Settling The Score: Too Late Mr. Miller

“What did the test results say?” the older lady in the room asked, impatient. 

She had been pacing around for over ten minutes. 

“It's…it's…negative.” 

“What?!” 

Fury etched all over her expression when she landed a slap on the younger lady's face. 

“It's been four years and two months and you still keep saying the same thing.” 

“Let it be, mum” the guy in a navy blue shirt said as he walked over to console his mother who had rage in her eyes. 

“Lucas, you married a log of wood. She's simply a plank!” she said as she sat down on her royal stool. 

Her son now turned to the younger lady who stood there with trembling hands. 

“Go to your room”, he said, waving her off with his hand. 

She ran out of the living room and the minute she got to the bedroom, she dropped on her knees and sobbed bitterly. 

This was the seventh pregnancy test she had taken since the year began and on all seven occasions, she received a slap or two upon announcing the negative results. 

Even worse, she would be soaked with any liquid if there was any in sight. 

“Why did you have to marry her?” the woman asked her son after sipping from a glass of wine to calm her nerves. 

“Rose has a grandchildren and her son only got married two years back. Yodah has three grandkids too but me? I have none.”

“Who's going to handle this mansion and all our businesses after our demise?” 

“Mum, enough. Don't stress over this too much. I've already made plans for everything.” 

“What plans?” the lady asked, sitting up. 

“You'll find out soon”, he replied with a smile curling around the corners of his lips.

The next morning came rather quickly. 

“Daisy!” Lucas called out from the dining room.

“What's taking you so long to serve breakfast?” 

Daisy came in with a tray and served the food on the table without a word. 

Her eyes kept darting around the room.

“Where's mum?” she asked in a low tone. 

“In her room”, he replied without sparing her a glance.

“Okay, I'll serve breakfast there.” 

“No!” he said, visibly irritated. 

“Why do you want to anger her even after the stunt you pulled off yesterday? 

I managed to call off the drama but I will not save you today.”

He glared at her saddened face before speaking again, 

“I warned you not to announce your suspicions of pregnancy right?” 

She nodded.

“So what was the need to do it again?” 

She was about to speak when he cut her off, 

“Just return to cleaning and cooking. That's the only thing you do best.”

Tears ran down her cheeks as she walked back into the kitchen. 

This was the life she lived now. Her whole body ached from working. 

There were servants at home but they had more free time than she, the lady of the house. 

“Good morning son,” Josephine said, descending the stairs in her silk robe. 

“Morning mum.” 

“Ask your wife to get me coffee. I have a terrible headache.” 

“Daisy!” he called out, “you can serve my mother's coffee now.” 

Daisy came in shortly with the cup in her hand. She greeted Josephine but there was no response.  

“Would you want anything else?” she asked.

“Just go. I'll call you if the need be”, Lucas said, waving her off. 

When Daisy was out of sight, Josephine set her cup down. 

“I couldn't sleep properly”, she said. 

“Mandy called me last night and she wants to come over for lunch…with her family.” 

“Okay”

“Is that all you're going to say?” 

“What else should I say mum?” 

“You're so silly”, his mother replied. 

“She's going to go on and on about the property if she realizes that Daisy isn't pregnant yet.” 

“I told you that I have things sorted out. Just relax. Mandy will not lay her hands on what's rightfully mine.” 

His lips curled up into a smile.

Daisy came in after a while to clear the table as Lucas was about to leave for work. 

He planted a kiss on his mother's forehead and just before he left, he looked at Daisy, 

“Mandy will be coming over so freshen up and put on good clothes.” 

She nodded. 

Mandy's presence was like smoke in a closed room. 

She always had an opinion about one thing or another and it was no different today. 

She arrived with her daughter-in-law and her grandson, all dressed in fancy clothes. 

“Why do you look tired?” she asked Daisy, feigning concern. 

“Oh! Silly me! You're probably tired because Lucas doesn't allow you to sleep”, she teased and laughed at her joke. 

She kept on going, “I'm sure he's kicked in a set of twins already.” 

“That's enough Mandy”, Josephine interrupted, trying to divert her attention. 

“It's their personal matter. Don't pry”, she smiled forcibly and asked one of the helpers to get refreshments for her guests. 

Mandy was Josephine's rival.

James Miller had married Josephine first but got into a relationship with Mandy when the former was pregnant with Lucas. 

Mandy later got pregnant and had Peter. 

James never married her but he ensured Peter was given equal love as Lucas. 

“So why did you drop by today?” Josephine asked when they had all settled on the couch, sipping wine. 

“Do I need a reason to visit my family?” 

“Come off it! We're far above this stage. You always have a reason for coming by”, Josephine replied.

“Well”, Mandy chuckled, “Sarah has managed to secure a deal with a huge company.” 

“That's great”, Daisy said, smiling wide at Sarah who sat like a proud board member in an important meeting. 

But Josephine shot her a glare and the smile disappeared almost immediately. 

“Congratulations Sarah”, Josephine finally said. 

“But”, she continued, facing Mandy now, “you could've informed me over the phone.” 

“Oh no. The thing is, we need funds for the project. And that's why I came to see you in person.” 

Josephine adjusted her blouse as she could sense where the conversation was heading.