Maya

“I’msorry, Ms. Dela Rosa.” Grandpa Bert’s lawyer apologizes for the second time today, although it does little to ease the burn in my throat.

This can’t be happening.I reach out for the kitchen counter to stabilize my wobbly legs.

Leo clears his throat, making the speaker beside my ear crackle. “I understand all of this must come as quite a shock, but I’m sure that Mr. Lim had your best intentions at heart. He spoke fondly of you during all of our discussions.”

The pressure building behind my temples intensifies despite me rubbing my temples. “It doesn’t feel that way.”

“If it’s any consolation, Richard expressed a similar frustration during our conversation earlier.”

“Did he also mention how he wants to sell the house?”

“He did.”

My fingers clutching the counter turn white from the pressure. “What happens if I don’t want to sell it?”

“All decisions regarding the…