ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
A Dignified Entrance
With calm poise and elegance, she walked slowly toward the stage to deliver a speech she had preserved in her special archive for years. From the moment the MC announced her name, her heart trembled, emotions stirred, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She was about 65 years old — light-skinned, refined, with the look of someone who had long enjoyed wealth and comfort. Dressed in a golden lace with a matching veil covering her fully, she resembled an Arabian lady. Taking the loudspeaker from the MC, she stepped onto the stage. Behind her dark glasses, tears glistened unseen.
In a soft, fluent English voice, she began:
> “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful… All praise to Allah, Lord of Prophet Isa, Musa, Harun, and Muhammad (peace be upon them). Today I am filled with joy seeing this dream fulfilled. I dedicate this foundation — Abwabul Khair — entirely to my late husband, Alhaji Ahmad Rufa’i, and our only son, Anaam Ahmad Rufa’i. May Allah bless it…”
She spoke flawlessly, her tone steady despite the emotions. When she stepped down, cameras and video recorders surrounded her. Yet, her mind drifted — she barely registered the rest of the event until it ended.
Return to the Mansion
Her driver, Malam Bala, opened the car door for her. From the tinted windows, she gazed at people moving about, her mind heavy with worry.
> “Ranki ya dade, we’ve arrived,” Bala announced.
The mansion before her was enormous, equipped with every luxury imaginable. Yet, despite her wealth, peace eluded her. Inside, the house was empty. Climbing the stairs to her bedroom, she paused — something was wrong. The room was in disarray. Someone had entered.
Sitting on the edge of her Italian bed, she exhaled deeply. The door creaked open. A young maid, Imaan, stepped in, greeting politely.
“Imaan,” she asked, “did Anaam enter this bedroom?”
After hesitation, Imaan replied she hadn’t seen him but it was possible.
> “He did,” the woman said firmly. “No one else would dare.”
Imaan left, troubled. In her own room, she pondered — how could an only son bring such unrest to his mother? Anaam was her single treasure, yet he treated her like a stranger, even an enemy.
An Only Son’s Defiance
The woman was known for patience and generosity, but Anaam’s behavior cut deep. Despite God granting him beauty, wealth, and privilege, he lacked gratitude. Mother and son despised each other — a cold, mutual disdain.
Later, Imaan performed her prayers and read the Qur’an, as she did after every obligatory prayer, including supplications for her employer. She wished for peace to fill the woman’s heart, even as Anaam continued to be a source of distress.
Anaam’s World
Elsewhere, Anaam walked hand-in-hand with Najla, leaving a hotel for the parking lot. He wore a red long-sleeved T-shirt, black trousers, and a cap; his tall, dark, handsome presence commanding attention. He opened his luxury jeep — worth an estimated ₦80 million — for Najla, a voluptuous, fair-skinned beauty in a decorated red gown.
“Where are we heading?” she asked flirtatiously.
“It’s my woman’s birthday,” he replied. “Tell me what you want.”
“I don’t want anything… I want you.”
They drove to a classy relaxation spot. But Anaam noticed a young man across the room staring persistently at Najla. After their meal, Najla suggested shopping. In a boutique, she picked over ₦500,000 worth of clothes, shoes, and bags. Anaam paid without complaint.
The Confrontation
As they returned to the jeep, the same man who had been staring earlier approached Najla, asking for her number.
Anaam stepped forward.
> “Are you mad? Don’t you see I’m with her?”
The man smirked.
> “So what? She’s not your wife. I have the right to talk to her.”
“You have no right. Who’s your father?” Anaam shot back.
In a flash of rage, he grabbed a bottle from his car and charged. Najla tried to stop him, but he broke free and smashed it on the man’s head, blood spilling instantly. A crowd gathered. Najla hurried him into the jeep, driving away, though she knew trouble would follow.
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