I Fell In Love With My Beautiful One

Chapter Six: A Test of Trust

- Scene Five..

Two years later, one morning, Tahani’s father woke up unable to move his arm or leg. She and her brother rushed him to the hospital, marking the beginning of a long treatment journey. He had suffered a stroke, resulting in paralysis, following the theft of the family’s inheritance by her aunt, Aisha, her husband, Naji, and some accomplices. The stolen assets included a clothing factory, a large bank account, houses in the city, and lands in the village. They had used a forged power of attorney supposedly signed by their grandfather after his death to carry out the scam.

Tahani was devastated by her father's illness and had to temporarily leave her job at the pharmacy to care for him. She spent her time taking him from one doctor to another. She asked her business partner to take responsibility for the pharmacy for a while and to hire an experienced pharmacist to oversee it, while she would manage things remotely.

A month later, she received a late-night call from her partner...

Tahani: "Hello?"

Abdullah: "How are you, beautiful?"

Tahani ignored the first comment, thinking he was joking...

Tahani: "Is there something you need, Mr. Abdullah? Is everything going well at work?"

Abdullah: "Nothing serious, but my heart aches, and I need you!"

Tahani, irritated: "I’m busy, and I don’t have time for jokes in the middle of the night!"

Abdullah: "I want to marry you!"

The shock jolted her awake. Disgusted by his words, she tried to deflect the conversation professionally...

Tahani: "My family won’t agree to a married man with children."

Abdullah: "Who said your family’s approval is necessary? We can have a secret marriage, satisfying everyone!"

Tahani, in disbelief: "What are you talking about? Satisfying whom exactly?"

Abdullah: "My wife and your family. Isn’t that a better solution?"

Tahani, even more shocked: "Are you in your right mind?"

Abdullah: "You don’t understand. We can start with a secret marriage, and once we’ve saved enough money, I’ll officially propose to your family."

Tahani, seeking to confirm his seriousness: "And if we don’t save enough or if my family rejects you, what happens then?"

Abdullah: "Simple, we’ll go our separate ways."

Tahani, sarcastically: "Oh, just like that?"

Abdullah: "What’s the problem? Life is full of experiments!"

Tahani, angrily: "Those ‘experiments’ are suited for your family. Now I’m sure you’ve lost your mind. Do you think I’m naïve enough to accept something like a secret marriage?"

Abdullah: "My love, I can’t hide my feelings anymore. I love you and want you to be mine as soon as possible."

Tahani, sharply: "I wish the moon would fall on your head and spare us from you. Listen, and this is the last conversation we’ll ever have: First, you’re married, and your wife has become my friend, so please show some respect for yourself and your poor wife. Second, you’re like an older brother or even a father to me—don’t forget the significant age gap between us. Third, when I decide to marry, it will be to a man my family approves of and someone I truly love. Got it? And I hope I never hear from you again!"

Tahani hung up, stunned by his audacity and rudeness.

A month later, she decided to visit the pharmacy to check on things. She brought her pharmacist friend, Hind, with her to witness the conversation with Abdullah and to help review the piled-up accounts. When they entered the pharmacy, they found Abdullah sitting behind the desk, listening to music on his phone. Hind greeted him and sat down with Tahani across from him. After a few moments, Tahani calmly suggested that they either work separately, each managing the pharmacy for alternating months, or dissolve their partnership entirely. She left the decision up to him. He chose to end the partnership, offering to buy her share. He requested a week to gather the necessary funds.

Though saddened at the prospect of losing the pharmacy, Tahani thanked God for getting rid of Abdullah so easily. Two days later, Hind came to Tahani, holding the pharmacy keys...

Hind: "Abdullah came to my workplace this morning and asked me to give you the keys. He’s decided not to buy the pharmacy after all!"

Tahani took the keys with joy.

Tahani: "Thank God! I was sad about leaving the pharmacy, but I’m glad it’s back in my hands. I’ll run it until I can save enough to buy out his share."

Hind, concerned: "I don’t trust him. I know he has bad intentions. I’ll go with you tomorrow, Friday, to inventory the medicines and review the account books."

Tahani, gratefully: "Thank you, Hind. I’ll never forget your kindness!"
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