Chapter 5: Trouble in Paradise
1169 Words
That evening, as the family sat down for dinner, the conversation took a turn.
“So, Lora,” Efe began, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “When are you going to start working? Or are you just planning to sit at home all day?”
Lora’s fork paused mid-air. “I’m still settling in, Efe. Andrew and I are discussing the best options for me.”
Efe snorted. “Discussing? That’s just an excuse. Mirabel, didn’t you start your business right after graduation?”
Mirabel smiled modestly. “Yes, but everyone’s path is different. I’m sure Lora has her own plans.”
Mama Bisi interjected, her tone sharp. “Plans are good, but action is better. A wife should be resourceful, not dependent on her husband for everything.”
Lora felt the sting of Mama Bisi’s words, but before she could respond, Tolu spoke up.
“Mama, Lora is doing her best. Moving to a new city isn’t easy.”
Mama Bisi frowned. “Tolu, stay out of this. You’re too young to understand these matters.”
The conversation ended abruptly, but the damage was done.
---
Later that night, Lora confronted Andrew again.
“Do you hear the things they say to me?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Your mother, your sister—now even Mirabel.”
Andrew sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Lora, I can’t control what they say.”
“But you can stand up for me!” she said, her voice rising. “You let them disrespect me, and then you tell me to just endure it.”
Andrew’s jaw tightened. “What do you want me to do, Lora? Cut them off? They’re my family.”
“I’m your family too,” Lora whispered, tears streaming down her face. “Or have you forgotten that?”
Andrew reached for her, but she stepped back. The distance between them felt insurmountable.
“Am really sorry if my effort is not showing “
She doubted his love for her
---
The tension in the house was palpable. Mirabel never stopped visiting, each visit like a sharp thorn in Lora’s side. Mama Bisi welcomed her warmly every time, offering her snacks and engaging her in long conversations. Efe often joined in, laughing loudly at Mirabel’s anecdotes, while Kunle occasionally nodded in approval.
Lora, on the other hand, felt like an outsider in her own home.
One evening, Mirabel arrived unannounced, carrying a bottle of wine. “I thought we could all unwind together,” she said brightly, her gaze flickering briefly to Lora before settling on Andrew.
Andrew’s jaw tightened, but he forced a polite smile. “That’s thoughtful, Mirabel, but it’s a little late.”
“Oh, come on, Andrew,” Efe said, grinning. “Don’t be a killer joy. Let’s enjoy the evening.”
Lora watched as Mirabel made herself comfortable on the couch, her laughter ringing through the room. She felt invisible, sitting quietly as the conversation flowed around her.
---
Later that night, when they were alone in their room, Lora couldn’t hold back her frustration.
“Why is she always here, Andrew?” she demanded, her voice trembling. “Does she not understand boundaries?”
Andrew sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I don’t know why Mama keeps inviting her. I didn’t ask her to come.”
“That’s not the point!” Lora said, pacing the room. “She’s trying to make me feel small, and your family is letting her.”
Andrew rubbed his temples. “Lora, I’ve told you—Mirabel doesn’t matter. You’re the one I chose.”
“But your actions don’t show that,” Lora shot back. “You sit there and let her take over. You don’t stop Mama or Efe from encouraging her.”
Andrew stood, his expression hardening. “What do you want me to do, Lora? Fight with my family every day? I’m trying to keep the peace.”
Lora crossed her arms, her voice soft but firm. “Sometimes, keeping the peace isn’t enough. I need you to stand up for me, Andrew.”
The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken fears and frustrations.
---
The following day, Mama Bisi called Lora into the kitchen.
“Lora, I need you to cook lunch today,” she said, handing her a list of dishes. “Mirabel is coming, and she has very particular tastes.”
Lora clenched her jaw, struggling to keep her composure. “Of course, Ma.”
As she worked in the kitchen, Efe wandered in, her smirk as sharp as ever.
“Are you sure you can handle this?” she asked, leaning against the counter. “Mirabel has high standards. She’s used to the best.”
Lora didn’t respond, focusing on chopping vegetables.
“Don’t take it personally,” Efe continued. “She and Andrew have a history, after all. It’s hard to let go of someone like that.”
“Efe,” Tolu said sharply, appearing in the doorway. “Leave her alone.”
Efe rolled her eyes. “I’m just stating facts.”
Tolu walked over to Lora, his expression kind. “Ignore her. You’re doing fine.”
Lora nodded, grateful for his support, but the knot in her stomach remained.
---
When lunch was served, Mirabel took her seat at the table with a smile. “This looks lovely,” she said, glancing at Mama Bisi's “You’ve outdone yourself, as always.”
“Oh, I didn’t cook today,” Mama Bisi replied, her tone almost dismissive. “Lora made everything.”
Mirabel raised an eyebrow, taking a small bite of the jollof rice. She chewed thoughtfully before speaking. “It’s good. Different from what I’m used to, but good.”
The backhanded compliment wasn’t lost on anyone. Lora felt her cheeks flush but said nothing.
Andrew shot Mirabel a warning look. “Lora worked hard on this meal. Let’s just enjoy it.”
Mama Bisi clicked her tongue. “Andrew, she’s only giving her opinion. Don’t be so defensive.”
That evening, the tension between Lora and Andrew boiled over.
“I can’t keep doing this,” Lora said, her voice breaking. “I feel like I’m fighting everyone in this house, including you.”
Andrew looked at her, his face weary. “Lora, I’m trying. I’m doing my best to balance everything.”
“It’s not enough,” Lora said, tears streaming down her face. “I need more from you, Andrew. I need to feel like I matter.”
Andrew stepped closer, reaching for her hands. “You do matter. You matter more than anything. I’ll talk to Mama again. I’ll make her understand.”
Lora shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m not sure she ever will.”
As Andrew held her, the weight of their struggles pressed down on them both. Their love was strong, but the obstacles they faced threatened to break them apart.
---
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