-ZAINAB SHAMAKI'S POV-

THREE YEARS LATER.

Maroudi, Nigeria.

Life has been pretty good to us.

I would say perfect, but there were hurdles along the way. However, it's nothing compared to the past so yes, it's been good.

All I can say is, Alhamdullilah.

Surely, with all hardship comes ease and well, I am living it right now.

"Next, the award for Publishing House of the year goes to the owner of Maroudi Today, Mrs.ZainabShamakiSunusi"

Oh and yes, that happened.

I bought the publishing house. Surprise.

A round of applause filled the place, as I stood up and approached the woman announcing the awards and all. We shook hands before she handed it to me and to say I feel honored and proud would be an understatement.

She stood aside and gave me space to make a speech, and since I knew there was the possibility of getting this, I prepared a speech. However, all that speech I intended on making left my brain the minute I stepped in front of the crowd staring back at me.

And no, I wasn't getting cold feet.

I've done this countless before even though each times feels like the beginning.

At this moment though, I was simply overwhelmed by it all that my breath got knocked out. Blowing out a small, barely visible breath, I decided to wing it. After all, the best speeches come from the heart, right?

"Assalamualaikum, hello everyone" I started, my lips stretching into a wide grin when my gaze fell on my familiar faces. "First off, I'd like to say thank you for this—it truly is an honor to not just me, but everyone in the publishing house. And because of that, I'd like to use this opportunity to appreciate each, and every one of them"

From the row where the ones that attended are seated, I saw them wearing smiles that made mine widened.

"—we are able to get this far because of everyone's effort. Three years ago, we were in the gutters and with no hope of ever getting back on our feet—everyone believed we were out of the market. However, with hard work and dedication, we are able to bounce back stronger, and better than ever" I paused, feeling my heart swell with pride at the simple thought of how everything has been. "We've come so far, and we will aim for more in shaa Allah. The sky is our limit. Here's to many more years as the best publishing house in not just Maroudi, but beyond too"

Another round of applause, much louder than earlier. I couldn't help it. I found myself chuckling lightly. Taking in a deep breath, I stepped away from the podium and headed back to my position. However, before I could sit, the most handsome, and literally the best man out there, was waiting for me with arms wide open.

Grinning, I walked straight into his arms that definitely feels like home. He is my home.

So what if there are tons of people there staring at us? Who cares?

All that matters to me is how far I've come, and of course, this man by my side.

He was the first to pull back, and immediately leaned down to peck my forehead while his fingers rubbed soothing circles on my arm. His eyes met mine, and there was the biggest of grins on his face. "I am so proud of you, Albi" Hakeem stated, for the nth time over the years.

At this point, it's impossible to wipe the grin on my face. "I couldn't have done this without you"

"No" He was quick to shake his head. "This is your work, all you—and your team of course. You all worked hard to make it this far" I couldn't argue with that, because he is right. "Now, let's just hope I get through this event without screaming to everyone that you're my wife"

I giggled, arching a brow slightly. "For real?"

"You think I'm kidding?" I know he's not. Between us, I can never underestimate the things Hakeem can do. Sultan or not, for me, he's just Hakeem—my Hakeem.

"No" I shook my head, hoping the stop him before he could do anything to embarrass us both. "I think everyone knows that already" That's the fact. Everyone knows Hakeem and I are married—even those outside Maroudi are aware.

"You think so?" He still didn't seem sure. Dude is looking for a chance to just tell everyone I'm his wife. He did the same thing after our wedding and well, that is a story for another day.

"I do"

"Alright then" He intertwined our fingers, and finally, we both took our seats as the event continues.

I know he gives me all the credit, and I deserve it because I worked hard for this, but at the same time, I owe him some too. Hakeem has been nothing but supportive, and honestly, I couldn't ask for someone better.

I could've started my own publishing company from the scratch, or choose to work somewhere as a journalist. However, I couldn't let Maroudi Today go just like that. It's the first place I worked in and before everything went down, I spent three years of my life giving my all to it.

