Chapter 25

six years later
Muse
I have just successfully completed my master's degree in business management here in England. It was my father who was happy with this success. Indeed, it was he who guided me in the choice of this academic field. He told me he wanted to entrust me with the reins of his businesses and train me in this field. During all the two years spent in Great Britain, he constantly came to see me and we often spent the holidays together. I didn't want to go back to my country, maybe because I had too much apprehensions about was waiting for me there. More precisely, I was afraid to see Euniel again. Yes, after all these years away from him, I couldn't get him out of my head. He still occupies my heart as before I left to continue my studies in Great Britain. I even think that my feelings for him have increased tenfold over time. What a traitor this heart of mine! And I who had planned to take him out of my heart once far away from him, it seemed that this distance only exacerbated this feeling. Like what, one can't rely on their heart to make plans and projects. It always opposes what our brain plans. Even if my father found it strange that I was categorical about my refusal to return to the country, I could not reveal to him as to the real reasons for this refusal. I don't know why I hid my love for Euniel from him, but I couldn't tell him anything. Another reason I refused to go back was because I wanted to forget my painful past. Indeed, living in a Western country, among the many advantages that it offers, has this positive side of leading us to work hard and avoiding one to be idle. I could then concentrate on my studies during the day, then in the evening I did jobs just to occupy myself like my classmates. During the holidays, I did internships in big companies to train myself. Even if these jobs brought me money, the main reason that motivated me to exercise them was the fact that they occupied my mind permanently. The more time passed, the less I thought about the events of my traumatic past. Even the nightmarish dreams I used to have had stopped. They came very rarely. However, beyond all these reasons that have kept me away from my country, I think the most significant is the fear of seeing Euniel happy without me. It's true that I was the one who asked him to find another woman who will make him happy, but I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel sadness inside of me just at the thought of imagining a another woman in his strong arms. I had a knot in my stomach when the idea that he was kissing with his exquisite lips another woman than me. This situation made me so sad that I could sleep crying. This man has remained in my heart. I dream every night of those kisses between us. I dream of finding myself in his arms. I suffer a lot from his absence. I wonder what would have been better, staying close to him in my home country or running away from him? I made the choice that seemed judicious to me at that time, but I was far from imagining the price to pay at that precise moment. Despite the advances of several men I met in my host country, I could not give any of them a chance. There were, however, some who were handsome and endowed with the most commendable qualities, but every time I tried a relationship with another guy, it always ended within a month. The only one with whom I lasted for about six months of relationship, told me before withdrawing
"I love you Muse, and I would do anything to get you to love me back, but you're still in love with your ex. We've never been able to go on a simple date without his shadow hovering over above us. Come back to me when you're ready to love me." I wondered inside, how can he talk about ex, when no relationship between Euniel and me had taken place?
I felt bad for this young man. Yet he had everything to please. However, Euniel had passed through my life earlier and had left indelible marks there.
After my father's insistence, I decided to return to my home country.
"You must come and take the reins of my empire my dear. I am already aging and in a few years, I will no longer have the ability to think and act as in the past." My father had told me.
"But Dad, you are by far the youngest and strongest man I know. You are still young and you will live for another hundred years." I was ironic, but hoping that it happens.
"My daughter, even if it's what we often wish, we can't do anything against death. Every human being goes through it and I will end up going through it sooner or later. Alurs, I want to enjoy the rest of my life. live in the company of those who are dear to me and that is you."
I will never stop thanking God for the grace he gave me to meet Mr. Hawam. I think it was the best experience and discovery of my life after all these turmoils I went through. I pray that God keeps him alive as long as possible. During all my stay in Great Britain, he never stopped coming to visit me regularly. He adopted me as his daughter and my heart was so moved. I would so much have liked to meet my mother and tell her all the good that happened to me and tell her about this father I had. But I couldn't do it after I got out of the brothel. My father and I had seen fit for me to stay away again, lest those people we didn't even know wouldn't look for me at my mother's house. I imagine how she must feel without hearing from me after so many years of absence. What was he told to justify this absence? What if she thinks I'm dead? I think I can fix that when things calm down when I get back.
I get off the plane then I go to collect my luggage. I walk in the long queue, pushing my shopping cart containing my luggage. Still far from leaving, I see my father sitting in the waiting room. He gets up when he sees me approaching the door. I can see a wide smile of joy on his face and I in turn wear a smile demonstrating my immense joy to finally see him. When I finally get to his level, he opens his arms wide and I throw myself against him. How I had missed this father whom God had given me and who remained in my heart!
"My daughter..."
"Dad..."
We murmur at the same time, all moved to see each other again. My father helps me get my luggage out and then puts it in the trunk of the car. We leave the airport to go directly to the house. I find Mary our housekeeper waiting for us. She shows a broad smile when she sees me leaving the house, then she comes to take me in her arms as I get out of the car.
"Aunty Mary, how I've missed you!" I say reveling in her embrace.
"I missed you too my little one!"
We all enter the house, while the caretaker brings up my luggage.
"I saved you all full of gifts. Auntie Mary, you'll see, you'll appreciate yours. I brought you pretty evening dresses, trendy handbags, and shoes you can't find here. You'll see, you'll love them all!" I walk up to them as we go inside the house.
"I have no doubt about it my dear. I know you have good taste." Mary responds proudly.
"So what about me, they didn't keep anything for me then?!" My father said with a false air of capriciousness.
"Of course I saved you gifts dad. I bought you a beautiful watch and magnificent cuffs thanks to all my salary collected from the jobs and academic and professional internships that I did there." I respond to my father in a proud tone.
"Oh no sweetie! That money was yours, you earned it by your forehead's sweat, you shouldn't."
"Dad, you kept filling my bank account with large sums of money that I haven't even been able to use half of it until this day, despite asking you not to make any more deposits for me. What did you want me to do with all that money I was just working to chase away idleness and to feel fulfilled Plus I'm very happy to give you a gift with the money I got from funds I obtained after hard work, because whoever loves gives what has cost him dearly."
"Oh my daughter! You are an angel! I am so proud of you! You prove your sense of responsibility to me again. Despite all the comforts you had, you preferred to do jobs instead. Be blessed my child!" My father replies with a look of pride.
"Thank you dad!" I answer him with a smile.
After returning to my room which I had missed so much, I take a quick bath then I go down to find the table set as if we were going to welcome a feast. The tantalizing smell that comes from the dishes causes my stomach to gurgle and tell me I'm hungry. There are several qualities of dishes that look succulent than each other. I throw myself in a chair and compliment Mary on her cooking skills.
"Mmmmm auntie Mary, you have no idea how much I've missed your tasty dishes! You really are a cordon bleu."
Mary just smiles, then we sit down to eat. The atmosphere is very festive and joyful. Despite everything, I had missed my father and this house so much. I savor this delicious moment in their presence wondering what the days to come have in store for me.