Playing For Keeps(Book 1 In The Keeps Universe)
- Reads 1,633
- Votes 232
- Parts 7
A secret engagement.
A million-dollar dowry.
A fearless hijabi journalist.
And the world's most desired Muslim footballer.
Amal Yunusa Matawalle never trusted men like Haider Umar Maidutse.
To the world, he was football's golden boy - scoring impossible goals, making sujood beneath stadium lights, and carrying the image of the perfect Muslim celebrity. But Amal saw something different beneath the polished interviews and viral charity clips.
PR.
Manufactured perfection.
Secrets wrapped in expensive smiles.
As an investigative journalist feared across political and football circles alike, Amal built her career exposing carefully hidden truths - and Haider was no exception.
But while Amal spent years trying to uncover the man behind the headlines...
Haider had already fallen for her.
Long before she looked his way, he admired her fire, her intelligence, and the fearless honesty that made powerful men uncomfortable. To him, Amal wasn't just another woman in the crowd.
She was peace.
As their worlds collide between Barcelona, Madrid, Geneva, and Northern Nigeria, Amal slowly begins to discover the truth about the man she swore she would never love. Not the football icon worshipped by millions, but the believer who prays when the cameras are gone... the son carrying grief behind fame... the man trying to survive a world determined to consume him.
And somewhere between luxury dinners, whispered late-night calls, media scandals, and a love neither of them dares to name...
The line between suspicion and devotion begins to blur.
From old-money glamour to Northern Nigerian royalty...
From football stadiums to private family compounds...
From designer heels to quiet tahajjud nights...
This is not just a romance.
It's a scandal.
A legacy.
A modern fairytale wrapped in silk, secrets, and surrender.
And when the entire world begins watching their love story unfold...
Walking away is no longer an option.
All Rights Reserved
#6
arewalovestory
Join the largest storytelling communityGet personalized story recommendations, save your favourites to your library, and comment and vote to grow your community.
You may also like
Veiled
COMPLETED!!! Abuja - the city of power and secrets. Zayd Ibrahim Khalil leaned against the hood of his Mercedes, the engine still purring, though he wasn't going anywhere. He scrolled absently through his phone, notifications piling in from friends, half the girls in Abuja, and half-hearted invitations to exclusive parties. His thumb hovered, pausing at a recent blog post headline: "If you like make your papa be minister, this babe no really send you!" The picture beneath it showed him -face frowned, mid-rant and her, calm and unwavering, staring him down like he was nothing more than a storm she refused to be swept away by. She wasn't like the others. She didn't care about who his father was, or how much his car cost, or that he'd graduated from one of the best tech universities in Dubai. She didn't want his attention and that only made him want hers even more. Amina "Amal" Muhammad. Final year Petroleum Engineering student. Youngest of her circle. The one whose eyes didn't just look, they saw. The one whose veil wasn't just fabric, it was conviction. He clenched his jaw. "She thinks she's above it all," he muttered. But beneath his arrogance, something twisted in his chest an ache he didn't want to name. It wasn't just rejection. It was something deeper. Something dangerous. Somewhere across town, Amal sat with her journal open, the words flowing like prayers. "He's everything I was taught to stay away from... but somehow, I keep seeing him everywhere I go." Neither of them knew it yet, but this was no ordinary clash of personalities. This was the beginning of a firestorm. One fueled by pride and mystery, the other by power and faith. This was the moment where love first struck... not gently, but like lightning. Veiled behind it all secrets, ambition, pain, and the possibility of redemption. And neither of them would come out untouched. Rankings No.1 Naija Stories- 3rd August 2025 No. 2 Arewa Stories- 3rd August 2025 No.1 billionaireson- 7th August 2025Complete
My Lifeline (Under Edition)
"i will give you my kidney and i want luxury life in return" Everyone stared at me jaw dropped, puzzled, I'm just a passerby how can I just stick my nose into something that's none of my business? Did i think their son's life is a joke? I can tell by their looks that they didn't get my point so i added firmly. "I'm ready to be the donor if that's possible, but instead of just paying me cash i want you to take me to your mansion and treat me as a family, i want you to get me admitted into the best university in town, i want to drive your fancy cars and attend your fancy parties if it's possible i repeat" "But the money we are willing to pay for the organ is not going to cover all this, luxury life cost quit a lot" a very tall dark complexioned handsome man answered from behind me. "Then i guess atleast 10 to 20 years will suffice" °°°°°°°° Meet Noor Hamdan. a 19 years old homeless orphan who lives by wandering about her aunts and uncles houses. she always dreamed of a life she couldn't afford, but after she finally got it by selling her organ. suddenly, her ex-boyfriend showed up from nowhere, reminding Noor of her painful past which she tried so hard to forget, and wanting to get back to her while she's trying hard to adjust to her creepy new family. However she already has feelings for one of her new brothers. What will happen if she tried creating a new life instead of rebuilding the old?... Banner coming soon: by Abbey_M_writessComplete