The countless sleepless nights, the taking risks, and celebrating every victory no matter how small.

I couldn't give it up.

And no, I didn't buy it because of my interaction with that woman who now works for me by the way, even though I'll admit, she was a determining factor. The truth is, I know I am at fault for how things fell apart and I simply couldn't stand and see people lose their jobs because of me.

The publication has a lot of workers, and with being at the brink of bankruptcy, there were a lot people losing their livelihood because of it. So, I opted to buy it and together, we all put in efforts into bringing it back to its glory and Alhamdulillah, we're soaring higher with each day that passes.

Ruth is now the Director—a position well deserved. I couldn't think of anyone better to handle the position, especially not after all that she had done for me.

The former owner of the position, Kareem, is out of my life completely. Shortly after Hakeem became the Sultan, he left Maroudi for what I hope is forever for I never want to face him again in my life. He was indirectly banished by Hakeem, for all the troubles he had caused me, and us.

Same thing happened with Emos. Yes, I know he was the one that actually killed my parents under Azeez's orders, and trust me, if it was up to me, he would pay too. However, the deal he had with Hakeem was, he would help us get Suraj and Azeez in exchange for his freedom and well, I can't make Hakeem back out of his words.

Although he didn't really give us anything to implicate Suraj. The man, unlike Azeez made sure even Emos didn't have a thing on him. I guess Azeez did the job for us, even though it was in the wrong way.

As for Azeez, personally I believe he should've been killed for all that he has done. But well, the law sometimes doesn't give you what you want. I'm content with his life imprisonment though even though six feet deep would've suited him better.

I thought about it long and hard, and the imprisonment might be the best case. I mean he has lost everything he ever wanted in life including his wife and the Sultan position. What could be worse than having to live with the memories and the agony?

I had only visited him once to ask why he killed my parents—that was all I wanted to know because as far as I know, there was no reason for him to do.

His answer upsets me to say the least.

"I needed a way to prove to Suraj I can be a good partner" He said, nonchalantly. "And what's a better way than getting rid of his enemies for him?" He concluded with a grin.

I think he's starting to lose his mind. It's been like that since he had Suraj kill himself. I don't care though whether he's faking it or not. At that moment, I truly wish he was killed because he deserves that and nothing less. But the verdict has already been passed, and there's nothing I could do.

I just had to learn to live with knowing he's losing his mind slowly and that he has lost everything.

And of course, Nadine, I didn't forget her. I guess I was saving her for the last.

She and Hakeem got divorced. Surprisingly, she was the one who asked for it and well, to end all the issues with them, Hakeem granted it. I don't know where she is now, but last I heard, she has traveled abroad away from her family and everyone.

I know she has done terrible things to me, but I can only hope she finds peace too at a point in her life.

So yes, the problems in our lives are gone though there are new ones. But who cares? I have Hakeem, and the publishing house along with everything I could possibly want.

I lost a family, but I have a new one and I couldn't be more grateful.

Alhamdullilah.

~*~

"Careful...wait, okay, a few more steps and..."

"SURPRISE!"

Startled, I took a few steps back only to bump into Hakeem, who placed his hands on my shoulder to steady me. It took a few seconds to get over the shock, but soon enough, there was this wide grin that took over my features.

I now understood why he choose to cover my eyes, I knew it was a surprise but well, I didn't expect it to be this big.

"Oh, my Allah" I reached a hand out to cover my mouth, trying to keep the happiness in check. But, it's hard especially with everyone here. "You guys...this is so sweet of you. Thank you"

The award ceremony ended earlier, but Hakeem and I stopped behind to talk to a few contacts there before we left. He said he was taking me out to our favorite place, and I knew the place already--I just didn't expect that he would invite everyone there.

The people from Maroudi Today, his family and our friends are all there and for the first time in such a long time, Mama Dee's is filled to the brim. The place was decorated with banners of all sizes all to congratulate me on the achievement.

