Hopelessly Bound: Book 2 in the Bound series

Chapter 12

The Honeymoon must be humbling and not hurting.”
― Wisdom Kwashie Mensah
                     

Itinerary for your honeymoon. 

Zainab's brows drew together as a message popped up from her mother-in-law.  

Only a few hours had passed since they arrived at the resort. Danladi was working on his laptop while Zainab reclined on the bed browsing through social media. 

She picked up her phone and opened the message. Her breath hitched as her eyes roamed over the words. 

Itinerary for your honeymoon.

Picnic at the beachside. 

Boat rides. 

Wine tasting. 

Zainab's panic increased as the list continued.  Danladi must have gotten the same message because he let out an angry groan. 

The message ended with the information that the photographer would be waiting at the different venues. 

Waves of confusion and bewilderment coursed through Zainab. She looked up to find Danladi clenching his phone with anger cleaning in his eyes.  

"What are we going to do?" she asked in a low voice. 

"We have no choice but to obey," he spat out.  

"What would happen if we don't comply?" 

He hissed. "I won't get my inheritance until I am 30." His scowl deepened.

"How old are you anyway?" Zainab blurted but slapped her mouth when she realized what she said.  "I'm sorry," she murmured and lowered her eyes.  

Much to her surprise, Danladi chuckled and she looked at him with wide eyes.  Amazement filled her as amusement sparkled in his eyes. 

"I find it funny that you don't know your husband's age." He smirked. 

"That's because we are more or less strangers." 

"Maybe we should get to each other better." 

Zainab's heart raced. "Do you want that?" 

Anticipation bubbled within her.  

"Do you?" He leaned back in his seat and sent her an expression, daring her to answer the question. 

"I don't know," she whispered and ducked her head. 

"I thought as much." He let out a laugh. "We have been instructed to have dinner in one of the restaurants, so I suggest you start getting ready." 

"But isn't it too late to have dinner?" Her brows drew together.  

"Not in the eyes of my mother." 

Zainab's shoulders slouched and she looked up. She watched him turn back to his laptop.  As she watched him, it dawned on her that they had their first full conversation.  

A smile threatened to appear on her lips.  Maybe there was some hope for them after all. 

                     ★★★★

Zainab and Danladi approached a wooden deck that served as an outdoor eating area.  A thatched roof protected them from the rain and sun. 

They climbed up the wooden steps and moved to an empty table at the back. Moments later, a waiter sauntered over and handed them two menus.