Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 40: Lunch Goes Wrong

"Calm down, calm down," Grace told herself. Exhaling, facing the wall mirror in the toilet. Then the call came in again.

It was Susanne calling. Her contact was saved as an emergency on the phone. About to answer the call, Cryst entered in a blink. She shivered to see her. "Jeez, you scared me!" Her right hand held unto her racing chest. "Are you a ghost? I don't understand why you're following me." Grace took in a big inhale, shutting her eyes to clear her mind.

"I also don't understand why you're running and spying on others," Cryst answered her with pursed lips. "I know you're up to something, I just can't figure it out." She played with her hair from the back.

Grace just nodded and rolled her eyes skyward.

"There's no peace for the wicked, Susanne. Put on your best act and be nice to Camilla, just for today. I'm following you just so you don't do something stupid to shame my family name."

Grace frowned. "Why do you think I'll do something stupid? I'm not a fool, Cryst."

"That's the difference between Micheal and you," She pointed. "He secures this family and you expose it. You don't belong together, you see? If you watch Camilla closely, you will understand what I mean. Your love spell on him will soon be broken sooner or later, so you better divorce Micheal and leave my family alone."

"The woman who should leave Micheal alone is that Camilla, not me. Why should I leave him?"

"You can leave if you are not comfortable."

'Ring, Ring, Ring.' Grace's phone vibrated again. The call came in. Emergency. Cryst leaned closely to glimpse at the phone screen while Grace was fast enough to hide it. She laughed at her in mockery. "Who's the caller? Pick up your call."

"It's none of your business!" Grace hissed and walked out of the toilet. A mysterious smirk spread across Grace's face as she nodded, her hands adjusted her dress as she followed Grace behind.

'Cheers!'

'Cheers!'

Micheal and Camilla clinked their wine glasses, like a newlywed. Camilla's head tilted to the left as she paused in Grace's presence.

"Hey, you're back," Micheal announced. They both placed their wine glasses on the table. "Come and eat before it gets cold." Micheal persuaded, motioning her to have a seat next to him.

Grace's face flushed, watching them having fun. She couldn't constrain and control the heated feeling welling down her throat. Her lips suddenly went dry. "Pardon me, I won't have lunch. I'll take my leave right away."

"What? Why?" Michael asked, curious. Camilla felt the same way, but Cryst smiled, taking her space on the table. Cryst threw her hair back.

Grace threw her head forward. The wig was disturbing, and the situation pissed her off. She covered her face with the wig. "No, I'll be fine. I just need to go home, not to interrupt your fun and chat. Just enjoy yourselves. We'll meet at home." She grabbed her handbag.

"No, you can't leave now," Micheal muttered, shocked, but Grace turned her back. She wondered why he wanted her there. Probably to humiliate her. She thought.

"Oh, sister-in-law, why don't you have lunch before leaving?" Crystal interjected with a gentle smile. "I understand that we don't have a lot in common, but at least do us the honour. Perhaps you are always home alone with the maid. You should enjoy this space with your husband and his friend, even though it's once." Cryst gave a babyish look at Camilla.

"If you leave, then I'll leave too." Camilla voiced out. "The reason I agreed to this lunch is because of you, so we can get together and know ourselves better. Let's use this opportunity, please."