Prologue

 Three Years Earlier

  Prologue

Maryam

I stopped right in front of his room and took in a deep breath before placing my trembling hand on the door knob.

Earlier, I had seen him and his friends comes into this room, and that's why I'm bringing them this refreshment. I just hope he won't pour it to my face- well, I should be used to it by now. It's already been two weeks of our marriage.

As I was ready to face his wrath that will definitely comes my way, I slowly and gently open the door but what I saw next really crushed my heart.... That's a video of me and my husband making love.

"But ho... how?.... How did that...  How was he able to record that? An... and, why is he watching the video with his friends?." I asked my self with tears already flowing down my cheeks.

"Did you see guys! Didn't I tell you? She's inexperience!"

"She's a virgin. Can you all believe that?!" he told them laughing while the rest joined too.

"Wow! Man, this is so good." A guy sitting right beside him said, tapping his shoulder. As if, he's so proud of what he has done.

"Your wife moan as hell....... Can I borrow her for a day?." Another guy sitting across him asked.

"Innalillahi!" I inwardly exclaimed with my mouth agape. "He wants to give me out to his friend? Does that means- Subhanallah! He'll also sleep with me? A married woman? He will sleep with a married woman, his friend's wife?

"What's happening? What's happening to me? Why is this happening to me? Ya Allah, why are you testing me through this hard way? I haven't done anything wrong, so why can't I be happy for once?..... why are you testing me with so many difficulty? First, it was her and now him?" I silently thought crying.

"Believe me dude, I would want to" his face showing the sincerity of what he just said. "But you know Umma, she loves her like her real daughter, if she comes to know about this, I'll be dead"

"But guys, this is not fair. I mean, no matter what, she's still your wife, you should respect her for that. This lady is too innocent for all of this,she doesn't deserve all this treatment from you Kareem " one of them said, he sound pitiful-Well, the pity is for me. I need to thank him for standing up for me.

"I don't care! And how does that concern you? It's non of your business. I promised my self, that I'll make her life miserable! she'll have no choice but to leave this house,don't you get it man! I hate that lady! I don't love her! I love someone else!...but I can't even be with her, all thanks to that woman and Mom" he said in a cold tone.

He has changed. This is not the man I got married to, two weeks ago. Though, I know he doesn't like me but, he shouldn't have done this to me.

"But still, this isn't her fault! " the same guy yells. He sounds annoyed.

What are they talking about?

"I really don't care... Do I look like I care?!...she had the chance to talk to Mom, to decline what ever proposal Mom made to her! But no, she didn't!" He yells back at the same guy.

"C'mon guys, let watch this,its fun" he said laughing and the other fools join him.

"I'm out of here,I can't stand this" He hissed while standing up. " And you" he turned his head to look at him " You'll regret all of this that you're doing. I only hope, it won't be late when you realise all of your mistakes"

The more he move closer to where I was standing,the more my heart beat faster. He halts in front of me, his gaze fixed on my body making me feel uncomfortable under it. I finally summon the courage to look at him and there it was-the sympathy look. He gave me his weak smile and then, walk away.

"And you!" I heard my husband's hard voice. The sound of his voice only, could bring the whole building down.

I jerk and was shaking as he point his index finger at me. "What're you doing here?!" He roared.

"I...I...I'm... I'm here...to..give...I....I...I mean...I brought.... Some.... some drinks for...you...and...your.. your...friends" I replied stuttering.

"Oh! So you could finally kill me?! You wanted to kill me right?! Huh! So you could get all of my wealth to your self, is that not it?!" He ask in his usual cold tone.

Oh no! This anger of yours doesn't suit your handsome face!- snap of it Maryam,what are you doing?!

"No!" I quickly defended my self. "I would never do that...and.. this.. this is unfair...you can't...., I mean, you can't be playing this to your friends...its not proper...at least, I deserve some respect" I dare to say, looking down at my feet not daring to look into his eyes.

The next thing I felt was a slap across my face.

Slap slap

He slapped me so hard on my right cheek before doing the same thing to the left. "How dare you talk back to me? Slap You have the gut to talk back at me?! Slap Just because my Mom is always on your side doesn't give you the right to talk back at me slap....

