Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 30: Shadows Behind the Smile*
After the traditional marriage, I officially became Madam Charles. Life in the mansion changed. I moved into Charles' room, and we began living as husband and wife. Everyone in the household congratulated us - smiles, hugs, and celebration filled the atmosphere - but deep down, I could sense Charles wasn't happy. He barely looked at me unless necessary. Still, I chose peace. At least now, I was married and settled.
A message came in on his phone - Richard congratulating him on the marriage. Charles didn't reply. He just stared at the screen and kept the phone aside. As the days passed, my stomach began to show. We started planning for the white wedding. Ekene and Nancy had returned with their twins, now a few months old. They stood by us throughout the planning.
The wedding came. It was beautiful. We didn't expect it, but Richard and his wife Chisholm attended. They brought gifts, smiled, and celebrated with us - but the tension between Charles and Richard was obvious. Still, everyone tried to pretend like it was all okay. Sir Frederick and Marita gifted us a mansion in Lagos as a wedding gift. We moved in shortly after.
Months later, I gave birth to a baby girl. A beautiful princess. We named her *Ziora*, meaning *"the light has come."* She brought joy to everyone - except Charles. His attitude toward her was cold. It hurt me deeply, but I smiled through the pain. Blessing started visiting more often to help me, especially when Ekene and Nancy returned from Dubai with their twins.
Three years passed. Ziora grew into a cheerful and intelligent child. We often visited Sir Frederick's mansion for family bonding. The kids played together. Nancy and I helped the maid in the kitchen. There was laughter, warmth, and love - but it was never complete in my heart.
Charles started showing signs of disconnect. He barely interacted with Ziora. He didn't help in her care. I noticed she felt it too - she would ask why Daddy doesn't carry her like Uncle Ekene carries his kids. My heart shattered each time.
One afternoon, Blessing came to visit. After the last family visit, Nancy and Ekene had traveled back. I broke down and told Blessing everything - how Charles had changed, how he ignored our daughter, how I felt alone in my marriage.
She held my hand and told me something I'd never forget:
*"You are not just a wife. You're a mother. Build your home. Don't run to his parents. Learn to stand your ground. Fight, if you must, but with wisdom."*
I nodded. I was ready to fight - not for Charles, but for Ziora.
The kind of evening when the sun softened its light and the house felt too big for just the two of us - me and my little girl.
She had been asking of her father all day, her tiny voice full of hope and innocence.
"Mummy, can I go and see Daddy?" she asked, standing with her soft teddy in her arms.
I hesitated, heart aching. "Okay," I said gently. "But don't stay too long."
She nodded and skipped down the hallway, her small footsteps echoing through the corridor. She stopped at Charles' door and knocked.
"Daddy?" she called sweetly. "Daddy, it's me…"
There was a pause.
Then the door creaked open - not wide, just enough for his figure to show.
He looked down at her - the little girl that carried his blood, his name, his legacy.
She smiled up at him. "Daddy, can I come inside?"
But instead of lifting her into his arms, he frowned and stepped back.
"Go away," he said coldly. "I'm busy."
"Daddy… please, I want to talk to - "
"I said go!" he snapped.
She froze.
Then slowly, her smile fell.
Tears welled in her innocent eyes as she turned and walked away, dragging her teddy behind her.
I heard the door slam.
I rushed out, meeting her halfway. "Baby, what happened?"
She didn't say a word.
She just ran into my arms and cried.
And that night, I held her tightly - silently promising myself she would never beg anyone for love again. Not even her own father.
ready for chapter 31