Over and Over

Dune

WEYMOUTH STREET HOSPITAL,
LONDON,
UNITED KINGDOM.

NARRATORS POV

Layla had never wanted to escape a room so badly in her life.

Between Dada's not-so-subtle hints, Ummu's delighted laughter, and Ammi's far too detailed imagination about babies, she was suffocating.

And Hakeem?

He was loving every second of it.

The smug glint in his eyes, the way he leaned back in his wheelchair like a king on his throne, enjoying her embarrassment—it was infuriating.

But two could play this game.

Layla took a slow breath, steadying herself. Then, with a sweet, innocent smile, she turned to Dada.

"You're absolutely right, Ummu," she said, her voice soft, almost agreeable. "Time is precious."

Hakeem's smirk faltered.

Layla ignored him, keeping her gaze on Dada. "I think we should start making arrangements for the walima as soon as possible."

Ummu clapped her hands in excitement. "MashaAllah! Finally, some sense!"

Ammi beamed. "I knew I raised a smart daughter!"

Dada nodded approvingly. "Yes, yes, this is what I like to hear!"

Layla could feel Hakeem's gaze burning into the side of her face.

Good.

Let him squirm for once.

She reached for her tea, taking a delicate sip, before adding, "And since Hakeem agrees that children would be a good idea..."

Hakeem's entire body tensed.

Layla turned to him, her expression pure mischief. "What do you think, azizii?"

His jaw tightened.

For once, he was the one caught off guard.

Layla had to bite back a victorious smile.

Ammi gasped. "Ahhh, azizii? Since when do you call him that?"

Layla kept her expression innocent. "Oh, we have many names for each other." She reached out, patting Hakeem's hand gently, her fingers lingering just long enough to send a message.

Hakeem narrowed his eyes slightly.

She had pushed him.

And he would push back.

She just didn't know how yet.

Dada sighed happily. "Ah, this is why I wanted to visit. I knew you two had been hiding sweet moments from us."

Ammi laughed, looking at Hakeem. "Eh-heh, my son, you have changed, oh! Before, you were just stubborn. Now you are stubborn and romantic!"

Hakeem's lips twitched. "What can I say? Marriage changes a man."

Layla shot him a sharp look, sensing the challenge in his tone.

He wasn't done.

Not yet.

And she should have known better.

Because the moment she turned back to her tea, just as she let her guard down—

Hakeem struck back.

"Actually," he mused, his voice deceptively casual. "Since we're talking about memories... Layla, why don't you tell them about that time in Istanbul?"