The Price Of Revenge

Thirty

The truth can never stay hidden forever. It always finds its way out.

The only thing we can pray for when it finally does is that people will understand, and that they will choose to forgive us. At that point, forgiveness is all that matters.

But there is also a strange relief that comes with the truth. At least the burden is no longer yours to carry alone.

The real question is, was it worth it?

"What are you doing here?" Rumaisa asked, her voice shaking.

She never thought Lara would travel all the way to Nigeria to see her, yet here she was, standing in front of her. And somehow, Lara had managed to arrive at the worst possible moment.

She knew about the revenge plan. She knew about Fuad's supposed betrayal and the fact that Rumaisa had been with Zubair only because she intended to use him when she returned.

Lara knew everything.

And now Rumaisa knew it was over.

"Well, I was going to Ghana to meet up with my father, and I thought I would stop in Nigeria for a few days. I wanted to meet up with my ex-roommate and finally eat the Nigerian jollof I've heard so much about on Twitter. Not going to lie, I also feel like I might meet that Yoruba demon you Nigerians are always talking about."

"You cannot be here. My husband cannot see you right now."

"Why not? Last time I remember, Zui-berr and I got along pretty well."

"I can't explain now, but I'll meet you later. Just text me the name of the hotel you're staying at, and I'll come after eight."

"Okay, then, since you don't want me here."

"No! No, that's not the case. It's just that the house is really crowded at the moment, and there's a lot going on."

"Alright. I don't actually know the name of the hotel yet. It's confusing, but I'll ask my guide and travel companion."

"Bye," Rumaisa said quickly, closing the door behind her.

She looked down at the baby in her arms and noticed Khalipha staring up at her.

"Don't tell your mum what just happened," she murmured with a smirk. "Because God, that was tedious."

Just then, Hamida and Maryam walked into the hallway.

"Who was that? You sounded a little off," Maryam asked worriedly.

"No, it's no one. Let's just go back inside."

They had barely taken a few steps when the front door opened again.

"Rumaisa, look who I found outside trying to run away," Fuad said.

Moments later, Lara walked in behind him.

"I had no idea you had a Hungarian roommate," Walidain said as he followed her inside.

"Why are you all standing? Sit down," Fuad said.

Everyone sat except Rumaisa, who remained where she was, staring at Lara.

"Well, since you aren't going to sit, let me take him," Fuad said, reaching for Khalipha.

He took the baby from Rumaisa and returned to his seat beside Walidain.

"So you two are married? How is that possible? What happened to Zubair?" Lara asked, completely confused.

"Yeah, it didn't exactly go as planned," Rumaisa replied, still standing over Hamida and Maryam, who were whispering to each other.