I closed my eyes tightly not daring to open them. I allow the tears to flow down my cheeks....I'm the head here and you!- don't have any right to talk when I'm talking! Slap You don't!" he roared. He pushed me, I fell down hitting my butt hardly on the floor and at the same time, all the glasses of the drink shattered on the floor.

"Man, I think it's okay, you really need to calm down,she's still your wife after all" One of the idiot said. I wish, I have the power to scratch that stupid face of his with my fingers.

"She's not my wife! And she will never be!" He said glaring at all of them.

"Can you all please leave" it's a statement not a request.

They bid their good bye and left. He make his way to the door and locked it.

Now, I'm doom!

"And you! You have the nerves now, don't you?! Do you realise you just talk back to me in front of my friends?! "

"I'm... I'm sorry but I'm.... I just...I'm only trying to defend my self" I said crying.

"Really? Defend your self from what? Answer me, you slut!" he shout graping my hair tightly.

When did he pull off my hijab? I didn't realize it.

He was hurting me badly and I couldn't even utter a word but to cry.

"I'm sorry please...I'm sorry"

"You're sorry?! You are f**king sorry?! Fine! I'll forgive you but you must pay for what you just did"

"Now stand up! I said....stand...up!"he yells through gritted teeth.

I quickly get up so as not to provoke him any further.

"Move closer"he said.

I was about to follow the other side because of the broken glasses on the floor but he stopped me before I could.

"What do you think you're doing?!" He asked. A sly smile on his face.

"There's.... There's a broken glass...I want to follow the other side"

"No, you won't, because you're going to walk through this broken glass" he smirk.

"Please Kareem....please don't do this......please" I begged crying.

"Before the count of three, you better step on that f**king thing...else, I might do something we'll both regret" he warned.

I'm so scared right now. He looks scary,he looks like a father scolding his own daughter. I slowly step on the broken glass and winced in pain. Ya Allah, this is so painful!

"Good. Now jump on it" he ordered.

"What?! Please...please no. Please don... don't do this to me please, I beg you please, don't do this please...I promise, I won't do that again...I won't enter the room without your permission... I won't dare talk back at you...please don't do this, please Kareem"

"I said jump!" He yells. One look from him and I dare not go against him.

I jumped on it and he started counting. "One.....two.....three.....four....five" he keeps on counting. My blood could clearly be seen on the floor and it was really hurting, I can't take this anymore, I really can't.

"Kareem please, it's hurting please" I begged.

"Keep quiet! One more word from you and I'll do worst than this"

"Ka...Ka....Kareem" I said and fell down, then darkness took over me.

____PRESENT DAY____

Maryam's POV

"I was asked to give this note to you Miss Maryam".  Mrs Tania said as she smiled.

"Thank you".  

I can't believe this, he still write to me!

"Congratulations,I'm sure your benefactor will be very happy!".  I smiled again and she left.

It's already the end of the semester, I'm now a graduated of Harvard university in business administrative. It only took me two years to finish everything because I was a brilliant student and most of all, they all like me here. 

I was outside when Mrs Tania had hand over the letter to me. Then I decide to go in and sit so I'll be able to read the note well. 

Miss Maryam,

Do you know I'm so much proud of you?  You've finally made it to the last semester...I'm so so proud of you".

K. Olatunji.

Oh my God! This signature!

I don't know how he look like but I believe that someday I'll know him.

I was so stunned when I learn that he's going to sponsor me but later heard from the scholarship department that apart from me,he had other scholars he was helping too. He's such a generous man. I wonder how much money he has.

He was one of my inspiration in finishing my degree in business administrative. I wanted to be like him.

Still looking at the beautiful handwriting on the paper,I was smiling broadly. I remembered when I had started my university. I seemed like a lost soul at that time. I felt like everything seemed to have no more meaning.... Mom and Dad was so angry when they find out about everything that had happened, Maimuna especially, but I beseeched them. Then, Dad asked if I would want to go for a vacation but instead, I told him I would like to further my education in a very far place and he agreed,Mom was so adamant at first but later gave in....But however, everything change when the scholarship department told me that I was one of those that will be given scholarship. 

Then I decide to start my new life and try doing something good in my studies. I really do owe him a lot.

