*****

Before you could even say Jack Robinson, Sabrina's first birthday had arrived. Layla could hardly believe it—her little girl was already one. Ya Allah, they grow up so fast, she thought, shaking her head in disbelief.

For the past week, she, Ni'imah, and Ibty had been deep in preparations, making sure everything would be perfect. Ni'imah, of course, wouldn't have it any other way. The party was taking place at Muhammad's parents' house, where the entire space had been transformed into a Minnie Mouse wonderland.

The backyard was a child's paradise—bouncing castles, a piñata, a trampoline, and even a DJ playing cheerful tunes. The decorations inside were just as stunning, with Minnie Mouse-themed centerpieces, pink and white balloons floating everywhere, and a beautifully arranged dessert table.

Layla had put her heart into baking three cakes, including an adorable Minnie Mouse cake, alongside two others. Ni'imah had added to the collection with a gorgeous bee-themed cake, and Layla's father, ever the doting grandfather, had ordered two more. That meant six cakes in total—more than enough to make Sabrina's birthday feel grand.

Everyone was bustling around, making last-minute adjustments before the party officially started at 3 PM. Layla was overseeing some of the final details when she suddenly heard a familiar cry. Turning around, she spotted Sabrina's nanny trying to soothe her, but the little girl wasn't having it.

Layla immediately reached out. "Bring her to me," she called, and the nanny hurried over, gently placing Sabrina in her mother's arms.

Layla kissed her chubby cheek, rocking her slightly. "N'oldu, kuzum? Neden ağlıyorsun? Why are you crying, my love?" she murmured, her voice soft and soothing.

Sabrina sniffled, then looked up at her mother with big, innocent eyes—before breaking into a tiny, toothy smile. Layla chuckled, shaking her head. All that fuss just to be in my arms, huh?

She gave Sabrina some water and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're just a little drama queen, aren't you?" she teased.

Knowing she still had plenty of things to check on before the party officially started, she motioned for the nanny to take her again. "Keep her close, but let her rest if she needs to," she instructed, making sure Sabrina was comfortable before returning to the preparations.

The day had only just begun, and there was still so much to do.

"Maman Sabrina, she won't stay with me," the nanny said, shifting uncomfortably. "She wants to go and play on the trampoline."

Layla sighed, adjusting Sabrina in her arms. "Don't let her near that place," she warned. "Zata bata kayan ta—she'll ruin her clothes."

Before she could say more, Ni'imah's voice rang from the hall. "Layloş! The caterer just brought the food."

"How about the ice cream truck? Creamy Cones, right?" Layla asked.

Ni'imah nodded. "Yeah, they'll be here soon."

The party had been in full swing for nearly an hour now. The backyard was alive with the sounds of laughter and music, kids running around, and the occasional shriek from an overly excited child. Muhammad and Khalifa had arrived a little after the kids started pouring in. Layla had been swamped, moving from one group to another, greeting guests and making sure everything was running smoothly—all while carrying Sabrina, who refused to let anyone else hold her.

Just as she was about to take her daughter to Muhammad so she could move around more freely, something made her stomach twist unpleasantly.

Her steps faltered.

Across the hall, Muhammad sat with Juwairah—far too close. It was as if she was trying to mold herself into him. The sight alone was bad enough, but what made Layla's heart clench was the way he was feeding her cream puffs. The ones I made.

Layla felt a sharp, gut-wrenching pain rip through her chest. She forced herself to look away, but their laughter rang in her ears like nails on a chalkboard. She blinked rapidly, swallowing the lump forming in her throat.

Not here. Not now.

She sucked in a breath and made her way to where Nabeel, Ya Muhammad, and Khalifa were sitting.

"Lütfen, I need help," she said, her voice composed but distant.

They all looked up at her. "Sure," they chorused.

"Can one of you please hold this girl? She won't let me move, and I need to attend to people."

Khalifa smiled, reaching for Sabrina. "Come here, little princess."

To Layla's relief, Sabrina willingly went to him. She let out a quiet sigh and straightened. "Have you guys eaten?" she asked.

Ya Muhammad nodded. "Yes, we have. Thank you."

Layla gave them a small smile before walking off, greeting guests and making sure everything was running smoothly.

She had just started to relax when she felt a familiar hand wrap around her waist. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Babe?" Muhammad's voice was soft in her ear.

She ignored him.

"Layla?" He tried again.

