MINE (EDITED)

Chapter 38

Months had passed since Sabrina's birthday party, and life had continued on smoothly for Layla and Muhammad, or so it seemed. Beneath the surface, however, things weren't as perfect as they appeared. The growing tension between Muhammad and Juwairah had begun to bubble up, threatening to make its presence known in the most uncomfortable ways.

It all began earlier in the month when Juwairah, with her usual melodrama, had called her mother in tears. The words she sobbed through the phone were nothing short of scandalous—Muhammad hadn't touched her in months, hadn't even spoken to her. And as if that wasn't enough to cause a storm, she added that she hated the smallness of her current home, demanding to be moved into the same luxurious estate where Layla and Muhammad lived. She could hardly contain herself as she vented, "Banda neman magana, it's unbearable!"

Of course, Aunty Muneera, ever the manipulator, immediately stepped in, throwing one of her infamous tantrums. She cried, she begged, she even stormed around the house, determined to get what she wanted. Her sister, Hajiya Maryam, was forced to listen, and before long, her pleas had gotten the desired response. Muhammad's parents, not wanting any drama with the elder of the family, reluctantly agreed to whatever Aunty Muneera demanded.

The result? Juwairah had moved into the guestroom of Layla and Muhammad's home just two weeks ago, her presence like a cloud hanging over them. The house, once a haven of peace, had now become a battleground of emotions, with Juwairah doing everything in her power to worm her way into Layla's life, even if that meant getting under her skin.

Layla, however, was not one to be easily shaken. She had been ignoring Juwairah's constant attempts to draw her in, her patience running thin. But Juwairah—oh, Juwairah—never knew when to quit. She'd find ways, subtle and sly, to make Layla respond, pushing her buttons just enough to keep the tension simmering. Whether it was casual comments laced with bitterness, or playful attempts to challenge her, Juwairah's efforts were relentless.

Despite all of this, Layla kept her distance. She had grown weary of the drama, her focus solely on Muhammad and Sabrina, keeping her peace in the midst of chaos. But the storm was far from over. Every time she thought she could breathe, Juwairah found a way to disrupt the calm.

The tension between the women was now a game of who would break first. Juwairah, with her incessant need for validation and attention, had become a constant presence in their home, and Layla? Layla was learning that sometimes silence was the loudest response.

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon, and Muhammad was nowhere to be seen. Layla found herself in the kitchen, busy preparing lunch for her husband, the smell of spices filling the air. Sabrina was at Ya Meena's house, leaving Layla with some rare peace. Juwairah's house was right next door, but Layla tried to push the thought of her out of her mind.

In the meantime, Juwairah was having a heated conversation with her friend, Saf, her voice low but sharp.

"Wallahi, Juwairah, kike kyale ta ta Ke maki duk abun da take so a gidan nan? Doesn't she realize you're not just his wife but his cousin? We need to erase her from the picture of your perfect love story," Saf said, her tone filled with malice.

Juwairah's eyes narrowed. "I just need time, Saf. I mean, Ya Muhammad hasn't even touched me, fah. We've been married for almost a year, but he's not close to me at all."

Saf scoffed. "Tabdi! It's because of his wife that he's distant. He doesn't care about you, Juwairah. He's got another wife, and that's why he doesn't even look your way. She's got him all tangled up, and the child she's had with him? That's just adding to her hold over him."

Juwairah was silent for a moment, her fingers twitching as she processed the words. Saf continued, her voice lowering to a whisper. "You better act fast before it's too late, Juwairah. It's like she has him wrapped around her little finger. You need to make him yours. Take control, before she gets any more comfortable."