Chapter 82: I’m Selfish?

    Chapter 82: I’m Selfish?

    “I see your point, Nnenna,” she said, her voice smooth butced with an undertone of irritation.

    “The servants should indeed perform their duties, including taking care of your sister.

    However,” she added, her eyes narrowing slightly,               “as her sister, it is still your responsibility to asionally check on her.

    Make sure everything is in order.

    After all, you’re her sister.

    Caring for her selflessly shoulde naturally to you.

    It wouldn’t hurt to  consideration and stop being so… selfish.”               Nnenna “..!”               The words were a calcted jab, and Nnenna caught the subtle venom behind them.

    She straightened her back, lifting her chin slightly as she met Queen Chioma’s gaze.

    A soft smile curved her lips, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

    “Selfish?” Nnenna echoed, her tone light but with a sharp edge that made everyone at the table pay attention.

    “Mother, I’ve spent my entire life putting others first.

    I’ve sacrificed, served, and given more than anyone ever asked.

    And how was I repaid?

    With ridicule, mistreatment, and disdain.

    Now, I’ve simply decided to reim my worth, and suddenly, that makes me selfish?” She paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.

    “If caring for myself is selfish, then maybe it’s time I finally start being selfish.”               The dining room fell into an uneasy silence.

    Even the maids, clearing tes in the background, exchanged wide eyed nces.

    Queen Chioma’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she quicklyposed herself.

    “I didn’t mean it that way,” Queen Chioma said, her voice strained.

    “I’m only suggesting that as sisters, you should look out for each other.

    Familyes first, after all.”               Nnenna nodded, her expression calm but firm.

    “You’re absolutely right.

    Family should look out for each other, and that’s exactly what I’ve always done.

    But it’s a two way street, isn’t it?

    It’s time for everyone to y their part.”               Her words hung in the air like a challenge, and no one seemed willing to ept it.

    “I understand, but you must remember that Ebere’s birthday is only a few weeks away,” Queen Chioma said, her tone firm and calcted.

    “As your father announcedst night, there will be a grand ball.

    I expect you to supervise everything the servants do to prepare for it.

    Indeed, you are not a servant, so you won’t be doing their work, you will oversee it.

    I’m putting you in charge of the entire event.

    Make sure everything goes perfectly.

    Work with them, guide them, and ensure the ball is wless.”               Her words sounded reasonable to everyone at the table, everyone except Nnenna.

    “Why can’t somebody else supervise it?” Nnenna asked, her tone calm but pointed.

    “Why can’t my sister or one of my three older brothers handle it?” She ced deliberate emphasis on the word older, making her stance crystal clear.

    Involved Ebere “!!!”               “This is the Sweet 16 celebration of a princess from a prosperous kingdom.

    People will attend from all over the region.

    We have to get it right, which means someone with more experience and authority, like third brother or second brother, should be in charge of such a massive responsibility.”               Her voice was steady, and her conviction filled the room like a charged storm cloud.

    All eyes turned to Queen Chioma, waiting for her response.

    Queen Chioma’s lips tightened into a thin line.

    She had not anticipated such a bold challenge from the girl.

    “Your sister is the one being celebrated, so she cannot supervise.

    As for your brothers, they have other duties to attend to.

    You, however, have just returned from the hospital and are currently unupied,” she said, her voice sharp with implied authority.

    “It’s a good opportunity for you to prove your capabilities.”               Nnenna tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile.

    “Prove my capabilities?” she echoed, a hint of amusement in her tone.

    “Mother, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.

    I already know my worth.

    My older brothers should take care of it.”               Involved Obinna “..!”               Involved Abuchi “.!!”               Abuchi and Obinna immediately tried to shrink into the background, as if reducing their presence could somehow shield them from responsibility.

    The moment the task seemed imminent, they became unnaturally quiet, but Obinna still couldn’t help himself from speaking up.

    “What do you mean by that, Nnenna?” Obinna asked, his tone defensive.

    “We’re too busy for something like that.

    You can’t expect us to handle it.

    You’re the one who has experience with the servants.

    You’ve been working with them for years.

    It’ll be easier for you.” He leaned back, clearly thinking his logic was impable.

    Nnenna raised an eyebrow, her expression calm yet sharp.

    “Second brother,” she began, her voice carrying aposed strength, “you might have a point, it might be easier for me.

    But let me remind you, I just spent eight months in the hospital.

    Eight months, where I fell behind on my studies, my progress, and my life.”               She paused for effect, watching as her brothers squirmed under her steady gaze.

    “When I was discharged, do you know what eldest brother gave me?

    He handed me study materials, books upon books, because he understood the importance of me catching up.

    He knew I needed time and focus to get back on track.”               She leaned forward slightly, her tone softening, though her words hit like steel.

    “Now, second brother, do you really want elder brother to return and discover that while he entrusted me with the tools to seed, you two kept me from using them because I was too busy handling your responsibilities?

    Should I tell him that I couldn’t study because I was upied with something that someone else could’ve handled?”               Obinna “…”               Abuchi “…”               Her words hung in the air like a storm cloud.

    Abuchi and Obinna exchanged uneasy nces, their earlier bravado quickly evaporating.

    “That’s…

    not what I meant,” Obinna stammered, trying to recover.

    “We weren’t saying you shouldn’t study.

    It’s just that—”               “Just that what?” Nnenna interjected smoothly, cutting him off without raising her voice.

    “You’re older than me, second brother.

    Isn’t it your duty to carry the weight of responsibility when needed?

    Or is it easier to let your younger sister take the fall for everything because it’s ‘easier’ for her?”           CREATORS’ THOUGHTS     JedidiahBeaufoy    Creation is hard, cheer me up!

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