Over and Over

Wager

KANO,
NIGERIA.

NARRATORS POV

The flight back to Nigeria had been long, but the moment they landed, Layla felt an odd mixture of relief and nerves.

Their honeymoon had been a dream

The moment they stepped inside, they were met with a whirlwind of excitement.

His cousins—Samira, Ayra, and Batoul—along with his younger sister, Rayhana , were all gathered, waiting eagerly.

"Finally!" Samira exclaimed, grinning. "We've been waiting forever!"

Rayhana folded her arms, pretending to pout. "Honeymoon over, Lalla. Now you're ours."

Before she could say much, Hakeem gently placed his hand on her lower back. "We should go greet Baba and the others first."

She nodded, following him through the grand hallways to meet the family elders.

The King—Hakeem's father—sat in his usual spot, regal and commanding, yet his face softened the moment he saw them.

"Ah, finally back," he mused, eyeing them with a knowing smirk. "I trust you had a good honeymoon?"

Layla felt heat creep up her neck, but she smiled politely. "Alhamdulillah, we did."

Ammi, graceful as always, pulled Layla into a soft embrace. "You look well, my dear. I hope my son treated you properly?"

Layla chuckled, glancing at Hakeem. "He did."

Ummu, clasped her hands together. "Good, good. Now, you must stay the night."

Layla blinked. "Oh, we were planning to—"

"Nonsense," Ummu interrupted, already gesturing to the maids. "The rooms will be prepared. And tonight, we feast."

Hakeem sighed beside her, but there was no arguing with Ummu.

Dinner that evening was grand, filled with laughter and chatter. Hakeem sat beside her, his hand casually resting on her knee beneath the table.

His cousins and Rayhana kept stealing glances at Layla, clearly up to something.

And soon enough, their plan was revealed.

"Slumber party!" Batoul announced, clapping her hands. "We've been planning this for weeks!"

Layla blinked. "A slumber party?"

Samira grinned. "Matching pajamas, popcorn, everything. No backing out!"

Hakeem raised a brow, looking unimpressed. "You lot planned this without even asking her?"

"She's one of us now," Rayhana said innocently. "Of course, she's coming."

Layla smiled, feeling warmth bloom in her chest.

Later that night, just as she was sitting with the girls, blowing up balloons, her phone vibrated.

Hakeem.

Layla sighed, answering. "Yes?"

"Come to my room."

She frowned. "Hakeem, I'm—"

"Now, Layla."

His tone was softer than usual, almost weak.

Concern replaced her irritation as she quickly excused herself and hurried to his room.

When she stepped inside, she found him lying on the bed, covers pulled up to his chin. His face was slightly flushed, beads of sweat on his forehead.