Please reserve your "we deserve double, triple or whatever update". Just manage what I can whip up. ASUU has vexed me enough. I repeat, hold those comments to yourself! Don't accuse me of being rude later.

Any other comment, good ones anyways are most welcomed.

With the messages you've been following me around me, da ma comments mukayi dropping Akan book in da Yafi.

Anyways, I'm at the brink of graduating and since ASUU don suspend me, I might as well drop the chapters I have now.

It's been a while. I hope you're good. I'm okay Alhamdullilah.

Enjoy.

CHAPTER 40: OUR WORLDS DIVIDE.

KUBI CALIPHATE.

Silence.

That was all that ensued following Asma's revelation, and it felt as though if a pin dropped right in that moment, it would be heard loud and clear. But, there was something else that accompanied it, tension. The tension that followed was so thick, even the sharpest knife would not be able to cut through it.

Amir Qasim remained seated opposite her, his gaze held her misty red ones, and it felt as though there were some invincible vines that sprouted and held him in place, forcing him to remain there. The weight of everything pressed down on his shoulders, heavily, and it felt like everything he had ever had to endure in his thirty-five years of life is nothing compared to the truth that hit him right in the face.

His face did not give anything away, but his eyes held the storm of it all.

But his silence had the corner of her lips tilting upwards slightly into a humorless smirk. "What? The cat has you tongue tied?" She swallowed down a lump, every word she utters leaving a bitter taste as it took her down the memory lane she did not want to revisit.

They were her darkest secrets, the demons that have haunted her and left her insomniac for years. The demons that followed her everywhere.

"Does the weight of my past, of our shared past make you feel guilty towards me even in the slightest bit?" She added, her tone sharp, as her eyes narrowed at him—still glossy from the unshed tears she refused to let out. "Because it should. You ruined my life Amir Qasim, and there's no changing that. Now tell me I do not have the right to despise you." She dared, staring dead into his eyes.

He finally reacted.

A loud, shaky exhale escaped his lips, and then he looked away, his head hung low as he shook it. She watched as his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed down a lump, his face buried between his palms, his shoulders hunched. He was quiet for a few seconds, before he finally lifted his head so his eyes met hers again—and the turmoil ongoing in his head was painted right across his features.

He finally parted his lips to speak, but only one word escaped. "Fulani..." He said her name like it was a prayer he was intent on uttering, like it was a salvation of his.

A name she had once adored with every ounce of her, now, it felt like the mere mention of it burnt her insides—like the fire that swallowed her family as a whole.

Not wanting to sit there and hold his gaze, she instantly got on her feet, and turned away from him, before she continued. "Do not look at me with those eyes, like you pity me." She scoffed bitterly, her hand curling by the side as she forced herself to remain composed, but still not daring to turn around. "It will not make me feel any remorse for what I have done to your family, and it certainly will not make me hate you any less."

She feared if she looks at him any longer and speak, she would break apart completely, and she could not have that.

"The Calipha adopted me, and I took over Asmau's place in Kubi—a secret that only I, the Calipha, Zayd, Dan Masani and the maid knew, her name was Iya. But, it is a secret that was ensured to be taken to the grave by us all, and Zayd could not risk it. So, he had Dan Masani and Iya taken care of to ensure it remains a secret. I have not seen them since then." She paused, a shaky breath escaping as she flicked her eyes close, their faces flashing right across her eyes.

From her knowledge of Zayd, she would not be surprised if he had them killed. She had long found out that a life means nothing to him. It never did. And he had the influence to cover it so.

"Zayd being the Calipha's only son was a weakness to Baba, the kind that he turns a blind eye to whatever he does. For long, I never understood what kind of love that is, and I still do not." She admitted, taking a few steps straight ahead, rather than standing in the same place as she continued. "Do you know that was Asmau's first time returning to Nigeria since she was sent abroad following her mother's death eleven years prior?" This time around, she could not help it. She turned around to find his gaze, hers cold, her heart aching as she remembered the woman—of how alive her memories were fresh in her mind. "That was her first time returning, and she went straight to me. She died without seeing her family. She died because of me." She is certain she would never forgive herself for that. "She died because of you."

