THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

8-TANGLED

OMNISCIENT

Early in the morning the next day, the workers got busy with their respective duties in Babangida's residence, the news about what their employer did to his wife and child spread faster than wildfire, some of them threw in their insults while others just remained silent.

"You know those foreigners just think of themselves as slay queens so they can't do anything that'll be a detriment to their flawless skin. I love the fact that he knocked some sense into her, that way, she'll teach her ugly arrogant daughter to respect others," A maidservant spoke, the others looked at her as though she had grown two heads.

"Kamla, I get that you're new here but that doesn't justify what you said. You have no idea what's going on in this household, Madame is the nicest lady you'll ever come across, she's a half-cast but doesn't act like one. Most of the slay queens you're talking about can't cook but she took it upon herself to cook for her husband, she serves him as a typical housewife would do. What more could he wish for? As for Ms Sumaira, you rarely even see her around and even if you do, she doesn't treat you like trash because she has many things going on in her mind already. I admire their resilience, God knows I can't deal with such an abusive husband or father," Another maid chirped and many others nodded their heads in agreement.

Soon, the discussion turned into a bicker, not until the senior maidservant came inside and cleared her throat. She's a stalwart elderly woman who ensures that the law in Babangida's residence never gets broken by the maids. They get frightened whenever she's around.

"What's the matter?" she inquired with a cocked eyebrow.

"It's nothing, Ma'am," All of them stuttered.

"Let this not occur again. Back to your work everyone, make everywhere sparkling clean, we have very important guests today," She uttered and left.

Back in Dalila's room, the woman has just finished outfitting herself in a studded maroon gown and head-tie, she also put on some makeup to conceal all the dents on her face. She dropped the red mate lipstick on the vanity table before moving to the door and opening it without a second thought, thinking it was Sumaira.

"You..." He trailed off, the aggressiveness in his tone dissipating into thin air. Engr Muhammad Babangida released a huge sigh and adjusted his white traditional wear with sweaty hands. Once again, he read the eyes that were filled with nothing but contempt and pure hatred for him, it made him shudder in fear for what she might do if he set her free. That'll be the biggest mistake of his life, without this woman in front of him, nothing would make sense in his life.

"I thought you wouldn't comply with my command," His words were harsh but they came out softly, he was barely able to restrain himself from apologizing for his bad deeds.

"I don't care about your commands, I do what makes me happy, just as your sadism and desire make you act," She retorted coldly.

"Watch your tongue, Woman," He growled.

"Watch your actions, Man. Now if you'll allow me, I have other important things to take care of," She pushed past him and was walking away when he grabbed her hand.

"I can see that you've grown some wings after I turned you into my bitch. You'll always remain a useless dog to your master, now go and dress the puppy. Make sure both of you behave yourselves later today, if not, you know the consequences," He threatened, his beautiful eyebrows creasing in annoyance.

"Dog or puppy, your words will never get to me one bit. I'll be nice to the Gremas, not because you told me so. I'll only be nice to those who are preparing to fall into a reckless man's trap, they are not evil like you. I hope they never fall into your trap, instead, you'll get caught by them. Watch for the day I and my children will break free from your cage, that'll be your biggest downfall, mark my words, Muhammad," With that, she forcefully withdrew out of his grasp and left, a wide smile playing on her lips after many years of grief.