OLIVIA
“There’s no way I am taking that call. I don’t even give a fuck who called.” I vowed, throwing the phone onto the bed and pacing around my hotel room like a lost soul.
Kate and I had barely arrived at the hotel, and we were already having issues. That wasn’t what I had envisaged when I decided to spend the night here.
I thought coming to the hotel would take my pain away, but I was wrong. My situation just got messier. With Cyril’s grandmother in the picture, I might be in for a prolonged struggle.
Despite her age, Cyril’s grandmother appears to be more dangerous than Cyril himself. Getting into a heated argument with her is like stepping on the tail of a tiger.
“What do you mean you are not going to speak to her? You can’t be serious, are you? Don’t you think it’s too early to start concluding? No one has ever been prosecuted for trying. I don’t see why yours will be any way different.” Kate tasked me. She wasn’t supporting my decision not to speak to Cyril’s mother.
“For once in my life, Kate. You have disappointed me. And it happened in a crucial time like when no one least expected. I can’t believe you could say such to my face. Isn’t it obvious that Cyril’s grandmother wants to discuss the incident that happened between me and her grandson at Adrian’s party?” I yelled at Kate to bring her mind back to reality because she seemed lost already.
Minutes after I yelled at Kate, Cyril’s grandmother called me again. The temptation not to answer the phone was getting worse.
Kate looked away and abandoned me alone with my struggles. After yelling at her, she had decided to exempt herself from my struggles.
I started missing Adrian’s presence.
I saw how important he was to me.
I also regretted not agreeing to spend the night at his mansion.
This was one of those situations where Adrian came through for me with his brilliant suggestion. In recent times, he has proven to be my backbone. Too bad of me to have taken him for granted.
Finally, I was able to overcome the panic that had taken the best part of me. The fact that I was still legally married to Cyril was the reason I still harbor that fear in me. It’s also one of the reasons I haven’t made the move to block Cyril’s grandmother from reaching out to me.
My hand quivered like a hen drenched by the rain as I picked up my phone to return her missed calls. While the call was being processed, I prayed silently for her to ignore the calls. That way, I will get to have my bragging rights that she wasn’t taking my calls.
Unfortunately for me, my wish wasn’t granted the moment Cyril’s grandmother answered the phone immediately. It was as though she knew I was going to call her back.
“Hello, Granny.
It’s been a while.
How have you been?” I forced myself to speak with so much excitement.
I figured that it wouldn’t have made any sense if I had transferred my aggression to the poor innocent old woman because her grandson stepped on my toes. If she was seated next to me, she would have easily discovered that it was all a pretense and nothing else.
“Where’s my grandson?” She went straight to the point and ignored my greeting. She was more blunt, like a double-edged sword.
It was one of the most direct questions ever, and at the same time, it became the most difficult one ever.
I was staring at the phone like a dummy. The pressure forced me to put the call on a loudspeaker just to get Kate involved. I realized how important she might be.
“How long will It take you to answer the question?” She spoke again in a different tone of voice.
“He stepped out with a couple of friends. I doubt if he has returned yet,” I lied. It was the least of the things I could say to save my face.
I couldn’t imagine myself admitting to Cyril’s grandmother that my marriage to his grandson had hit the rock. That would raise her blood pressure. According to her, we were the Bonnie and Clyde of the 21st century.
“Cyril went out with some friends? That doesn’t sound like what Cyril would do. He’s a mother fucking introvert,” Cyril’s grandmother doubted me. I couldn’t tell how she was able to unravel the truth even when she couldn’t see me.
“That’s the truth, ma’am.
I’ve got no reason to lie to you.
If you’re doubting, you can call him yourself to confirm,” I suggested. I
knew I was taking a massive risk. I was also confident that she wasn’t going to call Cyril when she’s got other important stuff to be worried about.
“There will be no need for that.
Where are you right now? Are you home?” She changed the question. From the way she tossed the questions at me, I could tell that she already found out about my outburst with Cyril.
“I just checked into a hotel with my assistant. We are working on a significant project,” I replied with confidence. Unlike the last time, it didn’t take me too long to respond.
“So the rumors flying around town are true?” She accused me.
“What rumors? Whom have you been listening to lately? I don’t know what someone told you, but I want to let you know that they’re false,” I defended myself immediately. I didn’t have to wait for her to start pointing accusing fingers at me.
“I’ve got no words for you. I must warn you, regardless of what happens, your marriage to my grandson must stay for another five years. I don’t care how you do it. That’s an order you must obey,” She commanded.
“You can’t be serious, are you? Are you aware that your grandson is cheating on me? He is practically making the marriage difficult for me. What are you going to do about that?” I lamented bitterly. I also made her see the reason why Cyril needs to be called to order.
“Cyril’s a man.
He’s got blood running through his veins. I believe his decision to cheat on you wasn’t intentional. Just pray for him. But remember, divorce isn’t an option. You will be fine eventually,” those were the words from my supposed in-law before she ended the call.
Suffice to say that she was supporting her son’s infidelity. She never for once, gave me a listening ear. All she cared about was the family’s business and nothing else.
“Another five years?” Kate and I echoed together. If the conversation wasn’t on a loudspeaker, she would have surely doubted me.