-ZAINAB SHAMAKI'S POV-

Maroudi, Nigeria.

Nadine and I are complete opposites. Or so I'd like to believe.

The only thing she and I have in common is probably the black skin. Aside from that, I don't think there's anything we have in common.

Even at that very moment, one glance at the two of us and you'll see the difference. She is much taller than me—honestly, at this point everyone is taller. However, thanks to the heels I have on, I didn't look that short in front of her.

Nadine donned a tarmac abaya—a simple look but truth be told, she pulled it off pretty well. Her hair was loosely covered with a veil and there were a few tendrils framing her face. Her face held minimal makeup, but like always, she looked good.

If only she has the same attitude.

I on the other hand had on a mauve side tie blazer and slit front pants. Because that's what I mostly wear at work, more than half my closet contains similar outfit. As always, my hair was in the same straight lob cut.

We are truly opposites in appearance to begin with.

A scoff from her side snapped me out of my mini trance. Blinking, my eyes met hers. Her lips were parted slightly, before they curled into a scowl as if she couldn't believe she's seeing me there. I could tell from the look that took over her facial expression that she would start unnecessary drama right now.

I don't have the energy for that to be honest. Dealing with Azeez is enough for one day.

Releasing a barely visible harsh breath, I pushed my legs forward and stepped out of the elevator. I fully intended to walk past her and leave the place quietly. But, I should've known she wouldn't have that.

A hand clasped around my arm, a bit too tight for my liking. I didn't have to turn to know who it belongs to.

I stopped, rolling my eyes in the process.

I guess walking away quietly isn't an option anymore.

"You think you can just walk away?" She questioned, turning her face to look at me. Her tone alone showed every but of anger and hatred she has towards me.

Too bad I feel the same towards her; maybe even more. Turning around to glare at her, I spoke. "Let go" I kept my voice low, not wanting anyone to eavesdrop on what we'll talk about.

We're currently in the lobby where various people are. With the scandal involving us, the last thing we should give them is a public show. I don't know about her, but I don't want my face in the face of the next gossip again. I'm already dealing with enough.

Her narrowed in slits, but she eventually pulled back—her acrylic nails no longer digging into mypoor flesh. She then took a step away from me, but still remained a bit too close for my liking. "What are you doing here?" She questioned, or more like snapped.

I arched a brow. "What are you doing here?" I figured since she won't let me walk away in peace, I might as well get on her nerve.

She wants violence, I would give her that.

She scoffed, crossing her arms and her expression remained pinched. "I am here to see my husband" She sneered.

My lips tilted upwards in amusement, as I turned around to face her fully. "Are you sure that's the best thing to do right now?" Personally, if I were her and have been rejected publicly, I won't show up where he is for the sake of my leftover pride.

But it appears she believes otherwise.

She rose one of her brows, and gave me a glassy stare. "And why the hell not?"

"I don't know..." I shrugged. "...maybe because he rejected you publicly" I said, like I was offering a suggestion and not stating a fact. Oh, how I enjoy riling this woman up.

"What happens between my husband and I is none of your problem!"

I tutted, "Careful, Nadine" Between the two of us, I look much calmer when internally, I feel otherwise. Being in her presence annoys me. But, I have to suck it up in order to not look bothered. "Between you and I..." I took a step closer to her, offering her a fake wide grin. "...I'm the one people know as his wife, and not you"

On normal situations, I would rather swallow stone than say that. But, if it will make Nadine upset, then I'm willing to do so.

And boy did it get her riled up.

Her nostrils flared, and if possible, her eyes narrowed even more. "Don't you dare say that again"

"But why not?" I tilted my head slightly, loving the reaction I'm getting from her. "He said it, why can't I?" See, none of this would've happened if she simply allowed me to walk away. "Admit it, Nadine" My tone dropped. "He might be married to you, but, it's me his heart yearns for. I'm sure you know that already" Personally, I don't believe that.

But then again, it will irritate her and that's all I'm looking for.

"Why you--" She rose her hand up; her anger getting the best of her to the point she wants to slap me.

"I swear Nadine if you dare slap me, so help me God" That is not an empty threat. I maybe small in size, but my anger is the size of Burj Khalifa.

She halted midair, her eyes cold and flinty.

