(The Lie Begins)

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*Kano City.*

At the heart of a powerful political dynasty, *Amir Musa Kabeer*, only son of Alhaji Kabeer, returned home after five years abroad. But the Amir who left was not the same one who returned. He was now quieter, colder, and burdened with secrets.

His father, a man obsessed with legacy and politics, had one goal — to marry Amir off to *Aisha*, the daughter of a sitting minister, to strengthen political ties. For Alhaji Kabeer, love was a luxury. Politics came first.

But Amir had a past he never shared.

Before leaving Nigeria, Amir secretly married *Munira* — a modest, kind-hearted girl from a struggling family in Zaria. Their nikah was small and witnessed only by her parents. He had promised to return for her.

He never did.

Now, Munira lives in Kano, working as a nurse at a public hospital. Time has made her stronger — but not without scars. She is pregnant with Amir’s child, a truth known only to her best friend. She never tried to contact him again.

Fate, however, had its own plan.

During a campaign donation organized by Alhaji Kabeer's foundation at Munira’s hospital, Amir and Munira locked eyes for the first time in five years. Silence fell between them.

He stared, stunned.

She looked away, heart racing.

“You left me,” she finally said, voice trembling but proud.

“I never stopped loving you,” he replied, helpless.

But love alone wouldn't protect Munira.

Alhaji Kabeer would never allow a poor girl — especially one carrying his grandchild — to destroy his political plans.

And Munira?

She was no longer the quiet girl he left behind.

She was ready to fight.

Munira sat alone on her bed that night, her hands resting on her small but growing belly. Her heart was heavy. Seeing Amir again had opened a wound she had tried to seal with silence. But now, the secret they shared was alive — breathing inside her.

Meanwhile, in the Kabeer household, Amir sat across from his father in the study. The air was thick with tension.

“Why were you so distracted today?” Alhaji Kabeer asked, his eyes sharp.

Amir hesitated. “I saw someone I knew.”

His father didn’t press. “Don’t forget why you’re here. The engagement to Aisha is in two weeks. That’s not up for discussion.”

Amir’s jaw tightened. “And what if I don’t want her?”

“Then you can forget being my son,” Alhaji said coldly.

***

At the hospital the next day, Munira confided in her friend *Raliya*.

“He saw me,” Munira whispered. “He saw the child in my eyes.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Raliya asked.

Munira shook her head. “What difference would it make? He’s not free. His world would never allow someone like me.”

But fate kept forcing their paths to cross. That evening, Amir showed up outside the hospital, waiting for her.

“Munira,” he said softly, “please… let’s talk.”

Reluctantly, she agreed. They sat in his car, emotions tight between them.

“I didn’t abandon you,” he said. “My father sent me away. I had no power.”

“You had a voice. And you chose silence,” she replied.

Then came the truth.

“I’m carrying your child, Amir.”

Amir froze, his world shifting. “What? You’re… pregnant?”

She nodded slowly.

Before he could say more, a flash from a camera outside caught their attention.

Unbeknownst to them, someone had followed Amir — someone hired by Alhaji Kabeer to track his movements.

The secret was no longer just between them.

And the storm was only beginning.

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