Destined Hearts

Chapter 12

I'm adopted. The two words kept running through my mind as I walk into my room. I take off my veil and dump it on my bed as I collapse on it.

How could he possibly be adopted and how could I not know this at all? Of course I wouldn't. Not one of them would want to flaunt the fact that he isn't related to them by blood. That meant he is not my cousin, and it would be much nicer to be with someone that isn't my cousin. What? What am I thinking? No. I could never even imagine being with him. So, what if he isn't my cousin? Nothing would ever put us together.

I strip off my dress then grab a towel and enter the bathroom. I step into the shower and immediately the heat touches my body, I relax. I grab my shampoo and conditioner and wash my hair then wash off my body before stepping out. I wrap the fluffy lilac towel around me and the matching head towel before leaving the bathroom.

I let my hair dry a bit before I just put in leave-in conditioner and then put it in twin braids down my back. I slip my pyjamas at the moment small, excited knocks land on my door. Inayah always does that. She bangs her tiny fists over and over again until I open the door. So persistent.

"I'm coming baby." I chuckle at her antics and open the door. Then freeze for about three seconds then slam it closed again.

I quickly grab my bonnet and put it on my head then try to breathe as I look at the door in horror.

"We're waiting." His gruff voice comes through.

No. No. No. He's real. Ya Muhammad is standing behind my door with Inayah in his arms. And he just saw me with my hair open and disorganized. Why do I always have the most terrible of luck?

I take a deep breath and calm myself. Relax, he only saw you for like a second. Well, three, max. I reach my hand over and then open the door to find Inayah with a huge goofy smile on her face and her father with a reluctant curve of his lips.

"Hello." I mutter feeling my cheeks flame.

"Hi." Inayah giggles. "You haiw are messy." I glance at her dad who just stands there.

"Yes baby. I'll fix it." I say feeling his eyes all over me.

"Inayah insisted on sleeping with you. Said you give her nice bedtime stories and I don't." He looks at his daughter who pinches his cheeks and I almost resist the urge to aww.

"Daddy stories nice too." She says.

"But Madeenah's are better." He says as he pulls his face away from her tiny hands.

"You wanna sleep with me?" I ask her.

"Yes." She nods her head.

"Okay, come on." I stretch my hands towards her and take her from her dad.

"Where's my goodnight hug?" He asks and she quickly stretches over and wraps her arms around his neck as he stoops down so low, that I'm surprised his knees can take it.

"Bye daddy." She says as she pulls back.

"Goodnight." He tells her then looks at me. "Goodnight Madeenah." He says then turns and walks away before I can reply.

I close the door then settle Inayah on my bed and switch off the light, only leaving my bedside lamp on. She lays in the middle of the bed and I right beside her.

"Do you want Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty or Belle?" I ask Inayah already knowing which she'd choose.

"Ella." She says

"Okay. Once upon a time..."

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I'm walking to the cafeteria with Hafsa when I hear my name being yelled from behind me. I spin around to find Khalil walking towards me with a big smile on his face.