52~To A Lifetime Together X Epilogue #3
She had a loving husband beside her.
A family waiting for her back home.
A fresh beginning.
And an unforgettable adventure ahead.
She had a feeling this would be the most beautiful chapter of her life.
Not long after, the car slowed to a stop before the luxurious resort Najib had reserved exclusively for their honeymoon.
The moment they stepped out of the car, a cheerful hotel attendant approached them with a warm smile.
"Bonjour! Welcome to Le Royal Etoile Resort."
Hanan smiled politely, understanding only Bonjour.
Unlike her, Najib responded fluently in French, effortlessly exchanging a few words with the attendant while she stood beside him, fascinated by how naturally the language rolled off his tongue.
A few moments later, the attendant turned to her.
"Hello, Mrs Habiba. My name is Kate, and I'll be at your service throughout your stay at our resort."
She spoke with a charming French accent that Hanan instantly found adorable.
"Thank you." Hanan smiled warmly. "I look forward to receiving your services."
"My pleasure, ma'am."
Meanwhile, the chauffeur and two bellboys unloaded their luggage and carefully wheeled their suitcases into the hotel.
Kate led them through the elegant lobby toward a private elevator reserved for luxury suites.
Hand in hand, Hanan and Najib followed behind, admiring the luxurious interior until the elevator doors opened onto an exclusive floor.
They walked through the quiet hallway before stopping in front of a large double door.
Kate swiped a golden access card across the sensor.
A soft beep echoed.
The doors slowly slid open.
Hanan froze... Her lips parted in complete astonishment.
The suite looked nothing short of breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers reflected a warm golden glow across spotless marble floors. Every piece of furniture looked carefully selected, from the luxurious velvet sofas to the elegant dining table. Beautiful paintings decorated the walls, while fresh flowers filled the room with a pleasant fragrance.
It looked less like a hotel room and more like a royal residence.
"If you don't mind." Kate smiled. "I would love to give you a quick tour of your suite."
"I would love that." Hanan replied excitedly.
Kate began showing them around.
"This is your master bedroom."
She pushed open another set of doors, revealing a spacious bedroom with an enormous king sized bed dressed in luxurious Egyptian cotton bedsheets.
The walk in closet was almost as large as Hanan's former apartment, while the marble bathroom featured a rainfall shower, a soaking bathtub, heated floors, and premium toiletries.
"This way, please."
She led them into the grand living room, complete with a cozy fireplace, an elegant dining area, and a massive indoor Jacuzzi positioned beside floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city.
Hanan couldn't stop smiling.
Everything looked perfect.
Finally, Kate opened the glass doors leading to the balcony.
The moment Hanan stepped outside, she gasped.
Paris stretched endlessly before her.
The city shimmered beneath the morning sun.
And standing proudly in the distance... was the Eiffel Tower.
Hanan's favorite view.
"I could stand here forever." Hanan whispered.
Kate smiled knowingly.
"You also have complimentary access to our rooftop private lounge twenty four hours a day. Breakfast can be served there if you wish."
She then handed Hanan an elegant gift box.
"Inside is your suite access card, a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne, handmade French cookies, and a few welcome gifts from the resort."
"Oh, thank you so much."
"My pleasure, ma'am." Kate bowed politely. "If you need absolutely anything during your stay, simply call reception. We're available at all hours."
"We will. Thank you."
"Enjoy your honeymoon."
With one final smile, she quietly excused herself, gently closing the suite door behind her.
The silence lasted barely two seconds before Hanan squealed.
She rushed straight into Najib's arms, wrapping both hands around his neck before planting two quick kisses on his cheek.
"Thank you!"
She pulled back just enough to admire him.
"I absolutely love it here."
"I'm glad, Habibti." He smiled.
"No, seriously." She laughed, looking around once more. "I expected luxury... but not this much."
Najib smiled proudly. "That's because you deserve nothing less."
She hugged him again. "Paris is amazing."
"It gets even better."
She raised an eyebrow.
"This is only the beginning, Habibti. Before we leave this city, I promise I'll spoil you with every bit of love and pampering I can afford."
She looked at him with grateful eyes. "How did I get this lucky?"
"Not lucky, but you married the right man."
She laughed. "I certainly did."
Just as she leaned in for another hug...
Both of their phones rang at the same time.
"It's Grandma." Hanan said.
"It's Abdul." Najib replied.
They exchanged amused looks before answering their calls.
