LOGINShare
One
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56"Stay". He spoke quietly.
He spoke knowing it was useless, she wouldn't listen to him, at times she did, but the line was drawn, not this time.
"Please".
She said nothing still, just kept her gaze straight as she took determined strides towards the door.
Suddenly she seemed nothing like the woman he'd become so fond of, the woman who smiled so easily, who blushed at his comments so shyly, who melted and fitted into his arms so perfectly.
She suddenly seemed like the woman he first met; one who would crack a smile only for courtesy demands, one who he once considered frigid and heartless, she suddenly seemed like the CEO she was, she seemed like the Sayya Bilal he had grown to forget.
He hurried after her, his fingers encircled her wrist at once to stop her from leaving, he was almost relieved when her steps halted and she inclined her head a bit so her gaze fell on his hand holding onto hers. For a moment he dared to harbor a glimmer of hope, however it vanished when she raised her teary gaze to meet his......her teary and very much decisive gaze.
Their gazes lingered and she smiled faintly, a smile that said a thousand words, they needed space, a lot of it.
He felt his heart shatter to bits as she gently tugged her hand free, he did nothing, truth is he could only do that much......nothing. Nothing could ease the pain that engulfed him at that moment, nothing at all, it felt like he had lost her, he felt that way though she was still his.....
What the heck? Who was he kidding?
Once he could say she was his with no doubt at all, now however, he wasn't sure at all, now...it sounded so unreal, so farfetched.
She turned around and resumed walking away.
Sayya, Sayya please.
His voice failed to come out, it seemed to be locked away, locked far, far away, he wished against all odds that it'd break free and she'd hear him, maybe, just maybe she'd stop. He watched her walk away, she walked out of the house they had made their home, she walked out on him, walked away from everything they ever held dear.
ONE
She lay lazily on the bed, sunlight streamed into the room through the parted curtain, casting a beautiful golden hue around the room, once again she found herself staring at the all too familiar ceilings, her steady and relaxed breathing slowly changing as her mind traveled back to times before now, times in which all was fine, when all was peaceful.
19 YEARS AGO
She straightened her spine once her aunt’s gaze fell on her, she smiled softly at her; approvingly. The slow song playing softly was calming as was the soft scent of the rose fragrant that lingered in the air. She could complain about nothing except the fact that her hair was pulled back into a tight bun which caused her head to throb painfully, of course she had complained to her attendant but the fussy woman had disregarded her complaint saying a mild headache was a small price to pay for a sleek bun.
She almost shuddered as she recalled the scorching heat from the stretching comb as it combed through her hair straightening the frizzy strands painfully, she had complained about that too but her attendant had once again disregarded her complaint saying "no pain, no gain".
"Now dear, show me how you hold your teacup". Her Aunt Zarah said, her warm gazing finding comfort from resting on her beautiful niece who bore great resemblance to her.
In Nigeria, their bronzy complexion was one which was considered to be the flawless complexion of a person who was considered ‘soft and posh’, a complexion which was untainted by the harsh rays of the sun nor the sharp bites of the cold. Their wide almond shaped eyes were always lined flawlessly as were their naturally pink lips which was never....ever caught chapped.
Sayya's smile softened as she focused on the teacup in front of her, carefully she reached out and picked it up by the delicate handle making sure that her pinky stuck out, she raised the rim to her lips slowly and took a small sip before she set the cup down on the saucer.
She raised her gaze to meet Aunt Zarah's which held pride and admiration.
"I did well, didn't I?". She said, her eyes twinkling with delight.
Aunt Zarah smiled and nodded.
"Yes my sweet, you did great". She said. "Tell you what, you were as a Queen".
Sayya's smile grew into a grin at once.
"Does that mean I stand a chance to marry a prince then?". She said, she giggled childishly; her five years of existence had had fantasies of princes and noble knights with regal horses.
Aunt Zarah chuckled.
"Why not?". She said. "You're gonna make a great Queen ,one fit for kings, you know why?".
Sayya shook her head.
"'Cause my sweet, you're already a princess, a graceful one at that".
She watched her niece smile brightly; deep dimples flashed themselves just as bright.
