disturbed her now.

"Fathia must be a strong woman. Face everything that comes your way. Never think about giving up. The Claire family never surrenders, Fathia. You must remember that," Alvin Mehram Claire said while lovingly patting Fathia's head. His gaze was gentle yet firm.

"Fathia is Papa's daughter. You won't easily give up like Kak Felice, who often wins tenders, right?"

Alvin chuckled, touching Fathia's chin with affection. "You're right. Be like Felice. But remember one thing. Papa prefers you to live life the way you want in your heart."

Fathia furrowed her brow, and it deepened when her father continued.

"Because your heart knows best where to find peace."

"I don't understand, Dad." That was true. Fathia didn't understand this. Her thoughts were only about school, engaging in activities she chose to fill her spare time, and coming back home. Her life was not colorful. It was just normal. Even for a fifteen-year-old teenager, having a close friend of the opposite gender held no interest for her. It was entirely different from her friends.

Their conversations never strayed far from, "Look, he's so handsome, right? Our Student Council President?"

"You don't need to understand. Someday you will. Just remember Papa's words, okay?" Alvin gazed at Fathia intently. Finally, the youngest daughter nodded and smiled slightly, affirming her father's request.

What she never expected was that it would be the last message before they parted ways in different worlds.

Once again, Fathia wiped her tears. The memory weighed heavily on her.

"Let's go home," someone said, making Fathia turn. She had to look up since the man beside her was towering. He had a sturdy build, especially with his black shirt that got a bit dirty at the bottom. During the funeral procession, he didn't hesitate to help with lowering each casket into its final resting place.

"I'll be fine alone, Sebastian," Fathia replied as she tended to her parents' graves, slightly crouching as she wanted to reminisce a little longer.

"I'll accompany you," he replied.

Fathia turned again, and indeed, Sebastian was there too. Standing beside her. "Kak Sebastian, you should go home. I want to be alone."

"I won't let you be alone."

The Moment Before the Reading of the Will.

June 6, 2014.

Three days had passed since Alvin, his wife, and their eldest child were buried. The news about them spread throughout Indonesia. The owner of the second-largest retail business in New York City had tragically passed away, filling the columns of newspapers and online news pages. It was also broadcasted on TV.

However, Fathia didn't want to hear any of it. For her, the three of them were still there. Still in an important meeting discussed in Levine Village. Fathia remembered their visit, which was also intended for the soon-to-be-inaugurated new factory.

The sound of her bedroom door being knocked made Fathia lift her face from the pillow. She didn't want to move from there at all. Naomi prepared her meals and made sure the young lady ate properly, although it was difficult to persuade her.

"Just come in, Auntie," Fathia replied, slightly tightening her voice. She thought it was Naomi entering, but she was mistaken. Sebastian entered with a sharp gaze directed at her. Without hesitation, he sat at the edge of her bed without asking for permission. Not far from where Fathia was sitting, now looking at Sebastian with a mix of surprise and recognition. "Sebastian," she whispered softly, just to make sure if this man was indeed the one she knew.

"Why didn't you want to eat this morning?" Sebastian asked.

Fathia looked down again, shaking her head slightly in response.

"Eat, Fathia."

Again, Fathia shook her head. "I just want to be with Mommy and my sister, Felice."

One thing that Fathia now remembered about Sebastian's behavior towards her. Without hesitation, Sebastian picked her up, causing Fathia to scream, but he ignored it. Only when she was seated inside a sedan that she recognized as belonging to the sharp-eyed man, did Sebastian speak. "We're going to eat."

"But I don't want to!" Fathia protested.

"Eat, Fathia!"

For the first time, Sebastian used a dominating tone, making Fathia's spirit suddenly shrink. All she did now was tighten her grip on the seat belt that encircled her body.

Throughout the journey, Fathia and Sebastian were silent. His strong arms gripped the steering wheel tightly, unknown to Fathia, there was a tinge of regret in his heart for the harsh tone he used earlier. When the engine was turned off, indicating they had arrived at their destination, Fathia refused to speak.

