Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Siyama nervously glanced around the airport, her gaze briefly catching her mother smiling tentatively at her father after she nearly stumbled and he caught her. Even that small, heartwarming moment couldn't bring a smile to her face because her nerves were too overwhelming. This was her first flight.

Siyama took a deep, shaky breath as she stepped closer to the private jet, her heart racing. Hajiya Lubabatu's assistant walked a few steps ahead, a calm and professional demeanor radiating from him. Her feet faltered for a moment but her father's warm voice steadied her.

"You'll be fine, Siyama." He said softly, his weathered hand gently patting her shoulder. His eyes, though proud, carried a hint of sadness.

Her mother stepped forward, cupping her daughter's face. "Don't forget to call us as soon as you land, okay? And if you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask."

Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the calm front she was trying to maintain. Fatima has always been a pillar for the family. She knew there is nothing her daughters cannot do and she would do anything to support them as long as it's not a bad thing.

"I will, Mama." Siyama promised, her voice trembling. "I'll call as soon as I can."

Yasmin, standing a little apart, suddenly surged forward and enveloped her sister in a tight hug for the nth time. She now understands how Siyama felt when she was going to Abuja. How could she live all alone now when she grew up her entire life with her sister?

"Don't forget me when you're living that big life in the field!" She joked, though her voice wavered with emotions. "I'll miss you like crazy crazyyy."

"I'll miss you too, Baby." Siyama whispered, clinging to her sister like she wants to change her mind and stay back instead of going.

As the assistant gestured toward the stairs leading up to the jet, Siyama felt her legs grow heavy. She turned back one last time, her eyes locking with each of her family members. Her entire heart standing there in one picture of perfection.

Her father gave her a small, encouraging nod. Her mother waved, her face lit with a bittersweet smile and tears glinting in her eyes. Yasmin gave her a playful wink, but Siyama didn't miss the tears brimming in her eyes too.

Taking a deep breath, Siyama began her ascent up the stairs. When she reached the top, she paused, glancing back down at her family one last time. If not that she knew she was the only person they were waiting for, she would have gone down to hug them again.

Siyama's hands gripped the strap of her handbag tightly as she climbed the stairs of the private jet, her heart thudding in her chest. She wasn't sure what scared her more... the fact that this was her first flight or the thought of seeing Mahmud again, this time as his wife.

The secret weighed heavily on her, both thrilling and terrifying. How would he react? Would he be happy, or would the baggage of the past cloud his joy? She was sure he would be happy but sometimes you can never predict someone's reaction.

Her father's steadying voice replayed in her mind as she neared the top. "You're strong, Siyama. You've always been stronger than you think."

She clung to those words as the door to the jet opened, and a blast of cool perfumed air greeted her. Not Just regular perfume, the top limited edition designers that would stay on you for months. The scent that makes people turn.

Inside, the cabin was a picture of elegance and old money. The cream leather seats gleamed under the soft golden lights, arranged in a spacious layout. The wooden accents were polished to perfection, adding a classic touch.

A set of glasses sat on a small glass table, filled with sparkling juice, while a platter of fresh fruit and finger foods rested beside them. She could guess the door ahead leads to a bedroom and attached en-suite as the ones she's browsed.

Hajiya Lubabatu stood as soon as Siyama entered, her warm smile making Siyama's nerves ease slightly. She might be nervous around her mother-in-law but seeing her familiar face eased some of her nerves hanging around the pits of her stomach.

"Seema." Hajiya Lubabatu greeted, stepping forward with open arms.

Siyama greeted her in a respectful way while willing her hands to stop shaking now. Hajiya Lubabatu noticed that and immediately felt sympathy for the girl because that first journey alone is never easy. There is always something missing.

"Welcome to the family, my dear." She wrapped Siyama in a motherly hug, her warmth and genuine affection making tears prick at Siyama's eyes. "Mahmud has made the best choice and we're so happy to have you as our daughter-in-law."

Alhaji Mukhtar Wambai, seated by the window in an impeccably tailored kaftan, stood as well. His presence was commanding but his kind eyes softened as he extended a hand to her. No one would look at this man and think he wasn't extremely stinky rich.

Everything about him screams being born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The way he smiles, the way he talks. Hell, even the way he exists in its entirety. Wealth is something you can never hide sometimes.

"Welcome to our family, Siyama." He said with a small, approving nod. "Mahmud is a lucky man to have you. We're proud to call you family now."

