The desperate daughter-in-law

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Melisa Taiwo… it’s negative,” the doctor said softly, adjusting his glasses as he looked up from the paper. Melisa froze. Her heart sank as the words echoed in her head. “What do you mean it’s negative?!” she snapped, her eyes blazing at the doctor. “I felt it, Doc! The signs were all there! I missed my monthly flow, my boobs were heavy, I felt nauseous…” Her voice trembled as she spoke, her hope slowly breaking apart. The doctor sighed quietly, shaking his head. “Weren’t those the signs, Doctor?” she asked again, her voice cracking. “It could be due to hormones…” he began to explain. “I’m tired of hearing that!” she shouted, her tears finally spilling. “I want my baby, Doc! I can’t keep doing this. The pressure is getting too much!” The doctor looked at her with pity as she broke down, her sobs filling the quiet room. TAIWO’S MANSION The men in black suits opened the door of the black BMW X7, and Melisa stepped out gracefully. Her black spaghetti-strap bodycon dress hugged her hourglass figure as she walked toward the grand mansion in front of her. She was stunning; Her fair, flawless skin glowing under the evening light, her round, soft face beautiful enough to steal any man’s breath. But inside, she felt empty. As she entered the foyer, her heart tightened. There he was, Daren Taiwo, her husband. Tall, dark, and handsome, dressed sharply in a black suit. His hands were behind his back, and his deep brown eyes followed her every move. “Where have you been?” His deep voice filled the room, calm but firm, sending a shiver down her spine. “I went to get things sorted out for the party,” she lied, forcing a smile on her red glossy lips. “The party will soon begin. We don’t want to be late,” he reminded her, extending his hand toward her. “We won’t,” she replied softly, placing her hand in his. Together, they walked up the grand staircase hand in hand, looking like the perfect couple, though both carried unspoken pain. In her spacious bedroom, her glam team worked around her, adding final touches to her hair and makeup. Through the mirror, Melisa could see Daren pacing slowly behind her. Her heart raced when she noticed the brown envelope in his hand. Daren walked up to her, his jaw tight, his eyes dark with anger. “Where did you go?” he asked, his voice low but sharp. Melisa turned to face him, her lips trembling. She excused everyone out of the room and there was a moment of heated silence. “I… I…” she stammered. “I warned you to stay away from the hospital!” he snapped, throwing the envelope to the floor. “Daren… I’m…” she tried to speak, but tears choked her voice. Seeing her break down made him sigh deeply. His anger slowly melted into worry. “We’ll have a baby when the time is right,” he said softly. “You don’t have to lose yourself while trying.” Melisa sobbed quietly, wiping her tears. “I don’t want to lose you, Daren. The pressure is too much. Your grandma is coming back to Africa, and you know what that means for me. Please… stop pretending it’s nothing.” He stepped closer, his voice calm and firm. “It means nothing to me. As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you. Not even her. I’ll protect you, Melisa. Always.” He knelt before her, holding her hand gently, then kissed her forehead. “You look beautiful,” he said with a faint smile, looking at her. Melisa smiled weakly. Her black satin dress shimmered in the light, the side slit revealing her flawless skin. Her long black hair fell perfectly over her shoulders, her jewelry sparkling under the light. “We’re almost done,” she said softly, her voice calmer now. “I’ll be waiting,” Daren said with a nod before standing up. For a moment, they just looked at each other, two hearts beating in silence, both scared, both holding on. Then he smiled faintly and walked away. Melisa turned back to the mirror, watching her reflection through watery eyes. She looked perfect on the outside, but inside… she was breaking. ** Slow music played in the background as people moved all around the banquet hall which was lit up with different decorative lights. The clattering of glasses and slow voices could be heard and a few people were seen in circles, laughing and discussing in low tones. Today, the Mother of the Taiwo’s family would be arriving in Nigeria after seven years since her departure. A party had been thrown at the mansion, awaiting her arrival. Hand in hand, Daren and Melisa stepped down the stairs leading to the banquet hall. They became the center of attraction as everyone couldn't get enough of the perfect couple. “Wow, Lisa, you’re looking so beautiful,” some of the ladies praised as they gathered around her. “Thank you,” she said with a smile. “The couple of the night,” A male voice was heard behind them. They both turned and saw Charles Boseman, a middle aged man with rich gray hair walking towards them. He was dressed in a deep blue agbada and cap with a glass of wine in his right hand. “Father,” Daren called with a smile as he prostrated in front