<p> </p><p>Jabeer was visibly upset but maintained his composure. He said, “You made a big mistake, Uwais, and your elders also erred. From the very beginning, this matter should have been discussed when Amrah’s hand was being sought. If she accepted, then fine; if not, then so be it. But now, you’ve managed to ruin everything. You know Daddy wasn’t entirely happy with your marriage—he only agreed because Amrah wanted it.</p><p>So now, I can’t have Amrah staying in my house without our parents knowing about this. Murjanatu hasn’t had children and won’t know how to handle Amrah. Once she’s discharged, I’ll pick her up from the hospital, and we’ll head to Abuja.”</p><p>Jabeer’s tone carried clear disappointment, even though he was trying to suppress it. The fact that Uwais hadn’t told him about another wife despite their close relationship was deeply upsetting. If Uwais had confided in him earlier, Jabeer would have covered for him. That’s what true friendship is about. But no—at the time, Uwais had been blinded by his obsession with marrying Amrah at all costs.</p><p>Now, Jabeer supported any decision Amrah might make regarding her marriage to Uwais. She deeply loved him, yet he betrayed her trust. This is why women often lament men’s unreliability in matters of love. Even the most seemingly trustworthy men can falter when it comes to women. But why Uwais? The man who seemed to love Amrah more than anyone?</p><p>As Jabeer hung up the phone, his wife, Murjanatu, who had overheard the conversation, commented, “Uwais is your true friend, and you should stand by him no matter what. Don’t let your loyalty to your sister make you disregard your friend’s worth. Right now, he needs your support the most. Don’t forget it was his mother who insisted he marry that other girl, threatening to prevent him from marrying Amrah if he didn’t comply. He must have agreed out of fear of losing Amrah.</p><p>If you were in his shoes, what would you do? Would you engage in zina because the first wife refused intimacy, or would you turn to the lawful option waiting in the corner?”</p><p>Jabeer didn’t reply, but his facial expression softened.</p><p>“Let’s go see how Amrah is doing at the hospital,” he said after a moment. “She’s at Standard Hospital.”</p><p>Murjanatu quickly got her scarf and followed him outside. Jabeer’s main concern now was how their father would react, as he would hold Uwais accountable for everything, given that Uwais caused the situation.</p><p>Upon arriving at the hospital, they asked for the patient who had recently delivered a stillborn and were directed to Amrah’s room. She lay there with her mother and Fahimah tending to her. Amrah refused to open her eyes or acknowledge anyone, which infuriated her mother. Meanwhile, Fahimah was visibly distressed.</p><p>When Jabeer and Murjanatu entered the room and greeted them, Amrah immediately opened her eyes. She tried to sit up, but Murjanatu quickly calmed her down, gently helping her lie back.</p><p>“Oh no, Amrah. Please, rest and recover. I’m here now, and we’ll go to Abuja together.”</p><p>Hearing this, Amrah relaxed, letting out a deep sigh and stopping her tears. Her mother, however, was confused. She couldn’t understand why Amrah was so upset, especially since they had done nothing but support her. Fahimah, on the other hand, felt guilty, suspecting that Amrah had somehow discovered the truth, leading to her premature labor.</p><p>Murjanatu stayed with Amrah throughout the evening, eventually persuading her to drink some tea. However, when Murjanatu decided it was time to leave, Amrah insisted she stay overnight and take her to Abuja the next morning, even if the doctor hadn’t discharged her yet.</p><p>This bold demand embarrassed Murjanatu, especially since Amrah voiced it plainly in front of her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law, though frustrated, held her tongue, acknowledging that Uwais’s secret had ultimately caused this mess.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
