<p>Amrah's mother observed her closely to gauge her reaction, and she noticed that Amrah's face looked as though she had just been given the grim news of an angel coming to take her life. This reaction delighted her mother, as it showed that Amrah had internalized the constant persuasion they had been subjecting her to day and night.</p><p>Day and night, Amrah's family did nothing but pressure her to divorce Uwais, insisting it was the only way her life could improve. It is often said that persistent persuasion is dangerous; if it doesn't work immediately, it eventually takes effect.</p><p>Thus, Amrah had finally reached a decision: letting go of Uwais was better than living in rivalry with Fahimah, a woman whose relationship with Uwais remained unclear. After all, they were hypocrites. Initially, Amrah had even told the gatekeeper to inform Uwais that she wouldn't come to meet him. But her mother intervened, saying:</p><p>"That's not the right approach, Amrah. It's better to face him and clarify your position—whether you are staying or leaving." She scoffed and added, “This Uwais has truly grown arrogant. He even has the nerve to bring himself back here!”</p><p>Angrily, Amrah grabbed her shawl and stormed out. She found Uwais in the room where they usually met during his visits. He was standing there, hands in his pockets, anxiously watching the door for her arrival, his heart filled with uncertainty. Not long after, Amrah appeared at the door, her expression so unusual it seemed like the world had never seen her like this before.</p><p>She stood rooted at the doorway, blocking it. Uwais could never forget the look in her eyes at that moment—filled with nothing but pure hatred for him. Slowly, he approached her. He was still the Uwais she once knew, the one who captivated her heart, but he had lost the magical aura of love and trust that once bound them.</p><p>They stood still, staring at each other like dueling warriors, each battling their own emotions. Both sought to understand whether any remnants of love remained between them. Uwais's love for her was still there but had diminished by 50%. Amrah’s feelings also lingered, but anger, jealousy, and betrayal had consumed 70% of them. The remaining 30% was merely habit and thoughtfulness, which she believed she could overcome once she returned to Malaysia.</p><p>"I hope you brought my papers, UWAIS SHAGARI?" Amrah stated coldly, calling him by his full name for the first time.</p><p>He smiled faintly, the kind that barely reached the corners of his lips, and replied with the confidence of a seasoned man, “Amrah, no greetings? I thought we were past this.”</p><p>Amrah gave him a sharp look, recalling the words she overheard him saying to another woman on the phone—words so intimate they should only be shared with one’s lawful wife. And if this was his behavior over the phone, what could he possibly be doing in person?</p><p>"I didn't come here for pleasantries, Uwais," she retorted. “I came to collect my papers and make the decision I believe is best for me: ending this marriage.”</p><p>Uwais exhaled deeply, struggling to maintain his composure. “Even if you've chosen divorce, Amrah, it’s important to hear me out before making any final decisions. I’m not asking you to accept my words blindly, but I have my reasons. After all, it was love and trust that brought us together, not the opposite.”</p><p>Amrah laughed bitterly. “Love, Uwais? Really? Does such a thing still exist in this world and in this era?”</p><p>Uwais ran his hand through his soft hair, visibly troubled. “It does, Amrah. And I still love you, just as I love Fahimah. But you must understand, my marriage to Fahimah was a predestined event from Allah, one beyond my control.”</p><p>He began to narrate his story about Fahimah: how Ammi had taken her in from an orphanage, their childhood together, and how he had tormented her with insults. He described their journey to Ikko and how circumstances had changed beyond his ability to resist. He concluded by saying:</p><p>"Amrah, I am a man with the capability to marry up to four wives, as permitted by Allah. Even if Ammi hadn’t arranged my marriage to Fahimah, our lifestyle made it inevitable for me to seek another wife. So, Amrah, don’t blame me for loving Fahimah under these circumstances. Our marriage is a Sunnah just like ours.</p><p>My only mistake was not informing you earlier. I should have been upfront from the start, saying that I would marry two women—one of my own choice and one chosen by my mother. If you could accept that, we would proceed; if not, I would respect your decision and let go."</p><p> </p><p> </p>
