Bin Motar watched the car until it disappeared, then looked at himself—his entire body was stained with mud. A wave of frustration hit him hard. Surely, whoever was in that car had no manners at all. But he was determined to find out who it was, especially since it happened within their estate. Turning around angrily, he walked back into the house, feeling bitter about missing his congregational prayer.

Sanam honked the car horn aggressively at the gate. At that moment, the gatekeeper was in the middle of his prayer. Recognizing her impatience, he quickly ended his prayer and rushed to open the gate, saying, “Welcome, Hajjaju.” Without slowing down, she sped into the compound as if she would run him over. He leaped back, clutching his chest in fear.

She sat in the car for over ten minutes before stepping out. Looking at the gatekeeper with disdain, she asked, “What were you doing that was more important than the sound of my car horn?”

Panicking, he knelt and pleaded, “Forgive me, Your Highness. I was praying.”

Sanam scoffed, then turned and walked into the house.

Hajiya Nafeesa was in the kitchen, busy preparing dinner, when she heard Sanam’s excited voice calling out like a little girl. She rushed to the living room.

Seeing her, Sanam ran towards her, exclaiming, “Mum, congratulate me! Daddy gave me money to buy a new car!”

Hajiya Nafeesa smiled. “That’s why I told you to go and ask him. You know he always grants your wishes.”

Sanam beamed. “Mum, I know Daddy loves me more than anything in this world.”

Hajiya Nafeesa felt a sting of jealousy but concealed it with a playful tone. “Of course, baby. Who else would he love if not you? You’re our only treasure. Your happiness is our happiness.”

Sanam hugged her tightly like a little girl, enjoying the moment. Meanwhile, in her heart, Hajiya Nafeesa muttered, No matter what, I will break this bond between you and your father. Every time I see how much he loves you, it frustrates me. But I’ll pretend, for now.

Aloud, she said, “Let me go back to the kitchen. I’m making your favorite meal.”

Sanam grinned. “That’s why I love you, Mum. You always make me happy—unlike Daddy’s other wife, who annoyed me today.”

At the mention of Hajiya Maimuna, Hajiya Nafeesa’s expression changed. “What did she do to you?”

Sanam recounted their encounter, and both burst into laughter. Hajiya Nafeesa clapped her hands. “You did well by spitting at her!”

Sanam smirked. “Next time, if she crosses me, I’ll show her more disrespect.”

After their chat, Sanam went to her luxurious pink-themed bedroom. The whole room smelled divine. She entered her en-suite bathroom, and after 15 minutes, she emerged wrapped in a towel, her body still radiating the fragrance of her bath oils.