In the car, Chibuzor fidgeted endlessly. His palms were sweaty, and he couldn't seem to sit still. "Adanna," he asked for the fifth time, "are you sure everything's in order?"
Adanna smiled, patting his arm reassuringly. "Relax, brother. We have a foolproof plan. By the end of today, we'll be bringing your wife home."
Her confidence startled Chibuzor. For the first time, he realized he was genuinely nervous. 'What's wrong with me these days?'
The family arrived at the Anozie residence, their entourage consisting of grandparents, parents, stepmother, siblings, uncles, aunts and Olisa. The Anozies and Nnenna who took the role of Olaedo's bride's maid, welcomed them politely but guardedly, the memory of the previous week's incident still fresh in their minds.
Ndidi, Chibuzor's stepmother, wasn't having it. "Who are they to welcome us half-heartedly?" she muttered angrily. "They should be grateful that an aristocratic family like ours even wants to marry their daughter, a girl who didn't even finish her schooling."
Her sharp words carried, reaching Mrs. Anozie's ears. The older woman frowned deeply. 'Is this woman really my daughter's mother-in-law? What kind of life will Olaedo have in a family like this?'
Sensing the tension, Chukwudubem quickly interjected, addressing Mrs. Anozie. "She's not our mother, ma. She's a stepmother, and we would never let her bully our sister-in-law."
Mrs. Anozie's gaze softened slightly. 'This family is complicated, but at least most of them seem to care about my daughter.'
The ceremony began promptly at 4 p.m., with Olaedo's closest uncle representing her dead father. He formally accepted the greetings and gifts before giving her hand in marriage to Chibuzor.
The process was smooth, and after a bit of dancing and refreshments, the Anozie family's earlier reservations began to ease. By the end of the evening, their view of Chibuzor had softened a bit.
As night fell, the family departed with Olaedo. During the ride home in the family car, the introductions began.
Chukwudubem spoke first, flashing Olaedo a kind smile. "Sister-in-law, I'm Chibuzor's younger brother, Chukwudubem. If you ever need anything when my brother isn't around or makes you upset, just let me know. Even though I live abroad, I'll catch the first flight back if you need me."
Adanna chimed in next, her enthusiasm a little out of character. "I've always wanted my big brother to marry someone kind to him, and you're perfect! Welcome to the family, sister-in-law. I live nearby, so don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
Olaedo smiled shyly, her heart warming at their genuine kindness. This is just a contract marriage, but it wouldn't hurt to have additional friends in the form of in-laws.
Ifeoma, however, wasn't as accommodating. She crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "Olaedo, you married my brother after being betrayed by your ex-fiancé, right? The news was everywhere. Honestly, I thought you were pretty stupid for that. Just so you know, I won't acknowledge you as family until I'm sure you're not just using my brother as an escape plan."
Chibuzor's stepmother, Ndidi, nodded approvingly at Ifeoma's harsh words. She was content to let someone else voice her thoughts while she quietly plotted to undermine the marriage in her own way. The fewer heirs these two have, the better.
The atmosphere tensed, but before Adanna could intervene, Olaedo responded, her tone calm but firm. "You're Ifeoma, right? Great. First of all, I'm four years older than you, so you will address me with respect. Second, my marriage to your brother is none of your concern. As your sister-in-law, it's my responsibility to guide and groom you, so it's time for you to grow up."
Her words stunned everyone into silence. Even Old Master, who had been about to speak, nodded approvingly instead. She knows her place and defends it well. This girl is no pushover.
While most of the younger generation looked on in admiration, Ifeoma's face turned red with anger. "Who do you think you are? Just because you married my brother, you think you can act high and mighty?! Chibuzor, are you seriously letting her talk to me like this?"
Chibuzor's glare silenced her. "Ifeoma, behave yourself. Olaedo is my wife, and if you hadn't disrespected her, she wouldn't have spoken to you that way. Your allowance for this month is canceled. Reflect on your behavior."
Ifeoma's jaw dropped. "What?! No! The family ball is next week! I need that allowance to prepare!"
