You Are Dead to Me

At the Ferguson family mansion, Mrs Ferguson senior was in the living room watching Gospel music on the television. She was enveloped with sadness. Her precious granddaughter-in-law was locked in prison for something she didn’t do.

Her heart was overwhelmed with bitterness. She bowed her head and prayed. She asked the Lord to protect her granddaughter-in-law from harm because she was innocent.

At that moment, her daughter-in-law, Gail Ferguson, entered the living room. She smiled brightly at her mother-in-law and said, “Mom, your granddaughter-in-law is two months pregnant.”

Mrs Ferguson senior couldn’t contain her excitement, and she cried tears of joy. She looked at her daughter-in-law and said, “I am so happy, my daughter. Let me go to your father and tell him the good news.”

Then she went to the kitchen and took the fruit from the fridge. She cut the fruit and put it on the plate. Then she went to the study room carrying the tray. She knocked on the door, then she opened it.

She smiled brightly at her husband and said, “Congratulations, my dearest husband. You are going to be a great-grandfather.” She put the tray on the desk, then she hugged her husband tightly.

They had been married for forty-nine years, but their love was still strong. They were planning to have a fiftieth anniversary, but they decided against it because of Thorne and his mistress.

Her husband was beaming with joy. He hugged his beloved wife back, grinning from ear to ear. He couldn’t wait to hold his little dumpling in his arms.

His eyes welled with tears when he thought of his precious granddaughter-in-law who was locked in prison. He blinked, and he managed to hold the tears back.

He looked at his wife with tenderness in his eyes and said, “Darling, let me call Thorne.” Then he took his phone and dialed his grandson’s number.

When it was connected, he put the phone on speaker and said with a stern voice, “Thorne, drop the charges immediately. My granddaughter-in-law is innocent, and she is carrying my great-grandson.”

Thorne was taken aback when he heard that his wife was pregnant. However, he hardened his heart and replied, “Grandpa, only Paula would be the mother of my children.

Michaela had to abort that thing in her belly because I would never acknowledge that child. She doesn’t deserve to carry the Ferguson heir.” Then he dropped the phone.

Mr Ferguson senior couldn’t believe his ears when he heard Thorne’s words. He wanted to kill his first great-grandson because of his mistress. A surge of anger rose in his heart.

He looked at his wife and said, “Should Thorne force my precious granddaughter-in-law to abort my first great-grandson, I will disown him.” Then he went to his bedroom to rest.

His wife took the tray and followed her husband to their bedroom. She was so disappointed in her precious grandson. Her heart was overwhelmed with emotions.

In the living room, Gail Ferguson was over the moon. After she told her husband the good news, she went to the kitchen and told the head chef that she would prepare dinner today. Then she gave the kitchen staff time off.

She went to her bedroom to change her clothes into comfortable clothes. She then headed to the kitchen to cook. Before she married Hayden Ferguson, she was working at a restaurant and her culinary skills were great.

An hour later, her mother-in-law walked into the kitchen. She looked at her daughter-in-law with sadness in her eyes when she saw her cooking up a storm.

It was supposed to be a joyous celebration for the Ferguson family, but their grandson denied them that joy. Gail looked at her mother-in-law smiling, but the smile froze on her face and asked, “What is wrong, Mom?”

Tears streamed down her mother-in-law’s face, and she replied, “Thorne wants to kill our first great-grandson.” Gail was utterly dumbfounded. She wiped her mother-in-law’s face with a tissue and asked, “What are you talking about, Mom?”

Her mother-in-law replied, “Your father-in-law asked Thorne to drop the charges against my granddaughter-in-law. Also, he told him about Michaela's pregnancy.

However, Thorne told him that he would never acknowledge our first great-grandson. He said Michaela should abort that thing in her belly. Your father-in-law was so upset he threatened to disown Thorne.”

Gail couldn’t believe her ears, her son was ruthless. He was going to force his wife to abort their baby because of the mistress. It would never happen, not even in his dreams.

She comforted her mother-in-law and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I will ask Thorne to come home, then we will talk to him.” Gail switched off the stove, then she escorted her mother-in-law to her bedroom.

She was fuming with anger. She took her phone and dialed her son’s number. When it was connected she said, “What nonsense are you spouting about my grandson? Come back home to explain to your grandparents.” Then she hung up.”

Thorne loved his grandparents the most, but he was not going to drop the charges against his unworthy wife because of them. He wanted Michaela’s baby gone. It was her punishment for killing Paula and his baby.

After work, Thorne drove to his family mansion with a heavy heart. He didn’t want to disappoint his grandparents, but he couldn't forgive Michaela for hurting his beloved Paula.