"--Go ahead and try" My gaze didn't move from hers, as I awaited the slap that will bring out a very furious me. I'm already going through a lot and it's enough that I am yet to vent it on someone. She might end up being the lucky victim though.

She clenched her fist, and begrudgingly brought the hand down. Blowing out a harsh breath, she tried to steady her expression. "Tell me, Zainab" She look a bit calmer then. "What would you do if I slap you though? Because, my hand is itching to do so. After all, that's what happens to a mistress" Maybe if there's one thing I can ever like about Nadine, then it's her honestly.

She says what's on her mind, unlike some people.

"Slap me and then you'll find out"

She snickered. "No, thank you. I don't want to be your next murder victim" She raised her hand up and pushed away the tendril that came a bit too close to her eyes. Once she's done that, her eyes met mine again. "I tend to forget you are not just my husband's mistress but a murderer as well" Her lips stretched into a mocking grin. "You're a whole package Zainab Shamaki"

This time around, it was my turn to get annoyed. But unlike her, I know how to mask it.

My silence was her cue to continue. "--I can list out all your achievements in life if you want" She cackled. "Let's see...you got fired, and kicked out of your house. So, you decided to seduce a married man you claim to 'hate'and kill the man who fired you. Wow, you have quite a backstory" She grinned, nodding slowly.

She is definitely enjoying this.

Touché Nadine Sheriff.

"Are you done?" I asked, no longer willing to keep standing there and listen to her blabber.

"No" Her expression hardened again, her cold eyes narrowing in slits. "Don't you have any shame?" She questioned. "I mean, after what Hakeem did to you...you're still hanging around him. Are you that heartless, or just stupid?"

I clicked my tongue, and bit it to stop myself from replying. She's not worth it. I reminded myself.

She then sighed, rolling her eyes. "I can't stop you though if you're stupid, so, I'll just give you a heads up. I promise you, Zainab Shamaki; if you do marry Hakeem, I'll make you experience hell" As someone who knows what she's capable of, I know that is nothing but a threat—one she will keep at all cost.

But there will be no need for that. Because, I won't marry Hakeem. I don't care about the situation; I won't marry him.

With thatthought in mind, I glared at her and then walked away.

~*~

Tucking my phone safely inside my bag, I looked up and tried to spot the familiar face I came here for. It didn't take long for me to find him, and for the first time that day, my lips curled upwards into a warm, and sincere smile.

Pushing myself forward, I headed towards the table.

This place has always been our meeting place, though the tables change depending on the people there. One of the things I appreciate about him is how he doesn't use his influence like some people. He goes around like any other normal person and that makes him stand out for someone in his social class.

Reaching the table where he is seated, I took the chair opposite him whilst flashing him my widest grins. "You seem to be asking me out on a lot of dates recently, Sultan" I teased, keeping my bag aside.

He chuckled, the sound deep and at the same time warm. "I can't help it. Is it so bad that a father wants to see his daughter?" He asked, his expression soft.

My smile widened, already loving being in his presence. "It's not bad" I nodded in agreement.

The current Sultan of Maroudi, Hakeem's father, leaned forward slightly. "How is Adnan doing?" He inquired, and in that moment, he looks every bit of a father. It's always been like that. He has always been a father to me and Adnan, even after our parent's death.

All this while, he had been the one taking care of Adnan, and he's done more than I could ever thank him for.

He and I still meet every once in a while, or as he likes to call it, 'a date with his daughter'. I doubt anyone in the Sunusi family knows that I still keep contact with him, but even if they do, I don't care.

I should at least be able to keep the one parent figure I have in my life.

"Adnan is doing well" I answered, my smile turning into a small one. "He's definitely growing up quite fast, isn't it?" The little brother I remember having is this small, cute guy. But now he's all grown up and acting more responsible than I ever would.

Sultan's warm smile didn't waver, making the corner of his eyes crinkle. At that very moment, I doubt any of the people there realized their Sultan is sitting there. He doesn't look like it to be honest. Just like the other times we meet here, he is always dressed in a simple, and normal attire. One would take him as just any ordinary old man. "You were just like him too. But, look at you now" He offered me a small grin. "You're all grown up Zainab. And you're achieving quite a lot"

Blowing out a breath as my expression fell slightly. "Everything has gone downhill though" I sighed, and for the first time, I dropped my guards. I don't ever see the need to hide anything from him, because aside from Adnan, he's the only person I trust and can confide in.

