The Weight of A Legacy
Two weeks had passed since the funeral, and a week since the Kiramman family lawyer had read the will and testament. As anticipated, Caitlyn, being the sole daughter of Cassandra Kiramman, inherited her mother's extensive estate. This included the family's opulent mansion—a testament to their longstanding prominence in Piltover—along with controlling interests in Kiramman Industries, a conglomerate with ventures in Hextech development, global trade networks, and philanthropic initiatives. The estate also encompassed numerous lands, properties, and luxury hotels, further amplifying the vastness of her inheritance. This substantial legacy not only signified immense wealth but also placed Caitlyn at the helm of one of Piltover's most influential family dynasties, burdening her with significant responsibilities.
Caitlyn's new role consumed her time, leaving little opportunity to see Vi. The transition of duties required her to meet numerous individuals, meetings and work on countless documents, reducing their interactions to mere messages. Vi would visit Caitlyn's new office—formerly Cassandra's—to bring her food, only to find her engrossed in paperwork or meetings. Their lunches were brief, taken inside the office as Caitlyn continued working. Despite Caitlyn's frequent apologies, Vi felt a deep concern for her, wishing to help but sensing that Caitlyn was not ready to talk, instead immersing herself in work.
Vi's visits became a routine, each time hoping to alleviate some of Caitlyn's burdens. She observed the toll the responsibilities were taking on her partner—the dark circles under her eyes, the tension in her shoulders, and the rare, fleeting smiles. Vi's heart ached to see Caitlyn in such a state, and she resolved to find a way to support her, even if it meant waiting patiently for Caitlyn to let her in.
The city lights of Piltover shimmered faintly against the darkened skyline, their glow spilling into the quiet halls of the Kiramman main office. The night was heavy, and Vi’s footsteps echoed softly as she climbed the stairs, a growing knot of worry tightening in her chest. Caitlyn hadn’t replied to her messages or answered her calls, which wasn’t like her. After checking the mansion and hearing from the guards that Cait hadn’t come home yet, Vi had driven straight to the Kiramman's Executive Office.
When she entered Caitlyn’s office, the dim light of a desk lamp illuminated the otherwise dark room. The faint glow reflected off the polished marble floors and the intricate gold accents lining the custom-built bookshelves. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. A sleek, leather chaise lounge sat in the corner, while a single abstract painting—worth more than most homes—hung on the wall behind an imposing ebony desk. Caitlyn was hunched over her desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and folders, her pen moving slowly across a document. She looked so small and fragile against the vast expanse of the room, her usual poise overshadowed by exhaustion.
“Cait?” Vi called softly, stepping closer.
Caitlyn didn’t respond. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for another document, her focus entirely consumed by her work.
“Cait,” Vi repeated, louder this time.
Caitlyn blinked and looked up, her tired eyes meeting Vi’s. For a moment, she just stared, as though pulling herself back into reality. The dark circles under her eyes, the slump of her shoulders—everything about her screamed fatigue.
“You need to rest,” Vi said gently, moving closer. “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”
Caitlyn shook her head, her voice hoarse. “I can’t. I still have to go through these readings and prepare for tomorrow’s meeting with the lawyers... and the investors. There’s so much to—”
Vi placed her hand over Caitlyn’s, stopping her mid-sentence. “Cait,” she said firmly, her voice soft but insistent, “you need to rest.”
Caitlyn froze at the touch, her fingers trembling slightly under Vi’s steady hand. Her eyes flickered toward the scattered papers on the desk, the weight of everything she had been holding in threatening to overwhelm her. Vi leaned down slightly, her gaze searching Caitlyn’s face, trying to reach the part of her buried beneath all the responsibilities she had taken on.
For a moment, it seemed Caitlyn might push her away, her lips parting as if to argue, but then they quivered, and the tension in her shoulders gave way. Without warning, tears began to spill from her eyes. They came suddenly, silently, rolling down her cheeks as though a dam had broken. Vi’s heart twisted at the sight.
“Cait...” Vi whispered, stepping closer.
Caitlyn quickly brought her hands to her face, covering her tears as her shoulders shook. “I’m sorry,” she choked out between sobs. “I’m so sorry, Vi.”
Vi knelt beside her, gently taking Caitlyn’s hands and lowering them from her face. She brushed the tears from Caitlyn’s cheeks, holding her face tenderly. “Why are you apologizing?” Vi asked, her voice filled with quiet concern.
Caitlyn’s voice broke as she tried to speak, hiccuping through her tears. “Because... I should’ve visited her more. I should’ve seen her before she... before she died.” Her words came out in gasps, each one more broken than the last. “I wasn’t a good daughter. And now I feel like I have to make up for it—by being good at this, by taking on these responsibilities. But I’m... I’m so tired, and I miss her so much.”
Her hands trembled as she clutched at her temples, her voice cracking as she mumbled, “And I’m sorry, Vi. I’m sorry I was always so busy... I barely had time for her, and now I barely have time for you.” Her eyes, swollen and red, darted to Vi for a moment before falling away, as if even looking at her was too much. “I don’t know how to fix this. I don’t know how to be everything I’m supposed to be. I feel so... so lost.”
Vi’s chest ached at the raw pain in Caitlyn’s voice. She pulled Caitlyn into a tight embrace, one hand cradling the back of her head. “Cait... none of this is your fault,” she murmured, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. “You loved her. And I know she knew that. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You’re allowed to grieve. You’re allowed to rest.”
