The promise between us

Chapter 10

Maikudi Family House, Maitama, Abuja

Aisha's POV

The house was unusually quiet.

Suleiman sat in his favourite chair, reading the evening newspaper, while I absent-mindedly stirred a cup of tea that had already gone cold.

"You've been quiet since you returned from Lagos," he finally said without looking up.

I smiled faintly.

You know me too well.

He folded the newspaper and placed it on the table.

What happened after you met the family?

I took a deep breath.

I met Samantha's parents.

"And?"

They listened, They didn't agree, and they didn't refuse either.

Suleiman leaned back in his chair.

So…

They're thinking about it.

Silence settled between us.

They're good people, Suleiman.

His expression softened.

I could see it in the way they looked at their daughter.

The father looked like a man carrying the whole world on his shoulders.

And the mother…

I paused.

She kept smiling for Samantha even while her own heart was breaking.

Suleiman nodded slowly.

I expected as much.

They love their daughter. They do.

But...

He hesitated.

There is something bothering me, I already knew what he was going to say.

The religion.

He nodded.

They're Christians.. And we're Muslims.

I looked at my husband.

I know.

He sighed.

I'm not against helping them, Aisha.

I'm against making a decision that could become difficult for everyone later.

I reached for his hand.

Suleiman…

I have watched our son bury himself in work for years.

He comes home to an empty house. He leaves before sunrise. He eats alone.

He laughs only when those twins are around.

A small smile escaped Suleiman.

That's true.

I don't know if Samantha will become his wife, I don't even know if she'll accept.

But I know one thing.

Our son deserves the chance to build a family of his own.

Suleiman remained silent.

I didn't choose Samantha because she's sick. I chose her because even in pain…

...she was apologising to her parents for being a burden.

I saw kindness, I saw humility. I saw strength.

She reminded me of the kind of woman who would stand beside a man through both success and hardship.

Suleiman looked away for a long moment before speaking.

If this marriage ever happens… It must never be forced, Not on Samantha. Not on Zayn.

I smiled. I wouldn't want it any other way.

He picked up his teacup.

So…

We wait.

Yes.

We wait.