Handsome Devil ✅

Twenty-Eight

Her relationship with Usman was a cordial one. Layla had developed a general phobia for men. She was scared of them.

It was on a Thursday evening while Gwoggo has gone to rest, Layla was seated watching an Indian movie. She didn't hear a voice saying the salam and neither did she hear when the door creaked to open. She had stretched her legs to relieve her back that was threatening to break.

"Assalamu Alaikum."

A deep voice that abruptly made Layla to turn and adjusted her veil settled in her ears. She felt as though she was caught unaware that she was trying to get everything to cover her protruding belly. She was startled. Then there was his height that shadowed her and she felt she was too small in the parlor.

His whole presence dominated the parlor and she felt she was seeing him from another place. She felt intimidated and carefully replied his greeting.

He was tall and had a face that showed his ancestral heritage. His hair was a coiled mane and was shining in contrast to his tanned skin. His eyes were hidden behind a brown shade. She took in all his appearance and felt scared to her very being.

He made an attempt to smile and revealed a set of teeth that were beautiful and captivating. Layla was fear gripped wondering who could the guy be and why was he feeling like he was at home? She watched as he passed by her and entered their room, Gwoggo's room.

Gathering enough strength, she rose and walked hurriedly to see what he was up to. He had already woke Gwoggo and had squatted in front of her when Layla entered. She stood rooted to the place. Who was this guy?

"Layla, why are you standing there? What's wrong??" Gwoggo called out from her bed as she sat up.

"N-no. I just saw him entered and I was scared so I followed him." A confused Layla stammered looking at floor not daring to look at his face.

They both roared with laughter.

And for the second time the deep voice resonated her eardrum. "Ummi who's this?"

Layla was confused the more when he called Gwoggo Ummi.

"It's Layla. Your cousin sister from Zaria." Gwoggo talked warmly at him.

"Good evening." Layla greeted him her eyes never leaving the floor.

He answered and looked back to his mother.

"You didn't mention you're coming Alqasim." Gwoggo said standing to move out to the parlor.

Layla went out too.

It was as though his presence slowed down everything of hers in the house. She felt uneasy and uncomfortable. The day passed slowly with Layla mostly confined to her room.

She was always in her hijab in an attempt to hide that which she carried.

The following day she woke up early enough to make the breakfast. It was an attempt to exercise her body that was becoming heavy be the minutes. She saw a left over Tuwo which she warmed and settled on immediately. She knew Gwoggo wakes up late and Usman was having a night shift. Then, Alqasim.

He had close to nothing that shows his Fulani heritage. He was a good representation of the Kanuri. A quite dark tanned skin and everything. She felt a movement in the Parlor and turned to meet Alqasim who was an early walker.

He had gone for a morning run and was bathed in sweat. He smiled at her in an effort to make her lessen her tight jaw. He then moved to the kitchen where he served the remaining Tuwo she warmed and joined her in the parlor while sipping his tea.

They ate in silence until when Alqasim decided to ask a question he regretted asking.

"So, Layla, when did you get married without informing we the cousin."

Her reaction was swift but he however saw it. She fumbled to stand all thanks to her big belly and left him mouth agape. What have I done??

Since the question incident she made it a point to always be by herself. For two days it was as though they were playing hide and seek. Where he goes, she leave immediately.

On a Monday morning about 4am Layla was awoken by a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. She thought it was one of those contractions she get from time to time but it persisted and she couldn't hold it anymore. She was scared it was time for her to put to bed. Deep down, she hoped her quest for vengeance would not cost her life.

When she couldn't hold it any longer, she tapped Gwoggo who was alert immediately.

She was panting and her forehead was having beads of sweat. The pain was unbearable. It was as though every cell in her body was against her at that time. Her back was in pure agony and she could hardly breath.

She kept panting while Gwoggo ran to call Alqasim so they get to the hospital. It seemed she was in severe pain and for yet another time, Gwoggo cursed the person that subjected this young girl to such pain.

Layla had been sobbing and held her stomach. A sharp pain tore through her again and she was in her little room and She could feel Zayyad's weight almost breaking her bones and she was pleading for him to stop but he was unstoppable like a wild animal. Again and again she kept feeling her whole body shattered until she was taken into darkness and gave up the fight between life and death.

Gwoggo ran back with Alqasim behind her to find Layla lifeless in a pool of blood.

*********

Manage this please. I thought I said I'll
be a good girl henceforth.🥺

I dedicate this chapter to another lover of the story Hauwa1966

Thank you. You're appreciated 💖

Sdddd@hau