Aveline’s words resonated with her, and she understood the gravity of her predicament. She couldn’t imagine living chained by such strict rules and expectations.
‘But -.’
‘Enough about Khaman,’ Aveline muttered. ‘I’m here to support you today, especially because your freedom is limited, and your extended family is gunning for you.’
Saba shrugged, her eyes sad and wistful. ‘They can dig all they want, say all they need to, and talk all kinds of shit till their lips fall off. Yes, my marriage is not ideal, but I won’t give them the satisfaction of seeing it. I’ll let them wonder and continue to hold my head high. I ain’t giving in an inch. Also, if they persist with their malicious gossip, I’ll use what power I have to cut them off at the knees.’
Aveline laughed. ‘Only you, Saba, would have an entire community and manipulative clan members mad at you, and shake it off with grace. While murdering them with your words and planning to repay their bitchiness. I’m glad I’m on your side.’
‘So am I; you’re my rock right now, my unwavering support and a beacon of strength in this freakin’ chaos. My love, you give me the energy to navigate the treacherous waters of all these freakish, untrue rumors and accusations. I don’t know how I’d have survived the last few weeks with you.’
She gave Saba a spontaneous hug. ‘We’ll weather this storm together, no matter what lies ahead.’
At that moment, the world outside faded away, and the sanctuary of friendship surrounded them.
Saba jolted at a shadow reflected on a mirror in the living room.
She released Aveline and turned to glance at Mak, who stood in the doorway.
His expression was unreadable, his gaze narrowed on them.
Her best friend jumped to her feet and bestowed him with a slight bow. ‘ŠarSauvage, good evening.’
‘Aveline,’ he murmured.
Saba was reminded that her husband was no ordinary man, as her friend’s head remained bowed.
‘As you were,’ Mak grunted.
He and Saba locked eyes.
She dragged hers from him, face flushing with a rush of emotions.
Aveline stood upright and glanced between them, sensing the unspoken edginess in the air.
Mak cleared his throat, breaking the palpable silence. ‘Ladies,’ he began, his rasp rough. ‘Didn’t mean to interrupt.’
Saba met his scrutiny. ‘You weren’t interrupting,’ she replied, her voice tinged with an edge of apprehension, for it was the first time he’d spoken to her in days.
With a gentle hand squeeze, Aveline shot her a knowing look.
Her manners kicked in, and she flew off the couch to nab a glass from the bureau. ‘Join us?’
He stared at her.
With a huff of surprise, he shook his head. ‘I wish I could, but I have matters to attend to. Enjoy your evening.’
He lifted his chin in a jerked nod, swiveled, and left without another word.
His retreating figure faded into the hallway’s darkness, leaving a void.
Aveline met Saba’s gaze, her eyes filled with concern and curiosity.
‘Are you okay?’ she asked, her voice a soothing balm in the wake of Mak’s abrupt departure.
Saba assented, swallowing past the lump in her throat. ‘I will be,’ she replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. ‘It’s just a lot to process right now. I’ll share more when I’m ready.’
Aveline nodded in understanding, her aura a comforting anchor in the storm within Saba. ‘Take all the time you need,’ she said, squeezing her shoulder in solidarity.
