Chapter: Epilogue The garden was my sanctuary now, even more so than the quiet corners of the house. Two years had passed since the vow renewal, and the late afternoon sun warmed the massive stone terrace where I sat, the scent of late-blooming roses and damp earth a comforting perfume.I was huge. My body, usually neat and compact, was stretched tight and round, a beautiful, unwieldy vessel carrying the culmination of all my dreams. The baby; ours, Calan’s and mine, was due any day now, and I sat back in the deep wicker chair, feeling the intense, slow undulations of a little elbow or a tiny heel pressing against the taut skin of my abdomen.My thoughts were a tapestry of memories, woven together with the golden thread of the past two years.It had been an incredible, overwhelming, and profoundly beautiful journey.The immediate high of the vow renewal had seamlessly transitioned into the dedicated focus of my final year of university. I remembered the sheer, exhilarating relief of my graduation. Cala
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: 137The day dawned impossibly bright, a crisp late-autumn morning filtered through a high, clear sky. It wasn't the kind of lavish, dramatic weather you’d order for a society event; it was the kind of honest, beautiful weather you’d choose for a new beginning.I woke nestled against Calan, his arms a familiar, heavy anchor. Today was the day. The day we would replace the memory of that necessary, timid first wedding with the vibrant, joyful reality of our true, hard-won love.The planning had been swift, efficient, and wonderfully ours. It was small, exactly as Calan had promised. The location was the courtyard of a historic, private club Calan owned upstate—a place of quiet elegance and old stone, surrounded by towering, autumnal trees.As I dressed, the atmosphere was one of quiet, shared excitement. Mildred, who had been elevated to the role of my primary maid-of-honor and spiritual guide, hovered, her eyes bright with suppressed tears.The dress, the simple, exquisite ivory lace that
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: 136The day after April had spent hours navigating the exquisite chaos of wedding gowns with Alexa, the atmosphere in the Eastwood penthouse was one of settled, blissful normalcy. Michael had returned from the office slightly early, the memory of his recent confession and the impending joy of fatherhood softening the hard edges of his professional life.He found April exactly where he expected her to be: curled up on the expansive, L-shaped sofa in the living room, a massive, antique art book resting precariously on her visibly rounding stomach, a delicate sheen of fatigue visible beneath her usual vibrant energy. The early stages of pregnancy had mellowed her, replacing her relentless drive with a quiet, grateful contentment.Michael shed his jacket and tie with a sigh of relief, walking over to the sofa and settling beside her. He carefully lifted the heavy book and placed it on the coffee table before pulling her gently into his embrace."Long day?" April murmured, turning her head to
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: 135The first rays of morning light were struggling to penetrate the heavy silk drapes, casting the bedroom in a soft, ethereal gloom. I woke slowly, my body humming with a deep, sensual exhaustion that was infinitely more satisfying than any amount of sleep. The scent of Calan's skin, the faint, lingering musk of our shared passion, was my immediate comfort.I was curled into his side, my head resting on his shoulder, my arm thrown possessively across his powerful chest. I opened my eyes to find him already awake, looking not at me, but up at the ceiling, his expression quiet, contemplative, and profoundly serious.I shifted slightly, my movement subtle, but he noticed instantly. He turned his head, his gaze sweeping down to mine, and a faint, tender smile touched his lips.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he murmured, his voice low and raspy with sleep. He squeezed me gently, his arm tightening around my waist.“Good morning,” I replied, my voice thick with sleep. “You’re up early in your he
