<p>When he finally arrived and learned the truth about Safna’s death, he was devastated. He lost control of himself, and even Zainab had to be hospitalized due to the shock of losing her beloved mother figure.</p><p>The Future of Bety and Saifullah</p><p>After the mourning period, Safna’s mother wanted to take custody of Bety and Saifullah, arguing that Dady was always traveling and wouldn’t be able to care for them. She suggested that if he refused, he should relocate to Sudan with them.</p><p>Dady, however, refused to part with his children. He couldn’t bear to lose them after losing Safna. He insisted that Zainab was there to take care of them.</p><p>Bety was too young to understand what was happening, but Saifullah struggled with his mother’s absence. Over time, with patience and love, he adjusted.</p><p>An Unexpected Proposal</p><p>Five months later, Dady’s uncles visited him with a serious proposal:</p><p>“If you want to keep the children, you must agree to marry Zainab. Living like this isn’t appropriate, and it would be best for both of you.”</p><p>Dady’s heart pounded. He hadn’t thought of this, but he knew he couldn’t bear to lose his children. After some contemplation, he agreed.</p><p>When Zainab’s father was informed, he approached her with the proposal. Zainab was shocked and devastated. She cried, struggling to accept the idea of marrying the husband of the woman she loved and respected.</p><p>However, when she realized that rejecting the proposal meant losing the children, she reluctantly agreed.</p><p>A New Beginning</p><p>On a Friday, after Jumu'ah prayers, the wedding took place in a grand ceremony.</p><p>Though they were now married, Saifullah resented Zainab for marrying his father. He saw it as a betrayal to his mother’s memory. Despite her attempts to bond with him, he ignored her. Dady was aware of the tension but hoped time would heal the wounds.</p><p>Years later, Saifullah completed his studies and traveled to India for further education, staying with Uncle Muhammad in Mumbai.</p><p>Bety, on the other hand, grew into a stunning young woman. She inherited her mother’s beauty and grace, with a kind and charitable heart. She treated everyone with respect despite her wealthy background.</p><p>She became best friends with Zainab Alqasim, who had been her classmate since primary school. She also made a new friend, Meenat, at ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), where she was studying. Despite Meenat’s humble background, Bety and her family treated her like one of their own.</p><p>By the time she was eighteen, Saifullah still hadn’t married, despite pressure from the family. He remained focused on his businesses, which spanned Nigeria and beyond.</p><p>Bety’s Secret Admirer</p><p>One day, Bety received a message from an unknown number:</p><p>“I tried to keep my distance from you, knowing the gap between us, but my heart cannot endure the pain any longer. I won’t hide the truth—I am a poor man, but I have a rich heart. I love you sincerely and ask for a chance to introduce myself properly.”</p><p>She found the message amusing yet touching. Though she didn’t respond, it stayed in her mind.</p><p>Days passed, and she realized that she looked forward to these messages. However, after three days of silence, she found herself feeling restless.</p><p>Aunty (Zainab) noticed her unease and asked what was wrong, but Bety denied that anything was bothering her.</p><p>That night, she whispered to herself:</p><p>“A.A, I, too, want to see you. You have stolen my heart with your words. But the time for us to meet has not yet come.”</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