Sighing, she thought ‘Layla dear, if only you were here to see how much of a beauty your Sayya's turning out to be’.
She couldn't help but remember her sister in-law whom she missed so much T'was sad she had to be gone so soon, she was a faithful wife to the end, she had said she couldn't live without her husband, Sayya's father, and true to her words she accompanied him till the very end, they both lost their lives in an accident leaving Sayya in the care of her aunt.
".......and we'd live happily ever after". Sayya's voice brought her out of her reverie.
She nodded quickly and said "Happily ever after, yes, happily ever after indeed".
"You'll be there too, you know". Sayya said. "We'll live in the castle together"
She smiled. A castle?
Maybe their great old Powers Empire would be the castle for her princess; she'd grow up to be the Queen of their empire.
16 years later.
How quickly time had passed, how easily everything she loved had faded, how painful it was to remember times lived, memories of priceless moments hurt, moments shared with Aunt Zarah, she still remembered how melodious her voice sounded, how warm and comforting her smile was, how her beautiful brown eyes would gaze at her lovingly .
Her chest tightened as emotions began swirling within, she dragged in a deep breath to calm herself.
'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened'
She'd repeat those words like a mantra until she was calm, or at least till she wasn't at the brink of breaking down.
She walked to her vanity table and stared into the dressing mirror , she had a business dinner and she had to get ready, she couldn't afford to be late, aunt Zarah would be disappointed if she was.
A small smiled curved her lips as she recalled memories of how Aunt Zarah had fussed over her during her prom, how she had told her she looked like an angel.
"I wish you didn't leave me". She breathed quietly. "Wish you were here".
Her reflection stared back at her; a slim lady with high cheekbones, almond shaped eyes, long pointed nose and lush pink lips.
‘You're gonna be a real beauty my sweet, just wait and see’. Aunt Zarah had said lovingly.
And indeed she had, life had changed a lot since Aunt Zarah passed away, dreams of princes and castles had been replaced by power and empires, where once held Aunt Zarah's warmth now held emptiness and cold.
Again she inhaled deeply and applied the final touches to her make-up, she wrapped a deep blue veil around her head loosely before she stood up, she grabbed her purse and keys and then headed out.
Her heels clacked against the marble floors as she made her way downstairs, the trails of her light ash colored dress swept the floor ever so slightly, the deep blue stilettos she had on added to her 5'4 by 3inches , she embodied grace as she descended the stairs, every step controlled and deliberate.
At the bottom of the stairs stood Ima, whose smile was bright as always.
"You look beautiful, Miss". She said once Sayya reached the bottom of the stairs.
"As always".
Sayya smiled warmly before she said
"I'll be out for about two hours, if I get late just go to bed and don't worry about me".
Ima was a house help but was considered as more than just that, she was considered family, at times though, for Sayya, it was hard to express how much she cared about people, that soft emotional part of her had died along with Aunt Zarah. Her tough exterior was all that was known to most of the people she met, Ima and the other house helps however, knew what she really was like, or what she used to be.
After a small talk with Ima she concluded by saying;
"I'll be on my way now".
Ima nodded.
"Take care, Miss". She said.
Sayya nodded and walked away. On stepping outside the cool night's breeze blew against her, caressing her face ever say softly, the moon glowed brightly illuminating the sleek jet black Mercedes waiting for her to unlock it and get in, it's headlights flashed as she pressed the button of her key to unlock her beloved Raven, she closed the distance between them soon enough and got in, the ignition started with a soft hum, she pulled out of the parking space and made her way onto drive whilst the security man hurried and opened the gates.
"Take care, Miss". He said as she drove passed him.
She simply smiled and nodded. Of course she'd take care, she always did.
~~~
The drive to Malta’s Restaurant was smooth and steady, the night was alive and active as people went about doing their businesses regardless of the hour, it was one of the reasons she loved Kaduna, time could never dampen the active vibes of the people.