"We're here," Sebastian unfastened his seat belt and turned briefly to look at Fathia, who imitated his movements. "I'm sorry for speaking harshly earlier."

That apology succeeded in making Fathia turn her head, making them face each other at last. Those eagle-sharp eyes had now transformed into a much gentler gaze. Fathia remembered that look Sebastian always gave her when she was with Felice and her fiancé. Yes, Sebastian was Felice's fiancé. Fathia felt that they both shared the pain of losing the same person.

"Yes, I'm sorry for causing trouble," Fathia accepted his gentle touch, closing her eyes for a moment, savoring it. "Felice said you like 'soup kare' here."

Then Fathia's eyes darted around, and she finally laughed. A joyful smile appeared as this little thing somewhat diminished her sadness. "Thank you, Sebastian."

"We'll eat, okay. Later in the afternoon, there will be a reading of the will by Mr. Ronald. You know him, right?"

Her smile vanished right away.

***

Sebastian didn't mince his words when he informed her. When they arrived at her home, it was already filled with family members from both her mother and father's sides. They all looked at Fathia with keen interest, as if ready to be led by the fifteen-year-old girl. Fathia shivered in fear as she observed them all, tightening her grip on Sebastian's hand, who didn't move from her side.

"I'm scared, Sebastian," Fathia whispered softly when they sat in the living room. Some of the people there were familiar to her, while others were not.

Hearing Fathia's complaint, Sebastian tilted his head slightly towards her, trying to comfort her. "I'm here. Just stay calm."

And they positioned themselves close to someone whom Fathia knew as her father's colleague, Ronald Nasution. She briefly shook hands and received condolences from the middle-aged man.

"I think everyone is here now," Ronald began speaking, and the commotion that had been happening ceased. Silence fell as he greeted everyone, including a brief glance towards the youngest daughter of the man he deeply respected. His relationship with the Claire family went beyond just being colleagues; it was quite close. Ronald treated Felice like his own daughter, and he never hesitated to seek her assistance as he regarded her as part of his own family.

Knowing that Alvin passed away in such a tragic manner, Ronald had conflicting feelings. It might make his work much harder from now on, but he was ready for it. Especially when he recalled receiving a letter from Alvin a week ago, making him visit his friend's office without hesitation. Alvin bombarded him with numerous questions that left Ronald completely bewildered.

"A will is needed, Ron. How can you not know that?" Alvin joked at the time. At first, Ronald responded with a relieved smile, but hearing the news three days ago made him contemplate. Was it liking a sign?

"I, Ronald Nasution, hereby state that I have been given the power of attorney on behalf of Alvin Mehram Claire, as his personal lawyer. In this capacity, I shall work privately for and on behalf of the Claire family, which includes Mr. Alvin Mehram Claire as the grantor, along with Mrs. Rosseanne Thompson and their two daughters, Felice Leah Claire and Fathia Bernessa Claire."

One by one, Ronald looked at the people present. He knew they were all waiting for something, and he was ready for it. He felt both joy and fear in his heart.

"And with the authority granted, I can now legally read the will written by the grantor, Mr. Alvin Mehram Claire, SE." Ronald took a deep breath. He had read the will before, and some of the points in it had puzzled him. However, after receiving a sensible explanation, in which he himself agreed with Alvin's thoughts, he began to open it slowly.

"Good morning, all my brothers and sisters. And a special greeting to my beloved daughter, Fathia. How are you? Papa hopes you are always healthy and happy. Nothing would make Papa happier than seeing your smile as warm as the morning sun. Also, Felice, my pride and joy. If Ronald is reading this letter in front of you, it means I have met God and found happiness with Him. To my beloved wife, don't be sad, endure just a little longer, for I will surely come to get you. Waking up in the morning without a cup of your homemade coffee feels empty."

Fathia tightened her grip on Sebastian's hand. In her mind, the warm smile of her father was deeply imprinted. He sat relaxed on his favorite sofa, reading business magazines, with Mommy by his side. He was so happy then. And now, that image was no longer real, making Fathia feel suffocated.

