I tilt up only to set my eyes on a familiar face, that which I've known for quite some time now. Without realizing, i let out an exhilarating smile, wiggling my arms. I tried talking but the adhesive tape wouldn't make me do so.

The lady came closer to where i was tied up with a broad smile indicating self-awareness that may suggest self-satisfaction, smugness before removing the tape from my lips energetically.

Ouch that hurt

A F R A H! I uttered gladly. "Thanks for coming, I know you will show up. "you see some ill-mannered brought me here. Please untie my hands i concluded glancing at her only to see her face expression turned morose suddenly.

My heart skipped

"Afrah what's wrong? Why are you not saying an........?

Why don’t you just shut your face? I’m tired of listening to you. She said grimly.

What? Why are you speaking in an eerie manner?

Why will i not speak that way Ameera! "Tell me why won't i when you stole my love from me.

What is she talking about?

I--- I don't ---understand anything you say. Afrah!

She rolled her eyes in disgust and said "it's disgust me hearing you speak.. With that I'm sealing your lips again.

Don't do that afrah... We're friends, have you forgotten and.... Before i could finishing my words she gave me a sound slap which left me flummoxed and stunned.

Look I'm not authorized or charge to sympathize with you. "you snatched zayyad from me and i promise to never let you be. Today is the day I'm gonna avenge what you did and mind you. "I'm not afrah. I am manal.

What!! 😮😳

The statement came as a storm to my hearing. If it was someone who said so, i wouldn't be in a perplexing situation. but, afrah how could she betray me this way? Why is it that, the people i confide in are the same people manipulating me. She has stabbed me in the back and I won't spare her.

"untie me you buffoon and i will show you what I'm made of. I'm not the girl you know..... C'mon!

Shhhhh! You talk alot, can you please be quiet for just a second, and why do you even think am gonna let you escape this place. "if you see yourself outside here, just know I'm married to my cousin. She turned her back at me and continued

"I love him like my life depends on him. I knew no love except his ever since i became an adult. but, he pretend to not care about my feelings.  He sees me as his sister, his blood to which I'm just his cousin. You won't understand how i felt when I got to know he loves another lady. Not me.

She pointed at me with irritation and said, yet again. _AMEERA you're the other woman. "You took him away from me to which I vow to not let you two be. Wallahi I came down to Abuja just to hunt you, which i did. You won't believe how elated i am that the victory is about to be mine. "I became friend with Aisha two month ago, we met at a friend's walima. We became acquainted instantly even thought it was all part of my plan. "I also turned her against you when i found out she was in love with zayyad. But, seeing how senseless she was, i decided to use her as a pond to get to you. I instigated her so very much that she sees you as her greatest enemy forgetting i am "THE SECRET ENEMY.

"I AM TASLEEM. Her legit friend. She sighed bitterly and continued. "when I became friends with you even though it was for benefit, i wanted forefitting my love for him, for you because i see you as innocent and naive. But how could I, when my love for him often ooze a meaningful feeling towards him. However, "I'm done with you and I'm going for your sister now. I will deal with her even if it means killing her. She must leave my zayyad alone. She concluded with a clamor before letting out a pique smile. I went to war for the one i love, i took so many risk to get to this point so dont blame me. It could happen to you she added.

Zayyad! Why him? Is he the only guy on earth.

Her stupidity flabbergasts me, and I have to force myself to keep a straight face for some minutes while she explains her unwisely point and excuse. I instantly felt a bitter lump in my throat, that which hurt. I could beat her Up this instant.

"unrope me you idiot lemme show you how ruthless i am when I'm being played with roughly and I promise my curse shall follow you. A grave nakba shall befall you and I won't forgive you for.....!

Her sly and snide laughter left my words on hold, as she clapped her hands in amusement. "Are you really the one saying all this? Wow you've changed very quickly.  Now I don't have your time. I'm going to finish my job. "C'mon you two should keep an eye on her. She finished steadfastly before leaving the small cottage carefreely.

Innalillahi wa inna ilayhir rajiun was all that escaped my lips with a thought of how I'm gonna escape this good for nothing place. If only i was flirty perhaps i might leave the cottage soon but I'm not. What should i do...  Ameera think, just then i felt my bladder full. It's about time i go pee, but will they agree to it?  They may possibly think I'm trying to escape from them. I should rather just pee on my body. It's gonna make them do something probably.

"Hey, you dirty girl. What are you doing? Do you wanna disgust the place further. Said one of those that seized me.

"I'm press. I wanna pee. I said with a scrunched face.

Be quiet "Dauda! Kwance hannayenta ka nuna mata bandaki (dauda! Untie her hands and direct her to the bathroom) immediately before she swell our stomachs with her reek.

I heaved a deep breath silently with a hidden smile hopping to escape soon.

I stepped into the dingy bathroom which contained so many flies perching on the walls. It's irritates me but what can i do.... I did my business and was about to go out when i became overpowered by light. "here I go. My escape plan is about to be put to action. I slowly walked to were the brightness was coming through.

