Finding Love in the game: My soulmate story

Chapter Six

A few weeks had passed since Nev disappeared from my life. His absence was palpable, a void I couldn’t fill. I searched for him on my social media accounts, hoping for even a glimmer of his presence, but there was nothing. He avoided me in the game we used to play together, and I longed to hear his voice again. But it was futile—he was no longer interested.

I carried on, living my double life. My teammates often asked for my phone number or other social media handles, but I lied, telling them I had neither. The account they knew was a facade, a fake profile carefully curated and hidden from Muk. Every time I met Muk, I meticulously erased any trace of my gaming life or i********: from my phone. He couldn’t know about the other side of me, the one that thrived in the digital world.

My family, aware of Muk’s strict nature, played along. They never mentioned my gaming when he was around, keeping up the illusion. To my gaming friends, I was a mystery—a queen who dominated the game alongside them. They didn’t know my face, my age, or even where I lived. Whenever they grew curious and pried into my life, I deflected, changing the subject with practiced ease.

One afternoon, I was folding laundry in my room when my mother walked in. She sat on my bed, her expression heavy with concern. I could tell something was weighing on her.

“What is it, Mum?” I asked, continuing to fold my clothes, though my hands were suddenly unsteady.

Her gaze bore into me. “Are you and Muk serious about each other?”

The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, wishing I could tell her the truth. But I couldn’t. “Yes, Mum, we are serious,” I lied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me.

Her tone sharpened. “Yesterday, one of your uncles saw you and Muk in a car, holding hands. They called me, asking how I could allow my daughter to behave this way with a man who isn’t her husband.”

I knew this day would come. I’d always known it was only a matter of time before my family pressured me into marrying Muk.

“We’re still getting to know each other,” I said, trying to delay the inevitable.

Her expression hardened. “You need to speak to Muk. Tell him to bring his family over so they can formally ask for your hand. Then we’ll set a date for your engagement. I won’t have people questioning your honor anymore.”

Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. If only I could tell her I didn’t want to be with him.

“What if he refuses?” I asked, clinging to a shred of hope.

“Then I’ll tell him he can’t see you anymore. I won’t let anyone tarnish your reputation.” She rose from the bed and added, “Handle this your way, or I will handle it my way.” With that, she left.

For hours, I sat in my room, trying to think of a way out. Finally, I picked up my phone and called Muk.

“Hey, baby,” I said hesitantly when he answered.

“Hi,” he replied, his tone cold and distant.

“My mum wanted me to talk to you about something,” I began, my hands trembling.

“What now?” he asked, irritated.

“She wants to know when we’re getting married. She thinks it’s inappropriate to continue without making things official.”

There was a long pause before he spoke, his voice sharp. “Tell your mother to mind her own damn business. I’ll marry when I’m ready, not when someone else decides.”

His words cut me deeply, but before I could respond, he added cruelly, “And maybe I should remind her that her precious daughter wasn’t even a virgin when I met her. She wants to talk about honor? Please.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks as he berated me, tearing apart any shred of dignity I had left.

“Anyway,” he said dismissively, “I’ll talk to my mother and see what to do.” Then he hung up.

I wiped my tears and went downstairs to face my family.

“Did you talk to Muk?” my mother asked as I entered the kitchen.

“Yes, Mum. He said he’ll speak to his parents,” I replied, grabbing a cup from the cupboard.

But before I could take a sip of water, the attacks began.

“You have no shame, Hani,” my elder sister spat. “You’ve been running around with Muk, and now we have to deal with the consequences.”

Anger flared within me. “Why should I be embarrassed to have a boyfriend when half our cousins have had boyfriends too?”

“Hani, don’t talk back!” Emma, my other sister, snapped. “Do you know how many times we’ve had to defend you?”

I bit my tongue, knowing they were right. But they didn’t understand—I hadn’t chosen this relationship.

For the next hour, they berated me, piling on their disappointment and frustration. When they finally stopped, I went back to my room, my strength completely drained.

Collapsing onto the floor, I let the despair consume me. For the first time, I thought about ending it all. The thought terrified me, but it felt like the only escape.

I looked around my room and spotted a small pair of scissors. Grasping them, I hesitated, tears streaming down my face.

A knock at the door startled me. Quickly hiding the scissors, I opened it to find my mother standing there.

She stepped inside and took my hands in hers. “Hani, I love you, but you need to understand that our people don’t think like you. Your decisions will either save this family’s reputation or destroy it.”

With that, she left, leaving me alone with the weight of her words.