Look Who’s Here
‘Hmph,’ It was as if everyone has their way of bullying her.
Gina puffed her cheeks as she stomped to the large door. Still grieving at the sudden robbery, she hadn’t noticed the eerie atmosphere around the mansion until she reached for the doorknob.
‘Huh? What’s happening?’ her forehead settled into a frown. There was no sign of celebration and even the lights around the corridor were dimmed.
Gina scratched her head, knowing well that she had read the date well. But to confirm her doubts, she took out her phone.
She was still tapping on the phone, then the huge door flung open and she flinched.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“Well… look who’s here”
A young woman just about her age was standing in front of her with folded hands. She was wearing a tight-fitting short black dress and heels that emphasized her tall figure.
Gina ignored her and shoved the phone back into her bag. She wouldn’t have time to squabble with the girl whose expression was spelling trouble.
She had to find out why there was no party.
However, the girl was not done yet, and she grabbed Gina’s arm, her expression now cold. “Gina, you dared to ignore me!?” She snapped.
Gina almost lost her footing when the girl grabbed her. “Listen, Kate, I’m not here for any trouble,” She said after yanking her hand off the girl’s tight grip.
Kate was stunned for a few seconds, and she chortled. “You’ve always been trouble Gina… despite the love he’s shown you, It’s been so many days and you didn’t even care to come see him.”
“You know what” she continued. “I won’t even blame you for talking back. What else is expected from a servant’s daughter? No matter what, the blood of that ingrate still runs through your veins and no one else is to be blamed for your lack of manners.”
Gina clenched her fists and breathed deeply. She was used to that, but couldn’t control the anger that coarse through her whenever they used her mother to taunt her. “Kate, don’t you know that speaking ill of people makes your mouth stink. Thank goodness, you stopped speaking, I was afraid I would suffocate to death… Holding one’s breath for so long is not healthy you know,” She said calmly, masking her anger with a soft smile.
“You…” Kate’s eyes instantly turned red.
“Now, if you would excuse me, I have more meaningful things to do.” Gina walked past her toward the house.
“Just you wait Gina, I’ll make sure you eat those words!” Kate screamed and strode away.
Gina ignored the girl’s threats, without glancing back. When she reached the large living room, it was empty.
She thought back to Kate’s words and panic spread through her body. Did something happen to her grandfather?
Her heartbeats quickened and she headed for the stairs.
Half running through the stairs, Gina could remember that the last time she had seen the old man was a month ago, just a few days before she got entangled with the devil.
But he appeared alright, at that time, what had happened?
After reaching the door to her grandfather’s room, Gina could hear slight sobbing from inside and a cold shiver ran all the way down her spine.
With trembling fingers, she gripped the doorknob and pushed the door open.
On entering the room, Gina was met with piercing gazes. Her four uncles, their wives, and her cousins.
Even her father was there. He was surprised to see her but quickly regained his stance.
They were all standing at the side of the bed, where her grandfather lay with his eyes closed.
“Grandpa!” Gina exclaimed and ran toward the bed. “Grandpa” she called out, now softly, holding his hands.
“Tsk tsk tsk, I never knew her acting skills would be so perfect,” said one of her Aunties, her eldest uncle’s wife.
The woman sized her up and down and scoffed.
“Your grandfather has shown you so much love, but when he got sick, you didn’t even care to show up until now,” Said another one of her Aunties. She was her second uncle’s wife.
Gina looked between them helplessly. Their sharp gazes shooting daggers at her. Everyone in the room was throwing accusatory glances at her, except her father, who was standing quietly with his head down.
As the youngest of all, the man couldn’t talk back to his brothers or wives. And could only watch as they lashed out at his daughter.
He gave her a comforting look and Gina lowered her head.
“What!?” Now it was her third Uncle’s wife that spoke. “Are you going to keep sitting like a statue,? aren’t you going to apologize.?”
“Your arrogance is increasing with each day, Gina, you’re just like__”
“Enough!” A hoarse voice cracked from the bed and everyone’s gaze darted to the old man.
“Grandpa?” Gina gasped and turned her attention to him. “I–I’m so sorry, I didn’t know__” she stammered but was instantly cut off by her eldest uncle who had been quiet all along and seething with anger.
He pointed a hand at her and said, “It was all your fault. You and your father.” He also pointed to her father, his youngest brother. “If it wasn’t for him, the company’s shares wouldn’t have plummeted, and father wouldn’t be in this condition.”
“And you!” he turned back to her again, and barked, “You’re just as insolent, You went out there enjoying life when you knew father was sick!”
Gina flinched and bit her lips. All her cousins and aunties had on gloating expressions. It was rare for her first uncle to talk, and she wondered if her father had made an excuse for her that she went abroad.
Fighting back her tears, she lowered her head, still holding onto her grandfather’s hand.
However, the middle-aged man was not done yet, and he growled, “See now, she’s even ignoring me too. Regina, you__”
“I said enough!” The old man has now opened his eyes, his voice was a little bit higher. “Leave me alone,” he said weakly.