The desperate daughter-in-law

Grandmother Selina

The hall was thrown into a frenzy as able bodied men in black outfits appeared at the entrance of the hall. Walking in the middle of the men was Selina Taiwo, one of the wealthiest women in the whole of the country. She was regally clothed in a long black corset dress that flowed down her toes, with a long white fur coat draped over her shoulders. Her small round face, coupled with high cheekbones was beautified with makeup which made her wrinkles less visible.

She moved her slender, short stature with pride as she waved at the crowd who were cheering as she walked. Flashlights and cameras became the order of the day as everyone struggled to capture a picture of the most influential woman in the whole of the country.

Melisa stood up from her seat as she saw Daren running towards her.

“Our attention is needed,” he said hastily as he grabbed hold of her hand and they both walked away.

As she stood with her husband alongside other members of the family, Melisa's heart began to palpitate with fear. She could see Mrs. Selina shaking hands with some of the noblemen who were present at the party.

Selina soon left the presence of the men, and her face broke into a smile, seeing members of the Taiwo’s family who were lined up in front of her.

They all made a slight bow before her and she smiled as she saw her daughter, Elsa, walking to meet her.

“Mother,” Elsa Boseman called with all humility as she knelt in front of her.

“Elsa, It’s nice seeing you again,” she said with a smile as she patted her back and she rose up immediately.

The host’s voice immediately sounded from the stage, “We will now welcome Mrs. Selina Taiwo to the stage for a brief speech,”

Selina smiled proudly as she walked towards the stage and there was a standing ovation.

“She’s still as stunning as ever,” Daren whispered to Melisa.

She nodded with a forced smile on her face, trying to suppress her anxiety. The presence of Selina Taiwo was overwhelming and she hoped and prayed for the night to roll by quickly.

“It’s an honor to receive such a warm reception from everyone gathered here, including friends, families and other distinguished members. It’s been seven years since I last set foot into my beloved land, and last set eyes on my beloved people,” Selina Taiwo spoke from the stage.

“And right now, I’m back, and I must say that it feels so good to be back in my father’s land,” she said with a smile and there was a spontaneous round of applause.

The party went on slowly and as the hours rolled by, people began to disperse slowly.

“Is Evan gone?” Melisa asked, walking towards her husband who was walking to the stairs.

“Yes, he left not long ago. You didn’t show your face. Because you don't like his wife?” He asked.

She sighed and tucked her hair behind her ears. She was about to speak when they saw Charles Boseman, Daren's father, walking towards them in a hurry.

“Daren, your grandmother is requesting the presence of every member of the family, right now,” he said with all seriousness.

“Ok, we will be there shortly,” Daren replied, turning to look at Melisa whose face was heavy with anxiety.

As they walked up to the spacious, serene chamber, Melisa could feel her heart racing, seeing Selina Taiwo seated alongside her daughter, Elsa. The both were engaged in a low tuned discussion and only their chuckles could be heard.

She gulped as she stood beside Daren who was taking hold of her hand. She tried to maintain her composure as she felt her heart pounding underneath her dress.

She could see the eyes of the women rising in her direction and her stomach tightened.

“Come on, let’s say hi to grandma,” Daren whispered into her ear.

She gulped as she walked towards the women whose faces were wearing nothing but a demeaning look as they stared at the couple.

“Grand..grandmother..I’m,” she stammered, walking towards the old woman.

“Grandmother Selina,” Diana’s voice interrupted her. She turned and saw Diana and her family rushing towards Mrs Selina whose arms were wide open to receive them.

“Oh, my sweet daughter- in-law ,” Selina praised, embracing Diana.

“Where is my great grandson?” She asked and Dele ran into her arms.

“Wow.. look at my boy, he’s grown so big! What have you guys been feeding him?” She asked and they all laughed.

“Nothing much, grandma, he’s enjoying all the good life,” Dotun put in and they all laughed again.

“Grandma, I got you a present,” Diana said as she presented a sparkling golden necklace before Mrs. Selina whose face was filled with awe.

“Oh, this is beautiful, Elsa, check it out,” she said as she handed the necklace to her daughter, Elsa, who was sipping her wine elegantly.

“It’s beautiful,” She commented bluntly and continued sipping her wine.

From where she stood, Melisa's gaze buried to the floor as she stood dejectedly, watching Mrs Selina relate with Diana and her family. She felt Daren's presence behind her and she heaved a sigh.

He took hold of her hand slowly and her nerves relaxed.

“Mother, Daren and Melisa are here,” Charles called the attention of Mrs. Selina who was now engrossed with Diana and Dotun.

There was silence as all eyes looked in his direction.

He could see his wife, Elsa, glaring at him with her face as hardened as a stone.

“Oh, Melisa,” Mrs. Selina called as she turned her attention to Daren and Melisa who were standing a few meters away from her.

“Grandmother, Welcome home,” Daren said bluntly and she smiled and nodded.

“Wel..come home, grandma,” Melisa added as she tried to force a smile on her face.

“I was hoping to hear the voice of your child when I return, but I didn't. What is the problem?” She chided, crossing her legs stylishly, her stern gaze on Melisa.

Silence fell in and there was a rising tension in the air.

“Grandmother Selina, I..,” Melisa stuttered, her hands and feet trembling greatly.

“I’m not done yet!” She cut in with her hand raised.

Melisa went mute as she looked at Daren who was trying to maintain a calm face.

“It’s almost four years now, and there is still no sight of a baby. Melisa, Daren, I need a great grandchild. You are the heir of the Taiwo’s family and you should be the first to produce an heir to this family!” Selina snapped.

Melisa held onto her husband tightly as she felt tears trickling down her cheek. He placed his arms around her as he stared at his grandmother, his face burning with fury.

“We’ve been patient with you, Melisa. You need to step aside, sign the divorce papers and let’s get Daren a wife. A woman, capable of producing us a child,” Mrs. Selina declared.

There was tension in the air as everyone exchanged glances in utter disbelief.