Chibuzor ignored her, his mind elsewhere. He was far more concerned with the fact that Olaedo had ignored his calls and texts for an entire week. We're definitely going to talk about this later.
They arrived at the Arinze mansion for a small celebration in honor of Olaedo's welcome. The atmosphere was lively, filled with smiles from everyone except Ndidi and Ifeoma.
For years, the family had encouraged, persuaded, and even begged Chibuzor to find someone he liked, yet he had remained unmoved. Now, to their relief and delight, he was married!
And not just to anyone. Olaedo was a woman who knew her worth, carried herself with grace, and had made her mark in life despite her lack of a university degree. As a Christian family, they refrained from serving alcoholic drinks, but the cheerful spirit filled the room like fine wine.
By midnight, Chibuzor rose, intending to take his wife home, but his announcement drew immediate protests.
Old Madam frowned deeply, cutting him off. "We just met our granddaughter-in-law today, and you already want to whisk her away? No! Let her stay until after the family ball next week."
Her words triggered a chorus of agreement. Adanna's voice rang out distinctively. "Brother, this is a great chance for us to bond with her, especially those of us who don't live here. You owe us this!"
"After all, you didn't tell us about her until now, didn't share that you had found someone or even fallen in love. We've been so worried about you."
Adanna was careful not to mention Chibuzor's childhood friend, Adaugo, to avoid stirring any insecurities. However, Ifeoma had no such tact.
"Adanna is right," Ifeoma chimed in. "You finally moved on from Adaugo, someone you loved for over a decade, and rushed into this marriage with Sister-in-law. It feels like you're just looking for a distraction. Still, we deserve time to get to know her since we all thought Adaugo was the one."
Her seemingly innocuous statement carried a sharp edge. It was clear she intended to plant seeds of doubt in Olaedo's mind, to subtly suggest that Chibuzor had made a mistake in marrying her.
Ndidi, sensing an opportunity, eagerly added, "That's true. Years ago, all your father talked about was how deeply Chibuzor loved Adaugo. He waited for so long, even this year hoping she would return so they could reconcile. But, don't worry, Olaedo. The fact he married you shows he's ready to bury those feelings… for now."
Her words were a deliberate provocation, meant to cause chaos in the young marriage. However, she hadn't anticipated the sharp reactions.
"That's a big lie! I've been over Adaugo for years!" Chibuzor snapped, his voice laced with irritation.
"Enough from you!" Old Madam cut in, glaring at Ndidi.
"That's rich coming from a homewrecker," Ifeoma muttered under her breath, prompting a collective gasp.
The room fell silent, everyone nervously watching Olaedo's reaction. They couldn't possibly deny that Chibuzor had once loved Adaugo, but they also feared how this revelation might affect her.
Chibuzor subconsciously hoped for something, anything, that hinted at jealousy. It would mean she cared for him. His eyes flicked to her, searching her face for signs of discomfort or irritation. But to his disappointment, Olaedo didn't flinch.
Instead, she remained composed, a serene smile spreading across her face as she leaned back into the sofa. With calm confidence, she locked eyes with Ifeoma.
"I'm so glad you all want me to stay," Olaedo began, her voice steady but firm. "As for Adaugo and Chibuzor's past, I was aware of it before we got married. He told me everything and assured me he was over it. We've bared our hearts to each other, and I'm not concerned about Adaugo, whether she's in the past or standing in front of me."
"Besides, Chibuzor has loved me for years and confessed his feelings many times before I accepted him. If that's a distraction, I'll happily take it. I'll stay if it means getting closer to all of you."
Her words left the room in awe. The older generation exchanged approving nods, their thoughts unanimous: 'This is the strength and poise of a true matriarch.'
Chibuzor's grandparents were particularly pleased. 'With her by his side, Chibuzor won't have to shoulder everything alone. She embodies the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9, 'Two are better than one.''
Meanwhile, Ndidi hid her irritation behind a tight smile, though inwardly, she seethed at Olaedo's composed rebuttal. Ifeoma, however, wore her frustration openly, her face a mix of anger and disbelief.