Anayahh
The next morning was rainy, and the weather was so refreshing that I didn't want to get out of bed. The soft rhythm of the rain against the window felt like a lullaby, pulling me deeper into the sheets.
But my stomach had other plans.
It growled loudly, reminding me that comfort wouldn't feed me.
With a reluctant sigh, I got up and headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I got dressed in my three-quarter navy blue jeans and a white T-shirt. I wrapped my hair in a vintage scarf, adjusting it carefully.
Standing in front of the mirror, I paused.
A beautiful young Shuwa girl stared back at me.
"Wow... masha Allah."
I froze slightly at the voice behind me.
"You look stunning," he added.
I turned a little. "Thanks," I responded softly.
"Are you okay?" Asad asked, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Yes, I'm—" I gasped, pulling away from his grip.
The closeness felt different now.
Heavy.
"Aren't we going to have breakfast? Because I'm already starving," I said, forcing a light tone.
"I ordered some food," Asad replied.
"Okay... show me," I said, already moving away.
He followed.
Soon, we were seated, eating the mouth-watering waina and cow tail pepper soup from L&N Kitchen. The aroma filled the room, but my mind was elsewhere.
I lifted my head and looked straight at him.
"Why didn't you tell me you have a wife?"
The question came out sharper than I intended.
He didn't flinch.
"We never really had the time to talk about it," he said, taking a bite of his waina.
I let out a quiet, almost bitter sound.
"Oh... yeah."
"I know you're eager to know who Ashey is, right?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine.
Something about the way he said her name...
It stirred something uncomfortable inside me.
⸻
FLASHBACK
February 2016
Demsa, Adamawa (Yola)
I was posted to Yola for my NYSC.
On my way one afternoon, I almost hit an old Fulani man riding a bicycle. I parked immediately and rushed out.
"Are you okay, Baba?" I asked, helping him up.
"Yes, my son," he replied calmly.
"Alhamdulillah," I murmured.
"Where do you live?" I asked.
"Not far from here."
"Let me take you home."
YOU ARE READING
Arranged Union(Un-edited)
RomanceShe thought love was simple... until she became the "other woman" in a story she never agreed to. Anayah never planned to fall for a man whose past was still breathing beside him. Asad is torn between the woman he married and the woman he never expe...