"Thank you." Siyama's voice wavered as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

She glanced at the ring on her finger that Mahmud gave her, a tiny reminder of the secret she carried until a few more hours. She cannot wait to unburden it and tell her husband everything.

"Come, sit." Hajiya Lubabatu said, guiding her to one of the plush seats. "I can only imagine how nervous you must be."

Siyama nodded, her throat too tight to respond. She settled into the soft seat, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her scarf. The reality of the moment washed over her. She was on her way to meet her husband. The man who didn't yet know they were married.

As the jet began to taxi, Hajiya Lubabatu reached over and squeezed her hand. "You're about to give him the surprise of his life. Are you excited?" She asked, her eyes twinkling with understanding and childlike excitement Siyama never expected to see in the woman's eyes.

Siyama let out a small laugh, the tension breaking just a little. "I hope it's a good surprise."

"Oh, it will be." Alhaji Mukhtar chirped with a chuckle, his deep voice reassuring. "Mahmud has been miserable without you and I'm sure this news will turn his world around."

As the jet lifted off the ground, Siyama stared out of the window, her heart swelling with a mix of anticipation and fear.

She imagined Mahmud's reaction multiple times. From the shock, the questions, the emotions. But beneath it all, she hoped they'd go through this as easily as she's dreamt about.

The next seven hours passed in a blur as Siyama spent the flight reciting the Quran on her phone and doing dhikr until they landed in the United Kingdom. The air was crisp and chilly and she immediately regretted not wearing any protective gear.

Yasmin had wanted her to wear a cardigan at least but how could one wear that when she was wearing a maxi dress? It was also scorching hot back in Nigeria so they all forgot all about it.

The Wambais owned a house in Birmingham, though not near the apartment where Mahmud and Ahmad stayed since it was far from the training grounds. From the airport, they headed straight there so Siyama could freshen up and change.

"We have an hour before the game ends. Let's hurry." Hajiya Lubabatu hollered, knocking on the door of the room Siyama was staying in.

Siyama quickly changed into tailored black straight-leg trousers by The Row paired with a luxurious cashmere sweater from Loro Piana in the same sleek black shade. She then layered an elegant cherry red double-breasted long coat from Max Mara making her feel effortlessly sophisticated.

To complete the look, she draped a silk-and-cashmere muffler from Hermès over her head. After applying soft, glowing makeup, she slipped on her black Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers that blended perfectly with Yasmin's high-fashion.

Satisfied with her look, she took a quick selfie for Yasmin, who responded with multiple fire-heart emojis. Of course she would send that since the whole outfit was her idea yesterday night. They didn't sleep discussing how each outfit should be paired.

Sometimes Siyama gets confused and proud at the same time at how Yasmin knows so many things. Her exposure is way beyond her years and background.

"Go give Mahmud the surprise of his life!"

Yasmin's message brought a small smile to Siyama's face. She had seen the game updates —Mahmud had scored one goal and assisted with two of the goals. Now they are leading 3-1.

That's my man, she thought, her heart swelling with pride as she stepped out of the room to find her in-laws also impeccably dressed.

It was clear they were comfortable in Western attire, pulling off their looks effortlessly. Their stylish outfits spoke volumes about the time they had spent away from home. They seem to blend naturally in this world.

"You look so beautiful." Hajiya Lubabatu complimented warmly, her eyes lighting up as she took in Siyama's outfit. She didn't expect that but, wow.

"Thank you." Siyama murmured shyly. "You both look amazing too."

She couldn't help but think of Mahmud's words about his father never wanting a second wife. It was easy to see why because Alhaji Mukhtar looked utterly smitten with Hajiya Lubabatu, his love for her is evident in every glance he gave her.

"Do you want to eat something before we leave?" Hajiya Lubabatu called from the kitchen.

The house was spotless and burnishing and the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air which was a sign that they had housekeepers maintaining the property while they were away. Is there anything money cannot buy?

"No, I'm good." Siyama replied with an uneasy smile on her face.

The nerves fluttering in the pits of her stomach made it impossible to think about food. She just wanted to get to the stadium, to see Mahmud and to give him the surprise of his life. See his reaction and then they'd continue from there.

The drive to the stadium was quiet except for the faint sound of the car's GPS directing the way. Siyama sat in the backseat with Hajiya Lubabatu and Alhaji Mukhtar at the front with the driver. Her heart thumping louder with each passing moment.