He released a deep breath, and I could already tell what whatever he will say will be serious and impactful. "Zainab, I won't tell you that what you're doing is right, and not dangerous" If it was up to him, he would much rather I leave the past as it is and move on. But, I can't. "However, you are doing your absolute best, and if it was only possible, I would have you take over my position as the Sultan because you have every character one needs"

I found my lips stretching into a small smile, as one appeared on his face too. It's always been a joke of ours, one that people might not necessary get, but it's okay. It isn't meant for everyone though, but for us alone. "Maroudi will be in crisis if someone like me will be Sultan" We both know it won't happen, but making a joke about it won't hurt.

He grinned, but didn't argue knowing what I said is right. Even if I am a guy, I probably would be a terrible choice.

Now thinking back at how my life has been, my mood dampened. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do now. Yes, I confronted Azeez earlier today, but everything I've worked hard for has basically come crashing. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve, but I don't think things would be easy for me.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He questioned, snapping me out of trance.

I blinked, looking up to meet his eyes. "Huh?"

"It's the issue about Kamal's death, right?" He questioned, a knowing look masking his features.

I sighed, and nodded solemnly. "Everything's going downhill" I admitted.

His lips stretched into a tight line. "I can help you out if you--"

"No, no" I was quick to cut him off, shaking my head repeatedly. "I can't get you involved in this. Please, don't" I know he could help, but I don't want him involved in this.

Not when Azeez is involved, and Hakeem is involved with me. It would be best if he doesn't intervene in case things go downhill.

"Zainab--"

"Seriously, don't bother" I don't want to burden him anymore. "I can handle this on my own, I promise"

He looks uncertain, and I could tell from how he frowned that I doubt he would agree this easily. "Do you know the person who actually did it?" He questioned, and from his tone, I can tell he is absolutely certain I didn't do it.

His faith in me has always been one of the things that helps me move forward.

I nodded solemnly. "I know. He's my Uncle's right hand man"

"Suraj, again?" He arched a brow, his frown deepening. He had always been one of the people that were never a fan of my Uncle. In his words, the man has always give off bad vibes right from the beginning.

Nonetheless, I nodded again. "But, I don't have proof" That's the problem. I know who did it but without a proof, it's pointless. "All I could try to do is clear my name and make sure he doesn't become the governor" I then swallowed thickly, and blinked as I pushed the chair closer to the table. "Uncle Sunusi, I know this might be a bit too much to ask but..."

"Tell me, what is it?" He encouraged.

I folded my lips in, picking the right words to use. "...can you help me make sure he doesn't win the elections please" I have never asked him anything, because I believe he has done enough for me. But, this isn't something I can do alone—especially not now that I'm jobless. "You are the Sultan so you have influence over the people. I promise, I'll try my possible best on my part to make sure he doesn't win. I mean, we can't have someone like him rule over us--"

"Zainab" He cut me off, his expression grim.

Her heart dropped, a part of me already knowing I won't like what he will say. Did I ask for too much? This is why I never wanted to burden him to begin with. "I am sorry, Uncle. Don't mind what I said. Forget I even mentioned it. You are the Sultan so of course; you can't get involved in stuff like this. It was a stupid request on my part--"

"Zainab, I have cancer"

I stopped, my eyes slowly widening as my mouth hung open. Did I hear him right? "W—what..." My stomach twisted in uncomfortable knots, and I could swear my heart dropped yet again.

He blew out a low breath, and nodded. "Final stage. My family doesn't know but any time soon, I might no longer be here with you all"

My eyes glossed, and without noticing, my hand pushed the glass cup beside me off the table, making it fall and crash. But, it was the least of my concerns. "You...you're dying?" No. I can't lose him too.

I can't lose the only father figure I have in my life.

No.

I could no longer make the expression on his face, because my eyes were too glossy. But, I heard his words well.

"Yes, Zainab. I'm dying" No, please, no. Life can't be this unfair to me. "One of my sons will take over the position much sooner than they all expected"

I couldn't believe my ears.

To begin with, Sultan Sunusi, the only father and parent figure in mine and Adnan's life will pass away any moment now.

And secondly, one of the Sunusi brothers will become the next Sultan of Maroudi—probably before the elections.

Can life be any more unfair to me?