Dasuki State, Nigeria.
2023.
•Umaimah's POV•
Umaimah stared at the gowns hanging so gracefully, each one more stunning than the last making her indecisive. These weren't just any dresses; these were her wedding gowns. Carefully chosen for her—the future Mrs. Nabeel Shamaki. The name itself brought a surge of pride to her chest. Cheesy, she knows, but every time she said it, it felt like she was floating.
But really, what's up with Instagram bloggers? She watched them posting and reposting Nabeel's picture from some Shangri-La hotel in Paris. What was the big deal? Before she realized—it was a 5-star luxury hotel, once a palace, and it even had a Michelin-star restaurant. Of course, they had to make a fuss over it. Who thought she'll ever mingle with special figures in her life, she was just a girl who just wanted peace and happiness but it came with extra baggage and she's grateful.
And then she saw more posts—videos of Nabeel on stage reciting his poem in perfection. Damn, the way he spoke... He had this way with words. She couldn't help but admire him—Like she always does.
But now? Eid had already passed, and Nabeel was supposed to be home today. Tomorrow, She repeats, tomorrow is their Kamu—their first wedding event.
It was the third day of Eid. She tried to keep up appearances, trying to seem excited, but deep inside, She was more excited about the wedding than about Eid itself.
She sank into the couch, her eyes glued to the dresses. Everything is going to be okay, right? She couldn't shake off this nagging feeling in her chest, and she hated it. Why was she doubting everything when everything was going perfectly? It all seemed too... smooth. Too easy and thing's never went this, how does she put it—Planned for her, things never went her way.
Alh. Yabo and Bello were out, but no one knew where they were or what they were doing. Should she be scared? don't know, but she won't postpone her wedding just because she's scared. Everything will be fine, right?
The woman from the boutique came up to her. "Are the dresses okay? Let us know if you need any adjustments."
She gave a nervous smile. "Let me try them on."
Umaimah walked to the closet, the dresses hanging there, waiting for her.
She slipped into each dress, one by one. Every single one fit perfectly, and the more she tried them on, the more her nerves faded. A smile crept onto her face, and suddenly she felt... radiant. Everything was coming together—the best makeup artist, the best dresses, the best photographers, and most importantly—the best man— Nabeel. Nabeel and Maria were going all out, and she was his bride. How could she not be happy?
When Maria and her finally arrived home, Nini had already decorated the living room with congratulatory stickers and laid out Nabeel's favorite food—cakes and sweets everywhere. They all waited for him. Maria dialed his number, but it wouldn't connect. Maybe his flight was delayed, they thought.
Her to-be husband was the person who just recited in FORBES LEADING MEN not that she was doubting Nabeel, it just felt unreal for her. She feels like she's Cinderella who just got blessed with riches and happiness one time, one night.
*
It was already the next day, they all slept in the living room waiting for Nabeel, They didn't even know when they fell asleep waiting for Nabeel who didn't show up and it's already 8:00 AM. Nini's face was full of disappointment, and the untouched desserts sat on the table like a mockery.
Her phone pinged. It was Nabeel. She rushed to open the message.
Start the event, I'll be home in an hour or two. I'm in Abuja right now.
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ORNAMENTS ✅
Mystery / Thriller©2024 COPYRIGHTS. ❝It's you i want not your virginity, literacy or marriage count.❞ Nabeel became her shadow, her protector in a world that had abandoned her. He fought for her, bled for her, and, in the end, claimed her as his own. In his arms, she...