She deliberately covered her ears, not wanting to hear anything except cherishing memories that she would never erase from her mind. One by one, the names of the family members from her father's side were called out, and Fathia didn't care. She didn't know about her father's business since Felice always told her not to bother knowing more, not even her father's office address.

Felice said, "You have to finish high school first before I'll tell you anything about Papa's business. You have to know it well because we're the Claires."

"Why does it matter if we're born as Claires?"

Fathia remembered Felice laughing at her question. "We have a big responsibility, Fathia. You'll understand someday. Now, enjoy your time in high school because it won't come back."

Fathia furrowed her brows. "Don't you want to date classmates or guys who have a crush on you?"

"I'm not interested."

"Oh, if the guy is as cool as Sebastian, you'll definitely want him. Right?"

Now, it was Fathia's turn to laugh. "Maybe. Sebastian is indeed cool. You're so lucky to be loved by him, Felice."

Felice nodded with a glint in her eyes. "One day, a man like Sebastian will come for you too. I'm sure of it."

Until she felt someone touch her shoulder, interrupting her daydream. Fathia wanted to scold whoever it was, but when she turned, she saw Sebastian there, with a tense expression.

"Be prepared, Sebastian Sachdev. This is your duty, and you must carry it out."

Then what Fathia remembered was the mocking and disgruntled voices that came from her father's relatives.

"This can't be right! This man is an outsider! There's no way he can lead Group Azure!!!"

"Exactly! Sebastian is an outsider. He's not worthy of holding the highest position there. Then, what are we? Just servants? Unacceptable!!!"

"We don't mind if Group Azure is led by Fathia in the future. Although Fathia is still young now, at least Group Azure will be rightfully back in the family's hands. Until then, why not one of us, the rightful family members, take over?"

"Ah, perhaps you, Ronald, are fabricating this will! Just admit it!"

Fathia looked at Sebastian, full of questions, while the man still refused to release her hand, staring at each person in front of him one by one. Fathia knew that the ominous aura Sebastian projected in his gaze was truly terrifying. It was as if he was calculating something based on what he heard.

"ENOUGH!" Ronald's loud voice interrupted the commotion. Silence suddenly appeared without a command. Everyone there looked at each other, giving sharp glances towards both Fathia and Sebastian. Oh, not to mention the clear expressions of dislike that were thrown directly at Sebastian.

"This will be legally made before we experienced this great sorrow. The points stated here are quite clear. If anything happens beyond our control, and Felice cannot lead Group Azure, then Sebastian Sachdev will manage everything temporarily. Dividends will continue to be distributed as usual, overseen by the legal bureaucracy in place. Fathia must be informed of the monthly reports. Until Fathia is of age, 23 years old in the future."

Fathia was in shock. She didn't know anything about her father's business, and now? Ah, that was nothing compared to what Ronald said at the end of the will.

"And from the moment this will is read, Sebastian Sachdev is the legal guardian to take care of Fathia until she can lead Group Azure in the future."

February 14, 2015.

Usually, on every 14th of February, when Fathia woke up in the morning, she would always do so with a smile on her face. She would greet everyone in the house, even the gardener, with a warm "good morning." She had a special prayer as she grew older each year, including today when she turned sixteen. But along with her birthday, the sadness of losing her parents and her sister lingered for eight months. The wound of that loss was still wide open. The excitement of welcoming her birthday had vanished. Often, a cloud of melancholy surrounded her, and if she suddenly remembered her mother, Fathia would burst into tears and hold tightly onto the family portrait.

Just like today. It was cloudy when she woke up. She directed her steps towards her parents' bedroom. Everything was still the same. Nothing had changed. She remembered that when she felt scared during the night, she would sneak into their room. Even now, she still continued that habit even after changing into her school uniform.

No matter how grown up a child is, they will always remain a child in their parents' eyes.

But before she could fully enter the room, Naomi's voice stopped her steps.

"Mr. Sebastian is in the living room," she said, and Fathia unknowingly smiled. Since the day the will was read, only Sebastian had always been there for her. He visited her during dinner, asked about her school, watched movies together in his private theater, and on weekends, they went swimming.

