CHAPTER 26- MISS CRITIQUE

"Screw it all"

Allison threw herself on the bed, crying her heart out. Such a naive fool. She thought, renting her heart out as her tears graduated into pained screams. There was nothing she could do now than sob. No one loved her. Not even her own mother nor her half sisters, her supposed best friend, Davian and now her father who used to be her only source of joy was dying and all she could do was watch.

What now? The company was gone, she had resigned from Lenshaw Corporations and she didn't think she had the stomach to handle the busyness of a resort. The next few days, Allison spent them indoors with the only place she visited constantly was her father's ward in the hospital.

Miss Doreen?

Yes Doc?

Well there's good news.

Oh finally! What is it? Her eyes gleamed with hope for the first time in weeks.

His vitals are stable and there's a good chance he'll regain consciousness in the next seven days.

That was one news all the luxury in the world couldn't afford her and now it was here, beaming at her.

Did you hear that Dad?

She held his hands , sitting beside his bed. You're going to be fine.

You're going to wake up soon and it'll be just the two of us. You and I as it always has been and as it always should be. Tears of joy trailed down her eyes.

Seven days felt like an eternity and the days peeled by slowly but finally the D-day was here. Allison anxiously got ready that morning. She had to be in her moderately best! Afterall, her father was going to see her after being in coma for so long. What would she even say to him? Oh how long they would hug for! Even the thought alone brought tears to her eyes.

"I'm coming Dad, I'm coming"

CANDORS HOSPITALS

WARD 318

Arriving at his ward, the smile on her face dropped to the pit of her stomach. What was going on? She let go of her bag, alerting the nurses that stood by her father's bed.

What the hell are you doing? She yelled out, rushing forward.

Miss Doreen it would be best if you moved aside.

What?! She looked at everyone of them, dazed. A white blanket was pulled over her father's body and she was too shocked to let the reality sink in.

Where are you taking him to? He's fine! The doctor said he'd be okay! What's happening? Tears filled her eyes.

Calm down miss your causing a ruckus!

A ruckus? Oh really now?

Just then the doctor walked into the ward, a man in his mid forties, square-faced, broad shoulders, grey eyes. He had been informed of the scene Allison was causing. She rushed up to him, grabbing him by the collar, almost strangling the poor practitioner.

Calm down Miss Doreen, you have to calm...

Calm down?! Doc this isn't funny at all.

I can explain...

What the hell happened here? Why is he wrapped up like he's dead? Please tell me this is a big misunderstanding.

Miss Doreen...

You said he'd be fine today so what's going on?!

Miss Doreen would you let me speak? The man let out a sigh. We had no idea how it was done or how they were able to get past the security cameras.

Wh..what are you saying? Who?

Sad to say, Edward Doreen was found dead this morning.

What?!

His life support had been disconnected by some unknown person.

Tears trailed down her eyes. H...how WAS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?!!! She yelled, breaking down into further tears.

I'm sorry Miss Doreen but whoever they were, they must have been very skilled to bypass our security.

Very skilled.

Allison suddenly felt dizzy, this was too much to take in. She held her chest with her hand. Her heart was failing her and she slumped into unconsciousness, one name kept ringing in her head.

"Hades Lenshaw"

He was responsible for her father's death.

The funeral service was held in a small, intimate chapel, the walls adorned with photos of the deceased man, showcasing his long and eventful life. As the attendees filed in, the sound of quiet sobbing filled the room, a testament to the profound loss that his passing had left in its wake.

The grief was palpable in the small church as the mourners, all dressed in black gathered to pay their last respects to the dearly departed. They had come from near and far to honor the life of a man who touched so many, whose laughter had lit up rooms and whose kindness had warmed hearts.

Amongst the mourners, stood the daughter who loved him dearly. Her eyes were filled with tears as she struggled to hold back her sobs. She had lost not just her father but her best friend, her confidant, and her guiding light.

His youngest yet favorite daughter, heart heavy with grief, sat in the front row, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clutched a small, purse in her trembling hands. The weight of her sadness was almost palpable, as Allison silently bid farewell to the man who had been her world. Her four half sisters sat just behind her, she could hear them sobbing although she couldn't tell if they were genuinely grieving or only wishing who would take care of their vain wants now.

The funeral took about two hours before the ceremony was over, with each daughter visiting their father's coffin for the last time and paying their last respects.

Where do you think you're going? Ruth pulled Allison back just as she was about to approach his coffin.

I...I...I don't understand...her voice was still hoarse from the tears.

Have you no shame Allison?

What?

You're an illegitimate child! And you dare disrespect our father by daring to go near his coffin? Lina spoke this time around.

