My first love
Episode 8
Written by Rukevwe merry
After Anita’s sorrowful call with Clara, Clara’s expression transformed from sympathy to calculation.
Clara’s thoughts raced. “My husband’s business is on the brink of collapse. How long can I beg Margaret for money? Anita’s marriage to Henry is our only salvation.”
Clara picked up her phone and dialed Margaret’s number.
Margaret answered instantly. “Clara, what do you want?”
Clara’s tone turned harsh. “You know exactly what I want, Margaret. Henry must marry Anita. If you value your perfect marriage, you’ll make sure it happens.”
Margaret’s voice remained calm. “Threats won’t work, Clara. Henry’s made his choice.”
Clara sneered. “You don’t understand the stakes, Margaret. If Henry doesn’t marry Anita, I’ll reveal your deepest secret.”
Margaret’s tone faltered. “What are you talking about, Clara?”
Clara’s voice dripped with malice. “Remember when you desperately sought a child? I arranged for that man to… Sl**p with you. After that night, you got pregnant.”
Margaret’s tone turned defensive. “I went to the hotel, but I changed my mind. I couldn’t go through with it. Nothing happened between us.”
Clara sneered. “Don’t l!e, Margaret! You think I don’t know? If you don’t ensure Henry and Anita’s marriage, I’ll ruin you.
“I’ll question Henry’s’ paternity in front of everyone. Your perfect family will crumble.”
Margaret’s voice trembled. “You wouldn’t dare.
Clara’s laughter sent chills down Margaret’s spine. “Watch me. You have two weeks. Make sure Henry proposes to Anita.
Margaret’s world began to unravel.
Clara ended the call, triumphant.
Margaret crumpled, shaking uncontrollably.
“So this is the type of friend I have,” Margaret whispered to herself, tears streaming down her face. “I thought she was a friend, a sister… How could she?”
Just then, Henry passed by his mother’s room. “Mom, I’m heading back to the office.”
Margaret’s distress stopped him. “Mom, what’s wrong?”
Anita’s name escaped Margaret’s lips amidst sobs. “If you don’t marry Anita… Clara will ruin me.”
Henry’s confusion deepened. “What’s going on, Mom? We’ve passed this. You know I won’t marry Anita.”
Margaret’s plea tore at Henry’s heart. “Please, son… if you don’t marry Anita, my reputation will be ruined.”
Henry’s curiosity turned to concern. “Is there something more, Mom? Something you’re hiding?”
Margaret hesitated before revealing the painful truth. “When I was desperate for a child, Clara suggested… an unthinkable solution.”
Henry’s eyes widened. “What?”
Margaret’s voice barely audible. “She advised me to sl*ep with another man. But I didn’t, Henry. I went to the hotel, but I changed my mind. I couldn’t che@t on your father.”
Henry’s understanding turned to outrage. “Now Clara’s black!ma!ling you?”
Margaret nodded, tears flowing.
Henry’s calm reassurance soothed Margaret. “We’ll handle this, Mom. But see the kind of friend you keep? Forcing me to marry Anita when her mom doesn’t mean well for you.”
Henry urged, “Let’s tell Dad the truth ourselves, rather than letting Clara reveal it. Honesty is our best defense against her black!ma!!.”
Margaret’s fear resurfaced. “No, Henry, your father will send me away if he knows.”
Henry’s determination strengthened. “We’ll tell him together.”
Hand in hand, they approached Mr. Thompson, who is engrossed in a movie.
Henry prepared him. “Dad, we need to talk.”
Mr. Thompson’s attention shifted, concern etched on his face.
Henry revealed the truth.calming his father’s rising anger.
Mr. Thompson’s fury boiled over. “How could Clara? How could you, Margaret, even considerโ”
Henry intervened, his voice soothing. “Dad, Mom didn’t go through with it.”
Mr. Thompson’s gaze lingered on Margaret before turning away, his voice cold. “Get out of my sight, Margaret.”
Margaret’s world crumbled.
Henry wrapped his arms around her. “We’ll get through this, Mom. Together.”
Days passed, and Mr. Thompson’s anger subsided. He forgave Margaret, and they reconciled. She then welcomed Isabella into the family, and wedding plans began.
Tbc