After dinner, Mr Ferguson senior looked at his grandson and asked with a stern voice, “Thorne, are you going to kill my first great-grandson because of your mistress?”

Thorne’s father, Hayden, was dumbfounded when he heard his father’s words and asked, "Dad, what are you talking about?” He was overjoyed when his wife told him that his granddaughter was pregnant.

Mr Ferguson senior looked at his son and replied, “Please ask your son.” Hayden looked at his son with questioning eyes.

Thorne looked at his grandfather with icy cold eyes and replied, “Grandpa, Michaela killed my son with Paula. It is fair for her to pay with her son, an eye for an eye. I will ensure that that thing in her belly will be removed with her uterus.”

Everyone in the dining room was shocked when they heard Thorne’s cruelty. His grandmother and his mother had tears in their eyes.

His grandfather was shaking with rage and said sternly, “Thorne, should you kill my first great-grandson, you are dead to me. Don’t ever set foot in my house again. Please leave.”

Thorne froze when he heard his grandfather’s words. His family chose an outsider over him. His gaze darkened and replied, “Grandpa, since you decided to choose the murderer over me, you are dead to me too.

I hope you will never regret the decision you have made today, Grandpa. I will prove to you how vicious Michaela’s heart is.” Then he took his suit jacket and left the mansion.

The elders were dumbfounded. Mr Ferguson senior looked at his son, Hayden. He divorced his first wife because she failed to conceive. Was the Lord punishing them for failing to fight for their first daughter-in-law?

Prescription

At the Ferguson Private Hospital, Paula was still in a coma. Dr Bond asked the Cage family to get a prescription for the medicine Paula ate on the day of the accident.

The Cage family felt ashamed to ask young Mrs Ferguson for help because their daughter had wronged her. However, they didn’t have a choice; their daughter’s life was more important.

The following day, Mr Cage senior took his phone and dialed Durban Correctional Services Area Commissioner, David May’s number. When it was connected he said, “Commissioner May, apologies for troubling you.

I would like to visit Mrs Ferguson in prison. During the accident, she fed my granddaughter some pills and I want to ask her for a prescription.”

Commissioner May was dumbfounded when he heard Mr Cage senior's request and replied, “Sir, I will include your name in the visitors’ list. Please don’t hesitate to call me should you need any help.” Mr Cage senior thanked him profusely, and then they hung up the phone.

Mr Cage senior asked his eldest grandson, Samson, to take him to Durban Correctional Services to visit young Mrs Ferguson.

When they arrived at the prison, they were escorted to the visiting area. When Michaela was told that she had a visitor she thought it was her parents or her best friend Amanda Fox.

Michaela was surprised when she saw Mr Cage senior and his grandson. She looked at them with cold eyes. What are they doing here? She lowered her eyes to hide her emotions and asked, “May I help you, Sir?”

Mr Cage senior smiled and replied, “Mrs Ferguson, I would like to apologize for every pain my granddaughter has put you through. Also, I know deep down in my heart that you didn’t hurt my granddaughter, but you were set up by someone.

We are doing everything in our power to investigate this incident but so far we have come back empty-handed. The only thing we can offer you is protection while you are in prison until we find the evidence.

Last night, Sloane Ball visited the family. She told us that she was with Paula during the incident. Furthermore, she indicated that she saw you pushing my granddaughter. However, I have a feeling that I can’t shake that she is lying.

If she was with my granddaughter at that time, why didn't she call an ambulance or the police? Was she not supposed to be with my granddaughter in the ambulance? My gut feeling tells me that someone is framing you.”

Michaela was shocked when she heard Mr Cage senior's words and replied, “Thank you, Mr Cage, for believing in me. I didn’t see Sloane that day.

Where was she hiding? I think Sloane knows more than meets the eye. Mr Cage, is there anything you need help with?”

Mr Cage senior smiled and replied, “Mrs Ferguson, Dr Bond suggested that we should get a prescription of that medicine you fed my granddaughter.

He indicated that it would help her heal quickly. Can you please tell us the name of the doctor?”

Michaela smiled and replied, “Mr Cage, I have produced that medicine for my family and I have it at home. It would be difficult for me to give you the medicine because I am locked here.”

Mr Cage senior smiled brightly then he dialed Commissioner May for permission to take Mrs Ferguson out with them for a few hours. Commissioner May agreed, and he indicated that he would ask the police officers to escort them.

Mr Cage senior thanked Commissioner May, and then they hung up. A few minutes later, two police officers approached them.