Still in my dreamy land, I heard his cheerful voice. "A letter from an admirer?"

I glance up and saw his handsome face MANSUR

"Hey!  good afternoon".  I smiled.  "It was a note from my sponsor".

"I was just kidding love".  I glared at him.

"Okay fine!  I was just kidding".  He chuckled.

Mansur is really a nice guy and one of the most richest guy in the world, he's handsome, caring, playful and most of all romantic. I bumped into him someday when I had started my university class and from then, we became friends,he asked me out so many times but I told him to give me some time,he knows about my past because I told him.

"Congratulation my love....you're now a degree holder,I can't imagine! Then, you were just in your first year and-"

"Oh cut the stupid story Mansur" I said hitting his arm lightly and he smirk.

"So wanna go eat lunch with me?"

"Of course, handsome".

"Great!" He winked before I quickly pick up my bag and we left.

*****Next day*****

"Come on Maryam, let's get going".  Mrs Abubakar said.

"Yes Ma'am". I smiled. I was so happy, it's my first day of my vacation for the past two years.

"I wonder if the kids are going to like these more than the last time" I looked at the cupcakes I personally bake and pack for the children at the Orphanage.

"You're the best baker I've ever known in the whole world..so don't worry they will love it"

For two years now, I've been working at her cake shop. Thanks to Mom and my love for cake that made me secure a job here. If she hadn't make me work hard then when I was a kid, I wouldn't have been able to secure a job here. 

Thinking about Mom, I missed her so much and even though we talked day before yesterday, it actually feels like eternity.

I bring out my phone and dial her number, she pick up at the first ring.

"My baby!" She exclaimed happily.

"Mom! As salamu Alaykum....good morning Ma"

"Wa alaykumu salam...morning my dear... How are you doing? Sorry, I was suppose to call you yesterday but I was too busy that's why"

"Mom, its fine seriously"

"So, when would my beautiful daughter finish her exams?".  

"Mom, don't get mad, okay?... Actually it was yesterday"

"What?! And you didn't bother to tell us and to congratulate you?!!"

"Mom, that's why I had said you shouldn't get mad"

"Subhanallah...so how was it? Do you enjoyed it? And how-"

"Hello princess"

"Dad!"

"Good...good morning Dad"

"Jawad! give me back my phone, I need to talk to my daughter!".

I heard mom voice and I chuckled.

"Calm down woman, she's also my daughter too". I heard Dad replied her.

"So my princess, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine daddy"

"So, you're through with your exam and you didn't bother to tell your parent?" He asked dangerously.

"Erm.....Erm daddy, I'm sorry... I....I wanted to-"

"Its okay my princess, I'm just so proud of you"

"Thank you daddy"

"So, when are you coming home?"

Silence

Silence

Silence

"Maryam?"

"Yes!!!....Sorry daddy, but I don't know yet,I don't know".  I answered honesyly.

"Okay fine. I'll give you enough time but don't you think that I'm going to leave you there all alone by your self, sooner or later you'll have to come back home.. OK?"

"OK Dad"

"I-"

"What's that sound".  I thought.

"Nana let...me talk...to her".  I heard Dad's voice but why is he talking like that?

"Maryam, I'll call you back okay?"

"Dad, any problem?"

"Not at all dear..OK bye"

"Bye Dad"

I waited for him to hang up but he didn't and what I heard next really made me laugh so hard.

"Nana! Come here and finish what you started! I'm really in the mood!"

Geez!

I laugh as I  hang up my self.

"Your parent?".  Mrs Abubakar asked.

"Yes" I said smiling.

"Are you really going back to Nigeria?"

"Not now, I guess...why?"

"Nothing... I'm not just ready to miss you". She said and I smiled.

Every Saturday, Mrs Abubakar would visit the Orphanage home and I always accompany her. I also volunteered teaching them how to read and write, which was not so easy for me.

Today is Saturday and we're both going to the orphanage.  

"So, are you read?".  She asked.  

"Yes"I replied with a smile holding the cupcakes in my hand. 

*******

"So nice to see you after a very long time" Mansur said.

"What? What do you mean after a long time? We saw each other last week remember?"

"Do we?" He asked acting dumb.

