Bab 17: Turning The Table Around
The Shawls family were left in utter confusion and bewilderment after watching Amelia's interview with the journalists. Not only did she consent to being the wife of Jerry Morgan, but she confirmed some of his false stories, claiming she was in the know.
'Did she slam her head against a rock and lose her memory?'
Regina was beyond speechless. On one hand, she was happy that Amelia consented to be married to Jerry. This statement not only validated her forged signature on the trust agreement but it also meant she was aware of the asset disposal.
However, on the other hand, Regina was unsure of the games Amelia was playing. The proud and sophisticated lady she saw on television didn't look like someone who would foolishly give up her inheritance without a fight.
'I have to do something.' Regina's twitching and slightly terrified eyes tilted in the direction of her daughter, who was as perplexed as her.
Senator Gregory couldn't be more happier, seeing his daughter alive and well. Although he was shocked like the rest of the family, he was grateful to Amelia for not exposing the family's ugly secret and commenting on the ongoing scandal. All he wanted to do right now was bring his first daughter home.
Picking up his phone from the centre table, the senator called out.
"Jackson."
"Brother, where are you going?" The senator's youngest brother, Desmond Shawls asked, a hint of guilt lacing his tone.
"Where does it look like I'm going?" The senator scowled at his brother.
Desmond shrugged, his expression clueless.
"To get my daughter of course."
"Then I'll come with you." The senator's other younger brother, Matt, said, collecting his car keys from the couch where he was seated earlier.
"No, stay with mother. I have to do this on my own." The senator said dismissively as he called out again to his personal bodyguard who was waiting outside the inner family sitting room.
"Jackson."
"Yes, senator."
The door to the inner room opened and Jackson hurried in, almost colliding with the senator who was on his way out.
"Get the driver and the security team ready. We're going to the Brox International Airport to get my daughter." The senator said, a sense of urgency lacing his tone.
"Yes, senator." Jackson hurried out of the room while dialling the number of his direct boss, Lin Fox.
"My love, I'm coming with you," Regina said, running after her husband, pretending to share in her husband's concern.
"Not a chance." The senator's voice was sharp and cold, causing Regina to freeze on the spot. "Stay home and admonish your daughter. And pray that her recklessness doesn't affect Amelia's state of mind. Because if it does, I won't forgive you two."
Senator Gregory left without sparing his wife one single glance.
Old Nana Shawls, who was about to reprimand her son for speaking to his wife roughly felt tongue-tied. She was still in shock after hearing Amelia confirm her marriage to Jerry Morgan as if it really happened. She couldn't help but guess what was happening in her first granddaughter's mind.
Stung by her husband's words, Regina took two steps backwards, her hands slowly wrapping around herself and real tears gathering in her eyes.
"How is this my fault?"
"Gina..." Uncle Matt came up to his brother's wife and tried to console her, patting her on the shoulder. "Don't let my brother's words get to you. He's just furious but he will get over his emotions soon."
"No. Don't tell me that Matt. This is not the first, second or third time Greg is blaming me for something I had no hands in. Why is it that every time something goes wrong concerning Amelia, I'm always at the receiving end?" Regina squeezed out a few tears to drive home her pain. "If Amelia hadn't run away on the eve before her wedding, would Gwen expose herself to this level of temptation?"
"My point exactly." Pearl backed up her sister while consoling Gwen - who was now a bit calm and calculating, knowing Amelia would be coming home soon.
"Who puts sugar in front of an ant and tells it not to take a bite? This is simply unfair to my niece." Pearl spat out, hoping to corner the old matriarch to their side.
"Pearl is right." Matt nodded his head. "Everyone here is responsible for Gwen's dilemma."
"How?" Regina asked, a sly glint flashing across her moist eyes.
"Everyone here including my elder brother forced Gwen against her wish to stand in for her sister in other to protect this family image," Matt said, staring keenly at his mother.
"We all watched her walk down the aisle with her sister's husband in a fairytale wedding that was never meant to be hers. We all watched her take her first passionate kiss with Jerry while pretending to be Amelia. What were we expecting after making her marry the young man? That emotion wouldn't develop? That she wouldn't fall in love with him? That she wouldn't consummate her love for him. It was simply inevitable. Gwen is human and like every other human with blood flowing through their veins, she made a mistake. We shouldn't crucify her."
"Well said, brother." Desmond, who was seated beside his mother, nodded in agreement. "Gwen is not at fault here. The person who deserves our anger is her." He pointed to the television, where Amelia was captured waving and smiling at the camera.
"Isn't it suspicious that Amelia finally decides to show her face on the same day that her sister's reputation is being tarnished?"
"Wait a second, are you insinuating that Amelia may be behind the leaked video and pictures?" Pearl asked, grinning inwardly while pretending to be amazed.
"That's enough!" Old Nana Shawls cut everyone off. "Let's not jump to a conclusion. We will wait for that spoilt brat to come home and tell us where she has been hiding for the last two weeks."
"Okay, mother," Regina said obediently, dabbing at her eyes delicately
The old matriarch slowly stood up, supported by Desmond and said in a slightly harsh voice. "Take me to the garden, I need some fresh air away from all this madness."
Regina waited for the old woman to leave before turning to her daughter.
"You know what to do."
"On it, mum." Gwen stood up and hurried out of the room, dragging her nosy aunt along.
"Matt, I will be with you shortly. Excuse me." Regina hurried out of the room.
"Gina, wait." Matt was behind her, taking the curved staircase that led to her bedroom.
"What?" Regina asked entering her bedroom.
"I need to talk to you." Matt followed her into the room and shut the door.
"Matt..." Regina's forehead furrowed as she watched him complete the lock on her door.
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