It was delightful to have someone by her side during sad times. And sometimes, they would console each other as Sebastian often reminisced about Felice.

"Yes, Felice really loves red roses. She says they're so seductive. But I think they're beautiful in color but can hurt people," Fathia complained one day as they strolled through the backyard.

Sebastian's response was just a chuckle. "But what Felice said is true. Red is... seductive."

As Fathia didn't quite understand, she continued walking until she arrived at one of her favorite collections: lilies.

"Here, this is Fathia's favorite," she said cheerfully. Sebastian had guessed that this teenage girl liked soft and gentle things. A typical girl who didn't complicate her life, a lover of household activities and all its warmth. Quite different from Felice, who liked outdoor activities, exploring herself with a head held high. Brave. Determined. And one thing Sebastian always remembered: beautiful and seductive. A perfect combination to describe Felice Leah Claire.

"Non, you're even smiling." The red hue on the young lady's face made Naomi feel grateful. Everyone present here was truly grateful to Sebastian. This man who rarely spoke could at least make the young lady happy. "Mr. Sebastian is waiting."

"Oh, right." Fathia hurriedly ran towards the living room. But before she turned around, she made Naomi look puzzled. "Am I not a complete mess?"

Naomi smiled. "No. Miss Fathia always looks beautiful."

Fathia chuckled and continued running. "Sebastian!"

She exclaimed happily once she was sure the man was indeed there. Sebastian stood behind her, wearing formal attire, looking a bit stiff but Fathia liked it.

When Sebastian turned, he was not ready for what Fathia would do. The girl jumped into him, luckily, he didn't fall over to the carpet as he held his ground. "Fathia," he scolded, but his words were cut short.

"Sorry," Fathia said, slightly bowing her head since she was now taller than Sebastian. "I thought you forgot today."

Sebastian shook his head slightly. "Impossible. For the past week, I've been constantly reminded to come home today."

Fathia's laughter slipped into Sebastian's heart unconsciously. She patted him on the cheek, making Sebastian feel a sudden warmth. It gave him the courage to touch the girl, fix her long hair, and tuck it behind her ear, whispering, "Happy birthday, Princess Fathia. Wish you all the best."

"Thank you."

"What does Fathia want for a gift?" Sebastian slightly adjusted Fathia's position so she could feel comfortable, but it seemed that Fathia didn't care. She chose to cling to him like a koala.

"I don't need anything. I just want to go to the cemetery with you, Sebastian. That's more than enough." Fathia hesitantly touched the tip of Sebastian's temple, feeling no resistance, she gently traced it there. "Also, we can celebrate Felice's birthday. You know, our birthdays are on the same day?"

In his closed eyes, Sebastian nodded. How could he forget today? "With my pleasure, Princess."

Then Sebastian began to lower Fathia, but she refused. Making Sebastian furrow his brows. "What's wrong?"

What Sebastian wasn't prepared for was the moment when Fathia's small lips, always rosy like pink roses, kissed him in a flash.

"Thank you for being such a caring brother to Fathia."

***

Mei 2015.

In her room, Fathia sat surrounded by many textbooks. In two days, she would face her final exams to move up to the eleventh grade. She was nervous, but she always remembered that she could get through it. Sebastian always encouraged her, even though they were separated by distance. He said he had some business in BonnaFenture.

There was only one request she made to God: to always protect Sebastian. For some reason, she trusted holding Sebastian's hand more than her uncles or aunts, who were, after all, family. Sebastian himself eventually restricted Fathia's social circle, and she wasn't sure why. Fathia was used to following everything her father wanted, fulfilling her mother's wishes, emulating her sister's good behavior, and making the biggest smile as wide as the ocean to the woman she looked up to.

The usual silence that greeted Fathia in Clara felt different today. Not to mention the rumbling thunder that startled her repeatedly. The lightning added to the sudden tension.

"Aunt Naomi," Fathia called out as she gathered the courage to open her bedroom door. Normally, the middle-aged woman would come to her immediately. Fathia's voice would echo throughout the house. Only Naomi, Johan, and Dennis were there, faithfully guarding and watching over Fathia in this large mansion.

