The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Most times, Rita felt scrutinized like an item placed on display at the center of the hall. Uncomfortable though she was, she knew that sacrifices had to be made. After all, her family needed her to keep up appearances, which she was okay with doing. She knew how important it was to maintain relationships with her elders since they had all seen her grow up.

Rita's mother had brought her to banquets before she had even reached the age of ten, and that was where she was introduced to all those aunties there. It was important that she mingle with those familiar faces, as they would be the ones who would be expected to look out for her children. "It's been too long, Aunt Gina! You look younger than the last time I saw you!" Rita greeted warmly with a genuine smile.

Gina tumed with a smile and pulled Rita in for a closer look. "Do I? Oh, Rita, you're becoming more beautiful as you grow older. You're starting to look like your mother. And you seem to have picked up the art of sweet-talking. Are you trying to work your charm on me?"

Rita feigned surprise and widened her eyes. "Of course not! I'm a reporter, and reporters never tell lies!"

Someone from the crowd chuckled at the exchange. "How's that going for you?"

Gina patted Rita's hand affectionately. "Let me know if you ever get tired of that job. I'll have you transferred to my company in no time."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Rita shook her head with a smile. 'I'm very happy with where I am right now, so don't worry. It's been so long since I last saw you, and I missed you a lot too. Mom still has some wine, by the way. I know you enjoyed having a glass or two. Let me get a bottle for you to take home later." Gina waved off the offer. "I'm no longer a young woman, Rita. I can manage without a sip of wine. Besides, your mother's gifts are for you to cherish. Keep them well, and bring them with you when you get married. You can't let anyone else lay a finger on them.

Rita hugged Gina affectionately and understood that these gifts were entrusted to her care. After all, they were her mother's legacy. "Aww, Rita. You've been through so much," Gina murmured fondly.

The onlookers exchanged knowing glances. Everyone knew that Rita's time with the Russells was not all roses and sunshine, but they stopped short of saying that out loud. After all, Karen was the Russells' current lawful wife. She married him in her 30s and even brought along her daughter, which was around Rita's age. That alone showed just how resourceful she was.

While their praises for Karen appeared sincere on the surface, their underlying tone betrayed a hint of sarcasm. Within their social circle, there were unspoken rules, and individuals like Karen who jumped at the chance of becoming a second wife were generally not looked favorably upon. Worse still, Rita had seemingly become more neglected and overshadowed after Karen entered the family. The reason for that was obvious, even to the least discerning.

After bidding Gina farewell, Rita proceeded to greet the elders whom she knew. She did not find it too troublesome as not a lot of people had the privilege of receiving a personal greeting from her on such occasions. After exchanging all the pleasantries, she made her way to her father's study, but she gave it a second thought when she remembered that the man she disliked would probably be there.

Alas, Rita's hesitation led her to brush shoulders with Sadie.