MY HUSBAND’S BROTHER

HOME

Maizah is feeling uncertain about whether Amare is in a rush or if he's simply the wrong driver. He's driving erratically, going too fast, braking abruptly, and swerving all over the road.

It's clear from the way the car is behaving that he's putting them both in danger of being killed. The past three months have been terrible, as they hardly knew each other, and the situation has only worsened things.

After today, she knows that she doesn't want to ever be in the same car with him again, especially if he's the one behind the wheel. Her knuckles are white as she holds on to the grab bar for dear life, hoping and praying they don't end up in a ten-car pile-up.

Her mind drifted towards the day when everything turned for the worse.

[FLASHBACK]

Maizah woke up early in the morning to feed and collect eggs from the chickens.

After she finished with the chickens, she took a deep breath, gazing around and enjoying the beautiful scenery before her. The air was pure, and there was a chill, pleasant breeze.

All the trees looked fresh and green like they had been washed. Some branches bent with the weight of wet leaves.

The roads were damp and dust-free. The birds were happy to fly as the rains had stopped. The grass was still wet, with raindrops on them.

The sun looked bright and clear, and the roads and surroundings were squeaky clean because of the washing away of dirt by rainwater.

It rained the day before, so everything looked beautiful and vibrant.

While enjoying the view, she noticed two shiny black 4-door cars driving hurriedly on the main road. They slowed down as they took a curve leading to her home.

She was puzzled as she did not know anyone who owned such cars, and Aunt Masara did not mention anything about expecting visitors. Maizah wondered if it was Hakim, but why would he arrive with two vehicles?

She watched the cars until they stopped a few feet away from her. All the doors opened, and six bulky men wearing black suits and earpieces emerged.

Before Maizah's mind could register what was happening, she sported silver metallic pointed-toe pumps hitting the ground, dark sunglasses, and metallic jewelry.

"She looks like a wealthy woman, but who is she?" Maizah watched as the woman walked towards her; she looked stunning in her red dress.

Maizah quickly set down the basket of eggs and brushed her hands on her floral embroidered overall dress. She took a few steps and greeted the stunning woman with a polite smile.

The woman didn't answer. She removed her sunglasses, and her amber eyes traveled up and down Maizah's form with a sneer.

Maizah didn't like how the woman was looking at her, but she didn't want to offend the woman, so she kept a smile on her face while slowly dying on the inside.

"How can I help you?" Maizah enquired.

"You b***h! Tell me. What did you do to my son to spend so much money on you?" The woman yelled, walking towards Maizah and stopping in her personal space.

Maizah couldn't help but think, the woman looked way more beautiful and elegant than how she was speaking, the type of language didn't suit her, and she looked like someone who wiped her ass with a piece of expensive silk fabric.

"Did you trap him with a child? Is that it?" The woman asked

Maizah stepped back twice before facing the woman.

Maizah inhaled deeply before answering softly and slowly. "I assure you, mam, I didn't do anything to your son, nor did I have a child with him. I don't even know your son."

"Do you take me for a fool, huh? Do you know who I am? Did you think I wouldn't find out about the bank statements?"

Even if the woman were a business owner, a celebrity, or even a mayor, Maizah wouldn't know her. Maizah rarely leaves her house and never attends community meetings. Additionally, she doesn't watch TV because lightning struck it a few years ago, and everyone in her household took it as a sign to stop watching it.

Maizah was perplexed when a woman with an unfamiliar face approached her. The older woman assumed everyone knew her, as she was a cast member of the popular reality TV show Real Housewives, and her pictures were all over the internet with her well-known actor husband. However, to her surprise, Maizah, a farm girl, didn't recognize her.

"I am very sorry, but I don't think we have met. I'm Maizah Jackson." Maizah introduced herself to the woman in hopes of the woman also introducing herself.

Yes, Maizah was already using Hakim's last name, even though they had not sealed their marriage, but she was married to Hakim on the papers.

The woman was frustrated and insulted by Maizah's ignorance but needed her for her plans. So, she briefly explained the purpose of her visit and informed Maizah about the shocking news of Hakim's death.

Maizah's world crashed when she heard about Hakim's sudden demise. She desperately tried to find out the reason behind it, but the woman was irritated by her ignorance and only wanted to control her and get back the family assets left behind by Hakim. Maizah felt heartbroken and alone.

Maizah was left in a difficult situation as she had to repay her debt to Hakim. The proposed p*****t plan required her to marry the older woman's son, which left Maizah perplexed. She was not aware of any inheritance she might possess, which made her wonder what the woman could gain from the marriage.

Although Maizah and her aunt had no other options, they were both dumbfounded and bewildered upon seeing the vehicles leaving their driveway.

The woman stated that Maizah was now officially married to her other son and didn't care about a wedding or anything like that. The woman also promised to send someone to pick Maizah up to meet her son and start the marriage paperwork.

Maizahagreede with Hakim's proposal despite being unaware of the potential difficulties it may cause. Nonetheless, she had no choice in the matter and now must deal with the consequences.

Only three months ago, her life became a rollercoaster ride. Despite the sudden twists and turns, she held on firmly and braced herself for the journey. She tackled the ups and downs with confidence and strength, refusing to give up or lose hope.

This experience proved that even when life throws everything at her, she can still emerge victorious. She proved that with determination and a positive attitude, she can conquer any obstacle that comes her way. Look at her. She's still able to smile despite how her life turned out to be, or that's what she thought.

[END FLASHBACK]

Tears are streaming down Maizah's face as she relives the past. She hopes it is just a nightmare or maybe a demon feeding on her fears.

"Can you cry outside? I don't want your tears to fall on my car seats," Amare says, glaring at Maizah. She hadn't even realized they had stopped in front of a... wait... where are they?

Maizah knows she should stop dwelling on the past as nothing good comes from it, but her present isn't better.

Maizah looks at Amare, but Amare averts his gaze to stare at the building in front of them. She pulls out her sleeves and wipes off her tears, then looks at Amare again.

"I'm sorry," Maizah whispers enough for Amare to hear her.

"hmph," Amare grunts in return. He is not necessarily grunting at Maizah.

He is feeling annoyed about the events that will happen tomorrow involving his mother and the press. He is not ready to face the situation, as he is uncomfortable talking about his personal life. Although he may be good at speaking in front of a crowd, discussing his private matters is not something he wants to do.

He believes that his art is a better topic of conversation, as it allows him to connect with people through his heart without having to express or explain himself. Even if everything he presents is just a facade, he prefers to keep his personal life separate from his public persona but his mother, she would want him to talk about her supposedly dear wife so that the people won't dig too much to find the reason behind their marriage.

"Why did you stop here?" Maizah asks.

She didn't recognize the building, and even if she wrecked her brain trying to figure it out, she wouldn't know it, so she patiently waited for Amare to respond, but he didn't.

"Where are we?" She asks again.

With a sigh, Amare answers. "Home"

Maizah can't help but sigh, too. "Home." She repeats Amare's words in her mind.

"If it's his home, then why does he look like how I feel? It sure sucks being married huh? Maizah thinks, almost laughing pitiful to their dry marriage.