Hopelessly Bound: Book 2 in the Bound series

Chapter 7

The mother-in-law is the center of a family. — Les Dawson
              

    

"Who are you?" 

Zainab swallowed a lump as she gazed at the man who opened the door after several minutes of her ringing the bell.  

"My name is Zainab Haruna." She raised her head.  

The man's brows furrowed and he didn't make any attempt to allow her entrance.   "And what do you want?" He eyed her suitcases.  

I don't really know, she felt tempted to say but held herself. Her grip on her bag tightened and she shuffled on her feet. 

Dismay filled her as she realized that they weren't aware of her arrival.  

"I am Danladi's wife," she whispered. 

The man's eyes bulged. "Oh, really?" He opened the door wider and stepped to the side. "You should have said that. Please come in." A smile grazed his lips. 

Zainab stared in amazement as he quickly rolled her suitcases into the house. With timid steps, she crossed over the threshold and entered inside. She was greeted by a spacious and opulent foyer, featuring a high ceiling and an exquisite chandelier. 

"Please this way, ma'am." He led her to the living room and her awe increased.

Although her parents' house was considered a mansion, the Yakubu house was a palace compared to theirs. 

The living room was a definition of comfort and sophistication. The white L-shaped couch and armchairs in the same color were arranged around a luxurious centre table with a solid wood frame, a smooth polished surface gleaming under the lights from the chandeliers. 

"Please, have your seat, ma'am, let me inform everyone about your arrival." 

"Thank you." Zainab sent him a smile and took a seat on the edge of the couch. 

Moments later, Zainab stiffened as she heard the sounds of approaching footsteps. She couldn't help but wonder if the Yakubu family were arrogant like Danladi. 

Her head turned as the footsteps drew closer. A middle-aged lady clad in a purple kaftan with intricate embellishments appeared. The resemblance between the lady and Danladi told Zainab who the lady was. Her mother-in-law.  

Zainab forced herself to stand up and smile. "Barka da rana, ma'am," she greeted her in Hausa. 

The older lady sniffed and gave her a curt nod. Her eyes darted around and a frown appeared on her face. "Where is my son?" She looked at Zainab. "He was supposed to bring you, wasn't he?" 

Zainab nodded. "He had something to attend to so he dropped me off."

"Hmm, my son is a very busy person." 

"I understand."

"Good. Now let's sit down  and get acquainted." She sashayed to the armchair parallel to Zainab and sat down. "Musa, please tell one of the maids to bring some snacks." 

"Okay, ma'am!" Musa bowed and scurried off. 

Zainab returned to her seat with a stiff back. She squirmed as Danlad's mother scrutinized her.

"So what did you say your name is?" Danladi's mother asked after a long stretch of silence. 

Zainab withheld a scowl. Which mother forgets the name of her son's wife? She dismissed the thought and smiled slightly. "My name is Zainab."

"Nice. My name is Mrs. Binta Yakuba." She raised her head. "Your husband's mother and the matriarch of this family." A proud glint gleamed in her eyes.