The entire house was silent as eyes turned to April with shock.
“It’s a lie! She isn’t alright! The doctors are coming to pick her up! I already told you all she lost her mind! Why… why can’t you see it?” April cried but this time no one bought her facade.
People who were once on her side, having pity and empathy for her suddenly stepped aside in shock as they watched her lie repeatedly.
“Mother! Please, stop this.” April moved towards Evelyn who stepped back in fear. “Please! I know you are hurting from father’s death but I promise, things will be fine. I will take care of you and your doctor will soon be here.”
“Just-”
“Do not take one more step,” June said in a tone that brought goosebumps to the skin of her hearers. “One more step and I promise, you would be taken to the hospital yourself.”
When April found that no one believed her act and everything was out in the open, she wiped her face clean and put a stern look on her face. “Enough, June. Congratulations! You found a mad woman I was trying to help and once again put the Rivera family to shame-”
Before the words were out of her mouth, June delivered a resounding slap to the face of April who staggered at the sheer pressure and force of the assault. Colton stepped forward, ready to avenge but Thomas stepped up, ready to protect.
“How dare you?!” April screeched at the disrespect. “Who do you think you are?!”
“The one who will put you in prison where you belong.” June held her mother’s hand. “You will hear from my lawyer.”
With that, June stepped out of the place with her mother in hand. People watched in shock as the place was cleared up of the security detail who followed June and her mother in a convoy that took them home.
The ride back home was silent. June and Evelyn sat at the back of the Range Rover sports car and the atmosphere was strangulating as nerves wracked the air between the two women.
“You don’t need to take care of me. Drop me off somewhere.” Evelyn finally spoke a few minutes into the ride.
“Do you have anywhere to be?” June replied without meeting her eyes.
It took some time for Evelyn to realise that she didn’t have anywhere to go. The only home she had was taken over by April who killed her husband and would gladly send her into a hospital as a mental patient, or worse, kill her.
The Rivera family accounts were no longer in her possession which meant that she was stranded and had no money to take care of herself. She was as good as useless on her own.
“That settles it then. You will be staying with me.” June said without a moment’s thought.
Evelyn’s appreciation was stuck in her throat. She settled for a nod and bowed her head in shame. A few minutes later, they all arrived at the Mansion. Rafael stood outside the mansion waiting for the arrival of his wife.
He had heard of the situation of things with his wife’s family and abandoned everything to ensure she had everything she might need at her disposal. When she took longer than expected to return, he imagined the worst and decided to fetch her himself if she didn’t show up soon.
Thankfully, June was right on time.
“Wifey..” The words stuck in Rafael’s throat when he saw the taut look on his wife’s face. Something was wrong. He thought and made his way towards the car.
June stepped out of the car and saw her husband. Her lips pursed as she didn’t think he’d be the first person her mother would meet in this situation. Nevertheless, she put up an awkward smile and walked into his embrace.
“Rafe…” She muttered into his hold and he pressed a kiss on her head.
“What happened?” He said as soon as they separated.
June opened her mouth to speak but was reminded of the presence of her mother behind them who shifted uncomfortably on her feet. June cleared her throat stood beside Rafael and introduced her mother.
“Baby, this is my mother. Evelyn Rivera.”
If Rafael was shocked by the introduction, he didn’t show it. He maintained a calm demeanour, giving Evelyn a curt nod and making no attempt to initiate further communication.
“Evelyn, this is Rafael Ambrose.” She stared right into the eyes of her mother. “My husband.”
Mrs Evelyn couldn’t hide the shock that rocked her face, “H-H-Husband?”
“W-w-how?” She stuttered, her gaze fluctuating between Rafael and her daughter.
“Mommy!” Luis rushed towards June with a smile. “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you!”
Mrs Evelyn’s eyes doubled in size when she saw Luis and how affectionately he held her daughter. She didn’t miss the way her daughter’s shoulders sagged in relief and the joy that took over her countenance at the sight of the young lad.
Mother? When did her daughter get pregnant? How did all of these happen? Evelyn’s thoughts went haywire but she managed to keep her mouth shut.
“How are you, my love?” June said, rubbing Luis’ head with a smile. “I missed you too baby.”
“Luis, say your greetings,” Rafael said as soon as they were through with their moments.
Luis turned to his father, “I already greeted you, father.” He pointed without remorse. “Is there someone else I need to greet?”
June felt a second-hand embarrassment. While Rafael’s face turned stern.
“Mrs Evelyn over here will be staying with us for a while,” Rafael said, bringing the elder woman to light.
Luis acted dumb. “Why? Will she be one of the servants? I thought we had enough of them already?”
Evelyn felt out of place with the way the young one spoke about her like she wasn’t standing in their presence. She however couldn’t be offended. She wasn’t in a place where she could be offended at things.
June rushed to the young one, and whispered, “Mrs Evelyn is my mother.”
He feigned surprise. “You mean she gave birth to you?”
Rafael fought the urge to roll his eyes at his son’s ridiculousness.
“Yes. Now be a good boy and welcome her properly.”
Luis was hesitant, but there was nothing he couldn’t do for his auntie. Even if it meant welcoming the one who had continuously slandered his mother’s name and caused things to be difficult for his shared company with June.
He was current with the news alright!
“Welcome, Ma’am.” He said with a non-commital tone, then turned to June with a smile, expecting to receive one of her lovely head pats he found himself looking forward to.
Evelyn was stunned and replied a bit late, adding an awkward cough afterwards. “Oh, thanks.”
It was clear that the atmosphere wasn’t the best and June was ready to move things on. “Let’s go in, then.” She said, holding Luis’s arm as they walked into the mansion.
Dinner was excruciating. At least for Evelyn who choked half the time when Luis made comments on how he hated having people around but would do anything to make his mother happy, as well as his position with anyone who tried to hurt his mommy.
After dinner, June left the sitting room with Luis to put him to bed. Leaving her mother with Rafael and promising to be back shortly. As soon as she left the room, Evelyn spoke.
“If you want me to leave, I will.”
Rafael sipped his glass, watching her intently. “Why would I want my mother-in-law to leave?” He asked in a calm tone.
Evelyn who has had a rigorous day went off. “It’s not exactly hidden that you don’t like me. Neither do your son. I know I have not been a good mother, and I understand if you don’t want me here-”
“My feelings don’t matter.” Rafael cut her short with his words. “We might not be your biggest fans, neither would we give you the Mother of the Year award but that’s beside the case.”
“The only person’s feelings that we care about is my wife’s.” He pointed out. “The only one you should be concerned about is not my son, nor my opinion, but your daughter’s.”
“If you in any way hurt or make my wife feel anything other than continuous joy and happiness, which I reckon you have done a terrible job of doing her entire life, I would personally ensure you end up not just on the streets, but in a physiatrist ward in a remote village.”
Rafael’s aura was bold, sharp and dangerous. “My wife’s continued happiness is a non-negotiable for as long as you remain here. Do you understand?”
Evelyn nodded, shaking in her seat.
“Then we have no problem.”
Just then, June walked down the stairs and noticed the strain in the air.
“What’s going on?”
Rafael smirked, “Nothing serious,” He turned to Evelyn who wore a fragile smile.
June wasn’t satisfied. “Mom?”
“You have a brilliant husband.” She said, then broke into sobs. “I’m such a failure…”