of him. “Father in-law,” Melisa called humbly and knelt before him. “You are both looking stunning tonight,” He complimented as he patted their shoulders and they both stood up right. “Thank you, father. You too, you are looking great,” Daren reciprocated. "Charles," an enchanting but commanding female voice called from behind. They turned and saw a slim, fair, middle-aged woman walking toward them, dressed elegantly in a pure white jumpsuit with a luxurious fur coat draped over her shoulders. Her small, long face was touched with flawless makeup, and her short grey pixie hair was neatly styled to the side. Two bodyguards followed closely behind her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” she said, her eyes fixed sternly on Charles Boseman. “Elsa, I was..,” he began, but she quickly cut him off. “My mom is already at the airport. You’ll go with the men to pick her up,” she ordered, her tone sharp and firm like a command from royalty. Silence fell in and Daren looked at his father whose face became downcast. “But mom..,” he tried to speak. “I wasn’t talking to you,” she shot and he kept silent. He tried to speak once more but Melisa touched him. “Why should I be the one to go to the airport to pick up your mom?” Charles asked in a disappointed tone. “Because I said so,” Elsa replied firmly. He nodded and she turned and walked away with the men. “Father,” Daren called. “It’s fine. Enjoy your night, I will be back,” Charles said and walked away. Daren swallowed hard as he watched his father walk away. “Come, it’s enough, you don’t have to always stand up against your mother,” Melisa advised as she placed her palm in his. “Brother,” they heard someone call ahead of them. They looked up and saw a tall able bodied young man, dressed in black suit and bowtie, walking hand in hand with a tall, ebony, petite lady, dressed in a black long dress. They kept silent as the couple walked towards them and stood in front of them. “Melisa, I must say, you are looking so stunning,” he praised as his small round eyes scanned her face down to her body. “Same as your wife, brother,” Daren returned with a smirk on his face. Melisa kept silent as she looked at the ebony lady whose face was hardened deeply. Their eyes met and the lady looked away immediately. “Hello, Diana,” Melisa greeted, forcing a smile on her face. The lady gave her an intimidating stare as she waved back her short black artificial hair stylishly. “Dotun, shall we proceed?” She asked her husband, her intimidating eyes still on Melisa. Just then, a little chubby boy in black suit ran into them and he hugged Melisa’s knees tightly. “Aunty,” he called in excitement, exposing his big gap tooth. “Dele, you look amazing,” Melisa giggled as she tried to touch the boy's head. “Dele, come over here, now!” Diana yelled and the boy moved away from Melisa slowly. “What was that?” Daren asked angrily as he shot an angry look at Diana. “Ask your barren wife,” Diana shot as she held her son and walked away. “What!” Daren barked as he watched her walk away. “Oh, I didn't see that coming. Maybe you guys should really work on having kids of your own,” Dotun added with a mocking smile and walked away proudly. Melisa’s feet turned cold with tears clouding her eyes. She gulped as Daren took hold of her hand. “Don’t do this now, no tears,” he said firmly as he stood in front of her and held her face tenderly. “I’m.. I’m not crying,” she sniffed as she tried to hold back the tears. “Come, Evan and Toyosi are here, let’s go over to greet them,” he said, pointing at the couple walking into the banquet hall. “No.. you know I’m not quite comfortable with Toyosi. You can go ahead and I will join you guys,” Melisa said with a forced smile. “Ok, take care,” he said and walked into the crowd. She dragged her feet slowly as she moved over to a table. Sitting dejectedly on a chair, she took a glass of alcoholic wine from the waiter’s tray. As she sipped her drink slowly, she became lost as she thought of all the abuses she had received due to her childlessness. She doesn’t know what the problem was and they’ve both spent quite a fortune visiting several hospitals for a solution.The doctors had assured them that they were both okay and should only be patient. But how could she be patient when everyone at the Taiwo’s family had been nothing but a pain in the ass? She thought. She dropped her drink slowly on the table and ran her hand through her hair. Not long after, she heard a voice from the stage and everyone turned their attention to the man speaking on stage. The lights were turned off as the man began to speak while everyone listened in anticipation. “Attention everyone, It’s my pleasure to announce the arrival of her lady, the wealthiest woman in the whole of Nigeria, Our great mother, Mrs. Selina Taiwo!” He announced and there were cheers as dramatic music began to play in the background while the lights came up slowly. Her heart skipped, her feet turned cold as she looked at the entrance of the banquet hall to see her greatest fear standing right in front of her.