One of the police officers greeted Mr Cage senior with respect and said, “Sir, Commissioner May has asked us to escort you.”

Mr Cage senior was in the military when he was young, and he contributed a lot to the country. After he retired, he served as South African President's advisor.

Michaela asked the police officer to escort them to her mansion. When they arrived at the mansion, Mr Cage senior smiled at Michaela and said, “Mrs Ferguson, we will stay in the car, take your time. We are not in a hurry.”

Michaela smiled and replied, “Please come inside because I will be long. I want to pack my suitcases and send them to the Miller family mansion.” Mr Cage senior and the others walked to the living room. Her nanny, Stella Fox, rushed to her and hugged her tightly crying.

Aunt Stella lost her husband due to illness when her daughter, Amanda Fox, was three years old. The Miller family hired her as Michaela's nanny, and they treated Stella's daughter as their own.

Michaela wiped Aunt Stella’s tears and said, “Please don’t cry, Auntie. I am alright. Thorne and his mistress will never defeat me.” Aunt Stella told her that she was praying for her protection in prison.

After Michaela had comforted Aunt Stella, she asked her to serve their guests with refreshments. Aunt Stella nodded her head, then she went to the kitchen. A few minutes later she brought tea and freshly baked scones on a tray.

Shortly afterward, she went to the second floor to look for Michaela. She was packing her clothes into the suitcases. When Michaela saw her she smiled and said, “Aunt Stella, please ask Amanda to fetch these suitcases.”

She moved the suitcases to the corridor and asked Aunt Stella to change the bed linen with new bedding. She didn’t want to leave her smell behind. Then they took the suitcases downstairs.

She took five exquisite gold cases from her handbag and gave them to her nanny and said, “Auntie, please give my mother three cases.” She took another five gold cases and said, “Please give these to my mother-in-law. It’s for my grandfather.”

Michaela smiled at her nanny and said, “Aunt Stella, you don’t have to stay here anymore, I will come to you when I am out of prison. Since I am pregnant I will need you to help my mother with the baby.”

Stella hugged Michaela tightly and said, “I will go back to the Miller family mansion today. I don’t want to lie to you, Michaela. I hate Thorne Ferguson and his mistress with all my heart.

I will never forgive them for every pain they put you through.” Michaela hugged her nanny back with tears streaming down her face.

She looked around the house for the last time, then she bid farewell to her nanny. She walked to the parking lot with Mr Cage senior and the others trailing behind.

She gave Mr Cage senior three exquisite gold cases and asked him to feed Paula one pill per week. Mr Cage senior thanked her profusely.

He looked at the stunning, intelligent young lady with interest. He wished his grandson, Samson, had seen her first.

Then the police officers took her back to prison. The prison guard took her back to her prison cell.

Michaela's Court Hearing

In the blink of an eye, it was Michaela Ferguson’s trial. The courtroom was packed to capacity. Thorne wanted to embarrass his wife so he arranged for the trial to be broadcast live.

The netizens' eyes were glued to their television waiting for the trial to begin. They were scolding Thorne and his mistress for treating the legally wedded wife like trash.

They boycotted the Cage businesses because they felt that they failed to raise their daughter well. Her values were questionable. Who told the first loves to bully the legal wives?

The reporters were outside the courtroom waiting to interview the Ferguson family, the Cage family and the Miller family.

The Ferguson elders attended the court hearing with a heavy heart. They wanted to witness the cruelty of their grandson. Also, they wanted to give support to their precious granddaughter-in-law.

Judge Harris banged his gavel and said, “The court is in session.” He asked Mrs Michaela Ferguson to stand. Michaela and her lawyer, Mr Blaze, stood up.

Judge Harris looked at Michaela and asked, “How do you plead, Mrs Ferguson?” Michaela looked at Judge Harris and replied without hesitation, “Not guilty, Your Honor.”

Judge Harris asked the plaintiff's lawyer to proceed. Mr Jeff Cliff approached the bench and said, “I would like to call Miss Sloane Ball to the stand.”

Miss Ball sat on the witness stand; she solemnly promised that she would speak nothing but the truth.

Mr Cliff smiled at Sloane and said, “Miss Ball, tell the court about your friendship with Miss Cage.” Sloane told the court that Miss Cage and she were like sisters. They have become friends since kindergarten.

Then Mr Cliff asked, “Could you please tell us about the incident that happened at the Shalom Shopping Mall?”

Tears streamed down Sloane’s beautiful face and said, “Paula asked me to accompany her to meet Miss Miller. We waited for her on the third floor outside the cake shop.