She fidgeted with the gold handle of her red clutch while stealing glances outside at the bustling streets of Birmingham. The chilly air fogged the car windows slightly but the sight of the massive stadium ahead was unmistakable. Her heart jerked in her chest.

She totally forgot about snapping pictures of Birmingham to Yasmin because right now, she is about to face the most life altering moment of her life.

They pulled up to the entrance of the stadium where a uniformed valet opened their door, offering a polite nod as Hajiya Lubabatu stepped out first, followed by Siyama. She wanted to stay back in that car for a minute to gather her thoughts.

The night air bit into Siyama's skin but she straightened her shoulders, clutching her coat tighter. Fans crowded outside, their cheers and screams creating a vivacious buzz that made her more nervous. But hearing them screaming Tank also made her chest flutter.

Two security personnel that are dressed in sleek black uniforms with earpieces, greeted them with polite professionalism. Siyama was sure that had she been alone, she would've long turned around and ran.

"This way, please." One of them mumbled, leading the Wambais into an exclusive hallway lined with marble floors and polished glass walls.

Siyama followed, her sneakers making no sound against the tiles as they passed framed photographs of iconic matches and players. She knew most of them because she did her assignment ever since she found out her boyfriend is a football player.

You never want to be taken by surprise.

The hallway opened into a private elevator, the plush interior adorned with dark wood panels and light gold accents. Siyama's reflection stared back at her, her lips slightly parted as she tried to absorb everything.

The elevator ride was short but it felt like an eternity with her nerves twisting her insides into knots. Thank goodness she didn't eat or she would've regurgitated everything out there in the posh elevator. Nerves can be scary.

When the doors opened, they stepped into the VIP lounge, a universe away from the roaring crowd outside. The space was spruce with plush leather seats, floor-to-ceiling glass windows with the view of the pitch.

There are waitstaff in jade and ivory uniforms moving discreetly with trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Siyama doesn't know whether to stare around the lounge or start searching for her husband in the pitch. Cause what in luxury is this?!

Hajiya Lubabatu placed a reassuring hand on Siyama's arm. "Relax, Seema. There is nothing to be nervous about now."

Siyama managed a small smile as Alhaji Mukhtar led the way to their reserved section, where their names were elegantly displayed on a gold-plated plaque. Her breath hitched when she read Mrs. Siyama Suraj written there. Uh yeah, Mrs. now.

Siyama's heart raced as she settled into her seat, the soft leather coaxing her as her eyes darted toward the pitch below. The crowd's energy seeped through the glass, and the distant sound of chants and whistles made her stomach flutter.

Her gaze instinctively searched for Mahmud on the field, her nerves melting. When she saw her, a relief coursed through her from the tip of her toes up to every single strand of her hair. She beamed at him and watched.

Siyama didn't exactly know what she was watching because her eyes were glued on him, only following her husband as he moved around the field like he owned it. He was big, tall and strong but his movements were sleek, articulate and facile. It was so good to watch that too.

She watched him like the entire game revolved around him and not the other twenty plus players in the field with him.

For the next twenty-five minutes, she watched him block every shot that came toward their goal with ease, his reflexes sharp and his strategies even sharper. This is what the coach was talking about. Even to her untrained eyes, it was obvious he was one of the best out there.

She noticed the way his teammates would pat him on the back in passing and she couldn't help but feel a swelling pride in her chest. That's my man, she thought, her lips curving into a smile she couldn't hold back.

Though neither team managed to score another goal before the game ended, the intensity of the match didn't waver.

The game ended and the players made their way toward the locker rooms, Siyama found herself still staring at him. Even as he disappeared from sight, her heart was racing, her chest tight. She was here to surprise him but the truth was, he never failed to surprise her with just how incredible he was.

If not for the fact that they were already married and she knew just how deeply he was in love with her, Siyama would've questioned this reality of hers. But there is no questioning it anymore. He was hers as much as she was his.

Siyama waits with her in-laws in the VIP lounge until most of the fans have dispersed. Her heart pounds as she clutches her coat tighter around herself, rehearsing what she'll say, though she knows words will probably fail her the moment she sees him.

She used her muffler to partially shield her face, both from the chill and her nerves. There is so much she was feeling right now. An onslaught of nerves and emotions that made her legs wobbly.