"You didn't call?"
"Sorry, we got occupied."
"How was your trip?"
"Alhamdulillah, it was amazing."
"I'm glad to hear that. Take good care of yourself."
"In sha Allah, and you too."
"Nanny Ann, Amina, and Amira all send their greetings."
"My regards to them."
"Okay, you must be exhausted after your journey. Get some rest, we'll talk later."
"Okay. Goodbye."
"Bye."
Hanan smiled as she ended the call, only to find Najib arranging their belongings inside the walk in closet. She walked over and joined him.
"Amir sends his greetings." Najib said while hanging up one of his suits. "He's sorry he couldn't attend our wedding. He was away on a business trip."
"That's alright."
"By the way, I have a short meeting at the Paris branch today. I would like you to come with me."
"I would love to."
"Great. Then go freshen up while I make a few arrangements."
"Okay."
She watched him step out before opening her suitcase to unpack her clothes. As she lifted a stack of neatly folded outfits, a beautifully wrapped gift box caught her attention.
"Hmm?"
Curious, she picked it up and noticed a small card attached to it.
From your girls, Amina and Amira. Have a steamy nuptial night!
She read it aloud, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"What on earth..."
The moment she lifted the lid, her jaw nearly dropped.
Inside were elegant red lace lingerie sets, matching bras and panties, perfumes, scented candles, massage oil, and a handwritten note that simply read...
Good luck on your wedding night, Amarya.
"Oh my goodness..." She muttered, her cheeks instantly burning. "These two have completely lost it."
She hurriedly stuffed everything back into the box.
"Planning to wear that for me tonight?"
"Huh?!" She nearly jumped out of her skin.
Spinning around, she found Najib leaning casually against the doorway, arms folded across his chest, wearing an amused smile.
Without another second to spare, she slammed the lid shut and pushed the box aside.
"W... When did you come back? I thought you left."
"I did." He chuckled. "Now I'm back... and I find my wife making special preparations for our wedding night."
"I wasn't!" She exclaimed, her face growing warm.
"Mhmm... that's not what it looked like."
"I should go take my bath."
She hurried past him before he could tease her further, disappearing into the bathroom.
The moment the door clicked shut, she leaned against it and covered her face.
"Ya Allah..." She groaned softly.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Her cheeks were red.
"Get yourself together, Habiba."
She gently patted both cheeks.
"Why am I suddenly this shy around him? He's my husband now."
A smile slowly crept onto her face.
"Still..." She laughed quietly before stepping beneath the warm shower.
After freshening up and changing into a comfortable casual outfit, she returned to find Najib waiting for her.
Together, they enjoyed a lavish breakfast prepared by the hotel's executive chef before setting out for the Paris branch of Fajab Pharmaceutical Company.
The office was a smaller branch located on the outskirts of Paris, but its elegant glass structure reflected the same prestige as the company's headquarters in Nigeria.
As soon as they arrived, Najib's colleagues warmly welcomed them.
Many were eager to meet the woman who had captured their CEO's heart.
Najib proudly introduced Hanan to each member of his team before taking her on a tour of the office, explaining the different departments as they walked side by side.
"Wow... your office is amazing." Hanan smiled, looking around in admiration. "I'm so proud of you. You've come so far all by yourself. If Alhaji was alive today, he would be so proud of everything you've achieved. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus."
"Ameen dear." Najib smiled warmly. "Alhamdulillah, I've come a long way, but this is only the beginning. I'm already planning more expansions and projects across Europe. Pray for me, Habibti."
"My du'as are always with you, love."
"Thank you." He smiled before checking the time on his wristwatch. "Now, stay here and keep yourself busy while I join my colleagues for a brief meeting."
"Okay."
He leaned down and kissed her cheek before walking out.
Hanan made herself comfortable in his office, scrolling through TikTok and occasionally admiring the breathtaking view of Paris from the large glass windows while waiting for him.
Before she realized it, hours had slipped by.
By four in the evening, Najib finally returned, looking visibly exhausted.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting." He said, loosening his tie. "We had a lot to discuss."
"It's alright." She smiled. "I kept myself entertained."
"Okay and are you hungry?"
"No." She shook her head.
They headed out, as the sun settled over Paris, they were prepared to leave.
Before they left, Najib's colleagues presented Hanan with several gifts as a warm welcome.
"Oh my! Thank you so much." She smiled happily.
"You're most welcome, ma'am."
"Please visit us again."