It did not matter what happens, she just never would.

If Zayd is ever right about one thing in his life, then it was that she is indeed the cause of Asmau Maccido's death. Heck, if they were being blatantly honest, she, Nusaiba Tukur, killed Asmau Maccido.

Not with her hands, but she did.

She took in a sharp breath, her eyes flicking close, hating how Amir Qasim was staring at her—as if he could see everything she went through, as if he could feel her pain. He could never.

"The marriage between us was finalized merely a week after all that happened, and just as you had disappeared, the Calipha sent me back abroad without meeting any of royals here. They did not know her, and they did not know me then either." It took her a while to wrap her head around it either, but when she did, she noticed a pattern, and a loophole.

Asma's mother passed away when she was nine. She was just a kid, and instead of being raised by her step mothers, she was sent abroad. She did not fully understand the reason until when she finally returned a few months ago, and she met them all for the first time as Asma Maccido.

If they had their suspicions, none dared to utter it. The Kubi royal family had more skeletons in their closet than the glamorous buildings of the Royal Palace could conceal. And the best way about it was to each refrain from exposing another's, lest their own dirty laundry came to light. That was the pattern, the consistent secrets that no one dares to point out.

It was the same with Zayd—they all knew who he is, the things he does, and how ruthless he is. Yet, none dared to say a word about it.

It was the same with her.

She intentionally left out the part of how she came to know Tareeq. She knew the brother had not shared that secret with him yet, and she was not willing to be the one to break it. It was more of Tareeq's secret than it is hers.

"I have always been curious though," she said, her eyes peeling open, narrowing slightly as she walked back to him, standing over the chair she stood up from. "Why did the Calipha not pursue the case at Sokoto? His daughter was killed. So, why was he covering it up and seeking a replacement, rather than avenging his daughter?" She had wondered that for ten years.

Why did she become Asma's substitute rather than the man simply seeking justice for his daughter? He had the power and influence? So, why did he cover it?

She had grown to love and accept the old man as though he is her birth father—he has always treated her right, and yet, he never gave her that answer.

She wondered if it was because of Zayd—the man always seemed to support him in whatever he does, at least, until now. Zayd's motive was clear as day.

He wanted to avenge his sister—by using her, to destroy the family starting from Amir Qasim—his enemy for long. He wanted the revenge, so, why didn't his father?

And most importantly...

"...why do you hate the Kubi royals so much?" She inquired, her voice dropping into a suspecting tone, her lips pressed together. She was finally asking the questions that have been on her mind for way too long. "I have always wondered that. But it is not just you," She shook her head, putting together the pieces as she shuffled through her memory to pick them up. "When I was much younger, I have once visited the palace with my father, and I met the Sultan then. When we met again, and I met him as your wife, Asma, he did not seem surprised—but I am sure he recognized me. Why?" Her tone grew more suspicious, prodding at him for answers. "What secrets is there exactly between Kubi and Sokoto for all these hatreds? What are you all hiding?"

Amir Qasim was quiet for a moment, and then he shook his head, looking down momentarily once again his shoulders tensed, as though the answers were far too big to utter. When he lifted his head however, he was noticeably more composed than he was earlier, and then he approached her, stopping only when he was in front of her.

"We have history, I admit." He stated, his eyes never leaving hers—and his expression was stern, cold even. "Our families have a not so good past, and you've been through a lot, I do not wish to have you involved in any more drama--"

"But I am already involved," She cut him off, her tone sharp. A light scoff then escaped her lips, her voice a mere whisper when she added. "You're still hiding things from me."

He exhaled a breath. "Fulani please—"

"How am I supposed to trust you if you do not trust me?" Her voice rose slightly, the frustration in her tone evident. "You keep saying we have a future together but I do not see it. All I see is this wall between us," She made a gesture with her hand, her frustration evident, "and you hold yours so high I could never make them crumble."