She turned around, her expression blank. "Muhammad, please, I'm busy." Without waiting for his response, she walked away, leaving him standing there, confused.

Muhammad shook his head, exhaling in frustration before following her.

"Layla... Layla."

She spun around abruptly. "What is it? I told you I'm busy. Why don't you go back to your beloved wife?" The bitterness in her voice was barely concealed.

He raised a brow. "Okay, I get it. Someone's jealous."

She let out a dry chuckle. "Jealous?"

"Come on, Layla, that's not fair—"

Before he could finish, someone called out her name. Layla turned to them, thankful for the interruption, leaving Muhammad standing there with his unfinished words.

*******

The party had ended, and most of the guests had left. Only the close family remained at the Yerima mansion, gathered in Mama's living room, engaged in lively conversation. The atmosphere was warm, but Layla barely paid attention.

Juwairah, on the other hand, was glued to Muhammad, determined to make Layla jealous. But Layla had long decided not to let it get to her. She's his wife too, she reminded herself, refusing to let it bother her. Instead, she sat with Ni'imah and Ibty, both of whom were pregnant and eating non-stop.

She scrolled through her phone absentmindedly when Juwairah's voice broke the chatter.

"Babe, please, let's go home," she whined, her tone laced with entitlement.

Muhammad barely glanced at her. "I'm going to Layla's today, remember?" He replied casually, still focused on his phone while playing with Sabrina.

Juwairah's lips pressed into a thin line. "But baby, who's going to take me home?" She batted her eyelashes dramatically, earning a scoff from Ni'imah.

"Mama's driver will take you," Muhammad said with a sigh, clearly growing irritated.

Layla observed them, but her mind was elsewhere.

"Layla, get ready, we're leaving," Muhammad told her.

She merely nodded, standing up to pack their things. Once she was done, she returned to the living room.

"I'm ready," she said simply.

Muhammad stood, taking Sabrina's tiny hand in his. "Alright, let's go say goodnight to Maama."

As they exited the room together, Juwairah seethed. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. Layla just won't back off. She won't let me have him completely. But I swear, I won't let her win.

Fuming, she stormed outside, where the driver was already waiting for her. Without so much as a goodbye to her aunt or anyone else, she got into the car and left.

Layla and Muhammad emerged shortly after, bidding their final goodnights before heading home. The drive was silent, the only sound coming from Sabrina's soft giggles as she played in the back seat.

When they arrived, Layla wasted no time getting out of the car, carrying Sabrina's baby bag with her. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, heading straight for the bedroom. A quick shower was all she needed before bed—thankfully, there was no cooking tonight.

Muhammad followed soon after, carrying Sabrina into the room just as Layla stepped out of the bathroom. She was wrapped in a mid-thigh fluffy towel, barely covering her. He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on her, but she ignored him, acting as if he wasn't there.

Without a word, she picked up Sabrina and left the room to give her a bath. Once she had dressed her little girl, she handed her to the nanny before making her way back to the bedroom.

Just as she was about to enter, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. She already knew who it was.

"Let go, Muhammad," she muttered, attempting to free herself, but his grip tightened.

He turned her around and pinned her gently against the wall. His eyes bore into hers, intense and unreadable.

"You think you can ignore me and I'll just let it slide?" His voice was low, teasing.

Before she could answer, he smirked. "No way, babe."

Her brows furrowed. "What is wrong with—"

Before she could finish, his lips crashed onto hers.

She froze.

For a second, she didn't know what to do, but the moment his hands pulled her closer, she melted. She had missed this—missed him. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, savoring the warmth.

Without breaking the kiss, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms, carrying her bridal style into their bedroom. He laid her down gently on the bed, hovering over her.

Her breath was heavy as she met his gaze. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

He trailed soft kisses down her neck. "I missed you, baby," he murmured against her skin.

She let out a small, involuntary moan before whispering, "You know...I'm mad at you."

He smirked against her collarbone. "Are you now?"

She shot him a glare. "Just shut up and kiss me."

He chuckled but obeyed, capturing her lips in another slow, mesmerizing kiss.

After a moment, he pulled back slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I think Sabrina needs a little brother, don't you think?"

Her eyes widened. "She just turned one today!" She smacked his chest. "And do you think I'm a machine?"

Muhammad burst into laughter, brushing his nose against hers. "I love you. You'll forever be mine, in sha Allah."

And with that, he silenced her with another deep, lingering kiss.

And that's where we leave them—for now.

Love you all 💕

-chiickadeee