Have a wonderful thanksgiving ahead y'all : )

Here is the promised update. Endeavour to read the previous one...and, oh well. This chapter is gonna be a bumpy one.

Dedicated to _vee_amy for her wonderful comments♥️

♤

Chief Justice Bolanle..

Live and direct..

In flesh and blood..

The same politician I've known for seven years. The Jagaban of politics in Nigeria and the bloody multi-billionaire who controls anything and everything pertaining political parties.

Damn!

By his side is who I presume to be my grandmother, Chief Mrs Omolara Bolanle. I did not notice when they graced us with thier presence...but then, I was too absorbed in Kiki's message and the old wound aunty Sade tried to open. Mistakenly.

Now I know why Chief Bolanle is being respected by all and sundry. Apart from the fact that he is a ruthless politician and a multi-billionaire, his whole aura oozes of self confidence and dominance.

"Oh. Hey daddy, hey momma!!" I can tell that aunty Sade is the life of the family. Always smiling and chirpy like her voice right now. The duo just ignore her greeting as they walk towards the dinning area in utter silence. As if a silent message was passed through, we all trudge after them to the dinning area. The dinning area was already blessed with various mouthwatering dishes and desserts from all ranges unnameable. Still in silence, we take our respective positions on the dinning seats.

I am stuck between Derek and Mayorkun. Not bad though. Anything to keep me far away from the maniac himself-uncle Makanaki.

Nonetheless, I tried and failed in removing my curious gaze from my grandfather. For the first time in my life, luxurious food did not entice me neither did I feel the urge to attack the food. I guess anxiety and curiosity prevailed. The way he moves, makes me to be self-conscious. After everyone settled down, my grandfather finally breaks the tensive atmosphere with his bizarre and all-too-familiar voice.

"Let us pray." Immediately he says this, every starts linking thier hands together with the person sitting beside them. I follow suit, and link my hands with Derek and Mayorkun. "Dear Lord, thank you for a momentary gathering like this. Thank you for not failing us when we needed you, and thank you for your daily dosage of grace in our lives. As we eat this food, bless and santicfy u-" that's when I feel it. The creepy pressure on my right palm. I lift my eyelids slowly to glare at the culprit and I am not too surprised, to see it is Mayorkun. He smirks in return and retorts a loud, Amen when it was called for.

Idiot.

After the prayer, I quickly remove my right hand from his hold after he caressed my palm multiple times after the stupid encounter. At that moment, I conclude that Mayorkun is just like his father.

No words are still exchanged, as we dig into our delicious meal. Of course, trust my appetite to return after savouring the food on my taste buds.

"So, Aramide, how have you been?" No it was not my grandfather that asked that. Rather, it was his wife-my grandmother. I quickly grab a serviette to wipe imaginary spittle from the side of my mouth before answering.

"Fine ma." Curt, simple, straight to the point. I don't know the motive behind her question that is why I settled to say less. All this while, my grandfather has been giving me the look. Like he is trying to figure me out.

"Hmm, good. At least I hope you're not trying to elope with a forbidden pregnancy like some people did."

Shit!

I freeze on hearing that. Even my grandfather's gaze pivoted to her as she said those words. His eyes are literally screaming, shut up or I'll end you. She hums in response and continues to eat. I instantly lost my appetite at that.

At least, I hope you're not trying to elope with a forbidden pregnancy like some people did.

The words keep repeating by themselves in my brain. The pregnancy was me. My mother eloped with the pregnancy because of me. I am the FORBIDDEN child. I knew a day will come like this, when all wagging tounges will be against me. To clear the tension on the table, my grandfather changes the topic.

"Hope you are enjoying your new home? I bet Titus and Onome are treating you well." His voice is so calm and relaxed that I feel the sudden urge to hug him for being gentle.

"Yes sir. I love it here so much." I answer politely as I didn't feel the need to be cautious. However someone emits a snicker on the other side of the table, which causes all of us to look at the direction of the disruption.

"Lies, lies, lies. What did my brother and his little side kick do that made you fall for thier evil trap? Tsk I bet you're covering up for them." Uncle Makanaki has to be the culprit of course.

The hell?

