Once Upon A Sultan ✅

Chapter 7

-ZAINAB SHAMAKI'S POV-

Maroudi, Nigeria.

What do you do when you create a mess and walk out with your head held up high coolly?

I'd tell you what I didn't do.

I did not keep up that Boss lady attitude once I was in the confines of my car. Boss lady? Who? Me?

I can act all cool and smug in front of everyone, but deep down I know that I'm screwed.

To begin with, let's talk about my current predicament. Without a doubt, after the stunt I just pulled, I don't have a job anymore. But I don't regret it, because I did it precisely knowing I'd be jobless anyway. He just wanted me to take the blame first and shoulder the fall so the publishing house won't suffer the consequence. And then, he'd fire me to cut off the problem completely.

But, I'm not stupid. I've been in this business long enough to know how this will end—which is why I pulled him down with me. Whatever happens to them is none of my concern, at least this way, I wouldn't have to face it all alone.

And that brings us to my second problem. I have lawsuit hanging above me—one that I have to pay 20 million naira to make sure it doesn't go far. Where am I supposed to get that money? I can put everything I own in the market and I still wouldn't make it.

Let's not talk about what I'd face if I go home now. I honestly don't want to do so but I don't have a choice. It's better to face it sooner than later.

So, with that thought in mind and a little pep talk here and there, I started my car and drove back home all the while dreading what I would have to face there. The journey seemed too short for my liking, because in what feels like a few minutes, I found myself walking into the house much earlier than I thought I would.

My breaths came out a bit shaky, but I forced myself to hide it the minute my gaze landed on a certain someone. Why does it have to be that every time I return home she's the one I meet first? Frankly speaking, we avoid each other on normal circumstances but these days we cross paths more than I would like to admit.

However, judging from the smug look on her face, I'm certain she's here to infuriate me even more. And she did not fail to deliver.

"If it isn't the great, Zainab Shamaki!" She cackled, as she descended down the stairs ostentatiously. From the way she carries herself, one wouldn't think she has any child when in reality, she has a girl that's studying abroad. "Congratulations on making headlines, I'm really happy for you"

I looked away, flickering my eyes shut for a moment as I counted three in my head. The last thing I need is to bicker with this woman because in my current situation, I don't have anything to lose.

But she didn't get the memo. And instead, continued to taunt me. "Tell me, did you think the royal family will allow you to walk free after attacking them and their business?" She inquired, finally reaching the last of the stairs. She then took a couple of steps towards me, till she was too close for my liking. "You thought simply because it's you, that man wouldn't strike back, huh?"

I moved my narrowed gaze to her, whilst trying to hold up a blank expression. I didn't answer her because in a way, she's right, and wrong at the same time. Sure, I knew they would retaliate but not like this. Why? Because they know I'm aware that there's something going on between Hakeem and Nadine. What I expected from them was to not deny it, and instead admit it—it was part of my plan.

Why bother to deny it when people would find out eventually? I was doing them a favor.

But, it backfired, because I truly didn't think Hakeem was even capable of doing that. I shouldn't be surprised though. I can only expect the worse from them.