The grand hall of the Hullevard family was bustling with people. Today was the birthday party of the patriach of the family.
Everyone was present. The children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grand children, grand sons-in-law, grand daughters-in-law, great grand children and many more.
The patriach, Chairman Hullevard had three sons and one daughter. The daughter is the eldest, but she was accorded the least respect because of her marital life.
She married late amongst all the children of the patriach, so technically, the children of her siblings were pretty much older than her children.
Also, the rumors and controversies surrounding the death of her husband was enough to ostracized her family from the extended family.
Well, today wasn't the day for establishing differences. It was the day when all the family members got along. It was the great day to celebrate the old man. All hands must be on deck.
The large door of the hall opened all of a sudden and all the chatters died out. All gazes shifted in the direction of the activity.
Walking through the door was the family of Elaine. Elaine and her three children.
As soon as they walked in, the atmosphere became hostile as murmurs started to fly around.
"It's always her family." A middle-aged man sneered. He had a receding hairline and a large nose. "I don't know why she loves to make a scene."
"I don't think it's a scene, Honey." A dolled up lady sitting next to the man argued. It was safe to call her the man's wife.
The man was the immediate younger brother of Elaine. Wirtz.
"Then what do you call it?" Wirtz turned to look at his wife.
He found it quite difficult to look away from Elaine to his wife. It would seems as though he wanted to keep track of every step she took.
"She's making a statement. She wants people to look at her differently." Wirtz's wife said.
"That's the same thing as making a scene, Sophia!" Wirtz argued, shunning his wife. He sounded impulsive.
"Making a scene is like trying to cause trouble. Making a statement is like trying to boss around and flaunt a sense of superiority. They are not the same." Sophia argued.
"Are you saying you know more than me?" Wirtz eyes turned red instantly. He was getting enraged.
"I'm not saying so. I'm just trying to --"
"Mom." A young blonde held Sophia's hand and shook her head. She tried to discourage Sophia from keeping up with the argument.
Sophia gazed at her daughter. She looked back at Wirtz.
"I'm sorry, honey. Forgive me." She apologized.
"You'll take your beating when we get home." Wirtz gritted his teeth as he spat those words.
While Wirzt family was having an episode of theirs, Elaine and her family members had settled down in their spot that was consecrated for them.
The hall was divided into four spots. Each spot for each child of the patriach. There was a big space for each family, no matter how many son-in-laws or children they had.
The biggest family by number was the family of the third child.
"Elaine, welcome." A vibrant young man stood tall, imposing his stature. He looked to be about the age of Marcus, but a little older. He was the last child of the patriach.
It was said that the patriarch had decided not to have a child anymore after the death of his lovely wife. But after getting a young caregiver who cared for him dearly, he was defeated and procreated with her. The result was the young man.
The young man was mostly referred to as an illegitimate child of the patriarch.
"Your family kept us waiting. Don't you think it's only right that you apologize?" The young man argued.
"This lowlife bastard." Marcus grunted. He wanted to have a go at the man right there, but Elaine stopped him.
She stood up gently with a smile. She looked at every area of the hall. They were all smiles at her, but she could easily see through the sham.
"Please forgive us. There was an unforseen circumstance." Elaine bowed towards the patriach.
The patriach was sitting on a lofty chair that was decorated like a throne. He nodded slowly towards Elaine.
There was a woman sitting next to the patriach. She got up on her feet. She looked to be around the age of Elaine, but a few years younger.
"We will commence the party then." The woman said. She was the caregiver who turned into the wife of the patriach.
"What are you looking at, dad?" Wirtz's son said to him.
Wirtz had one son and a daughter.
Ever since Elaine sat down, Wirtz had been looking at that area. It would seem as though he was searching for something.
"I don't see that deadbeat."Wirtz muttered.
"Who? You mean Jaai?" The son asked.
"Is that his name? I wish he dies! He's such a stain to our family at large. How can he be so useless?" Wirtz was pissed off as he spoke.
"You shouldn't care much, dad. Or do you want Elaine's family to catch up to us?" The son asked
Wirtz took a sharp gaze at his son.
"I'm the only one who can insult my sister. Not you, silly!" He snapped at him.
"Can we all be quiet, please?" The son of the caregiver called.
Wirtz caused under his breath as he glared in the direction of the young man.
"Since we have a meeting an hour after the party, the presentation of gifts will commence." The caregiver announced.
Marcus jumped up on his feet at once. He was eager to present his gift. He wanted to impress his grandfather and win his favor. They needed everything to boost their profile in the family!
Elaine suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him down.
"Marcus?" The caregiver called, spotting Marcus.
"Not yet, please. Someone else can go." Elaine said to the woman with a smile.
She turned to Marcus with a glare.
"Are you a fool? Won't you let your rivals play their cards first?!" She scolded him.
"Well, we are not cowards here." Wirtz suddenly got up on his feet.
All eyes went in his direction.
"Baron." Wirtz called his son. "Present the wonderful gift to father." He said boastfully.
Baron got up, looking quite confident. He turned towards the door and whistled.