Mahmud walked towards the lounge expecting to meet his parents, freshly showered from the locker room and still buzzing with adrenaline. He's chatting with his coach when his eyes land on a lone figure standing near the edge of the VIP area. The world seems to pause for a moment.

At first, he doesn't recognize her since it's been months since he's seen her and she wears nothing but her usual abayas and traditional wear. Her red coat and black fit make her look effortlessly modern, yet still unmistakably his Siyama.

Slowly, he realizes it's her, and the disbelief washes over his face. His steps falter. She also didn't know what to do despite having planned everything for days on end. Now that it's finally here, she was rooted to her feet.

"Seema?" His voice is barely above a whisper but she hears it.

"S...Seema?" He murmured again but this time around his voice cracked slightly and he blinked as though he wasn't sure if his eyes were deceiving him.

Her heart skips a beat and she removes her muffler from her face with trembling hands, letting her face come into full view. She knew Hajiya Lubabatu and her husband were inside the lounge, giving them space.

"Surprise." She says softly, her voice catching at the end of the word.

Mahmud froze, his jaw slack as he stared at her like she was a ghost from his other life. If not that he knew it was possible for her to be here after his barely functioning brain connected a few dots, he would've chunk it as part of his hallucination.

"What... what are you doing here?" His voice was louder now, echoing his disbelief. He glanced around the room as if expecting cameras or a prank then back at her. "How? When?"

She took a small step forward, her lips curving into a playful smile. "To see you play, obviously. Unfortunately I couldn't find your jersey or hoodie anywhere."

"You—here? In Birmingham?" He ran a hand through his low cut, his brow furrowing. "Wait... am I hallucinating though? Ahmad didn't drug my Gatorade, did he?"

Siyama laughed softly, her heart warming in between her lungs as she shook her head. "No, you're not dreaming. I came for you."

Mahmud took a hesitant step forward, his gaze darting over her, trying to piece things together. It is taking every single resolve within him not to touch her in a way that would send her reeling but damn, he wants to confirm.

"You came all this way... for me?" He asked instead, wanting to hear her talk again. It'll solidify everything.

"And to tell you something important." She nodded, a small hesitant smile rising the edges of her full lips. She is so nervous!

"Important? What could be more important than you standing right here? Than you coming to watch me play?" His smile grew as he moved closer because at this point, God help him, it's like a magnet was dragging him closer to her and he cannot stop himself.

She reached into her pocket and unfolded the paper, holding it out to him with trembling fingers. "This."

Mahmud frowned, taking the paper slowly, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution. Because after the week he'd endured, he doesn't want to find out she wrote a breakup letter. That'd crush him.

As his eyes scanned the document, his confusion melted into complete almost comical shock. He looked back at her, then down at the paper, then back at her again for more than five times. She was getting more anxious.

"This is... this is a marriage certificate." He stammered, his voice a few decibels higher than usual. "With my name on it!"

"Yes. Also my name." Siyama simply added, biting her lip to hide her amusement. She doesn't even know where her emotions come from because even the things she's never felt, she was feeling them now.

His eyes widened even further seeing her signature. "Wait. We are... We're married? Like married? Marriage? My wife? Officially?!"

"Signed, sealed and delivered." She confirmed, her voice full of quiet pride.

Mahmud's breath hitches as he stares at the document again then back at her. His lips part but no words come out for a moment. Then, he chuckles, shaking his head in pure disbelief. If she didn't know better, she'd have thought he was upset.

Siyama tentatively took a step closer, placing her hand gently on his arm. It feels surreal that she was in Birmingham, in front of Mahmud, handing him their marriage certificate which Hajiya Lubabatu had given her yesterday.

"No. No way. You're serious?" He studied her face for any signs of teasing. "This... this isn't a prank, is it?"

"It's not a prank." She said softly, watching him with wide innocent eyes.

Siyama stared at her husband. He was really very tall, his presence so forceful and vital that she felt a shock of awareness as she moved closer to him. As she glanced up at Mahmud's handsome, aristocratic face, all she could think of was how much she loves him.

He made her mouth go dry despite the lip gloss she's applied. His vast presence sent her pulse into a swift, tripping beat and it knotted in the pit of her stomach. Her solar plexus is conflicted as to what to feel right now.

Mahmud's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Then, suddenly, he let out a loud, incredulous laugh that almost startled her if she wasn't so in tune with his movements. She knew he was going to laugh before he had laughed.

