The atmosphere at the Shawls' mansion was shrouded with a cloud of uncertainty and anticipation.
The tension was so thick that you could cut the air with a knife.
Although the decorations were impeccable and the softly jamming background music soothing, every mber of the family felt apprehensive as if they were walking on eggshells.
No one seems to take cognisance of the mouth-watering aroma of both local and intercontinental delicacies whiffing through the air.
The sound of a honking vehicle outside the mansion gate forced everyone except Nana out of their seat and towards the mansion entrance.
So of the maids also secretly snuck out to watch the drama.
"Who is that?"
"Could it be them?"
"In one SUV! I seriously doubt it."
"Maybe it's Gwen."
"I don't think so. Harriet has been trying her number, but she isn't taking her calls."
"I can't believe Gwen isn't around to welco her own mother!"
"Neither is her heartless stepsister that put them in prison."
"I'm sure Alia must be too embarrassed to face them."
"I'm glad she didn't even co. She deserves to fall sick for the evil she has done to this family."
"She's already paying for her cri with her husband in jail."
Different comnts filtered through the air as they all watched the gate open slowly after several security asures were observed.
The SUV drove down the long driveway that led to the big fountain opposite the mansion before halting in front of the excited family mbers.
Inside the car, Pearl and Regina both exchanged knowing glances.
"It's ti, sis." Pearl bead.
"Let the drama begin." Regina grinned slyly, squeezing her sister's hands. She inhaled and exhaled, wearing her most pathetic and sorrowful look before stepping out of the car.
"It's Regina!"
"And Pearl too..."
So mbers of the family exclaid excitedly.
"My sweet family...." Regina hurried over to them, falling on her knees before the gullible Harriet. She's squeezed out a few tears as she dramatically captured everyone's affection.
"Please, I need you all to forgive for all my mistakes. I was blinded by greed and jealousy."
" too." Pearl joins her sister on her knees, also faking tears, while revealing several scars on her body.
"Oh my goodness! What did they do to you people?" Harriet cupped her open mouth in alarm.
"This is so barbaric and heartless." Soone amongst the group of extended family exclaid out loud.
"They look so emaciated."
"Look at those horrible scars on Pearl's body."
"I bet Regina has so too."
"She's looking so ugly."
"You an both of them, right?"
"Don't get started with her frail-looking hair."
"I almost mistook her for Nana."
Regina's muscles stiffened at all the ridiculing comnts. She wanted to open her mouth and lash out at all those making fun of her appearance. But she managed to keep her emotions in check and continued to cry helplessly
"I deserve it. I offended my stepdaughter, and I have paid for my mistakes. But I still need you all to forgive ."
"Please stop crying, sister-in-law," Harriet pulled Regina up to her feet while another family mber helped Pearl stand up.
"Let's take you in and have you both thoroughly cleaned up and changed into better clothes."
Harriet led them toward the entrance door, where Nana Shawls was patiently waiting for them.
Nana Shawls had been silently watching their display in anger, pained by their lack of remorse.
"Oh mother...." Regina left Harriet's side and ran over to Nana Shawls. But the old woman's sharp voice stopped her cold.
"Stop right there. Who is your mother?" Nana Shawls demanded angrily, causing other mbers of the family to exchange curious gazes.
"Do you think you can co in here and shed those crocodile tears to deceive everyone? Are you expecting all of us to applaud your wickedness? Are you expecting to feel sorry for your evil deeds? You should both be burying your head in sha rather than making a show of sha. You two alongside others, tried to kill a bona fide daughter of this family for a wealth that doesn't belong to either of you. Tell , is that fair?"
A deafening silence fell across the family as so of them lowered their heads, contemplating their involvent in the hideous act.
'Why is this old hag still alive anyway? Isn't she supposed to be dead?' Pearl resisted the urge to roll her teary eyes.
"I'm sorry." Regina's hoarse voice broke through the silence. "I admit I made a mistake and I have paid for my sins." She lowered her head while cursing under her breath, wishing the old hag could magically disappear into thin air.
"No. You haven't paid for anything yet." Nana corrected, glaring at Regina. "You are simply out of prison early because I pleaded with my granddaughter to release every one of you. If I hadn't intervened, you would still be in prison by now."
So mbers of the family hanging around nodded to the old woman's assertion, even though they didn't appreciate her harsh thods approach.
"I'm truly sorry." Regina pretended to sob harder while cupping her face and falling down on her knee again.
"Saying sorry doesn't fix your mistake. Rather, it's your action that does the magic." Nana hissed
"Mum, I think you have scolded them enough. Let them..."
"Shut up, Harriet, and don't interfere." Nana Shawls snapped angrily, her authority weighing down on Harriet and everyone's standing behind the culprit.
"Now listen all of you, I called for this family reunion because it was very necessary. I will have no form of drama or unnecessary bickering and crocodile tears. I expect everyone to be of their best behaviour." Nana Shawls turned her head towards Sam, who was standing behind her.
"Are their change of clothes ready like I instructed?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Very good. Escort both of them to the guest room to clean up while we all wait for my sons."
"Guest room!" Both Regina and Gwen exchange furtive glances before staring up at Sam, the only familiar-looking servant in the mansion.
"Why the guest room, mother? What happened to their forr rooms?" Harriet asked, staring at the unjust old woman.
"That will be none of your business, Harriet." Nana Shawls shot Harriet a rebuking glare. "Watch your tongue."
"Madam Regina and Miss Pearl, please co with ." Sam gestured politely, leading the way into the mansion as if Regina and Pearl were complete strangers.
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