The Crown And Her Shadows

chapter 41

Nassim rushed into the hospital, eyes scanning wildly until they landed on Iman lying on a gurney, her hand clutched to her bump as nurses wheeled her into the maternity emergency ward. Khadijah was by her side, teary-eyed and pacing.

"Iman!" he called, heart hammering.

She looked up weakly, relief washing over her face as he reached for her. He held her hand tightly.

"I'm here, azizim... I'm here," he whispered, kissing her forehead.

The doctors assured them she was stable. Minor shock. No harm to the baby. Just for her to be more careful.

**************

Iman sat on the edge of the bed as Nassim knelt before her, helping her change into her pajamas the red-and-black plaid trousers. He was quiet, gentle, brushing her curls back as he tucked her in.

But Iman couldn't shake the growing heaviness in her chest.

"Nassim," she said softly, eyes fixed on the ceiling, "did you... did you have another wife before me?"

Nassim froze. The shirt he was folding fell from his hands.

"Where did you hear that?" he asked, voice low, controlled.

She inhaled deeply. "Anty Kulu came to the house today. She said... things. About you and being married to another woman. She said I wasn't the first... that I wasn't special."

Silence.

Then: "Yes, Iman. I had another wife before you," Nassim said gently. "But... bari kiji sauki. You've been through enough today. Let's talk tomorrow."

He climbed into bed, turned off the light, and pulled her into his arms. She didn't resist. Just curled into him, her mind full of questions, her body too tired to ask them.

---

Nassim woke up around 10 a.m. The sun spilled gently across the room. Iman was still asleep, her face peaceful. He kissed her forehead, then quietly got up, took a long shower, and dressed in a pair black trousers and a tight body-hugging shirt. He slid his feet into leather slides.

His phone buzzed. Aminu.

"Yerima, they are waiting for you."

"Okay, on my way."

He entered the black Lincoln Nautilus and drove straight to the main palace

Everyone was already seated: Mami, Anty Kulu, Anty Jummai, Khadijah, Abdullah, his cousins and his father, Kassim, watching silently.

Nassim didn't greet. He went straight to Anty Kulu.

"What is this rubbish? Dama it's you that called this meeting....

Then CRACK!

A loud slap echoed through the room. Anty Kulu stumbled sideways, clutching her face in shock.

"Nassim!" Mami screamed, rising in disbelief. "Why would you slap her?! Is she your mate?!"

She charged toward him, hand raised, but Kassim's voice thundered:

"Khadijah, go and sit down."

"But did you see ..."

"I said SIT. DOWN."

She froze, eyes wide, and slowly returned to her seat.

Nassim took a step closer to Anty Kulu.

"What did I tell you the last time we met?" he asked coldly.

She stayed silent, holding her cheek.

"Okay, let me remind you. I said don't you ever come near my wife or children again. But what did you do? You stormed my house. Called my pregnant wife lazy. Pushed her knowing her condition!"