The Unexpected Arrival
715 Words
I rang the doorbell, and one of Mr. Frank’s housekeepers opened the door for me. “Good evening, Mrs. Shina.”
Walking down to the family lounge felt heavier than usual. My steps slowed, and then I saw something that made my heart drop. Canna.
He was sitting next to Jeffery, while Mr. Frank sat in the opposite chair.
“What is he doing here?” I whispered, trying to compose myself as if I hadn’t seen him before.
“Oh Shina, welcome,” Mr. Frank said, standing up to hug me. “You look good. Have a seat.”
I sat next to Mr. Frank, carefully avoiding eye contact with both Canna and Jeffery. I was offered a glass of juice, and then Mr. Frank broke the news, a fear I had been hoping wouldn’t be true.
“This is Canna Brown, my eldest son. The one I wanted to introduce to you. You don’t really know him because he’s barely around and couldn’t attend your wedding.”
My heart started racing. I could feel it pounding in my ears. Beneath my calm expression, I was burning inside, wishing the ground would just swallow me.
“Hi Shina, I’ve heard a lot about you,” Canna said softly, giving me a small smile.
Dinner was ready about an hour later, so we all headed to the dining table. Lots of food, expensive wines, and fruits were served to celebrate Canna’s arrival; the golden son to his father.
While eating, I could feel both Canna’s and Jeffery’s eyes on me.
“Mmmm… mmmm… mmmm.” Mr. Frank cleared his throat.
“So Shina, tell me. What happened between you and Jeffery?” he began. “He complained that you haven’t been home for a couple of weeks. You don’t pick up his calls or return them either. I had to step in and ask because I know you so well.”
I kept eating for a while, then answered. “Mr. Frank, I’m happy you called to hear my side as well. I really appreciate it. I got back early from Paris after a client’s court case I handled because things went smoothly and faster than I thought.”
I paused for a few seconds, trying to swallow and control the tears threatening to fall.
“I didn’t inform anyone I was coming earlier so it would be like a surprise and to celebrate another win.” I exhaled deeply. “Only to find Jeffery and my mom having s*x on my matrimonial bed.”
Jeffery buried his head. That was when I knew he hadn’t told his father the whole story, hoping I would also hide his shame because my mother was involved.
“What!” Mr. Frank stood up angrily, hitting his hands on the table. “How can you stoop this low and do this to your wife with an old woman she calls a mother? What kind of lust would ever lead a person to do something disgusting like this?”
Jeffery broke down in tears, kneeling to beg his dad. “Dad, please beg Shina for me. I can’t afford to lose her.”
Those words irritated me, but I kept quiet, not wanting to disrespect or embarrass myself in front of Mr. Frank. All this while, Canna was also quiet, his eyes fixed on me, giving me flashbacks of what happened the other night.
Mr. Frank sat down again. “Shina, what’s your decision? Whatever it is you decide, I’ll support you.”
I sat for a few minutes, thinking. I already knew what my answer would be. “I want a divorce,” I said boldly.
Jeffery walked to my side, holding my hands and trying to convince me, but I refused. All these weeks I stayed away, I thought about everything; the what-ifs, the impact, both negative and positive. I had thought it all through, and I was ready to go through with a divorce.
“Okay. If that’s what you want, then let’s do it. Now sit and finish your food,” Mr. Frank said, ready to support me without making things harder.
Jeffery sat, and we ate silently until we finished. Mr. Frank excused himself to rest. “Remember, you are always welcome here.”
- Writer
