Whispers of vengeance

Mrs. Clara had always believed that she had raised her daughter, Joanna well. She taught her the value of integrity, patience, and self-respect, the kind of lessons every mother wished her daughter would carry into womanhood. But all that changed the day Joanna walked into the sitting room one evening and said Mum, I'm pregnant.

The words Joanna said felt like a strange bullet in Mrs. Clara's heart, she froze. Pregnant? she repeated, voice shaking. By who?

Mr. Leo Wong, she said softly.

For a moment, the world stopped.

Mr. Leo? You mean my friend's husband? She screams, tell me you are joking Joanna. How will you do that, Joanna! Mrs. Clara shouted, her voice breaking. How will you bring this kind of disgrace to me? To yourself!

Joanna shrugged lightly, unbothered. It already happened Mum. There's no need to shout.

No need to ....? Mrs. Clara's voice cracked. You had an affair with my best friend's husband! You ruined everything, our name, my friendship, your future and you said no need to shout?

Joanna rolled her eyes. You're so dramatic mum. Maybe if you'd ever think about our future, we will not be poor in the first place. You and your endless advice about pride and dignity, where did it get us?

Mrs. Clara gasped, her hand flew to her chest. Joanna, do you even hear yourself talk?

I hear myself perfectly, Joanna says coolly. And I'm tired of living on your moral lectures. For once, I did something for myself. For us. You should be thanking me.

Mrs. Clara's face twisted in disbelief. Thank you? For destroying my life? For betraying my friend? Someone that had always seen you as her daughter, she paid for your education till the end, gave you everything she gave her own children and this is how you pay her back?

Joanna folded her arms, her lips curving into a mocking smile. Mum, please. Stop acting like a saint. You've been serving Aunty Elizabeth all your life like she's royalty. You have already paid her back for all her kindness, what more does she want?

Now, I'm pregnant with Mr. Leo's child everything will change. We'll never be poor again.

Joanna! Mrs. Clara cried, shaking with rage. You shameless child!

SLAP!

The sound echoed through the room like thunder. Mrs. Clara's palm burns, but her heart burns more.

Joanna's head jerked slightly from the slap, but she didn't cry. She didn't even flinch for long. Still holding the part of her face that was aching, slowly turn her face back toward her mother, eyes glinting with defiance.

This is the last time you'll ever hit me, she says quietly. I'm not your little girl anymore.

The words sliced through Mrs. Clara like glass. She stumbled backward, tears streaming down her cheek.

Joanna, you really disappoint me, Mrs Clara continued; after all my suffering; you decide to humiliate me like this, what of your fiance Jay, what will you tell him?

Joanna smiled, which fiance, that one? Anyway he's not important anymore. All that matters now is my baby and that's all I am thinking now.

I am going upstairs please, stop this your crying and start rejoicing because we are about to have a good life. Yesssss o

She screamed and shouted with joy, singing and shaking her body as she went up to her room.

Getting to her room, she pulled out her phone and dialed the only person she thought would understand her.

Sophia, she said, her voice echoed excitement and joy. Are you in for a drink? Meet me at our usual bar.

Okay, I will see you in a few minutes Sophia replied....

The lights were low and golden, the air thickened with perfume and whispered secrets. Joanna sat at a booth near the back, brushing her fingers over her still flat stomach.

She smiled a little. A billionaire's child, she thought. My child will never suffer the way I did.

When Sophia arrived, she looked as radiant as ever, designer dress, red lipstick, a smirk that hints she already knew everything.

Babe! she said, sliding in beside Joanna's side, you look like a mess and a goddess at the same time. What happen?

Joanna exhaled shakily. I told my mum about my pregnancy for Mr. Leo and she were in her rage.

Sophia whistled. Oh no. How bad?

She slapped me. Joanna's voice cracked, but her chin stayed high. She said I've ruined her life; that I'm a disgrace.

Sophia rolled her eyes. Old generation drama. Girl please, she doesn't get it you just leveled up.

Joanna's lips curve slightly. That's what I said myself. Mr. Leo promised he will take care of me, that the baby changes everything.

Sophia sipped her drink slowly. Oh, I'm sure it will change everything.

Joanna frowned at the tone. You don't sound happy for me.

I am, Sophia said, placing her hand on Joanna's arm. I just want you to remember that billionaires don't love, They invest. And investments can go bad.

Joanna shook her head. Not him. He's different. He said he loves me.

Sophia chuckled a low knowing sound. They all say the same thing before they find the next girl.

Joanna's face darkens. Are you jealous?

Maybe, Sophia said with a small shrug. Or maybe I've seen this story before and it never ends with a wedding ring.

Mine is different, Mr. Leo is different, he will marry me; you just wait and see

Marry you? Sophia said with a smiley icy voice. Okay I hope he do.

