He would never know

At work that day, Malik was energetic and full of life, unlike the other day whereby he was out of his mind due to sadness.

He was happy, totally clueless of what his beloved wife was up to, at home.

He believed she had returned to the loving, faithful wife he married and won't ever go astray again.

And again, he concluded he would keep doing anything and everything to satisfy her, therefore not giving her any reason to cheat on him.

"My guy, this one that you're humming to you, with excitement... Let me in on the good news. Is it something that calls for celebration? Tell me, let me join you in celebrating." Kareem said to him, and extended his hand to him for a handshake.

He was on his way to the bathroom while Malik was walking out of his office, and they had met at the hallway.

Malik took his hand and smiled at him.

"Hey my man! Seeing another beautiful day is worth celebrating, isn't it? Good morning!" He replied his friend.

Kareem was taken aback for a moment. The Malik before at that period was completely different from the Malik who was weeping the previous day. He looked contented and happy.

"Oh, that's good, guy. Good morning. But my guy, I believe you know I'm your friend, right? You can share anything with me. You looked really messed up yesterday." Kareem pointed out, saying the last part quietly.

Malik furrowed his brows as if he had totally forgotten about his situation the previous day.

"Oh, yesterday? Kareem, it's no big deal. Don't worry about me. I'm fine." He maintained.

"Alhamdulillahi, I don't have anything to worry about in my life. Even you know, I don't have anything to worry about in my life." He added sharply, putting emphasis on the last statement.

Kareem gritted his teeth. He was disappointed he still wouldn't open up. Seeing him crying and looking vulnerable the previous day, made him look like any other person with some challenges in life, and he was hoping he would confide in him as he used to.

He was certain no one's life could be so perfect like the way Malik used to portray his to be, and was kind of satisfied he would find out the challenges the almighty Malik was battling with, but yet he refused to open up.

"Oh, yeah, I know. Congratulations!" Kareem said, forcing a smile at his friend.

They parted ways and each went about his business.

Work went smoothly for Malik and at the end of the day, he packed his suitcase and off he went, to his sweet home.

He was as happy to see his doting daughter as much as she was.

Afterwards, the family settled at the dinning hall for dinner. Dinner was a light meal and they dined in silence.

Halfway into the dining, Malik noticed his wife was not eating her food as usual. She was just playing with the cutleries.

"Hey babe, what's up?" He inquired.

"Nothing. I'm good." She replied him, emotionlessly.

"No, you are not. Spill it, what's wrong with you?" He insisted. He knew something was going on in that pretty head of hers.

Joyce heaved a sigh.

"Nothing much, actually. My friend just called to remind me of the wedding of a friend of ours, which would take place in a neighboring town. Would you believe that I have completely forgotten about the event?" She stated.

"Oh! Well, it happens. We're humans, so you haven't committed any crime for forgetting." He assured her.

"I know, right. The reason I'm a bit bothered is because I have bought the aso ebi and I have promised her to be there for support and stuff, two days to the D-day, as we're close friends." She was explaining but paused.

Malik nodded, with rapt attention.

"And now the problem is that, I forgot and was just reminded that the wedding is on the 15th. Which means, I'm supposed to go tomorrow, as I have promised to be there two days to the D-day. And I didn't tell you anything about it. So, how would I be able to go to the place tomorrow? You know I can't just tell you today about an event which I'm going tomorrow. You're my husband, my head, my crown! I need your permission to go." She maintained gently.

"I can't go now since I couldn't inform you about it until today. I can't go if you do not allow me." She added.

That made butterflies erupted in Malik's stomach and he felt respected.

"This submissive woman!!! So, you have been bothered because you haven't told me about it? Huh, I appreciate your respect and submission for me. Now, I grant you the access to go to that event. Go and start preparing for it when you're done eating." He declared.

A huge grin broke out on Joyce's face.

"Thank you, my crown! I'd forever be submissive to you, my husband. I know your value as the man of the house and I'd never take you for granted." She maintained.

Malik was all smiles. He was smitten.

"You're always welcome, my queen. I won't take your submissiveness for granted." He promised her, all smiles.

"Thanks my love. But dear, how would you handle Fara tomorrow? I know you'd be at home on weekend but I'm going tomorrow and it's Friday." She pointed out.

"Don't worry about that. I'm going to call in the babysitter who use to come and stay with her whenever there's the need to. When I get back from work, I'd take over. You just worry about how you'd get to where you are going." He assured her.

"Thank you dear. I'd be going with my car because I have promised my friend to drive us to the place. So, can I ask you to kindly fuel my car for me, my love?" She requested, politely.

Malik chuckled, amusingly.

"This woman!!! Of course, that's my responsibility. I'm going to fuel your car and give you a manageable extra money, for you to sort yourself with. So, will you eat your food happily now?" He asked her, smiling.

Joyce flashed him a huge smile.

"Thank you so much, my love. I appreciate you. I love you." She declared and blew him a kiss.

He chuckled and resumed eating. Joyce started eating her food, as well.

While she put on a gentle smile outwardly, she was wildly jubilating inwardly.

She knew he would never know!