4~Home #2
Love wasn't on her list of priorities.
Not when revenge occupied every corner of her heart.
"Get some proper rest." Nanny Ann said as she headed for the door. "You look exhausted. I'll have some fresh orange juice prepared and sent to your room."
"Thank you so much."
"My pleasure dear."
Once the door closed behind her, silence settled over the room once again.
Hanan leaned back against the headboard of her bed, allowing herself another moment to admire every corner of her room.
Everything had been arranged exactly the way she liked.
A cozy reading corner.
The spacious wardrobe.
A large flat hung on the wall.
The oversized bed she already knew would become her favorite place.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
She finally stood and began unpacking her luggage, arranging her clothes neatly inside the wardrobe.
A soft knock interrupted her.
"Come in."
The door opened slowly.
"Aunty Hanan." Samira smiled. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, thank you."
"I insist."
Before Hanan could protest, Samira gently took the folded clothes from her hands.
"I'll arrange these."
Hanan laughed softly. "Thank you."
As she continued unpacking the remaining suitcases, another thought crept into her mind.
Why does everything remind me of that mansion?
Why this house?
She sighed quietly and forced herself to focus on unpacking instead.
Hours slipped by unnoticed.
By evening, every suitcase had been emptied, every shelf arranged, and every belonging placed exactly where it belonged.
After enjoying a long, relaxing shower, Hanan finally collapsed onto her bed.
The soft mattress welcomed her aching body instantly.
She barely closed her eyes when her phone vibrated loudly.
She lazily reached for it.
The moment she saw the caller ID, she sprang upright.
"Oh, shit!"
She answered immediately.
The screen lit up to reveal Lucy and Amira glaring murderously at her.
"Finally!" Amira scoffed.
Lucy folded her arms.
"So that's what your phone is for?"
Hanan winced.
"I'm sorry. I got carried away and completely forgot to call."
"Oh, of course." Lucy pouted dramatically. "Home sweet home. She's already forgotten us."
"I could never forget you two."
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Then explain the ten missed calls."
"Ten?!" Hanan's eyes widened.
"My phone must've been on silent."
She clasped her hands together, giving them her best innocent puppy eyes.
"I'm sorry."
The two girls exchanged a look before bursting into laughter.
"Fine." Lucy sighed. "You're forgiven."
"So..." Amira smiled. "How's everyone at home?"
"They're all doing well."
A genuine smile spread across Hanan's face.
"They're so happy I'm back."
Lucy laughed.
"I can literally see the home glow."
"What glow?" Hanan rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm exhausted."
"You definitely need sleep."
"I do."
She yawned before looking at Amira.
"So... when are you coming back?"
"Soon." Amira replied with a teasing grin.
"I know you're already bored without me."
"Very bored."
The three laughed.
"But honestly." Hanan continued, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Can we call it a day? I'm completely worn out."
Lucy frowned playfully.
"A day? It's only four in the afternoon over there."
"How do you even know?"
"My brother just called me." Amira answered. "Besides, the sun behind you is exposing your lies."
"And we can clearly see your room." Lucy added. "We deserve a room tour."
"You'll get one later."
Hanan yawned again.
"But not today."
The girls finally gave up. "Fine."
"Sleep well."
"We'll call you again later."
"Bye, girls." She waved before ending the call.
The moment the screen went black, she noticed someone standing quietly by the doorway.
"Abdul?"
She smiled.
"Why are you standing there? Come in."
He leaned against the doorframe with a grin.
"I didn't want to interrupt your girls time."
She laughed. "I've had girls time for three whole years."
She patted the empty space beside her.
"Now it's your turn."
Abdul walked in, settling onto the edge of the bed.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
He simply looked at her.
"You did that, didn't you?"
She pointed toward the enormous framed photograph above her bed.
Abdul smiled sheepishly.
"I honestly..." Hanan's voice softened. "I don't even know if I deserve this much kindness."
She looked at him with teary eyes.
"I don't know how I'll ever repay you in this life... or the next."
She swallowed hard.
"But I need you to know something."
"I'll always be grateful."
"And... I love you."
Abdul laughed softly before shaking his head. "For a second, I thought America had changed you."
She frowned.
"You came back with a foreign American accent..."
He smiled.
"...looking more mature... prettier than ever..."
Then he reached over and gently pinched her cheek.
"But I forgot something."
"You were Habiba long before you became Hanan."
He smiled warmly.
"And you'll always remain my innocent, kind, pretty Habiba."
Emotion tightened her chest.
"And you'll always be my brother."
She leaned forward and hugged him tightly.
He hugged her back.
Several peaceful moments passed before Hanan suddenly pulled away and narrowed her eyes.
"Now explain yourself."
Abdul blinked.
"You skipped my graduation."
She folded her arms. "What could possibly have been more important?"
He sighed apologetically.
"I'm sorry."
"It was work."
"I promise you nothing is more important than you."
"I just couldn't leave."
She studied him quietly before finally nodding.
"Fine."
"I forgive you."
A smile returned to her face.
"So... How's business?"
"It's going well." He smiled proudly.
"Especially after the expansion."
"Congratulations."
She glanced around the room.
"And congratulations on the house too."
"It looks incredible."
"I built it for us." He smiled softly.
"A new house."
"A fresh start."
"Time to leave the past behind."
Her smile slowly disappeared. "Not every part of the past deserves to be forgotten."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Abdul immediately understood what she meant.
Instead of arguing, he reached over and gently pinched her cheeks until she smiled again.
"That's better."
He stood up. "I have to head out."
She frowned. "Now? We're having dinner together tonight."
"I know..." He scratched the back of his neck. "I probably won't make it."
"But tomorrow, I promise."
She folded her arms dramatically. "And you said I was your priority."
He laughed. "I'll make it up to you. I promise."
She pretended to think.
"Hmm... Then tomorrow..."
"You owe me dinner."
"At a five star restaurant."
Abdul laughed. "Deal."
"Deal." She smiled brightly.
He waved before leaving the room.
The moment the door clicked shut behind him, Hanan closed the curtains, switched off the lights, and buried herself beneath the soft covers.
Within minutes...
Sleep claimed her completely.
.
.
.
***