"What do you think you're doing?" The new wife confronted Titi, who stood frozen, caught red-handed with the rat poison poised over the food. The sudden intrusion startled Titi, her grip faltering as the poison fell to the floor.
"What were you planning?" The new wife's voice rose with accusation, drawing the attention of Madu and his mother in the adjacent room.
"I was... I was just..." Titi stammered, unable to find an excuse.
"Speak up! What's going on here?" The new wife demanded, her eyes ablaze with fury.
Titi's resolve solidified. "Fine. I was going to poison the food. Happy now? But you should be thanking your lucky stars you caught me in time."
The new wife recoiled in horror. "You're a monster! No wonder you're cursed with barrenness. But your evil ends here. I'll expose you to everyone!"
Titi stepped forward, her voice low and menacing. "Think again. You may have caught me, but you'll take your secret to the grave if you dare expose mine."
The new wife hesitated, fear creeping into her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"You're pregnant, aren't you?" Titi's words hung heavy in the air.
The new wife's facade crumbled. "Yes, but..."
"But it's not Madu's child," Titi interrupted, her gaze piercing. "You brought another man's baby into this house, hoping to pass it off as Madu's."
The new wife remained silent, her guilt evident.
"I'll keep your secret," Titi continued, her tone softer. "But you'll do as I say from now on. No more sending me on errands or bossing me around. You'll handle your own chores, or else everyone will know your truth."
The new wife nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I promise."
"And one more thing," Titi added. "You'll treat me with respect. I may be the second wife, but I won't be your servant."
The new wife agreed, grateful for the reprieve.
And so, a fragile truce was formed in the kitchen of secrets, where desperation and deception collided, leaving behind a fragile balance of power.