So close, yet so far

21

ABUJA, NIGERIA

As the day wore on, Hauwa found herself growing increasingly anxious about her upcoming date with Sa'eed. She couldn't believe she had agreed to go out with him, especially after everything that had happened between them. But a part of her was curious to see if Sa'eed had truly changed, and if he was genuinely sorry for his past mistakes.

As she got ready for the date, Hauwa couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She put on a beautiful black abaya, her hair styled perfectly, and her makeup subtle yet elegant. She looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a sense of confidence wash over her.

Just as she was about to leave, Rahma burst into her room, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, you're really going on a date with him, huh?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hauwa rolled her eyes. "Don't start, Rahma. I don't even know what I'm doing."

Rahma chuckled. "I'm just making sure you're prepared for whatever Sa'eed has planned. He can be pretty persuasive when he wants to be."

Hauwa felt a flutter in her chest at the thought of Sa'eed's persuasive powers. She pushed the feeling aside, reminding herself that she was only doing this to see if Sa'eed had truly changed.

"I'll be fine, Rahma. Don't worry about me," Hauwa said, smiling reassuringly at her friend.

Rahma nodded, but Hauwa could tell she was still worried. "Just be careful, okay?" Rahma said, before turning and leaving the room.

Hauwa took a deep breath, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over her. What had she gotten herself into?

The doorbell rang, and Hauwa's heart skipped a beat. Sa'eed was here.

She made her way to the living room, her heart pounding in her chest. When she saw Sa'eed standing in the doorway, looking impossibly handsome in his white kaftan and tangaran cap, she felt her breath catch in her throat.

"Assalamu alaikum," Sa'eed said, his eyes locking onto hers. "You look beautiful, Mi Reina."

Hauwa felt a flutter in her chest at the compliment, but she pushed it aside, reminding herself that she was only doing this to see if Sa'eed had truly changed.

"Wa alaikum salam," Hauwa replied, her voice steady. "Let's go."

Sa'eed smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "After you, my queen."

Hauwa felt a shiver run down her spine as Sa'eed offered her his arm. She hesitated for a moment, before taking it, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over her.

What had she gotten herself into?

As they walked towards the main house to bid the family farewell, Hauwa couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She could see the mischievous looks on their faces, and how Safar, Safira, and Safina kept swooning, saying they were the best couple. Hauwa felt a pang of guilt and anger. What was she even doing?! Isn't she supposed to hate Sa'eed for what he did to her mother?

She felt her anger rise, and before she knew it, she yanked her hand away from Sa'eed's. He turned to look at her, his eyes curious, and Hauwa felt a flutter in her chest. She hated to admit it, but Sa'eed looked incredibly dashing in his white kaftan and tangaran cap. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and his lips curled into a gentle smile.

"Mi Reina, is everything okay?" Sa'eed asked, his voice low and husky.

Hauwa felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his voice. She quickly composed herself, not wanting to give Sa'eed the satisfaction of knowing he still had an effect on her.