Joanna froze. What do you mean by that?

Sophia smiled slowly, deliberately. Let's just say Mr. Leo has expensive taste and might have other girls around.

Joanna's breath caught.

Sophia raised her glass. To success babe. May we both get what we deserve.

She downed the drink in one go and walked out, leaving Joanna trembling, confused, torn between pride and dread.

She pressed a hand to her stomach, whispering to herself:

He'll choose me. He has to.

But deep down, something cold settled in her chest, the faint realization that maybe her mother's slap wasn't just anger.

Maybe it had been a warning.

She stood outside the bar for some minutes, her heart pounding, her mother's words echoing in her head.

Shame? she muttered to herself. She calls it shame. I call it survival, because I know with this baby my future is secured and I am never going back to poverty again.

She stopped under a streetlight, pulled out her phone, and smirked at her reflection in the dark screen. Her lipstick was still perfect. Her eyes sparkled with rebellion.

Who needs approval, she murmured, when you can have attention?

Just then, her phone buzzed in her hand.

She frowned. The screen lit up with a familiar name, "Jay" why is he calling me now

Hello...

Her fiance

The good man. The gentle man. The one her mother liked until today.

Of course, she muttered with a smirk. Right on cue.

She hesitated for a second, then swiped to answer.

Hello, Mr. Perfect, she said, her voice lilting with playful sarcasm.

There was a pause on the line before Jay spoke, his tone soft, warm and worried. Joanna, you sound different. Are you okay?

She laughed, the sound light and careless. Wow. Straight to the interrogation, huh? Can't a girl go out for a drink without being cross examined?

I'm not interrogating you, Jay said gently. I'm just... you sound like you've been drinking.

Bingo, she said cheerfully. You win the prize. What do I get? A lecture?

Joanna, please. It's almost midnight, he said, his voice tightening with concern. Where are you?

Somewhere between freedom and home, she teased. Why? Are you planning to track my steps like a GPS boyfriend?

He sighed. You know that's not what I mean. I just want to make sure you're safe.

Oh, please, she said, rolling her eyes as she walked. I'm fine, Jay I'm not some fragile princess who needs rescuing. You can relax.

Jay was silent for a moment. Then his voice came softer, almost pleading. Why are you being like this lately? You've been cold for weeks. You don't sound like yourself anymore.

Joanna smiled faintly to herself, though her eyes were suddenly sharp. Maybe I finally found myself. Maybe this is me.

That's not fair, he murmured. You're pushing everyone away, your mum, your friends, even me.

Correction, she said, adjusting her purse on her shoulder. I'm pushing away people who think they know what's best for me. That's not the same thing.

You're drunk, Jay said quietly.

Tipsy, she corrected, wagging a finger at the dark. There's a difference. Drunk people stumble. I'm walking straight as sin.

He let out a quiet breath, half a laugh, half a sigh. You're impossible.

And you're predictable, she countered. Always so calm, so good, so boring.

Boring? His tone rose slightly. Is that what you think of me?

She chuckled, though her chest ached faintly.

Jay, you're a sweet man. The kind mothers want their daughters to marry. But maybe I'm not that daughter anymore.

He was silent, but she could almost feel his hurt through the line. What does that even mean?

It means, she said, pausing under another flickering light, that maybe I want more than sweet words and a safe life. Maybe I want something that burns.

Something that burns destroys, he said softly.

She smiled bitterly. Then let it.

The silence between them grew heavy. Joanna wrapped her free arm around herself as the night breeze brushed her skin. Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked, and the sound of a car faded down the road.

Joanna, Jay said finally, his voice low and steady now. I know you're angry. I know your mum hurt you. But don't let that change who you are.

Joanna stopped walking. Did my mum call you again?

He hesitated. She was worried. She said you left the house in the evening and have not come back yet.

Joanna laughed harshly. Of course she did. Saint Mother of Perpetual Worry. Maybe she should mind her own life for once.

Joanna, she loves you, he said.

Love? she repeated, her tone mocking. If that's love, then I'd rather have enemies.

Don't talk like that, he whispered. She's still your mother.

She stopped being my mother the day she slapped me and called me a disgrace. Joanna snapped, her voice rising. All because I dared to think differently.

Jay's voice softened again. She was upset. You hurt her too, you know.

Joanna rolled her eyes and started walking again. You sound just like her.

I'm not taking sides, he said quickly. I'm trying to hold us together.

She laughed without humor. Then maybe you should stop trying. Maybe it's not worth holding anymore.

He went quiet for a long moment, and for the first time, Joanna heard his breathing falter. When he finally spoke, his voice was shaking slightly.

Do you still love me, Joanna?

She froze. Her heart gave a strange, tiny jolt. But her pride was louder.

Love? she said, forcing a light laugh. That's such a heavy word for a Friday night.

