Copyright © 2024 by GroveltoHEA
I'd purposely come back to the house on one of Malik's surgery days so I could get inside, unpack and just settle Nour and myself in before he came back from the hospital. I hadn't told Malik I was returning today, and I hadn't allowed my mother to tell him, either. All told, I'd stayed with my parents for four months and hadn't seen Malik once in that time.
The only time I'd even spoken with him was when I'd told him to call off his attack dog. Whatever he'd said to Brooklyn must have worked because I hadn't had any more calls from her after that nasty one.
Malik continued to come to my parent's home every weekend, and I made plans to be elsewhere during his visits. Mama was the intermediary, relaying nothing but a terse she's fine when Malik asked about me. Nour-related information, however, poured out of her. I never asked her about Malik or what he said and she never shared anything with me, knowing that I just wanted to pretend he didn't exist for this little escape from reality, for this time of healing myself.
Nasim came to visit one time during the week for two days while his wife stayed home with their little ones so we didn't risk exposing Nour to any germs from the children. Nasim couldn't believe how much Nour had grown in the two months since he'd seen him. The pictures I'd texted to him didn't show his growth the way seeing him in person did.
"He looks like Malik did when he was a baby," Nasim said, studying Nour's little face as my son fell asleep in his arms. The proud uncle seemed content to let his little nephew cuddle close.
"How unfair that we women do all the work while the children look like their fathers," I said lightly.
"It's always that way, it seems." Nasim had grinned before turning serious. "How have you been doing, Jade? You sound upbeat on our calls, but I wonder how you're really feeling, if you're trying to gloss over some deeper emotions."
Shrugging, I wasn't sure how to answer.
"It's easy being here, having my parents help with the baby. My mother feeds me all of my favorites, and my father is always running out to get me treats or to buy Nour a toy. I'm feeling very pampered and loved."
What I left unsaid was how much I missed the days when I'd thought my husband had loved me or at least cared a great deal about me. I missed the days when I thought his gestures of affection meant something, when I thought our conversations were building connections between us, strengthening the marital bond and our love...even if Malik had never said the words to me.
"Your parents are good people, Jade. I'm glad you're being spoiled."
I looked Nasim right in the eye. "It's easy to forget about him here. I don't have to see him, so I can just stitch myself back together and think about a way forward."
"And have you?" he asked. "Figured out a way forward?"
"Not yet," I admitted. "It's hard letting go of something I thought I had, something I'd always dreamed of."
"Oh, Jade," he said, his voice laced with regret. "I'm so sorry, and I'm so pissed at my stupid brother."
"I'll be OK, Nasim. I have Nour. He's more than enough."
"But he's not a husband, Jade," he snapped, his anger at his little brother evident. "Listen, you take as long as you need and stay here to heal. It's peaceful here, calm, so I think that's the best kind of atmosphere for you to be in until you feel ready to go back."
My mouth curved into a wry smile and a bitter laugh escaped my lips.
"What if that's forever? Some days, I feel like that's what I want. What would be best. Just leading separate lives."
YOU ARE READING
Malik and Jade
RomanceI thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day I gave birth to our premature son and found my husband taking comfort from another woman. The woman he loved.
