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Chapter 9 - Hidden truth

As the police investigation continued, and there was less attention on the house keepers, Jane slipped away to make a call. She went to a private place where no one could see her or come near and dialed her boss's number, her voice low and urgent. "Boss, something bad happened today". 

"What happened", the boss questioned, his voice serious as usual. 

"Em.. I was carrying out the order you gave me when the house keeper in charge of the master's room entered and threatened to report me and not having any other option, i had to hit her and she died at the spot", Jane said stammering in between her statement. 

"And what's happening right now in the house", the boss asked not feeling any bit of remorse in what had happened.

"The master contacted the authorities and they are already investigating the matter but I destroyed the only proof available before carrying out the activity which is the camera, so I believe today's event wouldn't be traced" Jane said keeping her voice low. 

Her boss's voice was calm on the other end as if nothing had happened at all. "Keep your cool, Jane. We'll handle this."

Jane nodded, though she knew her boss couldn't see her. "I'll try." She said.

Meanwhile, as the police officers were still investigating the matter, Michael's mother, Mrs. Stella Stone, arrived at the house. She was greeted by Sonia, who seemed tense.

"Hello, Mother," Sonia said, trying to sound welcoming. "You're welcome to the house".

Mrs. Stone smiled warmly. "Hello, my dear. I'm so sorry about what happened. I just need you to calm down, everything will be sorted out soon".

In less than an hour after Mrs Stone came in, Sonia's mum, Mrs. Susan Smith arrived too. 

As the investigation was done, the Police officers assured Michael and Sonia that they will try to see to the end of the matter. They carried the lifeless body of the house keeper and left the house. 

Sonia and Michael went to their different rooms as everyone seemed tired and still in shock. 

The two mothers-in-law sat down, and Mrs. Stone began to speak. "I'm so glad our children are now married. I think It's a match made in heaven, don't you think so?" She asked raising her brows.

Mrs. Smith's expression turned bitter. "You think so, don't you? You think you're superior just because of your family's status and the power."

Mrs Smith chuckled at her speech but remained silent. 

"You made me force my daughter to marry your son making her believe that you love her when I know you don't even care because I owe you", Mrs. Susan Smith said with increased annoyance. 

Sonia, who was passing and was on her way to the kitchen, overheard the conversation and stormed into the room. "Mum….what did you just say", she said as tears trickled down. 

She already had a long day and this now. She believed her mum all this while but she married in lies and was betrayed by her own family.

Mrs. Stone stood up, her face reddening. "Sonia, I think it's time for me to leave, I've an important meeting to attend to this evening."

Sonia nodded, her eyes flashing with anger. "Yes, it is."

Once Mrs. Stone was gone, Sonia turned to her mother. "What was that about, I hope I heard it all wrong?"

Mrs. Smith's eyes welled up with tears. "I'll tell you everything, but you have to promise not to judge me."

Sonia nodded trying to remain calm, and her mother began to explain how she collected a loan from Mrs Stone to pay for her tution fee in her 200 level and after many years had passed and she couldn't pay back, Mrs Stone gave the condition of her son, Michael getting married to Sonia and without any other option, she had to succumb to her plan. 

Sonia became dumbfounded, she opened her mouth to talk but words failed her. 

How could her mum do this without asking her if she wanted that.

She just had to leave the room immediately. She touched the door knob but her hand suddenly became heavy. 

Michael who just heard what was happening rushed to the door and met Sonia already coming out. 

Michael noticed Sonia's distress and went to comfort her. She ran to him, seeking solace in his arms.

Michael took her to his room and made her lie on his bed, luring her to sleep while patting her back. 

Later after she had woken up, Sonia decided to visit her mother at their house, after all, she took the loan cos of her.

As they discussed what had happened, Sonia's sister, Becky, walked in.

"Hi sis", Becky said waving at her sis. "It's been long I saw you at home last, has work been real tough? She asked coming closer to her sis. 

Becky's eyes widened as she noticed Sonia's wedding ring. "Sis, why are you wearing a wedding ring". 

Sonia withdrew her hand trying to hide it. 

"Wait mum…. Don't tell me Sonia is married", Becky turned to her mum. 

Sonia and her mother exchanged nervous glances. "We'll explain later, Becky," Sonia said trying to be less nervous. "It's not actually want you think". 

But Becky was already angry. " So you're married". She gave a loud disgusting laugh. "You kept this from me? I'm your sister for crying out loud!"

"Mum….even you, am I that bad that family's matters are no longer shared with me".

As Becky stormed out, Sonia's mother tried to apologize. "Sonia, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

Sonia sighed. "We'll deal with this later, Mom."

 

As the evening drew to a close, Sonia decided it was time to head home. She hugged her mother tightly. "I'll talk to you soon, Mom."

Mrs. Smith nodded, her eyes still wet with tears. "Be safe, dear."

After Sonia left, Mrs. Smith sat down, lost in thought. The silence was broken by her phone ringing. She glanced at the screen, and her mouth became dry. It was Sonia's father, Mr. Smith.

Mrs. Smith's hands trembled slightly as she answered the call. "Hello?"

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