Superb it was a window

I managed to climb and jump down. I actually couldn't believe i was outta the filthy place until I see myself breathing fresh air, And there my journey of race began. I ran bare foot to make sure i leave the area without noticing what was in front of me. After about fifteen minutes of my escape run, i stopped wheezing heavily, hand on my knees. The feeling i got, that a person was coming after me made me run again and before i could realize what was happening, I was knocked down by a vehicle. That was all i could remember.

Ya salaam came the woman's voice from the car as she quickly alighted out, moving towards were the girl her son run over was laying unconscious.

_"Na shiga uku! Saheel mun kashe er mutane. Lift her up and put her in the car let's take her to the hospital.  Saheel can't you hear me? The woman hurl again turning around only to see her son seated in the car without cares nor worries.

She walked to her son in anger saying "couldn't you see that you've hit a lady? Why are you like this Sahel? What's wrong with you and ladies? If it was a guy now, you will be the first to come save his life. "now come outta the car quickly.

"I really hate it mum! She came in my way and this happened. She has caused it for me, worst of it, she has ruin my car. he finished with a hiss.

His mum looked at him mouth agape as he speaks, wondering what kinda a man he is. Ever since what happened between him and his would-be wife, he has become as hard as a rock. The hate he has for women isn't from this planet 😂.

He peeled to were she was laying and crouched down to pick her, on seeing her condition he immediately surrendered as he became overpowered by her ruth not even now that he is the cause of her condition. He kept staring at her face until he reached were the car came to a halt. He immediately put her in and drove off to giwa hospital without any hesitation as his mum kept quiet but fear was evident in her face.

THREE WEEKS LATER

11:45AM -  FORENOON
SATURDAY

At Imran's resident, having a feeling arising from a consciousness of well-being and enjoyment was all that was flying in every one's heart as it was visible on their faces too, except for hyfer whom has being blue since she lost her sister. She tried her very best to be unemotional and phlegmatic not even today that Aisha hooks zayyad. Affirmative the knot has been tied to which she's now officially Mrs zayyad.

Good right?

On Aisha's side, she feels she's the most happiest girl alive as she never imagined the nikkah to be this soon even when abba said it won't take long. Alhamdullilah zayyad's parent agrees to our marriage she mused forgetting the fact that karma always gives a befitting reply to people like her.

"Amarya"

"Amarya"

"Amarya¡ was all the word you could here in the house, she has turned a celebrity today she says with smile plastered on her face. Hyfer came into her room with a glass of milk on a tray, she picked it up before handing it to her. "drink this milk, I see you haven't eaten anything since last night.

"Awww why the sudden interest to feed me a milk? She asked nonplussed while gulping down the milk.

Hyfer gasped and smile halfed face which could be called a smirk. Adjusting Aisha's chandelier earring she says yet again. "Today is a big day for you and I'm entitle to be elated just as you're even though mine isn't legit. Well, I'm wishing you a happy marriage life not because you're gonna be happy in it. However, it could be a disaster. "I have envision your marriage life already she concluded picking the tray before exiting the door.

Aisha whom was left standing unsure how to respond nor act to what she said shrugged her words whispering "Affirmative i know her problem, she's in a puzzling circumstance. However, she will be fine eventually.

She flopped on the bed placing her head on the headboard thinking of what not, when a call from her friend tasleem came through. She quickly picked up placing it to her ears.

"CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING AISHA.

She blushed before saying "Hi tasleem, I'm angry with you wallahi. My friend not showing up at my wedding ai is a disappointment. "haba"

Angry kuma? Please don't be moreover, you've gotten what you've longed for. Oh c'mon be happy cos you dont know if it might be your last.

What do you mean?

Kinsan dai kafin yasoki sai a dan jima koh? So just be prepared for what may come your way.

You're right. Marrying him is my first priority and to make him love me won't be very difficult when I have you to guide me.

Indeed i will be your guide. She sighed inwardly before saying again "I am quite busy now. Talk to you later.

Few hours later, umma came into the room only to see Aisha and a few of her school friend's having a conversation as they teased her time to time. Umma smiled from the door and said "if you friends could excuse the bride for some minutes, her father wanna have a word with her.

"oh no problem umma. Said saudat as the rest two nodded simultaneously with a smile.

Aisha was taken to abba whom was seated waiting for her to show up. On reaching the lounge, she met a few of her relations waiting for her too. Aunt kharima asked her to sit on the carpet opposite her dad and before everyone could ajust their sitting position, he started with his advices and all that. At the end he told her zayyad would be coming to pick her.

She immediately till up asking if there was no escort to which Abba nodded saying yet again, your husband said "he would take you home all by himself. She was happy and not happy at the same time but all the same, that's good at least we will get to know each other better.

