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Ibrahim's face fell. The news was a shock, a bolt of lightning that struck him out of nowhere. He stared at Zynah, his eyes wide with disbelief.

He might not have said it, but Zynah knew he felt discomfited. His facial expression, a mix of shock and disappointment said it all. "I'm eighteen weeks along," She added, her voice low-pitched.

"Zynah..." Ibrahim called, his voice trailing off. He was obviously still trying to process the information, to understand the implications. Finally, he found his "I..can wait for you to give birth."

Zynah was taken aback by his response. She had expected him to get angry or at least leave without saying a word, but he did none of that. Just what kind of a patient person was he? Was he even real at this point? "It's enough, please," She beseeched, her voice filled with sadness. "It pains me whenever I do this to you. You don't deserve any of this, Ibrahim. You are an awesome person, and I don't deserve your kindness."

Ibrahim shook his head