Shawn agrees to the contractual marriage with Naledi. It was a straightforward arrangement-no feelings, no complications. He took care of everything efficiently, and soon they stood side by side in a quiet courtroom, exchanging vows that neither of them believed in. There were no guests, no celebration- just signatures on paper.
After the wedding, Shawn Hayes took Naledi Rain to meet his family. The drive was quiet, filled with only the hum of the engine and the weight of unspoken expectations. When they arrived, Naledi gasped on seeing the majestic mansion before her. It was on a sparkling estate, surrounded by lush, manicured gardens and towering oak trees. The exterior is a masterpiece of architecture-perhaps a classic Victorian design with intricate iron balconies, arched windows, and a sweeping staircase leading to the massive front doors. The doors swung open and the door stood an older woman. She greeted them with cold eyes and pursed lips. Her disapproval was clear before she even spoke. She was his mother, Margaret Hayes. Naledi recognised her from the pictures Shawn had shown her.
"So, you're Naledi," Margaret said, her voice sharp, assessing.
"Yes, ma'am," Naledi replied politely, holding her guard despite the tension.
Margaret didn't respond, just gave her a once-over before turning on her heel and walking away. The message was clear: she was unwelcome.
In contrast, Rebecca Hayes, Shawn's grandmother, was warm and inviting. She took Naledi's hand in her own and squeezed it tightly. She was an elegant old lady, the kind who carries herself with quiet grace, her presence both commanding and comforting. She was in her late seventies or eighties, with soft silver hair neatly styled in an elegant chignon or a short, classic wave.
"Welcome to the family, dear. I hope you find much happiness here," she said with a kind smile.
Naledi Rain nodded, appreciating the kindness in the midst of the hostility. She knew it was not going to be easy, but she had to make the most of it.
Later, Shawn took Naledi to their new house large, elegant house that felt more like a museum than a place of comfort. As soon as they stepped inside, an eight-year-old boy stood in the hallway, staring at her with wide, curious eyes. Lincoln Hayes.
Naledi Rain smiled at him, but he didn't return it. Instead, he frowned, his gaze lingering on her skin as if trying to make sense of her.
"You look different," he said bluntly.
Shawn sighed. "Lincoln, this is Naledi. She's my wife." The boy's expression remained guarded. He wasn't sure what to make of her, and she could feel his expression.
As she settled in, Naledi noticed the walls covered in framed photographs-every single one of them of one woman. Melody. Shawn's late wife. Her presence was unreadable, but the tension in her posture spoke volumes. Before she could process it fully, another person entered the house. Melissa. She was one of Shawn's best friends. Her expression was unreadable, but her posture spoke volumes. She didn't say much to Naledi but exchanged pleasantries with Shawn before leaving with him. He had decided to go to his mother[Melody's mother] to break the news of his remarriage. That left Naledi alone with Lincoln. The boy was hesitant at first, keeping his distance from her, but as the evening wore on, curiosity overtook her. Lincoln asked her small questions, simple things, where she's from, what she liked, and so on. Slowly but surely, he began to relax towards her. By the time nighttime fell, they had developed a fragile sense of trust. Naledi made sure he ate dinner and came to know he hated vegetables. She tucked him into bed and read him a bedtime story. Shawn returned soon after Lincoln had slept, and his demeanor was tense. He sat beside her on the couch, looking at her with an unreadable expression.
"One thing," he said firmly. "No matter what, you do not remove Melody's pictures from these walls. Ever."
Naledi Rain swallowed, glancing around at the countless reminders of the woman who had come before her.
"Okay," she whispered. She had agreed to this marriage, but she was beginning to realize just how much of Melody still lived in this house- and in Shawn's heart.