Zayn's Nikkah
In the vibrant heart of Kano, "Zayn Bala", a witty and ambitious media graduate returns home after four years abroad-only to find herself swept into an arranged marriage with "Imran Suleiman", a reserved, quietly successful business tycoon with no time for love. She's outspoken. He's observant. She wears her heart boldly. He hides his behind a calm gaze and years of discipline. But as Zayn navigates the complexities of Northern expectations, career dreams, and her husband's enigmatic nature, what starts as a marriage of convenience slowly unravels into a story of emotional healing, reluctant love, and the power of two souls learning to meet in the middle. Through moments of laughter, longing, heartbreak, and hope-"this is a tale of what happens when destiny hands you not what you expected... but everything you needed." ---Complete
From Strangers to Soulmates (Preview)
In the heart of Abuja, two lives collide in ways neither expected. Mubarak Abdullahi, a successful and stubborn young businessman, despises the idea of an arranged marriage. Amna Othman, a quiet and resilient girl, has endured hardship under her stepmother's cruelty and is thrust into a union she never imagined. When family expectations force them together, sparks fly - but not the kind either expects. From irritation and misunderstanding to reluctant respect, Mubarak and Amna must navigate love, tradition, and the weight of their families' wishes. A story of love, resilience, and fate, where hearts meet, clash, and ultimately learn that sometimes the hardest battles lead to the most unexpected happiness. Complete book is now available on Selar for just ₦2,500. Click the link on my bio to purchase it.Complete
Amidst Our Hearts
Sakeena Ibrahim Abdulmaleek; Fierce, bold, challenging and brave. Never thought her life will turn out that way. At the age of fourteen, her life changed in a way she never imagined it would, she is saddled with huge responsibilities she isn't ready for. Despite knowing what it will take, she agreed to take up all the responsibilities upon herself, not knowing a single idea how to fulfill them all, because of her parents. Will she fulfill all the responsibilities or will she back out but the million dollar questions is can she? Khalifa Abubakar Mustapha; Moving away from the place it all started, he landed in Nigeria not knowing what his parents planned for him there. But he didn't throw a tantrum when he found out. Life didn't turn out in his favour till he met her. She filled the void and empty space in their lives. Effortlessly, she made them whole. Every moment he spends with her comes with a feeling of deja vù. Her voice, laughter, the way she does things and always things she loves to do are all familiar. Why so? Will it all be worth it in the end? Although with many secrets unknown, a journey of love begins. A journey filled with mysteries and betrayal that might change things for better or for worst. • Copyright© 2021 Started: 28/3/2021 Completed: 31•12•2023 Love, Escritora💕
My World
we all know that sometimes a lie could get you in trouble sometimes but for faiza it got her in love....A Nigerian based novel Completed✅Complete
Against All Odds
A NOVELLA- Bilal has always taken life in stride-an easygoing family physician who enjoys his work but refuses to let the weight of responsibility dampen his charm and humour. As the heir to a prestigious hospital, he's used to admiration, but when Hafsa-a brilliant and beautiful final-year med student-steps into his world, she's unlike anyone he's met before. Hafsa, raised in a strict and modest household, is disciplined, cautious, and fiercely protective of her reputation. The last thing she expects during her internship is the attention of the esteemed Dr. Bilal himself. His interest unsettles her, yet it sparks something thrilling-something she's never allowed herself to explore.Complete
The Admiral's Daughter
Fairuzah the daughter of Vice admiral Umar Farouq Sultan, is a hard girl, who is known for her resilience and independence, who found nothing special about love, attributing her contentment to the unwavering love of her father, as her father's love is all she could ever asked for. However her steadfast beliefs were stirred into her own antidote as she met a hybrid of men , a charismatic and stoic figure Lieutenant Asad Muhammad Barau, who stirred her emotions around and made her have a rethink about her life and mindset as a whole, she was mesmerized by his charisma and stoic personality as she fell into the depth of his love ocean, This flourishing romance faces a strong opposition from a longstanding legacy battle rooted in the past of their parents, Vice Admiral Umar Farouq Sultan, chief of Naval staff of Nigeria, (CNS) and Lieutenant General Mahmud Muhammad Barau, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria, which traces back to their days at the Nigerian Military School. This story talks about love in families and the military, blending personal connections with historical struggles, will Asad and Fairuzah go against their parents will and let love lead? Will they fix the problems and tighten the bonds? Or will they loosen the bonds and keep the fire burning? Find out! #2🏅In Arewa 25th November 2023! #1 🏅 in Nigerian books 1st April 2024! #4 🏅in fall in love 21st may 2026!