My heart swelled.

However, what took me by surprise the most was a particular figure that I saw approaching me from the crowed.

"Well, hello there Mrs. CEO" She grinned, only stopping once she was a couple of feet away.

"AMNA!" So what if I just screamed and nearly damaged everyone's eardrums? I can't help it. I didn't even know when I closed the distance between us and pulled her in for a tight embrace.

She chuckled and held me back, patting my back slightly. A few seconds later, she pulled back and trust me when I say her grin is so contagious. She then gave me a onceover, the corner of her eyes crinkling slightly. "Oh My God! Look at you girl, you're glowing!"

"I could say the same about you" The last time I saw her was when she left Maroudi. I don't know what she has been up to much since we both have our lives and well, there has been so many things that has changed. However, I know that she has gotten remarried again last year.

She shook her head, and was quick to dismiss the topic which makes me think there's more to this than she's letting on.

Nonetheless, we all got too engaged with the small...wait, is this even a small party? Well, it's not but everyone was loving it and before you know it, it was on full swing and laughter filled the air.

I felt content with my family like that. Though, there was someone missing.

Rauf.

He hasn't left completely per se, I mean, he's still this mysterious guy that everyone knows. None of that has changed.

A few days ago though, he traveled abroad and well, I don't know why but I have a feeling that there's more than he's letting on. I didn't pressure him though, knowing whatever it is, it'll eventually come out and besides, I can bet all my wealth that it's a woman.

Trust me, I know these kind of stuff.

A hand slipped around my waist and pulled me away from the crowd. I could've freaked out but I recognized the cologne immediately. He pulled us away from the prying eyes and then we found ourselves outside, simply enjoying each other's company.

"I can't believe I had to steal you away to get us some time" Hakeem complained, shaking his head as he rested his chin on my head, with my back leaning on him.

I smiled, "Get some us time huh?" Leave it to Hakeem to exaggerate stuff. We've only been away from each other for a few minutes but of course, to him it feels like eternity. "It hasn't even been that long"

"Oh please, after all the years I spent waiting for you—any moment without you now feels like eternity" He stated, his voice sounding so serious even though I know he really isn't. He took a few steps back, and turned me around to face him. "You can't blame me for wanting to be alone with my wife now, can you?"

I pressed my lips together, and tried to hold back a smile. I didn't think it would happen this way but well...here goes nothing. "Technically, we aren't alone"

His eyes widened instantly, and for a second, I thought he got what I meant. But men brain of course, he didn't. "Wait, don't tell me someone followed us out here too" He groaned, looking over his shoulder. "I think we'll have to sneak away and leave because these people need to leave us alone"

I snorted, unable to hold it in anymore. "Well, you can't really get rid of this guest no matter how far you go"

His brows drew in. "Are they that persistent?" He sounded horrified.

"A thousand miles won't be enough for him...or her"

"La haula, who is this person please? They can't take away my wife from me like this. No please. No way. How can the person even be this persistent?"

I sighed, knowing he still isn't picking up anything. "If the person takes after you, then definitely one of the most persistent people I've ever met" That's a fact. "So, what do you say? You excited to meet a mini you, or me?"

Hakeem is one of the smartest people I know but I swear in this aspect it's line his brain is dead. Luckily though, after a few seconds of cracking his brain, he finally got it. His eyes widened more than I've ever seen. "Wait...are you?"

"I'm pregnant" There goes breaking the news in a grander way. "Surprise"

He instantly buried his face in between his hand as he looked down. "Subhan Allah" I heard him mutter repeatedly. "Alhamdullilah" And then he looked up, and I could swear his eyes were glossy. "We're going to be parents,"

"Yes, we are" I feel so content right now, more than I've ever been in my life.

He was quick to gather me in his arms, a place where I feel the safest and most secure. "I love you so damn much, Albi"

"I love you just as much, Sultan" I whispered earnestly. "Maybe even more"

THE END.