While we were waiting, I excused myself and went to the restroom. When I came back, I saw Miss Miller pushing Paula. Miss Miller was screaming at Paula. I was so shocked when I saw her falling from the third floor to the second floor.

I became so scared my mind went blank. I decided to hide because I didn’t know if Miss Miller would kill me too. I am having nightmares about that fateful day, and I am currently taking sleeping pills to help myself to sleep.”

Sloane sobbed and choked. Mr Cliff gave her a bottle of mineral water to drink. Sloane took the water with trembling hands and drank half of the water. She thanked Mr Cliff, and then she wiped her tears with her hands.

Mr Cliff handed the tissue to her. Sloane wiped her face, then she looked at Mr Cliff and said, “We can continue.”

Mr Cliff looked at her and asked, “Why didn’t you call an ambulance when you saw your best friend fall to the second floor?”

Sloane wiped her tears and replied, “Everything happened so quickly and my mind went blank. I was paralyzed by fear.” Then Mr Cliff looked at Judge Harris and said, “I have no further question, Your Honour.”

Mr Blaze stood up and said, “Miss Ball, you mentioned that Miss Cage was like a sister to you. However, you didn’t call the ambulance or the police. Miss Ball, are you jealous of Miss Cage?”

Sloane was taken aback by the question and replied, “No. Why would I be jealous of Paula?” Mr Blaze replied, “Maybe because when she was overseas Mr Ferguson didn’t approach you? Do you have a crush on Mr Ferguson?”

Sloane didn’t know how to answer the question because she was secretly in love with Mr Ferguson. She looked at Mr Cliff with pleading eyes.

Mr Cliff looked at Judge Harris and said, “Mr Blaze is badgering the witness, Your Honour.” Judge Harris replied, “Overruled. Miss Ball, please answer the question.”

Miss Ball looked at Mr Blaze and replied, “I don’t have feelings for Mr Ferguson. I feel insulted because Mr Ferguson is like a brother to me.”

Mr Blaze then looked at Sloane for a long time and asked, “After your best friend was taken by ambulance, why didn’t you call the Cage family or Mr Ferguson?”

Sloane’s mind went blank. She didn’t know how to respond. Mr Blaze asked, “Do you want me to repeat the question, Miss Ball?”

Sloane shook her head and replied, “I was paralyzed by fear and I couldn’t think straight. However, I visited the Cage family and told them everything that had happened.”

Mr Blaze shook his head and said, “I put it to you that you pushed Miss Cage and destroyed the surveillance camera because you had a crush on Mr Ferguson.

You wanted to kill two birds with one stone when you framed Mrs Ferguson. Your Honour, I have no further questions.”

Mr Cliff was fuming with anger and said, “May I redirect, Your Honour.” Judge Harris nodded his head and replied, "You may." Then Mr Cliff approached Sloane and asked, “Do you have a crush on Mr Ferguson, Miss Ball?”

Sloane shook her head and replied, “No. I have never coveted something that does not belong to me. In my eyes, Mr Ferguson is my sister’s fiancé and I have never flirted with him even once.”

Mr Cliff thanked her, and then he sat down. Then Sloane was escorted to her seat. Judge Harris looked at Mr Cliff and asked, “Do you have other witnesses, Mr Cliff?”

Mr Cliff nodded his head and replied, “I would like to call Dr Bond to the stand, Your Honour.”

Dr Bond sat at the witness stand. After he took an oath, Mr Cliff approached him smiling and said, “Thank you, Dr Bond, for taking your time to testify in this courtroom. Please tell the court about your relationship with Miss Paula Cage.”

Dr Bond replied, “Miss Cage is my patient. I have been taking care of her for the past two weeks. She is seriously injured and I am not sure if she will ever wake up. It will depend on her willpower.

The Cage family should thank Mrs Ferguson for her quick thinking. If it was not for her, Miss Cage would have died.”

Mr Cliff looked at Dr Bond and said, “We have heard testimony from Miss Ball indicating that she saw Miss Miller pushing Miss Cage. In your own opinion, don’t you think Miss Miller saved Miss Cage out of guilt?”

Dr Bond shook his head and replied, “I saw Mrs Ferguson at the hospital on that day with the Cage family.

Even though I cannot search a human heart, my gut feeling tells me that Mrs Ferguson was framed. I don’t think she is responsible for Miss Cage’s incident. She is a doctor, not a murderer.”

Mr Cliff was fuming with anger, but he managed to control his emotions. He smiled and said, “Your Honour, I have no further questions for this witness.”

Judge Harris looked at Mr Blaze and said, “Your witness.” Mr Blaze smiled at Dr Bond and said, “I have no questions, Your Honour.”