"Oh come on, stop acting". I replied rolling my eyes.

I led him to a vacant table near the counter. Few people were only there. Most of them are familiar with me because they were like our regular customer. They also know I was the chef here, all thanks to my one and only mother who had taught me all this. 

Mansur and I sit and that was when I realise I was still putting on the apron over my gown. I was putting on a fitted black gown,with a low cut at the back. White high heel and white baby hijab.

"Oh sorry I forgot i was putting on this" I apologize taking the white apron off me.

"It's nothing...you always look beautiful in any attire Maryam" Mansur commented staring at me.

I didn't give him a reply instead, I changed the topic "so how was your flight?"

"It was the usual" he said.

I really don't know what's wrong with this guy, he's a governor son and also a business man but he's just too lazy.

"No, no don't give me that look, you know I don't like it"

"Then be serious I can't believe you're like this,how come you become a wealthy business man with you been so lazy!"

"It not my fault.. You just marry me and you'll see the changes"

Okay, I think this is getting to somewhere else.

"Excuse me...I'll... I'll be right back".  I said and he smirk.

"You don't need to run baby...I'm already on my way going". He said standing up.

"I'll come back next month baby".  Mansur said when we were outside.

"Sure" I replied.

"No, thank you hug for tonight?".  He asked catching me off guard when he lean to kiss my forehead.

"M..Mansur".  I stuttered.

"You don't know how much you make me happy Maryam...thank you".  He said. 

"See you love" he wink before he entered his car and drove away.

****

Lying on my bed, I heard my phone ringing tone.

I look at the caller ID and roll my eyes before picking up.  "Hello sister"

"So, how was it with Mansur?" She directly asked me.

Imagine. No how are you? How is school? Crazy girl

"Fine sister"

"What do you mean fine....what kind of remark is that? aren't you going to give him a chance?"

"Maimuna! Mansur and I are just friends and-"

"Right, friends....Yeah, what's the rush right? I absolutely believe that what will be would be.  There's no need to rush things, what's meant to be, will surely be"

"Yes".  I said more like a whisper. Love shouldn't be rushed, most importantly it shouldn't be forced.

We talked and talked till there's nothing else to say again.

"I love you Maryam" I could feel the intense emotion embedded on that statement " I miss and hope to see you soon"

"I missed you and love you too sis" I replied.

******

We have a very big event, so I was working and working, most especially I had to help for the preparation.

I was expected to bake cake because according to Mrs Abubakar, a very important benefactor fell in love with my cupcake the last time he or she visited the orphanage, I was not around. 

"I'll be happy if you could meet our benefactor today.... the person I had told you about, You'll meet him today, won't you?"

Him? A guy?

"Erm... Ma'am, it's okay if someone likes my cake but is it necessary to meet him?"

Mrs Abubakar smiled and said.   "It's time for you to meet someone dear, you've been so engross with your work and studies that you weren't ready to give anyone a chance....and besides, you don't have any boyfriend, do you?"

"Ma'am?!!!  Are you seriously saying this?".

"No dear, it's just that the first day I saw him, I don't know why but my heart remembers you right away. When he said he love your cupcake and he wanted to meet the baker,don't you think its a sign dear?"

"A sign of what mother?"

"God's way dear"

I looked at her confusedly, I couldn't understand why my heart skipped a bit. It had been a long time already since I felt the same familiar beating.

******

"Most of the guest have arrived.... Ma'am is looking for you".  Mrs Gloria said.

"Yes, I'll be out now Ma'am".  I smiled and she left.

At the mention of guests. I immediately feel my heart skipped a bit again.. Oh what's wrong with me?

I went outside finally and found Ma'am talking with some people. When she saw me, she gestured me to come.

I went to them and greeted and to my surprise, they all answered nicely and warmly. I heard someone clearing his throat joining us from behind.

"Mr Kareem Abdulazeez, thank goodness that you're here.  This is chef you've been wanting to meet"

Mr Kareem Abdulazeez?

My heart skipped. I turned and looked up at those two familiar brown eyes. Just like the last time,it was the kind of look that could make you feel as if you had just fallen into a dangerous trap .

Innalilahi wa'ina illaihi raji'un No! this can't be...this can't be happening!!