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“Don’t tell me you are still in love with Mariam” his voice his taut with disbelief, that I’m still hanging on to Jade “I suggest you move on and make a strong alliance with Nadra, you can secure the crown but with Mariam, it’s a tug between you and Raheem, I can see the council leaning more towards Raheem, if you pick Mariam. She’s a nobody,” he desperately spews his usual logical nonsense.
“Dad, what can I say, the heart wants what the heart wants,” I say with a feigned smile.
“What happens if you never find Mariam, or you find her, and she’s married with children?” He says calmly like he’s certain about her never returning. Technically he should be sure because he paid her to leave. He doesn’t know she’s here in Rhanaz and I see her daily.
“I’ll decide then, right now I’ll continue my search for her,” I state succinctly.
My dad slams his hand on the coffee table causing his drink to spill. My mom is startled and surprised by his outburst, but he has just given me what I need. “You need to let Mariam go,” he says sternly. His fiery eyes glare at me.
“No, Dad, I can’t do that besides you’re not the one that has to stay married to a woman you don’t love. I do and I believe that gives me the deciding right, not you or anyone else,” I reply staring him down undeterred by his outburst or waves of anger in his eyes or his heavy breathing. When he realizes I’m not backing down, he relaxes.
“I doubt Mariam is ever coming back to you. She broke things off, didn’t she?” His ask isn’t an ask but a confirmation of what I’d told him happened.
“Yes, she did but I need her to tell me to my face why she broke things off with me because when I left her, we had plans, her sudden desire to call things off with us, is unlike Mariam. She’s a closer. She doesn’t leave things unresolved. I need clear answers that I’m not getting so until I have that answer.” Turning to my mom, I say, “Sorry, Mom, there wouldn’t be a wedding or grandchildren from me.”
“Guess I better get to praying that you find her soon, so you can move on with your life with her or any woman you find compatible. You are not getting any younger,” Mom says.
“Not Mariam, I hope,” Dad interjects.
“Any particular reason why you don’t like Mariam, darling.” My mom turns to my dad.
“Yes, Dad, any particular reason, I happen to know she’s a brilliant woman,” I state, as we wait for his response.
“No reason, I just don’t think she’s the right fit for Naseer.”
“Why not, she’s pretty, pleasant and Taimani said she is very smart. And I think she’s sweet. I would be surprised if a man hasn’t swept her off her feet but then again men can be stupid,” my mom concludes.
“Becca, I want what’s best for our son,” Dad interrupts my mom. “If he marries that girl, the next king of Rhanaz will be Raheem and not him and I know Naseer can do great thing for this country if he puts his selfishness aside and see the greatness he can do.”
“Dad, how do you know Raheem wouldn’t be great for Rhanaz unless you have a magical crystal ball that can see the future, Grandfather said either one of us will be great. That’s why he made sure we were both accepted into council with prince title.”
“That’s true, my dad did say that rest his soul, he believed in Naseer and Raheem and I don’t see why he should sacrifice love for making the land great. When Raheem can do as good a job and they can work together.”
“Becca don’t be foolish; our son needs to be King and not his cousin. He needs to start thinking like the leader he is and take emotions out of this issue.” He then turns to me. “I’ll go and find Mariam for you and maybe when we find her married with children you can let go of this foolishness and make things work with Nadra.”
“Don’t find Mariam, I will find her on my own and I can assure you even if Mariam is married with children. I’ll still pick her if she will still have me over Nadra. I’ll gladly adopt Mariam’s children.” My words make both my parent gasp.
“You will destroy her marriage for your own selfish need, is that how we raised you?” Dad yells.
“I’m just telling you Mariam will always be my choice.” I get up and kiss my mom on the cheek.
“See you when I return next week.”
“Okay, darling, I hope you have a pleasant week and find Mariam soon,” my mom says.
“I will, Mom. Good night, Dad.”
He mumbles a good night, and I know I have poked him. He’s going to try and find Mariam. I need people in place to let me know his every move.
twenty-three
Jade
I enjoy the sea breeze; it always relaxes me and clears my head. I can’t get much thinking done with the loud crowd here today for the launch of some drink. I stayed a few minutes, but my mind kept going back to last night. The drink was lethal. It was sweet at first, which made me drink more, a few minutes later I started feeling the effect but unable to stop myself I asked for more.
What the hell was I thinking? Obviously, I wasn’t thinking. I know I talked nonstop to Ken, but I can’t remember what I said to him. I called him earlier and he was pleasant. Asking if I feel better and apologizing for not stopping me from drinking too much.
I hurriedly hung up after telling him I was okay, but something still pricks me. I feel like I mentioned my children to him, but he didn’t say anything and Naseer only gave me the pills. The hidden photo album is right in the spot where I hid it. I’ve boxed up the framed photos and tucked them away in the storage room.
