THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

26-DAMSEL

OMNISCIENT

Three Weeks Later.

A lot of things have changed for some people. To some, it was a change that shouldn't have occurred while for others, it was the most graceful. In the director's office at DA&S sat a mother and her daughter beside each other on the couch.

One appeared to be paler than ever, even with the use of standardized skincare products while the other's beauty scintillated from both within and outside. Her beauty was like that of the morning sun rising over the horizon, piercing every nook and cranny in the hearts of people.

"Aira my dear, marriage looks good on you. It makes me feel at peace," Dalila admired her daughter with a smile that almost reached her ears. Sumaira blushed and cascaded her head.

"Mom... Life isn't supposed to be this hard. Not on you or anyone else. Just wait a little longer, I'll do everything in my power to pull you out of this hellhole," Sumaira intertwined their hands and released a smile that accentuated her beauty.

"Focus on yourself now, Aira. You're the daughter of a survivor like me, I'm sure you'll map it out, at least better than I did," Dalila whispered the last part to herself, not knowing that Sumaira heard.

"You are—" Sumaira was about to reply when she suddenly felt nauseous.

Without wasting another second, she rushed to the faucet in the toilet and regurgitated all the contents of her stomach. She maintained that position for almost five minutes before summoning the strength to turn on the tap and wash her hands, mouth and face.

Just when she turned around, she was met with her mother's figure. The woman was handing her what seemed like a strip, not that she knew. Sumaira looked at the smiley woman in confusion before taking the said item from her.

"Do you feel any headache or body discomfort?" Dalila questioned.

"Yes, I had a splitting headache about two days ago and I have also been feeling a little different during my training sessions," Sumaira retorted matter-of-factly.

"Do you pee a lot? How frequently do you feel nauseous?" With every word she spoke, a sparkle of hope was evoked. A troubled Sumaira warily nodded, she couldn't fathom what was playing in her mother's head.

"Great, pee on that strip and wait for five minutes then come and tell me the results. If only a single red line is seen, raise one finger but if you see two, raise two fingers. Got it?" Dalila grinned.

"Yes," Sumaira replied, even though she had no idea what was happening. Nevertheless, she watched until her mother closed the door of the bathroom before going ahead to do as she was instructed.

1 minute...

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She obtained a rubber hand glove from the cabinet and wore it before retrieving the strip. After a careful observation, Sumaira threw the said item away and sauntered out of the toilet. Dalila, who was nervously pacing back and forth, halted her steps and ran to her daughter.