Chapter 16 - THE FAMILY MEETING THAT EXPLODED
Just when peace seemed possible, another conflict erupted.
Extended relatives discovered Clara controlled her father's remaining estate.
Suddenly people who hadn't called since the funeral began appearing.
Some wanted loans.
Others claimed Clara's father had promised them money.
One relative even accused Ethan of staying with Clara for her inheritance.
Clara refused to be manipulated.
At a large family meeting, voices rose.
An older relative demanded Clara "respect her elders" and share what she had.
Clara stood.
"When I slept outside that gate, where were all these elders?"
Silence.
"When I was hungry, who brought food?"
Nobody answered.
"When I was sick?"
Again, silence.
Clara looked around the room.
"My father's money didn't create a family. My suffering showed me who my family already was."
Stella reached for her hand.
Ethan stood beside her.
Mr. Adamu surprised everyone by defending Clara.
"Enough. What belongs to her belongs to her."
Mrs. Adamu agreed.
It was the first time the couple had publicly stood together for Clara.
The relatives left angry.
Clara didn't care.
That night, she felt the baby kick strongly.
Ethan placed his hand against her stomach.
"She's stubborn."
Clara smiled.
"Like her mother."
"Definitely."
They laughed.
Then Ethan reached into his pocket.
Clara immediately narrowed her eyes.
"If that's a ring because I'm pregnant, put it away."
Ethan laughed.
"It isn't."
He pulled out a tiny pair of baby socks.
May you like
Clara burst into laughter.
For the first time in months, her tears came from happiness.
