My mother inlaw visited.
I didn't know why she came home that evening, but I had a feeling David might have told her that I was back from America.
After my father inlaw died some years ago, she took over the twelve branches of Hills of grace ministries.
She accused every pastor In each branch for killing her husband, and arrested everyone of them.
Hills of grace ministry used to be Church of Jesus ministries, but she and her only son David (my husband) had the church changed with new pastors and members.
Georgina being a boss lady wanted everything to be done in her own way at all times.
The church members referred to her as the queen mother. She was bossy, overruling, and very authoritative.
"I heard you were back Ekom." Her voice sounded slightly rough as though some unexpected emotions had partially locked her throat.
"Yes mom." I replied softly.
"I came here for a lot of reasons. Number one; the congregation of Hills ministries is tired of you. I am tired of you, my son is tired of you!" She said meanly in British accent.
"My husband never said that."
"Does he need to say it? I am telling my son's mind. He has been married to you for 12 years without a child of your own! we do not need adopted strange kids to come inherit my late husband's sweat! He needs children, I need grandchildren. My son is not Abraham in the bible! He is David Okoye, he is my son. not the son of Terah!"
Her stern Visage hardly invited my confidence, but I was used to that.
"Those kids are my adopted kids, those girls you see? my husband and i agreed to adopt them together. they are our children. "
"Go born yours! it's either you gave birth to them or you didn't! you are barren!
leave Ifeoma to have my grand child in this house, in peace! After that I will join them together in holy matrimony after she has put to birth."
My heartbeat slowed inside my chest. As I turned to David who was momentarily stuck dumb.
"I am still married to my husband. we married in church. He is a man of God."
"David in the bible was a man of God, Solomon was a man of God. All these men were married to countless women. A man is entitled to as many wives as he wants. If you don't agree, you can sign this." She handed a paper to me, I knew what it was. But I didn't touch it, I didn't get it from her.
"I won't sign for a divorce!" I said angrily as tears moistened my eyes.
"When you're tired Ekom, you will sign and leave my son's life!"
"it's okay mom." David said soothingly.
"She is my wife. She has the right to counter this. I know what I want. the church shouldn't hear about this yet ." he said and stood to walk away.
Georgina flew from her seat and started to shout, her voice was unsteady.
"You know nothing! I warned you against marrying a Calaber woman, but you didn't listen. you must do as I say! marry ifeoma and let go of this demon!"
"Don't talk to Ekom that way mom, she is still my wife!" David screamed!
The kids ran and hugged me so tight, they were so scared.
It was after Georgina left that I felt chilled by fear. it was the worse moment of my life.
That night I prayed that God should change things around for my good. That night, David came to my bed, while the kids were asleep.
Credit..Vicky Bon Uzuazor
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