ORNAMENTS ✅

Chapter Fifty Seven

Dasuki State, Nigeria.

2023.

Zayyanah sauntered up to the stage in her purple bridesmaid gown, effortlessly taking the mic from the MC. She cleared her throat and began.

"Honestly, I don't even know where to start. The lady we're celebrating today has been through it all." She paused, a dramatic expression on her face. "She's the type who's always kept going, always hoping things will get better. And guess what? Things are getting better!"

She grinned at Umaimah, then continued, "If I start telling you all about her, we'd be here all day—and it still wouldn't be enough. So, I'll keep it short. To know Umaimah is to love her. This woman has an energy you won't find anywhere. She's annoying, and her mouth just doesn't stop. Thank God Nabeel knows how to deal with it," she joked, making the crowd burst into laughter.

"On a serious note, these two are lucky to have found each other. I wish them the most blessed marriage... but let's be real, not better than mine, okay?" She added with a wink, sending the crowd into another fit of laughter.

Zayyanah walked back to her seat, flashing me a smile as she passed. The MC then called Nini to say a few words, addressing him as "Uwar Amarya Uwar Ango."

If I remember correctly, the MC asked for 'a few words' about me, but it was clear Zayyanah and Nini were here to roast me, not praise me.

As I watched the crowd, it hit me again—for the umpteenth time—that this was my wedding. A wedding where I actually had a say. A wedding where I'm pampered, happy, and completely in control.

All this luxury for me—tell me, which of the favors of my Lord will I deny?

Soon enough, the groom's family was called to pay for my face—yes, for looking beautiful and agreeing to marry their son. And of course, Maria wasn't going to miss the chance to milk money from her family . She switched sides quicker than a reality TV villain.

"How much are you willing to pay? I don't need to remind you, our bride is expensive. You can pay in whatever currency, but make it worthy," Maria said, smirking.

"Name your price," Yazid said casually, his new oil mogul status making him even more confident.

Maria, loving the attention, replied, "Pay something that'll leave us speechless. No negotiation."

I sat back, watching their playful banter. What a twisted family I have. My mother and brother are now part of the groom's family, and the groom's family? They've switched over to mine.

"We'll pay in pounds. How does 10,000 pounds sound?" Yazid said, knowing Maria wouldn't have anything to say to that. That's about twelve million naira, after all.

"Nice doing business with you, groom's family," Maria said shamelessly as she lifted my veil, earning a round of applause from the audience.

The night carried on, and before I knew it, the elders had left. It was time for the After Party.

I didn't want to do this, but I didn't have a choice. It wasn't like I could say no.

The ladies and the guys were busy dancing, showing off their moves, while the MC called Nabeel and me up to the stage.

And, of course, they started chanting, "Dance!"

"Ango, not like before. A more romantic one this time," the MC said with a grin.

The song Perfect by Ed Sheeran started playing, and Nabeel slid his hands down my waist, pulling me closer.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm doing what I'm supposed to."

"And that is?"

"Touching my wife. Romantically."

Honestly, Nabeel's shamelessness just keeps rising. There's no talking him out of it now.

We danced slowly, moving with the rhythm, until eventually the After Party died down. We were in the car on our way home.

"Did you like the event?" he asked, trying to make small talk.

I nodded. One more event to go, and I was already exhausted. Why do we even need all of this?

"I'll make sure you enjoy everything from now on and keep you happy, okay?"

"Thanks, Nanu," I said. Then I paused. "But we're taking Alh. Yabo and Bello's disappearance too lightly, don't you think? I'm sure they have something up their sleeves."

"Don't worry about those two. They won't be a problem again. Trust me," he said confidently.

"How can you be so sure?"

"I just know. And honestly, why let those two ruin the mood? Let's enjoy our wedding."

"Don't change the subject. How are you so sure?" I pressed, glaring at him. "What did you do, Nabeel?"

I asked, a nagging feeling in my gut that he'd done something. It explained the wounds, the scratches, and the late returns. What did he do?

He glanced at me, his face paling, confirming everything I suspected. My heart sank, and I inhaled sharply. I wished I was wrong. I wished he'd laugh it off, call me silly, and deny everything—but he didn't.

I turned away, staring out at the tarred roads of Dasuki, watching the daily hustle of life pass by as the car moved forward.

He still didn't say anything. No explanation, no attempt to clarify, and I realized he probably didn't have anything to say.

The car came to a halt, and I practically jumped out, heading straight for the house. I didn't want to talk to him—too angry to even look at him.

He didn't try to stop me, the coward. I walked inside, up to my room, burying myself in the comfort of my bed while voices chattered all around.

Did Nabeel kill them? Ha! No, he wouldn't do that.

But... am I sure?

Fury and revenge don't care for reason, but Nabeel isn't like that. I should trust him, right? That's what wives are supposed to do.

Aren't they?

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