Ties That Bind

EP2

Fatima stormed into her father's living room, her heart racing as confusion and anger clashed within her. The elegant room, adorned with family portraits and luxurious furnishings, seemed to mock her with its unbothered calmness. Even the scent of sandalwood—her father's favorite—was suffocating in its tranquility. How could everything appear so peaceful when her entire world was on the verge of collapse?

Her father, Alhaji Ahmad, sat in his favorite armchair, a newspaper spread open in his hands, seemingly unaware of the tempest about to break. She clenched her fists, trying to control the storm of emotions swirling inside her. But she couldn’t. Not this time.

"Dad, what the hell is this about a contract marriage?" Her voice, sharp and biting, sliced through the serene silence like a blade.

Alhaji Ahmad looked up slowly, his expression calm, though the brief flicker of concern in his eyes did not escape her. He set the newspaper aside with deliberate care, as if stalling for time. "Fatima," he said, his voice measured, "sit down. Let's talk about this calmly."

"Calmly?!" Fatima's voice rose, disbelief and fury tangling in her throat. "You expect me to be calm when you’re trying to marry me off to some politician I barely know?" Her hands trembled as she crossed her arms tightly, standing rooted in place, refusing to sit.

Alhaji Ahmad’s brow furrowed slightly, but his tone remained gentle. "Fatima, please," he repeated, gesturing to the plush sofa opposite him. "Sit. This is important, and we need to discuss it rationally."

Reluctantly, Fatima moved to the sofa, perching on the edge as if ready to bolt at any moment. Her posture was stiff, her back straight and unyielding. She was ready for a fight. "I’m listening," she muttered, though every fiber of her being rebelled against whatever justification he was about to offer.

Her father folded his hands in his lap, his gaze steady. "This alliance with Kabir Balogun is more than just a marriage. It’s a strategic move that will benefit both our families."

Fatima scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Benefit? Benefit who, exactly? Because I certainly don’t see how being forced into a marriage with a man I don’t know—don’t even like—benefits me." She leaned forward, her eyes blazing. "You’re turning me into a pawn in your political games."

Her father sighed, leaning back in his chair, his gaze softening. "Fatima, you know how much I value your independence. Your achievements speak for themselves. But this isn’t just about politics or power—it’s about survival."

“Survival?” Fatima’s voice dropped, the word tasting bitter on her tongue. “You think I need to be saved by this?”

Alhaji Ahmad shook his head gently. "Not you. Our family, Fatima. The business has been facing serious challenges, challenges that you may not fully understand. Kabir’s family has the resources, the influence, to secure our future. And his political career… well, it’s at a critical juncture. This marriage—this partnership—could stabilize both our families."

Fatima’s heart pounded in her chest, anger bubbling beneath the surface. She wanted to argue, to shout, to deny everything. But the weight of his words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. She shifted uncomfortably. "And what do I get out of this?" Her voice was cold, each word precise. "Besides losing my freedom?"

Alhaji Ahmad leaned forward, his eyes earnest, almost pleading. "You gain more than you think. Kabir has agreed to invest in your business ventures. He’s offering capital, connections—resources that could take your company to new heights. You’ll have access to political circles that would otherwise be closed to you. This isn’t just a marriage, Fatima. It’s an opportunity—a partnership in the truest sense of the word."