<p>Lawisa insisted, “You have no choice but to marry. If you do, I’ll be happy. I can live without marriage, as long as I have fun. But once you get married, I’ll need a bigger house for myself. I can’t live with you because I can’t bring men into a married woman’s house. And I refuse to chase after men; they must come to me.”</p><p>She smiled mischievously, “I just pray he falls for you.”</p><p>Maimuna grinned, “I hope so.”</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Alhaji Lamido Saraki was born in Bauchi. He was his parents' only child, and after graduating from the University of Bauchi, his parents passed away. With no close relatives, he inherited their wealth and ventured into business.</p><p>Within a short time, he became very wealthy, building a large house in Tambari (outside the estate), owning three fuel stations, two supermarkets, and several large trucks for hire.</p><p>Despite his success, he feared modern women.</p><p>His first wife was from a wealthy family, and he thought she wouldn’t be after his money. However, she secretly stole from him, and he divorced her within a year.</p><p>After three years of being single, he met a young woman begging on the street. Feeling pity, he found her family, helped them financially, and eventually married her.</p><p>At first, she seemed content, but after a year, she began stealing from him too. One day, he caught her red-handed, loading food supplies into a vehicle.</p><p>She cried and begged, but he divorced her on the spot.</p><p>Since then, he focused solely on his business, avoiding marriage. His home was empty except for a caretaker named Babaye, whom he had rescued from the streets.</p><p>Babaye became his trusted assistant, managing the house.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>As promised, Alhaji Lamido visited Maimuna and Lawisa. They prepared a delicious meal and drinks for him.</p><p>After eating, he asked, “I came so you could fulfill your promise and tell me your story.”</p><p>Before Maimuna could speak, Lawisa quickly said, "We’re from the same family. She’s my elder sister, and it’s just the two of us. Our parents died while we were in secondary school. Maimuna got married, but her husband was deceitful—he only married her for her inheritance.</p><p>After taking everything, he beat her and divorced her. We had no close relatives, so we sold our family house in Darazo and moved here. We used the money to start selling food."</p><p>Alhaji Lamido was deeply moved, even shedding tears. Looking at Maimuna with sympathy, he said, “I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. May God reward you.”</p><p>He then shared his own tragic experiences.</p><p>Lawisa nodded, “Brother, you've also suffered. The world has changed.”</p><p>Smiling, Alhaji said, “But I believe meeting you both is a blessing. Will you accept me as family?”</p><p>Lawisa smiled, “We’d be honored to have you as a brother.”</p><p>They talked for a long time before he left, giving them a large sum of money.</p><p>After he left, Maimuna laughed, “Lawisa, you really know how to spin a story! How did you make all that up?”</p><p>Lawisa grinned, “You don’t understand. If we had said you never married, he’d suspect us. But now, he won’t question anything. Also, since he thinks we’re family, he’ll respect me more.”</p><p>Maimuna asked, “So what’s next?”</p><p>Lawisa smirked, “Now, we find a sorcerer. He must be controlled before he insists on meeting our fake family in Darazo.”</p><p>Maimuna grinned, “That’s why I love you!”</p><p>Lawisa replied, “Just trust me. Soon, he’ll be in the palm of our hands.”</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