8:40pm at dusk

Aisha was asked to bath again for the third time today and when she came outta the bathroom, her aunt picked another set of clothes with a matching jewellery which she was gonna wear before her husby show up. Just as she was dressing, husna came in announcing the arrival of zayyad and that, he's waiting for her in the lounge.  After a few seconds, she left for the sitting room and on the sight of him, she felt scared even though he was smiling at her. After all the rede and admonition, The bride and groom left for their matrimonial home. *Did i forget to say Aisha cried? well, she did. However, I don't know why.

Few minutes, they both arrived at a very huge house, she stole two-three glancing at the house before mainting her stance. He spun to his right, were she was seated next to him and with a smile he says "welcome to your matrimonial home newlywed bride".

The feeling of amazement was visible on her face, like she doesn't wanna believe he's speaking to her calmly, could he have forgotten her sister or something she mused before realizing he has left the car. As she was about to alight out, she saw him open the door for her. "you may come out he says yet again. Making her a little fenzy as her normal regular beat increases for no reason.

They head towards the house entrance and when she was about entering he immediately halt her. "Don't you know you're supposed to enter with your right foot? Or are you just eager for everything to just begin as you wished.

She let out coprophagous grin as the result of her being embarrassed before doing as he says. "I should show you to your room first he said.

Yes was all she muttered faintly and with that, she tailed behind him until he pointed at a door, with his hand he gestured her to go in before returning to his sitting room.

Why is Aisha sounding innocent now?

She budged into the room with a salaam only for a ladies voice to reply her. "Who could this be she mused before glancing at were the voice came from. She was left dumbfounded in an awe situation when she saw the lady sitting by the edge of the bed, adding to it, she was dressed in a wedding attire with her face covered with veil.

Subhanallah was all that escaped her lips as her heart hitch and before she could move an inch, the lady unveiled her face which revealed her friend.

"Tasleem" you? Aisha voiced in profound reverence. "What are you doing here? she added.

she slightly rolled her eyes and said "I'm to ask you this question because as you can see I'm married to my cousin zayyad"

What? How dare you sell me like this?  I saw you as my friend and you.....?

Enough! She halted her and continued "I was never your friend and if you call me a cheat then what are you? What you did to your sister was what? Huh! Speak up.    Just then zayyad came into the room.

Aisha whom was confused rushed to him saying "Yes, you're here zayyad. please tell me who is this and what's she doing here? Aint i your wife anymore. She spoke non stop as tasleem or should i say manal composed herself.... Trying to look good actually.

He smiled and said "Mahal here is my cousin and she is your senior wife. She also have the common right and privilege as you. All what I'm saying here is that, she's your partner.

Manal? But she's tasleem. What are you saying zayyad. Aisha asked on the verge of tears.

She appeared to be tasleem but she's Manal.

Manal whom was happy hearing him regard her as the senior wife became shock to hear him speak otherwise. She stole a few glances at him hopping he doesn't know what she did to his Ameera. Her thoughts was interrupted when he says "Manal, you shouldn't think i got married to you because i love you, I don't love either of you and i doubt if i will. I know all what you and aisha did, your conspiracy and you in particular kidnapped Ameera. Zaid told me so that's why i married you so as to tell me where you kept her captive and to also manage the both of you. He concluded caressing their both cheeks and leaving the room.

Hold on zayyad! Listen please aisha said holding his arm, but instead of him to listen, he shoved her forcefully making her hit her head on the wall.

Ouch! She groan in pain holding her forehead. She was clearly in a forlorn and in dreariness, she walks towards manal. "So you were behind my sisters kidnapping? How dare you. She voice in disbelief raising a hand to slap her to which manal held it mid way.

"Baki isa ba wallahi, Kinyi Kadan. i will deal with you in this house. She concluded hitting Aisha's head on the wall and immediately blood begins to gush out.

La la lah  kika bugamun kai?  Wallahi saina karyaki Aisha hurl angrily, staring at the blood on her palm before tailing behind her to the sitting room were she met her pleading with zayyad. On reaching to her, she jerked her from behind and before I the author could finish writing down the previous scene, they both began exchanging blows. Hitting one another to the best of their ability, it was just like a wrestling practice. I could say it's Sasha banks and AJ perhaps.

As for zayyad, i actually don't know were, when and how he got a popcorn. However, he adjusted his sitting position with a criss-cross applesauce, watching them as they exchange fist. He was even cheering them and when they got exhausted as no one wins the fight, they both step aside wheezing heavily.

"Affirmative you two manipulated Ameera for your own selfish desires you call love. Well, now you are married to me but never you forget that, neither of you will ever get the happiness she desire. And this is just the beginning of your torture. he finished concisely before leaving for his room.

Wallahi sai na kashe ki Aisha tunda kika shiga tsakanina dashi. Manal hurl before leaving too.

As for Aisha, she slumped on the carpet. clutching her chest, she burst into a loud cry saying "what have i gotten myself into? "what have i done? She weeps as the look on her face could tell that, she is in an emotional pain on account of what she has done and with a wish that it had been different; a looking back with dissatisfaction and longing that it wasn't her or it would have being a dream.

Yeah longest chapter

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