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: 134The late afternoon sun was slanting golden and low across the vast, manicured lawn of the university quad. The final seminar of the day had wrapped up, and I was lingering near the main gates, enjoying the pleasant exhaustion that follows a good, demanding session. The air was cool, carrying the faint, earthy scent of autumn leaves, a perfect counterpoint to the intellectual heat of the day.I was thinking about Michael. Seeing him in his element had been a genuinely wonderful experience. Our conversation afterward had settled a chapter of my life with a quiet, powerful finality. The lingering ghosts were gone, replaced by a solid, uncomplicated respect that felt infinitely more valuable than any fleeting, youthful crush.I felt Michael’s happiness for April deeply, and in turn, I felt a serene, unshakable contentment with my own path, my own choice.A sleek, black Mercedes sedan, instantly recognizable even among the expensive vehicles dotting the campus perimeter, pulled up silently
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: 133The air in the lecture hall, usually stuffy and oppressive, felt electric. The hum of anticipation from a hundred returning students, the scent of fresh coffee, and the familiar scrape of chairs against the floor, it was a soundscape I hadn't realized how much I missed. I was back.It had taken a week of persistent, gentle arguments with Calan, culminating in a few tearful pleas that finally convinced him that my return to classes was not a flight from him, but a flight to myself. He’d made the necessary calls, and just like that, I was officially reinstated, ready to begin my final year of undergraduate studies. I was terrified, yes, but mostly, I was exhilarated.I was sitting near the front, a notebook open, a pen poised, ready to soak up every word. And then, the lecturer walked in, and I felt a familiar, pleasant jolt of recognition.Micheal....He looked completely at home behind the podium. His usual custom-tailored suit had been replaced by a sport coat and crisp trousers, sli
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: THIRTEEN He was half way up the stairs when he heard one of the house help calling his attention, he turned around to face her."Yes?"."Sorry to bother you , sir, but I felt you had to know; ma'am has been in her room all day, she barely ate anything". She supplied efficiently."Is she unwell?". He asked at once."I'm not sure sir, she's been crying though". She replied quietly as though she wasn't sure if she was supposed to be telling him.He rubbed his temple wearily as guilt set in, no doubt she was like that because of him. Perhaps it was time he stopped trying to avoid the inevitable and just talk to her."Have some food taken upstairs to her". He said."Yes sir, shall I set the table for you?".He shook his head and said a quiet "Thank you" before he turned around and continued his way up.Food was obviously the least of his concerns at this point of his life, he just needed peace, but who was he kidding?He had two women in his life, one of which he had left with great difficulty a
Last Updated: 2023-06-24
Chapter: TWELVESomehow they had made their way to the living room, they both sat on the couch curled up against each other, and both said nothing, just quietly thought about what was to come. The silence was peaceful after all the piercing words that had been so bluntly said.…..It was quiet and peaceful until his cell phone rang.For a moment he ignored it, just sat there holding onto her.Ring ring....."You're not getting that?". She asked quietly."I don't want to". He told her.She simply nodded and leaned further into him.The ringing soon stopped and the silence returned momentarily before the phone began to ring once more.Sighing irritatedly, he grabbed the phone and glanced at the caller ID, his jaw clenched and his mood darkened even more, reluctantly he answered the call."How you doing?". He spoke quietly.A meek voice answered from the other end:"I'm fine. I was wondering if it'd be okay if I paid Sayya a visit". Without heisting a said a flat:"No"."No?". She asked shocked by his r
Last Updated: 2023-06-24
Chapter: ELEVEN He lowered the glass after draining the content, the sour taste had him squinting his eyes and knitting his brows reflexively. He hopped of the counter he had been sitting on and made his way to the sink."You good?". Sayya said from behind him.He nodded."Yeah, better". He said as he turned on the tap and rinsed out the glass quickly."You sure? You still look....""Enough about me". He said cutting her short.He set the glass aside and made his way back to her."Tell me, how many hospitals have you been to?". He asked her.She averted her gaze from his."One". She replied quietly."One?". He said in disbelief. "You've only been to one hospital, Sayya, and you've given up hope?"."I trust the doctor Raysham, he's competent enough". She said and made to walk passed him but he placed his hands on both sides of the counter behind her , efficiently tapping her between him and the counter."If you believe he's so competent then why didn't he get the tumor out of your head before it got