Please, he said softly. Don't joke. Just answer me.

She swallowed, then said lightly, I'll answer when you learn to stop sounding like my father.

That broke him. His voice cracked, thick with pain.

I don't even know who I'm talking to anymore.

Good, she said coldly. Maybe it's time you met the real me.

Joanna....

Jay, I'm tired, she interrupted, her tone suddenly distant. Go to bed. We'll talk tomorrow maybe.

She ended the call before he could reply.

The silence afterward was deafening. The hum of the streetlamps, the rustle of leaves, the rhythm of her heels it all felt too loud, too sharp.

She stared at her phone, then sighed and slipped it into her purse.

Men, she muttered. Always trying to fix what isn't broken.

But her chest was tight. Her throat ached. And when she blinked, her eyes burned faintly not from tears, of course. Never that.

She reached her street. The night was quieter here, the houses dark except for one porch light flickering near her gate. She fished her keys out, almost dropped them, and laughed at herself. "See? Still walking straight.

Her laughter echoed in the quiet, a little too loud, a little too empty.

Inside, the house was dark. The silence wrapped around her like a blanket, and suddenly the air felt heavy. She kicked off her shoes and sat on the edge of the couch, staring at the wall.

Her mother's voice haunted the silence. You'll regret this one day, Joanna

Joanna clenched her fists. "Never," she whispered.

Still, as she sat there, she felt something tug deep in her chest, a small, unwanted pang of guilt, or maybe loneliness. She shook it off, stood up, and went to the mirror.

Her reflection stared back fierce, beautiful, untamed. But behind the smudged eyeliner and painted lips, she saw something else too: fear.

She scoffed at herself. You're fine. You're winning.

But even she didn't believe it.

As the night stretched on, Joanna finally lay back on her couch, staring at the ceiling, her mind spinning between anger, pride, and a dangerous kind of excitement.

Because even if she didn't admit it yet, she is not sure if she's going the right part.

Jay sat awake on his bed, phone in hand. He replayed her laughter in his mind that strange, careless sound that didn't belong to the woman he loved.

He knew something was wrong. He couldn't explain how, but he felt it deep down, like a knot in his gut.

Tomorrow, he promised himself, he would go see her.

He needed to look her in the eye and understand what was happening and what she was hiding.

What if she doesn't love me again, no that's not the case he said to himself. He continued thinking all night till he slept off.

Mrs. Clara sat motionless on the couch, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes were distant, unfocused. She hadn't eaten, hadn't slept. The events of the past few days had torn through her heart like a blade she couldn't pull out.

She had slapped her only daughter.

She had watched her walk away without looking back.

And she didn't even have the strength to regret it.

The faint sound of a car horn outside startled her. A few seconds later, the gate creaked open. A familiar voice called softly, Clara!!

Mrs. Clara's heart skipped. She knew that voice, warm, calm, graceful even when it carried worry.

Elizabeth, Her best friend. The woman she trusted more than anyone else.

And, unknowingly, the woman whose world her daughter had just set on fire.

Mrs. Clara took a deep breath, wiping quickly at her face before standing up. "Come in, Elizabeth," she said, trying to sound composed.

The door opened gently, and Elizabeth walked in elegantly as always, dressed in a soft blue gown that caught the sunlight as she moved. Her perfume filled the air, a delicate scent of lavender and grace.

But her face held a faint crease of concern. Clara she said softly, you didn't come to church yesterday, and you haven't answered my calls. I was worried.

Clara forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Ah, my dear, I've just been tired. You know how life is these days.

Elizabeth frowned slightly and sat beside her, taking her hand. Tired? No, this is more than tired. What's wrong? You look heavy, Clara. What happened?

Clara looked down at their joined hands. Her throat tightened. Words formed and died before they could leave her lips.

How could she say it?

How could she tell her best friend that her daughter the girl Elizabeth had watched grow up had betrayed them both?

She swallowed hard. It's... it's nothing, my sister. Just family issues.

Elizabeth's eyes softened. Is it Joanna?

Clara's heart clenched at the name. Yes. She's been difficult lately. You know how these children are.

Elizabeth smiled faintly. Ah! the same Joanna who used to run to me to complain about your strictness? She'll come around. She's just young.

Clara nodded, her lips trembling. I hope so.

Before Elizabeth could say more, the door to the hallway creaked. Both women turned.

Joanna appeared, barefoot, her silk robe tied loosely around her waist. Her hair was messy but somehow still elegant, her face fresh from sleep.

The faint scent of expensive cologne clung to her robe. Not her own.

Her eyes flicked from her mother to Elizabeth. Then a slow, amused smile curved her lips.

Anuty Elizabeth, Good morning!

Elizabeth's face lit up instantly. Joanna, my darling, You've grown so beautiful. I was just asking after you.

