Chapter Two The Jealous Wives (Continuation) Ameera’s decision did not come suddenly, nor was it made out of blind emotion. It came after long nights of reflection, prayer, and silent tears. She weighed her future carefully, placing her ambitions on one side and her commitment on the other. When she finally agreed to marry Mallam Maikudi and sacrifice her job, she did so with full awareness of the consequences. When Maikudi heard of her decision, his heart was shaken. Instead of joy alone, fear and concern overwhelmed him. He knew how difficult life could be without stable income, and the thought that Ameera would give up her job because of him troubled his conscience deeply. One evening, they sat together under the shade of a tree near her father’s compound. The atmosphere was calm, but Maikudi’s expression carried worry. “Ameera,” he began slowly, “there is something heavy in my heart.” She turned to him, attentive. “What is it, Maikudi?” He lowered his gaze for a moment before speak...