Amir Qasim did not give her an instant answer. Instead, in one swift move, his arm wrapped around her shoulder and he pulled her into his embrace. Instinctively, Asma tried to push him away, to fight against his hold but he was not having any of it. He held her tighter, a hand pressed to the nape of her neck, keeping her in place.

Her movements came to a halt when he whispered in a harsh, restrained voice. "I promise..." he started, his voice thick with emotion. "...I will tell you everything once I take care of Zayd issue. That's my promise to you."

She stiffened in his hold, no longer fighting him, but her shoulders remained tensed, and her arms fell limp by her sides. "How am I supposed to trust your words?" She whispered, her voice low.

"You just have to." He breathed out heavily. "Trust me on this, Fulani. You have my word for it." He assured her. "Twenty-four hours. That's all I need. Zayd's downfall is coming at him, and I know you want that too."

She did not say anything regarding his first statement. Instead, she attempted to pull away, and he allowed her this time around, though one hand remained on her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed at him. "What do you have against him?" Despite her issues with him, in the face of a common enemy, she was willing to put aside their differences. Just for that moment.

Amir Qasim's expression turned stone cold, his eyes sharp. "A lot." He admitted. "I'd spent the past ten years collecting evidence of his atrocities. I have enough to keep him behind bars for life, and even worse."

She blinked, her eyes narrowed at him slightly. "You've had the evidence for long," She stated, for it was not a question. She just knew it, and he did not try to refute it. "Why didn't you take him down sooner?"

The corner of his lips tilted upwards into the faintest smirk, but it was there, and she saw it. "Do you know the best way to bring someone down?" He arched a brow, then went on to explain. "Allow him to reach his highest position, where he feels as though he is invincible, and then bring him down. Only then would he fall the hardest. And for Zayd," He paused, his teeth gritted. "Today he's reaching that peak—with the Calipha position right in his reach."

Asma wasn't willing to trust Amir Qasim in the slightest, and yet, in that very moment, when it came to Zayd, she had faith in him. That by joining hands with him, they might just stand a chance to bring an end to the man.

"Promise me that you will make him fall the hardest, and in the worst manner possible." She urged, her tone ice cold, matching the look in her eyes. "And if you do, I will back you up on this."

"I promise I would make him pay for everything he's done to the both of us, and others as well." Amir Qasim's gaze was unwavering when he held hers. "I am putting my law firm on the line for this, and all my years of experience of law. You would get your justice." His other hand went to her shoulder, and he gave it a small squeeze before he added. "I will fulfill your dreams."

She nearly scoffed at the irony of the situation. Ten years ago, becoming a lawyer was her dream, and now, the tables had turned. She'd almost forgotten he'd changed his major and became one instead—but if she was being honest, she intentionally chose that because it was better than wondering whether he made the choice because of her.

She didn't allow the thought to cross her mind, and quickly got rid of it.

Swallowing down a lump instead, she gave him a firm nod. "Alright." She chose to believe him. "I have evidence with me as well. I trust you'll handle it well."

"I would."

In that moment, Asma could've have sworn she was only putting her difference aside with him because of Zayd. Yet deep down, she knew otherwise. Some feelings just don't stay buried forever.

The moment was cut when the sound of Amir Qasim's phone buzzing came, and he excused himself to pull it out. Glancing at the screen, he read the message that came through, before he looked up and shared it with her.

"Tareeq and Karima have arrived." He announced, offering her a small smile. "I know you've been meaning to see her, and I did promise yesterday that they would come over." He exhaled a breath. "I'd give you a moment to clean up. We'll be waiting for you outside."

She swallowed a lump, some of the ache in her heart reducing ay the thought of seeing Karima, yet, a huge weight still held her down. Still, she nodded in regardless, unable to bring herself to say anything, not sure if she had anything to say then.

Amir Qasim stepped closer to her again, taking her by surprise when he leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, and before she could throw him a glare, he offered her a smile then turned around and walked out, leaving her standing there, staring at his retreating figure.

A scoff escaped her lips when the door closed behind him, and she then mumbled under her breath, "That man is crazy." What part of their relationship gave him the right to do that?

