Kazia
I learned that my father-in-law is returning home today, which explains why security at the house doubled. I've thought of many ways to get out of this place, but none of them seem possible because CCTV cameras and security guards are everywhere, it's as if they're keeping the president of a nation in their home.
I hear a knock on my bedroom door, and before I can respond, the person lets herself in. It's Mrs. Armani's personal maid. "Madam said to get dressed for dinner," she says, placing a red dinner gown and a pair of black heels on my bed. "Dinner's at 6:30," she adds, as she closes the door behind her. That's in an hour by the way. I wonder what's so special about tonight's dinner that I have to get dressed up for it.
…
All eyes turn to me as I enter the dining hall. I know I'm late, but I couldn't help it; I had a hard time styling my hair by myself. "I'm sorry I'm late," I say, settling into an empty chair beside Olivia.
"This is our new wife?" my father-in-law asks, beaming at me as if I were his long-lost daughter. "Come here, give me a hug. Such a beautiful woman," he compliments. I walk toward him, and give him a side hug. I don't know where this sudden affection is coming from, but as long as I'm not being treated with hostility, I don't mind.
As I start to go back to my seat, my eyes meet Aidan's. He's sitting at the end of the table along with other family members I don't recognize. Seeing him here is surprising since he usually lives in seclusion from the rest of the family.
"Why are the couple sitting so far from each other?" my father-in-law asks.
"Olivia, switch seats with Aidan. Let him sit with his wife."
"Father!" Olivia exclaims in anger.
"Olivia, listen to your father," my stepmother-in-law interjects before Olivia can throw a tantrum. She's obviously not happy with the decision, but I suppose her husband has the final say.
A man I haven't seen before signs to Aidan, relaying his father's words and he immediately walks to where I am, taking the seat beside me. I feel his body heat and cologne as he takes his seat— oh heavens! He smells so good I want to hug him right now.
After a few words from my father-in-law to the rest of the family, the food tasters sample each dish, and then the meal is served.
"Clank, clank, clank." Everyone turns toward Aidan as he continues tapping his spoon. He stops once he has everyone's attention. "I want to make a complaint," he signs, and the interpreter conveys his message to those who don't understand sign language.
Aidan takes out a piece of paper from his suit pocket and hands it to his father. The dining hall falls silent as his father reads the paper. After a moment, he directs a questioning gaze at my stepmother-in-law. "Have you been treating Aidan's wife badly?" he asks in a serious tone.
"How could you accuse me of that? I've done no such thing," she responds defensively.
"Have I ever treated you badly?" she asks, looking directly at me. I glance around, unsure if she's really talking to me.
"Yes, you," she insists. I don't know what she expects me to say—that she's been taking good care of me? She must be out of her mind. When I don't respond, she begins to tear up, giving her husband a pitiful look. "All I've ever done is care for her like my own daughter. How would Aidan know that when he never leaves his room?"
Oh, she's a drama queen? Well, I can play that game too.
"Father!" I cry, raising my voice. "I've been locked up in this house since I arrived. I'm not allowed to see my father or visit my special children's home. All I ask is for the freedom to move around my husband's home," I sob. If she wants to go low, I'll go lower.
A murmur erupts around the dining table as other family members whispers their opinions.
"Silence!" my father-in-law calls.
"You all know how much Gratis contributed to our success in the past, is this how you treat his child? Under my roof?" Mr. Armani says, pointing accusingly at his wife. I didn't realize the Armanis had a history with my father. Once again, his name has come to my rescue.
"How can you take the word of an illegitimate child over mine? I can't believe this."
"Don't forget that your son is an illegitimate child too. Or do you need a reminder of how you seduced me all those years ago? You were just a side piece then." He retorts.
"You!" She flushes with embarrassment at her husband's outburst. I didn't know she had a son— an illegitimate son. I love this turn of events; tonight is definitely my night.
"From now on, I don't want to hear any complaints about her treatment, that's the least I can do for what her father has done for me," he says, pointing toward me. I can hardly contain my excitement; if I could, I'd run around the house in joy.
Throughout the dinner, I can feel my stepmother-in-law and Olivia's hard gazes on me, as if they're planning to devour me on the spot. If I want to survive in this house, I'll need to be cautious although I know I'm safe as long as my father-in-law is here—I hope I'm right.
"Father, I run an NGO for special children, and I'd love for you to visit someday," I say shyly, tucking my hair behind my ear. "Also, we'd appreciate any funds you might donate to the organization," I add, hoping he doesn't think I want to steal his money.
"Special children? Or are you just trying to steal from my father?" Olivia sneers. I don't know what I've done to deserve this disdain from her and her mother.
"That's probably her plan. She might even try to seduce your father; after all, he likes young girls," Mrs. Armani murmurs.
"Marie!" my father-in-law cautions, but she ignores him.
"It's not like I'm lying; I'm living proof of it," she mutters under her breath, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Ahem. Thanks for dinner; I should be going now," says a man whom I assume to be my father-in-law's brother.
After some family members exchange pleasantries and leave, I debate whether I should remind my father-in-law about my NGO. But before I can decide, Olivia speaks up again.
"Father, don't give her any money. Why should we waste money on her orphanage?"
"Children's home. Special children's home," I correct. I'm glad she brought it up again; here's my chance to find out if he's willing to help.
"See my P.A. later; he'll send some money to you," he says, completely ignoring Olivia.
"Father!"
"You should join your sister-in-law at her NGO, Olivia. It will improve the company's image," he adds as he stands and leaves the dining room. Olivia and her mother's faces turn sour, but they say nothing.
With only Aidan, Olivia, Mrs. Armani, and me left at the table, I feel uncomfortable. Without my father-in-law here, my safety isn't as certain.
Aidan turns to me and signs, "You'll be staying with me now." Staying with him? What does he mean by that?
"What did he say?" my mother-in-law asks, as the interpreter has already left.
"He said he loves his wife very much and doesn't want to be separated from her, so he wants me to move into his room," I say, grinning widely. I'm glad he can't hear me.
"I thought he didn't like women. Why does he care now?" she snorts.
"Well, he can't live without me," I say proudly. I think I'm crazy but I like crazy. Whatever reason Aidan has for telling me to move in with him will be known once I'm away from these people but for now, I want to rub it in their faces.
"Don't offend me, or you'll be surprised by what I can do to you," she says, her tone cold and threatening. I know she's serious, and I don't intend to take her threats lightly. I've crossed her, and I'm certain she'll retaliate. I will be prepared for her too.