We're in the church...can we please not do this...? Allison wiped the tear trailing down her eyes.

Yes Allison, I agree, let's not cause a scene here. It's shameful enough that you decided to come here now leave and don't embarrass yourself.

All eyes were on her as her sisters harshly spoke to her. She could hear whispers and murmuring from the guests, obviously not in her favour. Breaking down into tears, Allison ran out of the church, sobbing. She sat outside on a wooden bench, tears pouring.

She clenched her fingers onto her skirt tightly. He killed her father! He killed her father so the deal would finally be over! Oh how she hated him! And the fact that there was no evidence to sue the bastard to court hurt her. Money ruled the world and there was no way she could make someone as powerful as Hades Lenshaw pay for his crimes.

They won't even let me see you one last time Father. She sobbed. I'm so sorry.

DOREEN MANSION

12:00pm

It had been a week since their father had been laid to rest and Allison stayed at the family mansion, pending the arrival of their aunt Vera. Vera Hamilton was a very strict slender businesswoman in her mid fifties who spent half of the year in Italy doing business. She had once being married to a wealthy jeweler named Harold Hamilton but Hamilton died after fifteen years of their marriage, leaving her his massive fortune but Vera had no child of her own as she could not conceive.

The only time the girls had seen her was back when they were teenagers and it wasn't a pleasant affair as she was very criticizing about each and every thing and also very irritable. She acts like everything was dirt aside from hers and if one thing was out of place, she would throw a fit.

That very sunny afternoon, as the sleek black limousine pulled up to the entrance of the grand Mansion, a sense of unease settled over the five sisters. They had been dreading this moment ever since their father's passing. Their strict and wealthy aunt, Vera, was finally arriving to pay her respects and, no doubt, assert her authority over the family.They knew that Aunt Vera's visit would bring a mix of grief, tension, and criticism.

As the chauffeur opened the car door, Aunt Vera emerged, her imposing figure draped in a designer black suit and pearls. Her piercing gaze swept over the sisters, her expression a mask of stern disapproval.

"You're welcome Aunt Vee. We've been expecting you." Ruth came forward, taking her hand bag from her.

"Indeed." She looked around sourly before making her way to the living room.

"I trust you had a comfortable trip Aunt?"Lina asked.

"I did." The woman sat on the nearest sofa and so did the others.

"Girls," she said curtly, her voice like a cold wind. "It's been too long. Your father's passing is indeed a tragedy, poor Edward. He was a good man and now there is no telling if his legacy would be protected or if there is even any left."

Aunt Vera's eyes scanned the opulent decor, her gaze lingering on the priceless artwork and antiques. She nodded approvingly, her expression softening ever so slightly.

"Your father had excellent taste, as always. But I see some...questionable choices in the decor. We'll address those later."

The sisters bristled at her tone, but said nothing, knowing better than to cross their aunt so soon. Her gaze narrowed, focusing on each sister in turn.

"Brighten up that face Pearl, you're looking pale as well as dead!"

"And you Ivy, Vera frowned, you're gaining a few pounds I see..."

"I've been working out Aunt Vee."

"Well it's clearly not being enough, go harder!"

"Yes Aunt Vee."

"Urgh Lina. Drop the fake smile, your crooked teeth is making it all the more worse!" Vera said sourly.

"I got braces last..."

"They're clearly of no use. Vera cut her off, harshly."

"And Ruth?"

"Yes Aunt Vee?"

"Aren't you the oldest, why is it that none of you are married yet? Do you all really wish to grow old and rot in here? Urgh!"

The woman sighed, tiredly. Her eyes finally fell on the last daughter who was rather still grieving and therefore absentminded.

"Allison?"

"Yes Aunt Vera?"

"Sit up straight! You're a lady not a sack of rotten potatoes!"

"I'm sorry."

"I guess I'll take a shower now, there are so many things that needs attending to and we'll talk about them at dinner."

What a witch! The other four thought spitefully. There was just no pleasing her was there? Just a few minutes in and all this criticism laid down on the floor. What then would happen after the next few days. No doubt she would keep shoving more and more of her disapproval down their throats.

Allison led her aunt to the elegantly decorated guest room, trying to hide her nerves. "Aunt Vera, please make yourself at home. Dinner will be served at 7 pm." Vera's gaze swept the room, her expression disapproving.

"It's...acceptable. Though I would have preferred a room with a better view."

Allison forced a smile. "I'll make sure to have the staff bring up some fresh flowers and a carafe of water."

"That'll be better"

Vera reached for the wardrobe to have a change of clothes.