Don't Tell Me Who To Love | ✓ (The Fulani Bride 3)

Shadows of the Past

Lailah's car pulled up to the sprawling estate, the enormous mansion looming like a beacon of power and wealth. The security was tighter than ever, with guards posted at every corner, their eyes sharp and alert. As Lailah stepped out of the vehicle, she was greeted with a grand display. Her family—an image of luxury and authority—stood outside, waiting for her arrival.

Her father, General Alhassan, a man of impressive stature and presence, smiled widely as Lailah approached. Beside him stood her mother, an elegant woman with a warm but commanding demeanor. Her three younger brothers—Malik, Maheer, and Majeed—were standing tall, beaming at their sister, eager to tease her as they always did.

"Lailah, finally!" General Alhassan called out, his voice booming with delight. "You've decided to grace us with your presence, huh? We thought you'd never return from your little city escapade."Lailah laughed, moving to hug her father. "Come on, Dad! It was just two weeks. I had work to do."

"Work? You've been avoiding us, especially the food!" Malik, the eldest of the three brothers, chimed in with a grin. "You should've been here two weeks ago. We ate everything. Not even a crumb was left."

"Oh, you're cruel!" Lailah teased back, hugging her mother and giving her brothers playful punches. They laughed and traded jokes, filling the air with lightness and warmth as they walked inside together.

The mansion's interior was just as breathtaking as its exterior—luxuriously decorated with fine art, marble floors, and grand chandeliers. The family settled into the large sitting room, their conversation flowing easily as they shared stories, laughter, and banter.

But amidst the joy, Lailah's curiosity peaked. She glanced around and noticed someone important was missing.

"Where's Kamal?" she asked, her voice casual, but her heartbeat just a little faster. Despite her attempts to keep her feelings hidden, they always seemed to find a way to surface when his name was mentioned.

General Alhassan opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a familiar voice filled the room.

"Looking for me, Lailah?"

Kamal stood in the doorway, his trademark smile lighting up his face. Lailah's heart skipped a beat, and the entire room seemed to freeze for a moment. Everyone turned toward him in shock and joy. Kamal had been away on a mission, and his sudden return had caught them all off guard.

Lailah's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—relief, excitement, and something deeper, something she had buried long ago. She had loved Kamal for years, but he had never given her the space to express her feelings. His focus was always on his duties, never allowing himself to be distracted by anything personal. Especially not her.

The General clapped Kamal on the back, his voice full of pride. "Welcome back, son. It's been too long. I didn't expect you home this early."

Kamal smiled, nodding at the General. "I finished early. Thought I'd surprise everyone."The General turned to his family, his expression softening as he glanced between them and Kamal. It was no secret how much Kamal meant to him. Years ago, when Kamal had been lost, broken, and struggling to find his way, it was General Alhassan who had taken him under his wing. He had treated Kamal like his own son, offering him guidance, protection, and opportunities that had shaped Kamal into the man he was today. Kamal had always been more than just a protégé to the General—he was family.