"Alhamdulillahi... Ya Allah! You're my really my wife?!" He ran a hand down his face, his smile so wide it almost hurt. "I don't believe this. I mean, I do but... I don't!"

She chuckled, her own smile growing then she quickly bit her lip as she whispered. "Believe it, daddy. You're stuck with your baby girl now."

"Stuck?" He grabbed her hands, his grin softening into something more tender that went straight to many organs in her body. "Baby girl, I don't even have the words for what I'm feeling right now. Shock? Yes. Joy? Absolutely. Love? Always."

He closes the distance between them. She barely has time to brace herself before his strong arms pull her into a tight embrace that manages to get her off her feet. Her first hug.

"Seema, you just made me the happiest man alive."

"You've given me everything I've ever wanted in my life." He mumbled when he finally set her down, his voice thick with emotion. "You, Seema, are my everything."

Their foreheads touched and in that moment, it felt as if the entire world had melted away, leaving only them in their quiet little bubble. The noise of the stadium was faint and all that mattered was the way his breath mingled with hers, warm and steady.

From the sidelines, the coach was practically buzzing with excitement pointing toward them and excitedly telling the team that hovered around. Everyone knew Siyama but they didn't know what she looked like. Mahmud sulked throughout and the coach told everyone what was going on with him. Tank in love.

"That's Siyama! The Siyama who managed to bring Tank to his knees. Literally!" He told them with a pride beam of a proud father on his face.

Meanwhile, Ahmad stood a few feet away, snapping pictures he promised to send to Yasmin later.

"So I did." Siyama murmured, her voice soft but carrying a weight.

She hesitated, then reached for Mahmud's hand, a fine tremor running through her frame when his fingers closed around hers. She stared at his hands around hers with great contemplation.

It was a powerful hand, the kind capable of crushing or conquering with ease but his grip was impossibly gentle. Warm. Familiar. She stole a glance up at him, her heart pounding wildly.

His eyes hadn't left her, dark with an intensity that made her feel like the most significant thing in his world. She tugged her hand free nervously but he didn't let her retreat for long. Seems like she won't be getting far away from him from now on.

One of his hands rose to her face, his fingertips brushing her skin with surprising tenderness. A fine-spun shiver ran down her spine as his touch lingered, exploring the delicate curve of her jaw, the lobe of her ear and the warmed crest of her cheek.

"Uh, Mahm..." Her voice broke slightly and her breath hitched as his other hand joined the first, bracketing her face with the kind of care that made her knees feel weak.

His lips followed next, soft and reverent as they drifted over her skin in a feather-light press against her eyelids, a gentle stroke across the bridge of her nose and finally, a lingering, playful nip at the side of her mouth that made her lips tingle.

Siyama was surprised at her reaction and pulled away slightly knowing people are hovering around and if she is more unfortunate, his parents too.

She exhaled a shaky breath, welcoming the sharp bite of winter air as it filled her lungs, bringing her back to reality. For a moment, she couldn't bring herself to look at him as her pulse raced too fast, her face flushed from the cold and well... Mahmud.

But when she did, bracing herself for the smug, arrogant grin she thought she'd find, her breath caught again. She thought he was going to have that satisfied grin that shows his spellbinding teeth.

Mahmud's expression was anything but smug. His gaze was warm and adoring, his mouth slightly curved in the kind of soft smile that wasn't for anyone else but her. It was as if he was trying to memorize her, to etch this moment into his soul.

"You're really here." He whispered, his voice filled with disbelief and something deeper, something raw. Something primal and possessive.

"I'm really here." She replied, her own voice trembling with emotion.

His laughter came again but this time it was low, rough, husky and filled with ecstasy as pulled her back into his arms, spinning her in a circle like they were in a private little world. The rest of the team cheered from the sidelines but Siyama barely noticed with her emotions swarming.

You guyyyysssssss the long awaited chapter is hereeeee! I had no idea I was going to update today just decided lemme start writing but then I didn't want to stop writing till I got to the end🤭 now here we areeee.

Hmm, official official o everyone don do halal hug except us. It is well. All the singlets here better given someone chance to love you this year. Yes I'm talking to myself too🤣

Btw I'm thinking about going active on TikTok🤭 especially for my next book soo you can follow me there @aishatu.xx

QOTD: Would you rather always read the first chapter of a book or always read the last chapter first? Read first chapter first.