Last Updated: 2023-03-01
Chapter: TEN With what dignity he could muster he walked down the stairs, eyelids heavy and head light, he tried hard not to think about how stupid he had been last night.Weren't people supposed to forget what they did in their state of drunkenness??"God almighty". He breathed quietly.What was he to tell Sayya when he went to her looking like a walking corpse? That he, Raysham Muhammad was nursing a hangover? A hangover…He groaned quietly as he rubbed his temple wearily.He dragged in a deep breath and straightened up when he got downstairs, ready to face his shame and stupidity, ready to apologize for his shameful acts last night, however he found the dining room void of her presence, she was never late during dinning hours, unless of course she wasn't coming at all. He lingered around for a few minutes, and on making peace with the fact that she wasn’t going to show, he heaved a sigh and headed out. He'd talk to her, but not now, for now he needed to be with Sayya.One last glance at the
Last Updated: 2023-03-01
Chapter: NINE‘I'm dying, Raysham……’Her words never stopper replaying themselves in his mind. They had somehow managed to bury themselves in the deepest and darkest part of his soul.He took another long sip from his glass of wine. He had intended to drown everything out but no amount of wine could mute her voice in his head; no amount of wine could numb the pain.He stared at the reflection of the moon in the pool, it glowed brightly; almost carefree he thought. He found himself fantasizing about what being the moon would be like, up in the sky with no pain and worries, he laughed at his silly thoughts and took another sip, emptying the content of the glass.He reached for the bottle to refill the glass but found it empty; irritated he stood up and walked into the house to get another, his head felt light and faint, too faint to think straight.Her voice made him turn around reluctantly."Lateefah". He said lazily. "You're not asleep yet?".She got up from the sofa she had been sitting and walked
Last Updated: 2023-02-25
Chapter: EIGHT* I saw the beauty of the sky Colors so vibrant you'd think they never die* I saw the beauty of the waves Every splash telling a story of younger days* I saw the beauty of the rains Every drop falling freely like horses without reins * I saw the beauty of the night For only then were the stars alight* I saw the beauty in the flames of a fire Each one burning with a different desire* I saw the beauty of Gold Glistening with bitter stories untold* Oh I saw the beauty of dust and clay Simple reminders of our end someday. Opening her eyes she realized it was afternoon for sunlight now streamed into the room through the partly parted curtains.She felt better after a nap, it did her as much good as a few hours of sleep could do. It took a moment before her memories came flooding back like waves crashing against the shores, death was hanging in a corner.She dragged in a deep breath and pulled herself up so her back leaned against the headboard, just as she began to ponder on why
Last Updated: 2023-02-25
Chapter: NINE “What game are you trying to play, Haidar? I watched you throw that cold attitude at Hayfa throughout the evening”. My mother hissed. “What would you rather have me do? Pretend to be something I’m not?”. I asked her.“Don’t talk to your mother like that, Haidar”. Father chastised. I shook my head, I wasn’t exactly pleased at the moment.“No, it’s you who shouldn’t talk to me like this, both of you”. I said to them. “I believe we owe each other some level of respect seeing that I’m not a kid anymore”. “I beg your pardon”. Father said. I pried my gaze from my laptop screen and met his.“Just because I choose to avoid a scandal and get married to Hayfa doesn’t mean I can’t do what I want”. I said to him and his expression hardened. “We’re getting married in a week’s time, I beg of you to let me be till then”. He made to say something but I shook my head.“Don’t lecture me about my attitude, don’t talk to me about the party, don’t talk to me about the wedding, and don’t talk to m
Last Updated: 2022-12-28
Chapter: EIGHT It wasn’t long before we got to a table set for two; Aunt Sa’adiya smiled sweetly at me as she gestured at the seats.“There there, have a seat”. She said to me.“Thank you”. I said once more as Haidar held my seat out for me. He waited for me to settle down before he made his way around the table and sat down as well.“I’ll leave you two to talk”. Aunt Sa’adiya said. She offered me another smile before walking away confidently. The space in which we were seat seemed private, it was secluded from the rest of the hall and the lights here were dimmed considerably, I was thankful for that, that way he wouldn’t see how flushed she was. An awkward silence stretched between us for what seemed to be a lifetime, and I felt even fainter with every passing second, I felt my guts clench and I felt nauseous. I squirmed uncomfortably, I could no longer hide my restlessness, I felt as though I would pass out anytime soon. He seemed to notice and he let out a subtle sigh before saying:“Good eve