I stare at him in bewilderment. Not only did he say their names despicably, he called Onome a side kick. And wow, he insulted me also. What is this man's game exactly?

"I can tolerate you being a total prick, but I won't tolerate it when you pejorate our personalities." Onome says in a calm tone that I or anyone who is smart enough, will know that it is far from being calm.

"Aww my bad. I didn't know the side kick has a say in this family." He replies sardonically.

"Makanaki!" Chief Bolanle voice. God, his voice is no longer calm. His voice has switched from the gentle man that prayed minutes ago, to the man I've known as a ruthless politician. Uncle Makanaki snorts and faces his father.

"What dad?! Goddamn it! You want to protect the slut and the imbecile of an husband?" As the words roll out of his mouth, Onome springs into an action so fast that I would have sworn I didn't see it. Her body is already slouched to the other half of the table as her face is just a metre far from uncle Makanaki's face.

"You call me a slut? What are you? An idiot. A personified hegoat. A psycho. You're despicable an..." She could not complete her rambling as uncle Tee uses his hands to cover her mouth and brings her up from her slouched posture.

"Sweetheart, come on this isn't necessary for our baby condition right now." He assures her as they both stand on thier feet.

"Wow she's pregnant?" The way my grandmother asks the question is as though she is being sarcastic, or she does not care at all.

What is thier deal?

Onome ignores my grandmother, and puts her head in the crook of uncle Tee's neck.

"Sorry guys, I and my wife need an alone time." Uncle Tee mumbles apologetically as they both move to the staircase direction.

"Right, we don't need your presence anyways." Uncle Makanaki says with a huge sarcastic grin. I furrow my eyes at his overdramatic expression and glance round the table wondering why nobody facial expression was mirroring mine.

Seems like they are all used to this.

My food is long forgotten and it looks kind of odd that I am the only one that is not eating again. Everyone divulged back to thier food as if nothing happened seconds ago. I poke Derek with my left elbow, mouthing, 'what about your parents?' He shrugs and continues eating his food. Like seriously? Is this a family get-together at all? More like a situationship.

"Aramide dear, why are you not eating? Are you curious that the food may be poisoned like what your mother did?" My grandmother asks as she clamps her fingers together. Waiting anxiously for my response. I know she is deliberately taunting me but why? What have I done to deserve such an attitude from her?

"No ma. Actually..the food is nice. I am not afraid of food poisoning."

Lies lies.

Actually, she just brought a sore topic up and she knows it. Her eyeballs are dancing in glorious victory as she sees that she struck a nerve. The only person who can calm me right now is Ayo. I quickly reach out for my phone to call him not caring if he is in the exam hall or not.

"Um, can I use the restroom?" I am already on my feet as I ask the question. My grandfather nods for me to go however, I did not make it up to seven steps when I hear uncle Makanaki's voice again.

"Such a shame she's going to end up like Tiara." No, you would think that I ignored his sardonic statement and crude comments. My feet on thier own accord, moves to where uncle Makanaki was seating. Derek and my other cousin's faces, turns to look of horror as they see what I am up to.

"Excuse me uncle Makanaki or whatever you call yourself. I would never tolerate if anyone presumes my life for me. I think Onome was right. You're a self-conceited prick. No wonder the mother of your children left your sorry ass." I am at least expecting a reaction from him but what happens, is the reverse of the case. He laughs. Like laughs out loud to the extent that tears of laughter trails down his eyes. Confusion clouds my vision as I stare at the psychopath in my front.

"Honey! That is so disrespectful of you. How dare you speak to your elder one in that manner? Who raised you up? Oh, I forgot it was the forbidden daughter who trained you." Mrs Bolanle responds in a mocking tone. I turn my gaze and face her this time. Though I feel like I am stepping on the invisible red line.

"And you ma. With all due respect, don't forget that the said forbidden daughter, was also brought forth from your womb. You trained her yourself, you raised her yourself. So let's, see..who is the mannerless human now? Oh, I forgot. She is the mother of the forbidden daughter and the self-concieted divorcé." The words slipped out of my mouth effortlessly. It did not take up to a second when I felt a hand grip on my right hand. The person with the strong grip spun me so fast that I almost tumble to the floor. I gasp on seeing the pure rage and fire dancing behind uncle Makanaki's dark eyes.

