<p>He held my phone, and just as his rang, he placed mine aside. Before leaving, he deleted the call I had made to JB, blacklisted his number, and erased it completely from my phone. It was a while before he returned, accompanied by some visitors—Inna’s older siblings and her younger ones. I greeted them warmly, and they offered us their blessings. I served them refreshments, and we spent time chatting before they eventually left. I escorted them to the gate, then returned inside, only to find Ibrahim.</p><p>Feigning ignorance, I avoided addressing him. But he broke the silence. “Who called you earlier? I hope it wasn’t that insolent boy. Even after you’re married, he’s still trying to interfere in your life?”</p><p>“Why are you acting as if I’m not your wife, Ibrahim? Now even calls need to be approved by you? Please, have mercy on me. I’ve moved on. Let’s build our life together on the right foundation. Please don’t harbor any suspicions. I’ve already promised to obey you, and what’s done is done. Let’s focus on us.”</p><p>He stared at me silently for a while, then sighed. “I’m sorry. Let’s enjoy our new marriage and avoid unnecessary issues. Please take care of yourself. Let me get you some medicine so we can avoid hospital trips. I promise I won’t mention that boy’s name again.”</p><p>I refused to eat the meal he offered, insisting I wasn’t hungry. He made tea for me instead, which I drank. Ibrahim was unlike any other man I’d known. Each man is unique in his ways, and he was reserved and serious.</p><p>For the first week, nothing major happened between us. He spent most of his time with me, even helping in the kitchen. I didn’t yet have a maid, as I wanted to manage on my own until things became overwhelming. Strangely, Ibrahim never left the house—not even as far as the gate. He claimed he needed to rest.</p><p>"Please, can you ask A’isha to visit?" I requested one day. “Why is no one allowed to see me? What if something happens?”</p><p>"Are you hoping for something bad to happen so they can come care for you?" he teased. “Or is it that you’re struggling and want someone to notice?”</p><p>“What do you mean by that, Ibrahim?”</p><p>"If you truly want to help me, be patient," he said. “It was Abba’s instruction that no one should visit us for a month. But I’ll bring A’isha over since I know you prefer her company.”</p><p>Two weeks passed, and Ibrahim finally resumed work. On his first day back, I woke early to help him get ready. By 9:30 AM, I walked him to the gate, pleading with him not to stay too late. I was uneasy about being home alone.</p><p>As soon as he left, I called JB twice. On the third attempt, he answered.</p><p>"What do you want to tell me now?" JB snapped. “Another excuse? I’m too dignified for this humiliation. How could you, while we were together, agree to marry someone else? Tell me this is all a dream. I tried calling you, but you blocked me. I’ve been cast aside. I’m at home now, but you better prepare yourself because, no matter what, you’ll see me again. You can’t leave me like this. If I have to, I’ll share you with him!”</p><p>"Enough, JB," I interrupted. “Have you forgotten the disgrace you brought me? Did you forget the times I prioritized you above everyone else? You left me when I needed you most, and my parents forced me into this marriage. Do you think I wanted this? This was not my choice!”</p><p>"Even if I forgot, you remember," he retorted. “And mark my words, if you don’t see me at your house soon, it’ll only be because I’m dead. As long as I’m alive, I will come. Wait for me.”</p><p>My heart sank. How could JB think of coming here after all that had happened? After the shame he caused me, why was he determined to confront me now? We had been wronged, separated unfairly, but why had he abandoned me during my most vulnerable time?</p><p>I spent the rest of the day in a daze until Ibrahim returned. His presence seemed heavier, and I later learned why. Unbeknownst to me, Ibrahim had gone to JB’s shop to confront him. Without even glancing at him, Ibrahim told JB he had accepted fate and wished me the best. He then warned him to stay away and left.</p><p>When Ibrahim returned home, he noticed my distant demeanor. “What’s wrong? Why are you upset? It’s been a tough day for me at work; at least greet me properly.”</p><p>I forced a "Welcome back" and excused myself to my room. He soon joined me but went to bed early, saying he had work the next day.</p><p>The next morning, he left around 8:30. Not long after, I heard a knock at the gate. Hesitant, I opened it. To my shock, it was JB. My heart raced. Should I let him in, or should I hear him out at the gate? A voice in my head urged me to invite him inside.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