Last Updated: 2022-12-27
Chapter: SEVEN She stood there bathed in the soft golden hue of the limelight, she was dressed in a long red gown, the smooth fabric glistened ever so slightly as it absorbed the lights causing her to look almost ethereal. My gaze raked over her form slowly, from her shoes to her dress; how it fitted her perfectly, how the snug sleeves trailed down her hands, her face; the delicate features, from her wide almond shaped eyes to the soft curve of her nose, to her lips; small but full. And the golden veil wrapped loosely around her hair, she was…..beautiful.She was beautiful but I could see feel the nervousness oozing off her from where I stood, I could see the uncertainty in her eyes as she begun descending the stairs slowly, the quiet sounds of her heels clacking against the tiled steps were all that could be heard as the hall had hushed completely. I recalled what Aunt Atina had said and I began making my way towards the staircase. ‘Do you think her dress is a Versace?’. ‘Look at those shoes….’.
Last Updated: 2022-12-19
Chapter: SIX And as I stepped into the elegantly decorated hall a hush travelled around; it wasn’t something I wasn’t used to, so I ignored the staring eyes and scanned the place in search of my parents. I sighted them standing by the drinks stand with her parents, their cold gazes found mine and I cast them all a defiant look, I wasn’t sorry, I wanted them to know that. Our glare-off came to an end when my cousins suddenly crowded me, each one saying something different at once, and before I could say a word I felt a sharp pain on my arm caused by a pinch Sunaina had delivered, knowing how aggressive my cousins could be, I backed away from them. Low-key aggressive, yes, but aggressive nonetheless. “What took you so long, jerk?”. Sunaina hissed under her breath. I merely smiled at her as I regarded her wearily, her smooth face foundation tempting me. I reached for her nose subtly but she backed away waving her hands. “You’ll ruin my make-up”. She shrieked. That was the plan of course, but sh
Last Updated: 2022-12-08
Chapter: FIVE HAYFA’S POV Today’s the party, everything’s set, and my dress fits perfectly. Mother took her time and did my makeup herself, she kept talking about Haidar and I was almost dizzy and nauseous from anxiety. Every step I took down the stairs which lead into the event hall felt like torture, every breath I took sort to choke me, my body trembled so bad I feared I would faint. The lights soon went dim and my heart almost leapt out of my chest when the limelight suddenly came on and settled upon me, silence traveled all over the hall like wind would, the only sound that could be heard were the clacking sounds of my heels against the marble floors. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, it felt as though I would melt under their scrutiny. My eyes darted around in search of nothing in particular, I didn’t know what I sort to find but as my gaze landed on a familiar face everything seemed to come a halt. ~~ HAIDAR’S POV I glanced at my phone when it beeped for the hundredth time, I had re
Last Updated: 2022-10-30
Chapter: FOUR HAYFA’S POV I rushed upstairs to my room, pushed the door open and walked in before I shut the rest of the world behind me. I rushed to my bed and collapsed on it, it was only then that I let the stinging tears streak down my cheeks. Painful sobs choked me and at that moment I felt like I would die. I shuddered at the thought of having to get married from someone who had the cursed Kassem blood running through his veins. I cursed the day I was born. I found myself wishing I could simply disappear, I wished I could run away and never look back, I wished things were different. Mother had invited all the family members and friends to my graduation party, even business associates would be there yet not a single soul from school was invited, none at all. They just needed an excuse to throw an extravagant party as the trailer before the real thing happened; the wedding. It hurt to know that I was just a pawn in their game, and I could do nothing but play along , I could do nothing bu
Last Updated: 2022-10-30
LOGIN