"How dare you?!" His grip on my hand gets stronger and stronger that wimps of pain escapes my mouth. The tears cascade down my eyes, slowly. "Oh, you scared now? I thought you were miss little bravery?"
He mocks me as a spittle escapes his mouth and lands on my face. His breath reeks of strong gin and cigarette. I had to scrunch my nose repeatedly.

"MAKANAKI!" My grandfather voice resonates the whole building. Yes the whole building in a whole. Not only did he raise his voice, his fist banged the table so hard that my six year old cousin, whom I've completely forgotten about, burst into fits of uncontrollable tears. Aunty Sade jumps into action my petting and cuddling her daughter. She lifts her up and shoots a look to her brother, mother and father silently saying "I'm disappointed in you all." Before she slowly ascends the stairs with a frightened Sara clinging to her.

He drops my hand roughly, which causes me to trip and land on the floor with my butt. Derek did not waste time as he pushes his chair backward, and joins me on the floor.

"Shit! Are you okay?" He asks desperately as his eyes searches mine. I could not answer as he uses his hand to soothe the ache on my right wrist.

"Makanaki, I would not condone this behaviour next time. Sit down now, or you'll face my bloody wrath." Nah, this isn't going well at all. The way my grandfather sounded right now, is not funny at all. I thought things like this happened in movies only? what is up with all this family drama now? Uncle Makanaki scoffs and walks up to where his father was standing.

"You've got no shit over me pops. I do my shit and you do yours kay? For the past TWENTY years. For years pops, you used me for your political gain and now what? You became a partial parent by giving all your estates and properties to Titus." He does a mock laugh before continuing. "Not only did you favour your last child, you favoured his twin by letting her get away with the pregnancy she got from that university kid when she was just fifteen."

Pause. Hold up.

University kid? I thought mum was raped? I thought they said, nobody knows who raped her till date?

Aramide he's lieing obviously. Don't let uncle Makanaki deceive you.

"You're lying! My mother was raped!" I mumble before my mouth could stop me. Derek shoots me a glare probably asking why I spoke too soon. Uncle Makanaki gaze, shifts from his father as he steps closer and closer to me. I on the other hand, shrug myself from Derek's hold as I stand on my feet while cradling my hurt wrist.

"Really? Aww is that what they made you to believe? Now I see where the problem lies." He mutters the last part to himself before he faces his parents this time. "Mother and father give it up already. When are you going to tell her the truth?" His expression is just blank. Chief Bolanle however, says nothing as he motions for the security guards to take his son away.

"Which damn truth? Uncle Tee would never lie to me so keep your sober story to your sick and damnated self!" I spit out in rage. Uncle Makanaki smiles evilly, as he releases his hands with force from the guards.

"Oh, really? Hmm that's nice to know that's you're surrounded by liers. And girl, let me tell you a hint you would never forget. Ayo is not your half-brother. He is your real blood brother. I mean you both are from the same father..." He did not complete his statement as I spit heavily on his face. His face snaps at the audacity and he slowly wipes the saliva from his face. I have never seen his eyes this dark with rage and all I could see was danger. Before I could register what happened, his left palm descends on my face with a force that makes me to stumble and land on Derek lightly.

Jesus!

The security guards quickly whisk him away as he yells profanities upon profanities. My cheek hurts like a bitch to the extent that that part of my face becomes numb,and my ears start ringing in a repeated and irregular manner.

I'm seeing red. I'm seeing blood.

All the voices fade away from the background and I instantly understood what Kiki meant by the family get-together, not going well. So I do the thing that is reasonable next. With shaky hands, I clutch my phone and ring the person who foretold about the disaster. Though Derek tried to ask me what I am doing. I ignored everyone voices,and stumbled back to the main entrance in tears.

Kiki picks on the second ring and queries me over and over again when she didn't her me say anything for a minute.

"Kiki, please I need you." I finally find my voice as I end the call, still in uttermost shock of how it all started and ended.

~A/N~

Chai one word for this chapter?

So Ayo is her blood brother? What do you think they are hiding from our girl? Omo family drama plenty sha.

My brain cannot even comprehend what's happening, but...well we move!

Ciao guys💅

-Jasmine ©️