Chapter 1

The sun's warm rays streamed into the hospital room as Xsmyv sat beside her sick uncle, Chief Judge Yaya Richards. She gently wiped his fevered brow. she couldn't help but whisper to the unconscious man "Uncle, Please wake up. What would I do without you? "

Her caring touch is a testament to the close bond they shared. Xsmyv's life had been marked by tragedy when her parents lost their lives in a fatal accident years ago, leaving her in the care of her uncle, who had since become her sole guardian.

Chief Judge Yaya Richards was not only known for his remarkable career in the legal world but had also successfully taken over his late brother's business and expanded it into what it is today. He had big dreams for Xsmyv, envisioning her as the rightful heir to the thriving De Richards Hotels. He pampered her, fulfilling her every desire and need, determined to give her the best possible life.

However, life was not all sunshine for Xsmyv. Whenever her uncle was away on business trips or entangled in urgent cases in the nearby city, she had to endure the maltreatment of her uncle's wife and daughter. The kindness and warmth she received from her uncle stood in stark contrast to the cold and unkind treatment from the other members of her uncle's household.

As Xsmyv quietly sobbed beside her unconscious uncle, she decided to speak to him, as if hoping that her words might reach his unconscious mind. "Uncle, you have taken care of me all these years," she whispered tearfully, "I promise to take care of you from now on." She knew she couldn't bear to lose the man who had been her rock and protector for so long.

But as she spoke to her uncle, the rhythmic sound of heels approaching the room caught her attention. In walked her cousin Shante, and her aunt Claire, holding hands as they entered. Xsmyv's gaze met theirs, and she couldn't help but snort in disdain. She knew that they were more interested in their glamorous parties and social gatherings than in her uncle's well-being.

Claire, her aunt, looked at her unconscious husband with worry in her eyes and stammered, "Is he still unconscious? What did the doctor say? When is he waking up?" Her concern seemed genuine, but Xsmyv couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment, knowing that her uncle's wife and daughter had often neglected him in favor of their social pursuits.

Xsmyv remained silent, her emotions a complex mixture of love for her uncle and frustration at the others in the room. She hoped that her promise to take care of him would soon become a reality, but for now, she could only watch and wait for any sign of improvement in her beloved uncle's condition.

Tensions in the room escalated as Shante lashed out in frustration, calling Xsmyv a derogatory name. Xsmyv, however, was no longer willing to be silenced. She stood her ground and retorted, "Are you done partying? What right do you have to ask me these questions? Have you ever taken care of him? Uncle provided for you and your mother. Look at what he got in return. I came back from school and met a caregiver instead of you, his daughter and wife, taking care of him. You were busy ingratiating yourself with those richer big wigs just so you could enter their social circle."

The room filled with tension as Claire, Xsmyv's aunt, couldn't contain her anger. She raised her hand and delivered a sharp slap to Xsmyv's face. The sound of the slap echoed through the private hospital room. Claire's words were a threat as she said, "Let me warn you, my daughter and I have tolerated you all these years. Do you think I will let you take over De Richards Hotel? Never, over my dead body. I will make sure you go out with nothing."

Xsmyv, determined and resolute, shot back, "The hotel was my father's hotel in the first place."

Shante retorted angrily, "Even if it was your father's, my father built it to where it is today. I will never let him give it back to you."

Tears streamed down Xsmyv's cheeks as she left the hospital, her heart heavy with the uncertainty of her uncle's condition and the family turmoil that had erupted in the hospital room. She couldn't help but wonder what would happen to her uncle now, the man who had been her rock and the one who had supported her throughout her life.

As she walked away from the hospital, her thoughts drifted to her recent graduation, an achievement she had worked hard for. It should have been a moment of celebration and joy, but there was no one there to congratulate her. Her uncle, who should have been in attendance, was bedridden and unconscious. The absence of family support during this milestone in her life added to the pain she was feeling.

The question of how her uncle had suffered a stroke in the first place haunted her. He had always been healthy, and the sudden onset of the illness was a mystery. Xsmyv couldn't help but wonder if the stress and the family conflicts had taken a toll on his health, leading to this unfortunate turn of events.

With her diploma in hand and her future uncertain, Xsmyv faced a challenging road ahead. She was determined to honor her uncle's wishes and take over De Richards Hotel, but the obstacles in her path were substantial, both in terms of family opposition and the responsibility of caring for her ailing guardian.