Pushing the thoughts aside, she quickly freshened up, knowing she no doubt looked haggard after that conversation with Amir Qasim. Once she was certain that she looked representable at most, she stepped out, heading downstairs where she heard their low voices as she neared, which became clearer.

Upon stepping into the living room, the moment her gaze fell on Karima, her face broke in a small smile, and totally ignoring the two other men in the room, she made her way over to her directly.

Karima, whose eyes instantly glossed upon seeing Asma parted her lips to speak. "Ranki ya dade..."

Asma reached where she was, and she pulled her up into a standing position, giving her a onceover as if to check if she could spot any injuries. She could not—thanks to the dark blue abaya Karima had on, there were no bruises in sight.

A loud breath escaped Asma's lips, before she found Karima's gaze again. "I am so sorry you had to go through all that because of me," She apologized, her lips curved into a deep frown. "I am sure you must have been so scared all alone."

Karima shook her head almost immediately. "Not at all, Ranki ya dade. I am okay now." She tried to convince the princess, but she was not having any of it.

Asma pulled her into an embrace, her arms wrapped her tightly. Karima reciprocated it, as much as she could anyways without stirring any pain from her body. The embraced lasted a while, and when Asma pulled back, she held onto Karima's hand tightly, not wishing to let go.

She pulled her with her, settling down on the empty couch there so they were seated side by side, effectively taking her away from Tareeq, whom she was initially seated beside. Or more like, whom sat beside her initially, and then threw her a pointed look when she attempted to get up so she had no choice but to do so.

Even when Amir Qasim came, and she attempted to sit on the carpet, Tareeq had held her hand to stop her, making her stare at him wide eyed. Why was he even more touchy even after she'd told him he was married? She could only mutter as much istigfars as she could under her breath, because Tareeq is a goner.

Now, having taken Karima away from him, Tareeq's gaze shifted to Asma, and he lightly joked. "You've taken her away so easily?" Though it was a joke, he had said it in his usual stoic expression.

Asma threw him a pointed look, knowing he was close to exposing them really. Everyone knew they did not get along, was he trying to throw them under the bus with Amir Qasim there? Or did he not care anymore?

Thankfully, the man did not seem to notice, and instead, he had said, "I think we should give the women some alone time." Amir Qasim had said calmly from where he was seated alone, even though he too wished Asma had sat down beside him instead. He let her be. She was worried about Karima, and he could not be selfish to want her all to himself. "Let's go. I have some things to discuss with you as well."

Tareeq found his brother's gaze, and then nodded to himself. "Alright. Let's go." Both men got on their feet, and while the elder brother exited first, Tareeq had turned to look at Karima, before he then said.

"I will come pick you up later." He declared, "You and I have a lot to speak about. Okay?"

She glanced at Asma, suddenly shy that he was speaking to her in front of her. But when Asma simply arched a brow, Karima felt blood rushed to her cheeks, and instead, nodded quickly, hoping that would be enough to keep him away.

It was not.

"Words, Karima." His firm tone came once more, "Answer me."

She swallowed a lump, hoping the ground would open up and swallow her. "Okay." She managed to crook out.

Tareeq nodded, satisfied with her response. His gaze shifted to Asma, and they exchanged a look that did not go unnoticed by Karima, before he turned around and followed his brother out, leaving them alone.

"So..." Asma started once he was gone, giving Karima a knowing look. "...what was all that?"

Karima bit her lower lip, remembering how much Asma was against her with Tareeq before. Now how was she supposed to break this news to her. Then again, what news was there to break? She was finding it hard to wrap her head around it as well.

"It's...nothing." She lied straight through her teeth, even though she felt guilty lying to Asma. She's never done that before. "He's just being nice."

"Nice." Asma hummed, clearly not believing her, but she did not push it. "Alright." She let it be as that, because she'd rather enjoy her company than speak of the Muhammad Haroon brothers. "Come with me let's talk over lunch." She pulled Karima along, who joined her, knowing she much needed the time with her as well.

It did not matter what they did, so long as they were together. Just as how it had always been, the two of them. And Asma had always thought their bond was strong.

If only she knew how wrong she would be proven though.