During the drive she had enough time to plan and strategize her game, she would be meeting Mr. Raysham Muhammad, one of Nigeria's most influential business men. They would be meeting for the first time to discuss a business proposal made prior to their meeting, she had done thorough researches on the Dominion Empire and had found no trace of shady activities, though deep down she had her doubts, Mr. Raysham Muhammad had Miraculously raised the Dominion Empire so high in the ranks of successful business empires in the country surpassing many who had been at the top, truth is even her beloved Powers Empire was being threatened by the Dominion Empire, what better way to put an end to rivalry and secure her place at the top than to secure a partnership with the top rival?
For the first time in five years of rivalry, she'd be meeting Mr. Raysham Muhammad, and she intended to leave the impression she always left on her business associates; strong and independent.
Related chapters
Be Mine Two
The presentThe ringing of her phone brought her out of her reverie, she reached out reluctantly and picked the phone from the bedside table, she stared at the screen for a while, stared at the caller ID which read 'Raysham', few seconds before the ringing stopped she answered the call and raised the phone to her ear."Did I wake you?". Came his calm and smooth voice.Her heart mourned. After a quiet inhalation of a deep breath she answered;"No, I was already up"."How are you?".How was she? How was she??"Good, as always". She lied smoothly."Mind if I stop by later?".She rubbed her temple wearily and pulled herself up to a sitting position suppressing a groan as the pain in her head hit mercilessly."That'd be nice". She began. "But I won't be free today, I have a meeting and several other appointments". She said.Silence.She bit her lower lip as she waited for him to speak, finally he said;"Take care of yourself then".She simply nodded though he couldn't see her."I'll call
Be Mine Three
It was a cold night, the absence of stars in the sky predicted that it might rain later on. The full reflection of the moon was mirrored in the pool by which he stood, as the cold breed blew calmly he couldn't help but remember'one would wish on a star strewn sky, to hear the voice of his beloved say the words he'd craved for what seems like forever, but here we are, out in the cold, in the harsh winds, underneath the blank sky, I hear you say those words and this moment surpasses every one of my fantasies, every one of my dreams, right now my emotions fly so high, they reach heights only heaven knows'He slid his hands into the pockets of the thick hoodie he had on, the chilly breeze blew once more causing the water in the pool to sway ever so softly, disrupting the perfect reflection of the moon.The hurt clutched him as he recalled the happenings if that night."Well someone's being poetic tonight". She had said."Only for you my dear, on for you". He had said to her.Though the s
Be Mine Four
She raised the coffee mug high so it shielded her face from his view."Oh come on luv, intend on hiding behind that awful mug all day?". He said smugly. "Bride's hide behind veils not ugly mugs".She chuckled and lowered the mug, she was glad her dark skin wasn't so easily flushed else he'd know she had been blushing from his comments about their wedding night which was just some hours ago."Show the mug some love". She said as she set down the mug which for some reason had a rather distorted shape."Sure, why not?, I mean the mere sight of it could attract and angel yeah?". He said sarcastically."It's cute".,she defended it."It looks like a hippo's derriere". He said bluntly.She scrunched up her nose feigning disgust."I happen to be drinking from what you just called a hippo's derriere".He chuckled.His gaze softened as he stared at her, her usual warm smile curved her lush lips which were still red full from all the deep kisses, he smiled and sipped from his equally ugly mug."
