The second wife

5. murder.

*This episode contains violence and descriptions of brutalilty.* read at your own risk.

Hanna pov.

This is happening so soon. But I had said yes, because, why not? He has been a great guy and with the trouble I am in, I think this is for the best. We decided to get married as soon as we could, it would be a small ceremony with family and close friends.

Although Zak was the owner of the biggest business in Mal’e city, he wanted to avoid the crowd and the media as much as possible.

Our wedding was simple. My parents flew from Addu to Male’. I met his parents just one day before our wedding. They were ok. Meeting them was a little awkward but I guess it would get better with time. His family was small. Just him and his parents. His uncles lived abroad, however they managed to come for our reception just in time. My brother was sad that he had to miss my wedding. He was doing his exams. However he explained that it was ok and that I should do it now. I just have to feed him when he gets back from what ever restaurant he wanted.

Our wedding reception was held in the garden of Zak’s mansion, the exact place where he proposed to me. His family, my parents and our closest friends were present. For me, this was just perfect, except my brother couldn’t attend due to his exams. But we face timed and he wished me the best for my future.

It was the happiest day of my life. Happy because I got married to someone I really like and I got to enjoy with all the people who are closest to me. Zak didn’t leave me for most of the time.

“Hanna?” I heard my mom call me. I left his side to have a moment with my parents. I smiled and hugged her.

“I just am so happy that I am seeing this day. With you not taking interest in any boy I was worried that I might die before I see you get married.” She said. Dad chuckled.

He was right behind her. I had always seen him support her and be her rock. I had seen them love each other more than I saw them fight. I had seen them grow together. Their time together had only brought them closer.

I laughed a little. “Mom. I was waiting for the right person. You wouldn’t want me to get married to just anyone would you? Most of those boys who took interest in me were only after one thing. I wanted someone who would love me for real and take good care of me. I wanted to have with my husband what you and dad have.” I told them honestly.

I could see that tears had gathered in her eyes. Dad, had proud written all over his face. He held mom’s hand and kissed it.

They looked at each other with meaningful smiles on their faces.

“See, that is what I want.” I said. “You have this ability to communicate with each other even without any words. Mom, dad, just pray for me that I find happiness in my life.”

Mom let go of dad’s hand. She was crying happy tears now. She cupped my face and kissed my forehead.

“Hanna, remember, we love you and your brother so much. More than we love our selves.” She said as tears continued to roll down her cheeks.

“Mom,” I gasped as I felt tears sting my eyes. “you are making me cry.” I quickly dabbed my eyes with a tissue, not wanting to ruin my makeup.

Zak came towards us and wrapped his hand around me. “Babe?” he called me.

“Oh I just got emotional.” I said still dabbing my eyes.

Mom and dad laughed.

“She doesn’t want to ruin her makeup.” Dad said. “ Take good care of our princess.” Dad told him.

“Of course.” Zak responded. “I will do my best.” He promised.

“It is getting late. We should go and get some rest.” Dad said.

“Yes. I know the wedding reception is not over but if I don’t go now, I’ll most probably end up having a migraine attack.” Mom said.

Of course. She suffers from splitting headaches and was recently diagnosed with migraines. So she has to rest well and get a good night’s sleep. If not she might not be able to get up the next day because of the headache.

“Of course mom. You must rest well. You know your room right?”

We have asked mom and dad to stay at Zak’s mansion during their stay. I had pleaded with them to stay with us for at least a week.

“Sure. So we will leave. Ok?” dad said before hugging me and giving Zak a pat on his back. Mom followed him. I watched them as they went. They had their hands held the whole time. I sighed. They had been going strong for more than twenty five years. They have had their ups and downs in their lives but one thing is certain. They are the most romantic couple I know.

I felt Zak pull me towards him. I smiled. Perhaps I also can have that with Zak. I leaned against him.

“Will you dance with me?” he asked.

I looked at him. “of course I will.” I replied.

While we danced we maintained eye contact. I felt shivers and goose bumps. Our bodies were held close together and I loved inhaling the smell of his cologne.

“Hanna.” He called me softly.

“Hmm?” I replied.

He gulped. “I love you.” He said.

A smiled slowly made it’s way to my lips. “I thought you’d never say that.” I said in a low voice.

“Zak?” I called him.

He raised his eyebrows, smiling at me. His eyes spoke the language of love. I could clearly see that.

“I think I love you too.” I said, my face heating up.

He slowly bent down and our lips connected. It was a small, yet a kiss full of emotions. Our first kiss, after we acknowledged our feelings for each other. I love him. I really do.

*Meanwhile in the mansion.*

Narrator.

Hanna's parents happily left the wedding reception. They felt that their wishes are being fulfilled. They had been worried about their daughter. They were worried that she might never want to get married.

They wanted grandchildren. Little bundles of joy who would fill their lives with happiness. Little babies who they could spoil with their love. They would love to see a mini version of Hanna once again. And since she kept rejecting each and every boy who came her way, they had started to feel hopeless. However, now they have more reasons to be at content. Not only did she find her life partner, she had proved that they had succeeded in upbringing a smart and beautiful girl with values.

They walked hand in hand in to the mansion. The place was pretty spacious. They walked right in to the hall of the big mansion, when they heard whispers. Who was in the house? It was not their business but curiosity got the better of them. They slowly walked towards where the sound was coming from. The hidden figure was wearing all black and hiding well in the shadows. But the mansion was quite enough for the hushed whispers to be heard well by the couple. It was clear that who ever that was, was speaking to someone on the phone.

“look, I don’t care how you do it. Just kill her. I will send the money and her picture.” Then the person waited for a response from the other end

“Hanna” they the reply after a while.

The couple froze on their spots. They realised that heir happiness was short lived. They had witnessed someone unknown to them conspire to kill their daughter. To kill the apple of their eyes. To snatch their happiness from them. The couple’s adrenaline level sky rocketed. Hanna’s mom started to gasp for breath. Her dad tried to tell her to be quiet but it was too late. They have been discovered.

They knew that this person was a dangerous person. But they didn’t expect a knife attack on the spot. The person who spoke on the phone, sliced through Hanna’s dad's neck. He fell on his knees as blood poured profusely from the wound. Her mother started to scream, but soon she too was silenced. The knife had sliced through her neck as well.

The unknown figure looked down at the old couple. Now the work is done. Why not finish the job properly? The unknown figure held the knife tightly and sliced through their bellies, cutting them open. Their guts were visible and the whole place was soon filled with pools of blood. He stabbed in the right eye of Hanna's father. Then he put the blade in to the Hanna's mother's mouth and tore it open.He chuckled. He continued stabbing and slicing until he heard something. At least he thought he heard.

Fear entered the heart of this unknown person. It was too risky to stay here now. The window he came in was still open. The person left the mansion, as swiftly and quietly as possible.