Vi pulled back just enough to meet Caitlyn’s teary gaze, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “And don’t you ever apologize to me for that, okay? For not having enough time for me? I get it, Cait. I understand. You were trying to juggle so much, and I never blamed you for it—not then, not now, not ever.” Her voice softened further, her eyes searching Caitlyn’s for even the smallest flicker of relief. “I’m here for you. No matter how long it takes for you to find your way through this, I’m not going anywhere.”
Caitlyn clung to Vi, her tears soaking into her shirt as she cried openly. Vi didn’t let go, holding her as though her embrace could shield Caitlyn from the weight of the world.
After a while, Caitlyn’s sobs quieted into soft sniffles. Vi pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. “We’ll get through this,” Vi said firmly, her hands resting on Caitlyn’s shoulders. “I’m here, and I’ll help you with whatever you need. But right now, you need sleep. Okay?”
Caitlyn hesitated before nodding, her exhaustion finally overriding her resolve. Vi stood, helping Caitlyn gather her things before guiding her out of the office.
At Caitlyn’s mansion, Vi parked the truck in the driveway and helped Caitlyn inside. The house was eerily quiet, and the stillness only seemed to amplify Caitlyn’s weariness.
Vi led her upstairs to her room and went to the bathroom. “I’ll get a bath ready for you,” Vi said gently. Caitlyn nodded wordlessly, her steps sluggish as she followed Vi.
Vi filled the tub with warm water, adding a few drops of lavender oil she found on the counter. Once it was ready, she turned to Caitlyn, her expression soft. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Without hesitation, Vi helped Caitlyn out of her clothes, her movements tender and unhurried. She guided her into the tub, making sure the water was the perfect temperature. Caitlyn leaned back against the porcelain, her eyes half-closed as the warmth enveloped her.
Vi sat beside the tub, her fingers gently running through Caitlyn’s damp hair. “You’re doing great, Cupcake” Vi murmured.
When Caitlyn was ready, Vi helped her out of the tub, drying her off with a fluffy towel before guiding her to the bedroom. She handed Caitlyn a soft nightgown and waited while she got dressed.
Once Caitlyn was settled in bed, Vi gently pulled the blankets over her, ensuring she was warm and comfortable. As Caitlyn nestled into the pillow, she murmured softly, “Where’s Chip?”
Vi smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from Caitlyn’s face. “He’s with Jules for the meantime. Don’t worry, he’s probably getting spoiled rotten.”
Caitlyn let out a faint sad smile, her eyelids heavy. Vi climbed into bed beside her, wrapping an arm securely around Caitlyn’s waist, holding her close as if shielding her from the weight of the world.
Caitlyn snuggled into her side, her voice barely audible as she whispered, “Don’t leave me, Vi.”
Vi pressed a kiss to Caitlyn’s hair, her voice firm but full of warmth. “Never, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn’s breathing slowed as she drifted off to sleep, her body finally succumbing to the rest it so desperately needed. Vi stayed awake a little longer, holding Caitlyn close and silently vowing to be her strength for as long as she needed.
The chirping of birds stirred Vi from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she noticed was Caitlyn snuggled close to her. Cait’s head rested against Vi’s neck, her soft breath brushing Vi’s skin. Vi’s arm, pinned beneath Caitlyn, had gone numb, but she didn’t care. The peaceful look on Caitlyn’s face made her smile. Cait, finally, looked like she’d gotten some rest.
Carefully, Vi tilted her head to check the time on her phone resting on the bedside table. The screen lit up—6:00 AM. Suppressing a groan at the early hour, Vi slowly slipped her arm out from under Cait’s head, wincing slightly as the sensation began to return. She tucked the blanket securely around Cait before tiptoeing into the bathroom attached to the bedroom to wash her face.
The sound of a gentle knock at the door made her pause. Quickly drying her hands, she glanced back at the bed where Caitlyn was still peacefully asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, Vi quietly crossed the room and opened the door.
Standing on the other side was Caitlyn’s father, his face etched with worry. Vi blinked in surprise before stepping outside and closing the door behind her softly.
“How is Caitlyn?” he asked, his voice low but laced with concern.
Vi leaned against the doorframe, her expression softening. “She’s still sleeping,” she replied quietly. “She’s… not doing great, though. She’s exhausted, and she’s blaming herself for everything.”
Caitlyn’s father lowered his gaze, his brows knitting together in guilt. “I’ll take care of everything today at the main office,” he said after a long pause. “She needs to rest.”
Vi nodded, feeling a pang of relief. “That’s probably for the best.”
Awkwardly, she rubbed the back of her neck. “Uh, sorry, Mr. Kiramman… about staying the night. I didn’t mean to overstep.”
Caitlyn’s father’s lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. “I saw your truck outside last night, so I knew you were here.” He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. “I’m glad you stayed.”
Vi blinked, surprised by his response. She watched as he opened his mouth to say more but stopped short, the words seemingly caught in his throat. Instead, he placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his touch brief but full of unspoken meaning. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away down the hall.
Vi watched him go, her chest tightening slightly as she processed the moment. With a small sigh, she turned and quietly re-entered the room. Caitlyn was still fast asleep, her breathing steady, her face calm. Vi smiled softly, grateful that, even for a little while, Cait could have some peace.