A Beautiful Abyss
In the glittering sprawl of Abuja's elite circles, Amani is a vibrant force of curiosity and rebellion, drawn to the shadows others fear. When she crosses paths with Arfat-a brilliant, enigmatic man with a darkness he keeps carefully masked-her intrigue threatens to consume them both. Arfat is controlled, untouchable, and entirely uninterested in playing by anyone's emotional rules. But Amani isn't like the others. She isn't afraid of him-and that makes her dangerous. As their worlds collide in a dance of temptation, secrets, and unravelling control, Amani begins to see the cracks in Arfat's armour, and what lies beneath is both beautiful and terrifying. But love, when touched by darkness, is never simple. It is a plunge into the unknown. An abyss you choose. And sometimes, just sometimes, what you find at the bottom is light.Complete
Broken Bride
" I know this marriage started as an arrangement but now I've fallen for you. Please give me a chance to love you and show you that I care." I told her pleadingly. "I'm sorry but I don't do love. I can't love you and this is a loveless marriage that can never have love in it because I don't have love to give you. I'm sorry but don't even try." She said and left me alone in the room. After her Fiance cancelled their wedding at last minute, she was left broken. Her Father decided to get her married to his friend's son whom she doesn't like but to prove to her ex she is a strong woman and to protect her family's image, she agreed. Will she fall for him? Or will their marriage be a disaster? Read to find out more about Madina and Abubakar and their marriage life.😊😘 Highest rankings. #1 on #believeinyourself out of 1.01k stories - 3/01/24 #1 on #fulani out of 261 stories - 29/02/24 #2 on #Abuja out of 273 stories -24/02/24 #99 on #islam out of 15.4k stories - 24/02/24 #1 on #northern out of 596 stories - 3/06/24 #3 on #betrayal out of 118k stories - 15/06/24Complete
COMPLETED!!! Abuja - the city of power and secrets. Zayd Ibrahim Khalil leaned against the hood of his Mercedes, the engine still purring, though he wasn't going anywhere. He scrolled absently through his phone, notifications piling in from friends, half the girls in Abuja, and half-hearted invitations to exclusive parties. His thumb hovered, pausing at a recent blog post headline: "If you like make your papa be minister, this babe no really send you!" The picture beneath it showed him -face frowned, mid-rant and her, calm and unwavering, staring him down like he was nothing more than a storm she refused to be swept away by. She wasn't like the others. She didn't care about who his father was, or how much his car cost, or that he'd graduated from one of the best tech universities in Dubai. She didn't want his attention and that only made him want hers even more. Amina "Amal" Muhammad. Final year Petroleum Engineering student. Youngest of her circle. The one whose eyes didn't just look, they saw. The one whose veil wasn't just fabric, it was conviction. He clenched his jaw. "She thinks she's above it all," he muttered. But beneath his arrogance, something twisted in his chest an ache he didn't want to name. It wasn't just rejection. It was something deeper. Something dangerous. Somewhere across town, Amal sat with her journal open, the words flowing like prayers. "He's everything I was taught to stay away from... but somehow, I keep seeing him everywhere I go." Neither of them knew it yet, but this was no ordinary clash of personalities. This was the beginning of a firestorm. One fueled by pride and mystery, the other by power and faith. This was the moment where love first struck... not gently, but like lightning. Veiled behind it all secrets, ambition, pain, and the possibility of redemption. And neither of them would come out untouched. Rankings No.1 Naija Stories- 3rd August 2025 No. 2 Arewa Stories- 3rd August 2025 No.1 billionaireson- 7th August 2025
More detailsContent Guidelines