Chapter 11

Tension

I’m in the state of denial and acceptance, “are my parents really concerned about making me happy or the financial gains for their personal interest.

“Why would he say that I don’t even have a choice? No parent with genuine love will say such to his child.”

While sobbing alone I get a call from Jason, but I’m too nonchalant to pick up, he sends an email and it reads;

“Hey honey, I hope your day went well, we’re having a family gathering tomorrow at lunch, I would love you to be present, I order for you to bond with my family”.

The information keeps me nervous, for a moment because I know being in that environment requires another type of toughness and strength that I’m not prepared for.

“Getting close with Jason, the disgust!, confronting his Madeline, requires courage. Meeting Richard? Well, I guess that’s the only reason I should go, at least to see him again”.

I debate with myself. I am finally concluding on meeting honouring his invitation, if not for anything for Richard.

The Cross family gathering is scheduled for 2pm, and it’s 1pm already, Jason sends his driver to pick me up since he isn’t able to meet up.

“I have to pick the most expensive dress, and the most rock the expensive make-up, for once, Madeline has to feel intimidated”

“Am I overdressed? Yes!“

“Is it intentional? Oh yes”

We arrive at the cross Massion, while I step out of the car majestically.

“Let’s see how today plays out” I mutter before I grace the gathering with my presence.

“Oh honey, you look super amazing come here” Jason says as soon as he sees me, offering me a seat and treating me like a princess which is masked behaviour.

I can feel the tension in the room, Madeline is uncomfortable, I can see her fork shaking in her hands.

Glad I can make her feel this way.

“Guys, y’all remember her at the party, this is my fiancée, we are getting married soon. She’s nice and homely, I’d appreciate it if you all accept her as your own.” Jason announces.

Everyone turns to me with a welcoming smile, except one person, “Madeline”

Well, it’s expected.

Richard is concentrated on his meal, he isn’t wary, nor guilty, he acts like we never had a weird encounter.

“I wonder what he’s trying to do” I ponder.

“I wonder who just arrived with such cologne. Its stench is so bad. It stinks harshly which is unhealthy ”

“Madeline breaks the silence while trying to be hostile to me, but I wouldn’t let that sly, I will wait for the best time to rebuke her.

“Honey please eat, merry, there’s a lot of food”.

I’m unable to eat even after being served because the environment is uncomfortable. Everyone is obviously in merriment, except me.

I finally gather the courage to pick a bite, but Madeline is bent on irritating me today.

“Young lady, you don't have to chew that loudly. It’s basic etiquette, weren’t you taught? Well, what did I expect from a swain like you? She snaps

I finch, everyone is stunned, the mood is off, Jason he quiet he can’t dare question his mom because he worships her. Richard looks at me tenderly. Because he has dealt with this all his life and he knows how it feels.

“Oh, I’m sorry Mom, I will do better next time. I try to relieve the tension.”

From this moment we all ate in silence because the majestic Madeline had decided to scatter the atmosphere.

After lunch I hang around in the sitting room, waiting for Richard at least to see him.

“Is he avoiding me now? But he acts like he doesn’t remember a thing”

A caught

“Why are the investors wasting so much time? There is no time. Richard is legitimately feeling like he owns the world we should strip him of it as soon as possible”

“Yes Mom, he has to be humbled, anyway not to worry, they will be in the office in two months. Our plan is slowly actualising."

I hear these voices audibly piercing. It sounds like Jason and his mom.

“My mind can’t make it up, I have to check who that is”

Sneakily, I go close to the voices humming from the other room, and I can hear clearly.

After the conversation, I have every detail of their plan right under my nose.

I can no longer hear them speak, which means Jason has left his mom and I can confront her.

Without hesitation I walk to her meeting her facing the wall, maybe constructing more evil.

“So Jason, how do you think it will feel to be the only CEO of Molly Dreams group of companies”

She claims her lovely son.

“And how would it feel to be the respected mother of the only founder of Molly's Dreams group of companies”

I intrude, inflicting fear and panic in her.

“Oh Madeline, you’re shaking, oh please. You don’t have to panic, I didn’t hear so much”

“You gutter rat, how dare you barge into me like that? What’s your aim in my household?”

“You are frightened Madeline, you’re frightened, anyway, like I say, I didn’t hear much”

Madeline is quivering, her eyes watering. Indeed she’s scared.

“It is clear now that you enjoy humiliating people, you do it without ethics, for someone who claims to have so many morals, look at you now, you’re scared? “Almighty Madeline is scared?”

“You are beating more than you can chew little one, I’m not one to be joked one, you are too squatty to confront me, Molly. This part you’re trending on is a dangerous one. Be warned”

Madeline’s eyes burn like flames, her hands shivering with danger. It isn't a common threat, she means every bit that she says.

“You see Madeline, I refrain from being moved by your threats. They sound weak. And it can't work on me.”

If there's anything, oppressors fear it's losing control over the people they dominate.

“Aunty, is anything the matter?”

Madeline is gripped with fear, it's Richard.