"Aunt," she called out again. "Argh!" Fathia immediately cowered as the thunder roared loudly. Something felt off. Then the sound of a slamming door and breaking glass echoed through the house, making her stand up.

Fear overwhelmed her. She thought something had happened in her house. But what? She just needed Naomi or Johan or Dennis. But where were they? Terrifying images filled Fathia's mind, making her hesitate before venturing downstairs to check the source of the noise.

A dark figure began to emerge from the balcony area. Fathia remembered there was a glass door to the balcony. Did the loud noise come from there? She abandoned her plan when the dark figure approached, her steps growing heavier and closer. Fathia thought of running as far as possible, for whatever reason. She also wanted to find Naomi, who seemed to have disappeared.

Ignoring the fact that whoever was chasing her could easily follow her footsteps, Fathia called out, "Aunt Naomi! Mr. Johan! Help!" She didn't care anymore if they could track her through her voice. "Help!"

As expected, the sound of footsteps echoed right behind her. Fathia's breath was getting heavier, and her eyes darted around looking for the three people who were always by her side. Panic took hold of her whole body, and she was grateful to still have the strength to keep running.

The thunderstorm intensified, and the sound of thunder reverberated through her ears, making Fathia scream in fear. To make matters worse, all the lights in the house suddenly went out, leaving only the lightning as an eerie and terrifying companion.

Fathia felt like she couldn't go any further, as she kept running to escape the footsteps chasing her from behind. She kept running until...

"Let go! Let go! Help!"

She struggled with all her strength, not caring which part of her hit and kicked. She needed to fight back to defend herself. And then, in an instant, her chin was pulled towards the figure that caught her.

"It's me. Are you okay?"

There was nothing she wanted more than to see Sebastian's firm black eyes. She immediately embraced the man who was now hugging her.

"My car is over there," Sebastian pointed to the backyard. "Thank God, I'm not late."

Fathia nodded. Tears had been streaming down her face since earlier. They took cover in the tall grass near the fence before they could reach Felice's rose garden. "I'm scared," she whispered, trembling.

"Can you still walk? We need to move quickly before they find us."

Fathia nodded again, quickly. What Sebastian said was true. And in one swift motion, Sebastian stood up and pulled her to run again. Fathia ignored the pain that began to spread through her body. Her hope was in Sebastian's black car. The car that could take her away from whoever might be chasing them.

"They're over there!"

Suddenly, Fathia turned around. The masked men swiftly moved like lions chasing their prey. Sebastian tightened his grip on Fathia's hand. As she reached Sebastian's car door, she quickly opened it and got inside, but a single sound froze her.

The sound of a gunshot aimed at her.

"Fathia! Hurry!"

Without hesitation, the command acted like a magnet, pulling her to sit and fasten her seat belt. Even from inside the car, the sound of gunshots remained loud and clear. With one press on the gas pedal, the car sped away. Fathia was truly fortunate, escaping from whatever they were after. Were they thieves?

What Fathia never expected was that the gunshot hit Sebastian's arm. And when Fathia realized it, she screamed in horror, "Sebastian!"

"It's okay. Don't panic. The important thing is to escape from them first." Sebastian turned his head, but the grimace on his face was evident. The hot bullet that struck him had caused him to lose some control. However, the image of Alvin, who pleaded with him to protect Fathia, as well as Felice, emerged, giving him extra strength.

"Call Uncle Ronald immediately. My phone is in my jacket pocket. Grab it quickly!"

Trembling, Fathia followed Sebastian's instructions.

"The password is Felice's birthday."

Don't ask about the tremor in her fingertips as she touched Sebastian's phone. It wasn't because it was the first time she held something she considered someone else's privacy, not just Clara's. No. Fear had taken over her senses. She was afraid that Sebastian was losing a lot of blood.

"Sebastian, the password is incorrect," Fathia exclaimed in frustration. She had tried twice already, and if she failed for the third time, the phone would become meaningless.

"Oh, I forgot. It's your birth year followed by your birth date."