Light filtered into the room, sun rays shining on the spot I sat. Drumming my lap with my fingers, I looked everywhere but at the woman seated across me, staring openly. She had an intimidating aura surrounding her and it got to me, making me feel insufficient.

“You do know that I don’t like you, right?” Her declaration had my gaze settling on the scowl on her face. I couldn’t care less what she thought. Convinced that nothing good could come out of her family, I remained mum.

“I have to pretend to like you, for the sake of my grandson’s happiness. He’s the only surviving lineage of my late...