Meanwhile, Jessica slumped into the plush leather seat of her Rolls-Royce, sobs wracking her body as tears streamed down her face. The world outside her window blurred into a watercolour wash of grief. Her heart felt like a shattered crystal vase, each shard reflecting a broken dream.
She had clung to the fantasy of being Michael's perfect match, a queen by his side. In her meticulously crafted daydreams, their future was a tapestry woven with love and luxury: herself, resplendent in a diamond-encrusted white gown, gliding down the aisle towards him; dazzling vows exchanged beneath a flower-filled arch; breathtaking sunsets witnessed from a secluded balcony; romantic getaways to exotic locales. Countless moments flickered through her mind: watching sunrises paint the sky with hues of gold and pink, strolling hand-in-hand through bustling European streets, and cosy nights by the window, sharing a mug of hot cocoa while snowflakes danced outside. The Njemanze Lake House in the Philippines, with its mouthwatering barbecues and fiery sunsets melting into the ocean, had been a recurring dream.
But now, the threads of that future had unraveled, replaced by the harsh reality of his choice. Despite never having loved her or led her on, Michael's decision felt like a betrayal to Jessica because it shattered her self-created vision of their future. The woman he had chosen felt like an insult, a lesser reflection compared to her own perceived brilliance. The scent of her expensive perfume mingled with the metallic tang of tears on her tongue, a bitter cocktail of betrayal and humiliation. Jessica couldn't easily accept such a blow. Beneath the wreckage of her dreams, a flicker of anger ignited, a fire that promised retribution.
'Do you know what happens to boyfriend snatchers? They won't have a happy ending.' After muttering these words, Jessica started the engine of her car and drove off to Njemanze Villa. She was heading to meet Patricia Njemanze on Danube Street, located off Ibrahim Babangida Way in Maitama.
The Njemanze family owned a prestigious villa in Maitama, along with other luxurious properties in Asokoro and various districts of Abuja. Aside from the vice president, numerous serving and former governors also resided in this area.
Jessica's eyes remained teary as she arrived at Njemanze Villa. After wiping away her tears, she slowly opened the car door, grabbed her purse, and hurried inside. There, she found Patricia leisurely sipping tea while watching TV in the living room. Even when at home relaxing, Patricia always dressed elegantly, and she was currently donning an Armani dress adorned with a lotus flower motif.
One glance at Jessica's tear-streaked face was enough for Patricia to understand the source of her distress. Setting her teacup aside, she rose and enveloped Jessica in a warm embrace, her touch offering a temporary solace.
'Aunty Patricia,' Jessica choked out, her voice thick with emotion, 'you know I truly love Michael, don't you?'
Patricia's knowing gaze held a silent understanding. 'I've always known, child,' she replied softly.
'I love him more than anything,' Jessica declared, her voice trembling with a desperate plea.
'And you are the woman I believe is best for him,' Patricia reassured her, her words laced with unwavering conviction.
'But I saw her today,' Jessica sobbed, her voice filled with disbelief and indignation. 'She's nowhere near as beautiful, as accomplished... I don't understand why he would choose her over me.'
Patricia's expression softened with empathy. 'My dear, things have a way of working out in the end. Trust me,' she consoled, her voice a soothing balm on Jessica's wounded spirit.
Jessica, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions, looked at Patricia with pleading eyes. 'What should I do?' she whispered, seeking guidance in the face of her perceived betrayal.
Patricia, sensing Jessica's vulnerability, offered a gentle pat on her shoulder. 'It's all right to cry, child. Let it all out,' she said, her voice radiating warmth and understanding.
Tears streamed down Jessica's face as she finally allowed herself to break down, releasing the pent-up emotions that had been gnawing at her. In Patricia's presence, she felt a flicker of hope, a fragile belief that perhaps, just perhaps, things could still be salvaged. 'I'm sorry for acting like a baby.'
'You are my baby, remember?' Patricia soothed her. 'As your future mother-in-law, you should feel comfortable showing your true self.' Patricia's words offered Jessica a glimmer of hope, and she cried in Patricia's warm embrace until her tears subsided.
Jessica, her voice trembling slightly, sought reassurance, 'Aunty, will you accept Chioma?'
Patricia's expression flickered with a hint of disapproval at the mention of Chioma's name. 'So, the girl's name is Chioma,' she acknowledged, her tone laced with skepticism. 'But remember, darling, you are the woman I truly believe is best for my son.' Her words held an unwavering conviction, leaving Jessica feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.
'Thank you,' Jessica whispered, pulling away from the embrace. A faint smile touched her lips as she expressed her appreciation for Patricia's support.
Patricia offered a warm smile. 'Feeling a bit better now?' she enquired gently.
Jessica managed a small nod, a single tear rolling down her cheek. 'Yup,' she replied softly.
Patricia, sensing Jessica's lingering emotional turmoil, offered a practical solution. 'You must be famished. Let me have the maids prepare something for you,' she suggested, turning to leave.
However, Jessica, her emotions shifting, reached out and grasped Patricia's hand. 'Let's cook together, like we used to,' she proposed, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Despite the initial blow, a sense of hope and determination was beginning to blossom within her.
Patricia smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. 'Of course, dear,' she agreed readily. Together, they headed towards the kitchen, seeking solace and a renewed sense of connection in the shared activity of cooking.