Be Mine FIVE
A ghostly smile lingered on her face as she stared blankly at the flat screen, true that the movie was indeed very interesting but what caught her attention and held it was the fact that it brought up so many memories, good memories.Regardless of her smile a tear drop slid down her cheek, who was she deceiving anyway? She let the smile fade slowly, she took a deep breath and brushed off the tears with the back of her hand, the emptiness and quietness of the house was usually comforting but it suddenly felt depressing. A house which had been so alive with people was now hollow and depressing, first her parents, then Aunt Zarah, even Ima had left when she got married, she probably didn't think she'd come back anytime soon, it felt as though she was leaving with ghosts, the cleaners would come and tidy the house five times a week when she wasn't home.It was better that way, or at least that's what she told herself. The less people you chill with the less bullshit you deal with.She tri
Be Mine SIX
They held onto each other not wanting to welcome reality back into their little bubble of bliss, but when the ringing continued they grew irritated and broke apart breathing heavily."Sorry for the interruption". He said to her, his voice hoarse and low. She merely nodded; it was all she could do at the moment.He picked up the phone resting on the armrest of the couch and glanced at the screen, his jaw clenched visibly and he made to return it when she said:"Aren't you going to answer that?".He shook his head."I'd rather not". He said."Who is it?". She said."Mother". He answered dryly.She forced on a smile and said:"Well answer it". She could see the reluctance in his eyes but she encouraged him with her faint smile and a small nod. He dragged in a deep breath before tapping on the answer icon and raising the phone to his ear."Morning Mother". He said dryly, coldly.Her heart broke on hearing his tone, she couldn't help but remember how fond of his mother he used to be; she
Be Mine SEVEN
She said nothing, did nothing to stifle the sobs that rattled her entire being.Again he reached out and brushed her tears off gently."I'll do it". He said.And of course she knew he wasn't one to bluff, especially not in situations like this."Please don't". She said almost breathlessly. "I can't bear to see you in pain and misery, Raysham, so please do not ask me"."Sayya I am in so much misery right now, I feel helpless and useless. I have failed you in every way there is, I have failed as a friend, as someone who's supposed to look after you, I have failed as your husband". He said. "So don't talk to me about pain and misery".She blinked and fresh streams of tears flowed down her cheeks smoothly, swallowing the lump in her throat she took hold of his hand and clutched it tightly, as though her life depended on it. she knew she could never win against him so she decided to tell him, perhaps she’d feel better in a way; lighter."I....I'm unwell". She stuttered quietly.As if tha
Be Mine 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
Be Mine 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
Latest chapter
Be Mine 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
Be Mine TWELVE
Somehow 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
Be Mine 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
Be Mine 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
Be Mine 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
Be Mine 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
Be Mine SEVEN
She said nothing, did nothing to stifle the sobs that rattled her entire being.Again he reached out and brushed her tears off gently."I'll do it". He said.And of course she knew he wasn't one to bluff, especially not in situations like this."Please don't". She said almost breathlessly. "I can't bear to see you in pain and misery, Raysham, so please do not ask me"."Sayya I am in so much misery right now, I feel helpless and useless. I have failed you in every way there is, I have failed as a friend, as someone who's supposed to look after you, I have failed as your husband". He said. "So don't talk to me about pain and misery".She blinked and fresh streams of tears flowed down her cheeks smoothly, swallowing the lump in her throat she took hold of his hand and clutched it tightly, as though her life depended on it. she knew she could never win against him so she decided to tell him, perhaps she’d feel better in a way; lighter."I....I'm unwell". She stuttered quietly.As if tha
Be Mine SIX
They held onto each other not wanting to welcome reality back into their little bubble of bliss, but when the ringing continued they grew irritated and broke apart breathing heavily."Sorry for the interruption". He said to her, his voice hoarse and low. She merely nodded; it was all she could do at the moment.He picked up the phone resting on the armrest of the couch and glanced at the screen, his jaw clenched visibly and he made to return it when she said:"Aren't you going to answer that?".He shook his head."I'd rather not". He said."Who is it?". She said."Mother". He answered dryly.She forced on a smile and said:"Well answer it". She could see the reluctance in his eyes but she encouraged him with her faint smile and a small nod. He dragged in a deep breath before tapping on the answer icon and raising the phone to his ear."Morning Mother". He said dryly, coldly.Her heart broke on hearing his tone, she couldn't help but remember how fond of his mother he used to be; she
Be Mine FIVE
A ghostly smile lingered on her face as she stared blankly at the flat screen, true that the movie was indeed very interesting but what caught her attention and held it was the fact that it brought up so many memories, good memories.Regardless of her smile a tear drop slid down her cheek, who was she deceiving anyway? She let the smile fade slowly, she took a deep breath and brushed off the tears with the back of her hand, the emptiness and quietness of the house was usually comforting but it suddenly felt depressing. A house which had been so alive with people was now hollow and depressing, first her parents, then Aunt Zarah, even Ima had left when she got married, she probably didn't think she'd come back anytime soon, it felt as though she was leaving with ghosts, the cleaners would come and tidy the house five times a week when she wasn't home.It was better that way, or at least that's what she told herself. The less people you chill with the less bullshit you deal with.She tri
