THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

35-INCEPTION

OMNISCIENT

5 years later.

"Are you sure you want her? She graduated just three days ago, she needs to intern—" The man's awkward laughter was cut short by a look so intense it silenced him entirely.

"Remember that you're on this seat only because I paved the path for you, now do repay the favour, AIG Bakari. If I want her, then don't question me," The IG of the Nigerian police, Ibrahim Bello,  crossed his legs on the black office chair, his curly black hair glistening under the dim light, further accentuating his black uniform and rank insignia.

"Alright, I'll prepare the papers so she can intern there. Monday... She can start on Monday," The man replied after throwing in yet another awkward laugh.

"I want a report concerning her performances on my table every week," He spoke with a gentle hit of his fist on the gigantic mahogany table, indicating the end of their conversation.

The man sitting opposite him, also clad in a black police uniform, stood up and saluted then left the office without wasting another second.

The assorted flags of respected authorities brought life to the cream-coloured walls and coffee-brown pieces of furniture. Jawad's father smiled to himself and placed his beret back on his head then sauntered out.

It was just like yesterday when she came to him in need of help. And now that she had persevered to finish the overly competitive police academy, he couldn't be more proud of the woman she had become. It baffled not only him but everyone else.

*

The sound of metal clinking against glass was the thing that drew attention from people to the man who stood beside his wife at the base of the staircase.

"We truly appreciate your presence. As we all know, the sole purpose of this event is to celebrate my daughter's graduation from the Nigerian Police Academy after her successful professional training and intensive studies. Without further ado, join me in welcoming the celebrant herself..."

He trailed off when the resonant sound of applause filled the grand, superfluously decorated living room in the Babangida's mansion. Atop the walls were floor-to-ceiling red carpets with golden embellishments. A giant cake stood at the far end, while people chatted over goblets of champagne.

Heels.

The crystals of the sparkling silver heels reflected against the walls as she made her descent. Long legs, and a more defined voluptuous body, all beneath a black dress tailored to her pronounced curves which were soon followed by a face devoid of any baby fat that once existed.

Those grey orbs had a renewed effect, aloof and unyielding, not the depleted ones that existed for as long she allowed them to, never again. The darkest shade of kohl was used to line them, lips tainted in matte blood-red lipstick that accentuated the air of mystery and intrigue she exuded to the prying eyes.

Five years ago, she would've been so concerned with people's heated stares that her body would react. Now, she was like a piece of diamond in an exhibition, so close, yet unreachable.

"Congratulations, dear daughter. I'm proud of you," The engineer flashed her a serpentine smile that would've once had her in a chokehold. However, the new Sumaira smiled at him through hooded eyes, lashes so long they looked artificial.

"You may as well begin the countdown to your downfall if you haven't already started, dear father," Beneath the blinding smile was an underlying threat she knew had hit the target.