Chapter 6: The Funeral
1060 Words
❤ Nathalie’s POV ❤
I was excited about getting up and visiting Don Miguel in the hospital. I woke up early and got ready before heading to the kitchen. When I got there, I found Naomi and the other helpers crying in the kitchen. I suddenly felt nervous.
Nathalie: "What's going on?"
Naomi walked toward me and held my hand before saying "It's Don Miguel. He passed away last night."
Nathalie: "What? I just saw him last night. The doctors said he was stable."
Naomi: "He had another heart attack earlier this morning. The doctors were unable to revive him."
I felt like my world crumbled. When Naomi hugged me, I started crying. The only man that came close to being a father figure in my life is gone. I felt like I had lost another parent.
Don Miguel's remains were cremated and taken to his family's mausoleum. A mass was held beforehand, and a lot of people were there. His former wife and son weren't there. In fact, none of his family members were there.
There was a post-funeral reception at the mansion after Don Miguel's funeral. I wasn't in the mood to socialize with anyone, so I decided to head up to my room.
I ran into Marie on the way to the stairs. She had a serious-looking man next to her.
Marie: "Hi, Nathalie. How are you holding up?"
Nathalie: "Uhm, I still can't believe Don Miguel is gone."
Marie: "I know. I've worked for him for more than 10 years. He's an amazing boss and a wonderful person."
Nathalie: "That he is."
Marie: "This is Attorney Geronimo. He's Don Miguel's estate lawyer. Attorney, this is Nathalie Manansala."
Attorney Geronimo: "Hello, Nathalie. It's good to meet you. I wish it was under better circumstances."
I nodded and shook the hand of Attorney Geronimo. He then handed me a business card before saying "Here's my card. The reading of the will be this weekend. Please call my office to confirm the schedule."
Nathalie: "I'm sorry. The reading of the what?"
Attorney Geronimo: "We're reading Don Miguel's last will and testament this weekend, and he requested that you be there."
Nathalie: "He did?"
Attorney Geronimo: "Yes, he did."
Nathalie: "O-okay."
I was so tired that when I got to my room, I almost went to bed in the clothes I was wearing. Instead, I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower before changing into more comfortable clothes. I then turned off the lights and went to bed.
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After slapping Don Miguel’s arrogant son, I headed up to my bedroom and locked the door. I am not a violent person, but what he said was incredibly insulting to me and Don Miguel. His father is the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever met, and if he’s taken the time to visit him more, he would know that.
I now realized that the reason why he was estranged from his father is because he’s a spoiled brat who only thought about himself. He must not have liked it when Don Miguel tried to discipline him, so he moved away from home. Don Miguel is still supporting him regardless, so he never felt the need to come home.
As I calmed down a bit, I started thinking about Don Miguel’s will. Why did he leave me most of his fortune? I never asked him to do that, nor did I ever imagine it happening. I was actually hoping that Don Miguel would live as long as he possibly can because he deserves to live a long life, and so he could continue helping the people he’s been helping, including me.
I jumped when I heard knocking on my door. After the knock, I heard Marco’s faint voice saying “Nathalie? Are you awake?”
I decided to get up and open the door. Marco was alone, so I let him into my room. We sat on my bed as Marco asked “Are you okay?”
I just glanced at Marco momentarily and didn’t speak. I don’t know how I feel at the moment.
Marco: “What happened? Who was the other guy?”
Nathalie: “That was Don Miguel’s son, Joemar.”
Marco: “Oh. He’s not what I was expecting.”
Nathalie: “He’s the opposite of Don Miguel. He’s a spoiled brat and he’s very rude.”
Marco: “Oh. What did he do?”
Nathalie: “He accused me of brainwashing Don Miguel and having relations with him.”
Marco: “That prick! He said that?”
I only nodded as I started crying once more. Marco put his arm on my shoulder, and I leaned on him as I sobbed.
Marco: “Shhh. Don’t listen to what he said. Don Miguel loves you like a daughter. He can’t stop talking about you, and how smart, kind, and beautiful you are.”
After a few minutes, I stopped crying and wiped my tears away. Marco caressed my hair and said “That prick left muttering some nonsense. Attorney Geronimo left as well. He apologized for what happened and said he’ll be back tomorrow to talk to you. He said that you need to sign some papers.”
I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to think about that will or Don Miguel’s arrogant son. When I didn’t say anything, Marco stood up and said, “Why don’t you go get some rest? I’m staying at the mansion tonight. Just call or text me if you need anything.”
Nathalie: “Okay. Thank you, Marco.”
Marco smiled as he left my room. I am so thankful to have a friend like him at the moment. Everyone at the mansion is so nice, and I have become friends with everyone here. Naomi is one of the nicest and most caring people I know, and Mang Poldo has made it a point to always take care of me when needed.
I laid back down in bed and tried to get some more sleep. I am a little hungry but I decided to just stay in my room because I was afraid Joemar would come back and insult me some more.
I thought about what would happen tomorrow when I go face to face with Joemar again. I cleared my head and was finally asleep not long after.
- Writer