Were you? Joanna asked, leaning against the doorframe, her tone playful. That's sweet.

Clara shifted uncomfortably.

Joanna walked forward and sat on the arm of a chair, crossing her legs with careless grace. How's family Anuty?

We blessed God my darling! How's life treating you? Elizabeth asked.

God is awesome, Joanna replied.

The tone in her voice made Clara stiffen. She glanced sharply at her daughter, silently warning her to behave.

But Joanna only smirked. Actually Aunty, there's something I wanted to ask you.

Ask me? Elizabeth said, intrigued. Of course, go on.

Joanna tilted her head, studying Elizabeth for a long moment the flawless skin, the subtle jewelry, the gentle confidence of a woman who'd always had everything. Then she asked, voice deceptively sweet:

What would you say if we became co-wives?

The room fell silent.

Clara's breath caught. Her eyes flew wide in horror. Joanna!

Elizabeth blinked, confused. Co-wives? What kind of joke is that?

Joanna smiled lazily. No joke, Aunty. I'm just saying, maybe life has a way of connecting people in unexpected ways.

Joanna, that's enough! Clara snapped, her voice shaking.

But Joanna only turned to her mother, her smile widening. Why hide it, Mum? It's not like it'll stay secret for long.

Elizabeth frowned slightly, still not understanding. Hide what?

Clara's lips trembled. Elizabeth, please

I'm pregnant, Joanna interrupted, her voice clear and unashamed.

Elizabeth blinked, stunned. You're what?

Joanna rested a hand casually on her stomach. Pregnant. And before anyone starts preaching, let's just say the father isn't exactly an ordinary man.

Clara's voice broke. Joanna, stop this madness

But Joanna wasn't listening. She turned to Elizabeth, eyes glinting with cruel mischief. You might know him, actually. Mr. Leo Wong.

The air left the room.

Elizabeth's face went still no movement, no sound, just a sharp intake of breath. The color drained from her cheeks as her mind tried to process what she had just heard.

Clara covered her face with her hands, tears spilling down uncontrollably. Oh, God... forgive me.

The silence stretched painfully, every second heavier than the last.

Then, from the doorway, another voice cut through the tension low, trembling, disbelieving.

What did you just say?

All three women turned.

Jay stood frozen at the entrance, his shirt slightly wrinkled, his eyes wide in shock. His face was pale, almost ghostly.

He looked at Joanna as though he was seeing a stranger.

Jay!! Mrs. Clara gasped.

He stepped forward slowly, his voice barely a whisper. Joanna... please tell me you didn't mean that.

Joanna blinked, startled by his sudden presence.

You're pregnant? he asked, his tone trembling between hope and fear. Tell me it's mine, Joanna. Tell me

Her lips parted, but no sound came.

And in that silence, everything in his face changed. He understood.

He stumbled back a step, his breath catching. Oh my God. No...

Elizabeth sat frozen, her eyes glassy, still staring at Joanna as though she were an illusion that had gone terribly wrong.

Jay's voice rose, ragged now. You were supposed to be my fiancée! You said you loved me! Crying....

Joanna's throat tightened. The defiance in her eyes flickered, but only for a moment. Jay, I didn't plan it, she said softly. It just happened.

He laughed bitterly. It just happened? With her husband? He pointed toward Elizabeth, whose tears now fell silently down her face.

Clara buried her face in her hands. Lord have mercy

Jay's eyes were red, burning with heartbreak. Joanna, I gave you everything I had. I waited for you. I believed in you. And this is what I get?

She looked at him helplessly, every word she might have said dying on her tongue.

He shook his head slowly. You know what hurts the most? I would've forgiven you for anything. But not this. Not him.

He turned toward the door, his steps unsteady.

The door slammed behind him, the sound echoing through the small house like a final verdict.

Joanna stood trembling, staring at the closed door. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, but no tears came. Only silence.

Elizabeth stood at last, her face pale but composed. She turned to Clara, her voice cold but steady. You should have told me.

Clara wept harder. I couldn't, Elizabeth. I couldn't break your heart.

Elizabeth looked at Joanna one last time long, hard, unreadable. "Congratulations," she said quietly. You've destroyed more than you can ever rebuild.

Then she left, her heels clicking against the floor the sound sharp, deliberate, final.

When the door closed, Clara collapsed into the couch, sobbing uncontrollably. Joanna stood in the middle of the room, numb, staring at the space Elizabeth had just occupied.

For the first time, the weight of her choices began to sink in.

She'd wanted power, wealth, freedom.

But what she had instead was silence thick, suffocating silence and the knowledge that she had broken three hearts in one morning.

Outside, Elizabeth's car pulled away slowly from the compound. Her face was calm, but inside her, something dark began to stir a quiet, cold resolve that would one day return to rewrite every wrong.