[Carmela's PoV]
I came from a very poor family in West Philly. By Table turned , when I married Mr. Banks, my husband, I planned his first-ever family reunion. And until now, I still plan it. I called the interior designer to redesign the house, since this year's own would be a spectacular one.
I changed into an office sleeve and an oversized blue high-waist trouser. The white-sleeves matched perfectly with my blue high-waist and blue handbag. I wore a black seleto and combed my brown hair. Madam, are you heading out? One of the maids asked.
Yes. I responded
Prepare some snacks. We'll be having snacks for dinner. I headed out of the mansion and entered into my Land cruiser. I spent all day planning the event. As days passed, I noticed something off about my husband. He would sit in his armchair for lots of hours without blinking, or would stare at the moon at night until I tap him or bring him back.
[Weekend]Finally, the day arrived. The compound was filled with luxurious cars, which were owned by my husband's family members. Before eight in the morning, every member had already filled the main hall. Gerald, I'm nervous. Don't be, baby. Besides, this is the sixth family reunion we are having. And you have always been that Venus among the planets, Gerald said, trying to cheer up my spirit. I tied my hair into a band and wore a straight pink dress with bright, large printed leaves. Flowers. Gerald held my hand as we came out of the room and descended the stairs to welcome our guest. Granny, I teased as I gave Gerald's mom a hug. Shut up, Carmela. Do I look old to you? Gerald's mom protested with a couple of girlish styles. Gerald's mom always protested against calling her old or mommy, even to her own son. She always preferred to be addressed as a young lady. Drinks were served to the comfort of the visitors, and family games were played. The nuclear family competitions were held. After lunch, the family history was revealed to the teens and children in the family, which they found boring. At long last, the moment which all of us have been waiting for arrived. We all marched to the studio room where the movie was to be watched. Honey, I'll be right back, I said as I withdrew my hands from Gerald's arms, and headed to the kitchen. How is the popcorn going? I asked the chief chef. I heard the doorbell rang, and since all the maids were busy preparing the popcorn, I decided to answer it myself. Good evening, Mr... I stopped linking. He responded with a handshake. Who let you in, and how can I help you? I asked with curiosity. I'm a business partner to Mr. Banks, and he invited me to his family reunion. Am I at the right place? He asked with a friendly aura. Sure, come in, I said leaving the way as he walked past me. As we entered, I noticed his masculinity. He was tall, handsome, and a black American man, with broad chest and a lot of masculinity. His suit fitted him perfectly, with his executive shoes, which to my observation would have cost around hundreds of thousands. Give me a sec, I said as I walked briskly to the kitchen. Prepare the popcorn ASAP. Please follow me, I said as I led the way to the studio room.
[******************]
As I led him into the studio room, a few heads turned. Family chatter paused, just for a heartbeat, before resuming in hushed whispers. Gerald was at the front, speaking with his cousins, but when his eyes fell on the stranger, I noticed something — his face stiffened.
The man extended his hand toward Gerald with a confident smile.
"Mr. Banks. Thank you again for inviting me."
Gerald blinked once, then twice, before forcing a polite grin. "Of course," he replied. His tone, however, lacked warmth.
I studied them both. The air between them was charged, as though they weren't just business partners but two players who knew the same secret.
"Carmela," Gerald called me suddenly, "please sit beside Mother. I'll handle this."
It was unusual. He always wanted me close at his side during these reunions, his anchor. But now, he dismissed me with a forced calmness that only deepened my suspicion.
The movie began to roll, laughter filling the room as the children cheered, but my attention was elsewhere. From where I sat, I could see Gerald leaning toward the stranger, whispering urgently, his jaw tight. The stranger only smiled, reclining in his seat as though he owned the place.
Something was wrong. Terribly wrong.
And I knew this reunion would not end the way I had planned.
[Big Boss Pov or linkon]
I arrived at the Banks Mansion only to find out that the reunion had already started and that it was left with one last activity to end with. The mansion was an epitome of glory and sophisticated architecture. It was decorated with different flower species, with a blend of both primaveral and modern antics. Mr. Banks was the second-in-command at the inner table, but when it came to the high table, he couldn't stand a chance. At first, I prayed for a beautiful lady to visit me on my bed, but by the end of the weekend, but God gave me the Goddess of Light. Mr. Banks' wife was stunning and beautiful. She had this beautifully curved shift portraying her slim waist and broadened hips. Honey, your visitor has arrived," Mr. Banks said, leading the way to her husband. Gerald's face turned sore immediately. He saw me walking with his wife. Lincoln, what are you doing here? Gerald asked, trying to force a smile. Oh, Gerald, you are so childish. Have you forgotten our deal I played along? Throughout the ceremony, Gerald tried to abstain me from getting close to his wife. This only grew the suspicion in his wife and made her more curious to know about me.