Over and Over

Eloise

EL-BAAZ MANSOR,
KANO.
NIGERIA.

NARRATOR'S POV

That evening, the event flowed effortlessly.

On the dance floor, the belly dancers swayed, and fire performers spun their flames as they cast a warm, flickering glow across the hall.

Hakeem and Layla, at this point, were accustomed to the attention.

They moved through the crowd side by side and exchanged polite smiles and brief conversations with the guests.

"Ma’am! Sir!" A voice called out, and they turned to see a group of Hakeem’s employees approaching.

Their wide eyes and nervous energy betrayed their surprise.

Imran was the first to speak, shaking his head with a knowing grin.

"I knew something was up with the way you two interacted."

The others followed his lead.

They glanced at Layla and offered awkward apologies. "We’re so sorry, ma’am."

She couldn’t help but smile, brushing off their concern.

Guys, we know it's all fake.

"There’s no need to apologize," she said warmly, her voice light.

Imran was always one to push the limits with his playful attitude.

He smirked. "Good thing I didn’t fall for you."

Before Layla could respond, Hakeem interjected with a teasing edge.

"Careful, Imran, or I might have to fire you out of jealousy."

The group erupted in laughter, and the tension between them dissipated.

Hakeem and Layla moved on, but before they could relax, another familiar group approached—Layla’s classmates, their expressions also a mix of shock and amusement.

"Lee! So, you were marrying him, and you didn’t tell us?" one of them exclaimed, her eyes flickering between Layla and Hakeem, who stood tall beside her, a quiet confidence radiating from him.

Layla smiled as her grip on Hakeem’s hand tightened.

She replied with a calm, "Well, now you know."

With that, they made their way through the hall, Layla finally let go of his hand, exhaling softly.

She glanced at him, her brow slightly furrowed in curiosity.

"What was that all about?" she asked.

"Were you jealous or something?"

Hakeem raised an eyebrow with a playful glint in his eye as he leaned closer to her.

"Jealous? I think I smell a burning jasmine in the air," he teased, his voice rich with humour.

She rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, but before she could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"And what exactly are you two doing?" Gamilla approached them with a cold and disapproving gaze.

Without missing a beat, Hakeem stepped forward, his arm protectively sliding around Layla’s waist.

"We were just discussing how many children we’re planning to have," he said with an easy smile, his tone dripping with charm.

"Right, darling?"

Layla blinked as she was caught off guard by his sudden shift in demeanour.

She hesitated for a moment before realizing what he was doing. "Right, darling?" he repeated, nudging her gently.