Chapter Two

Maryam's POV

"This is the baker you would like to meet Mr Abdulazeez " Ma'am said.

Seriously! What would you do when you see the most hated man of your life again? What would you do when you thought there was no way that he could ever exist again. There he was standing right next to you like a ghost who had just come back to life from where he was buried years ago.

I blinked my eyes again.

No, this can't be happening! This can't be happening to me!

"It's nice to meet you Miss Maryam".  He said, he wasn't even looking surprise to see me. He looked like he knew I would be here already. He stretch out his hand but I don't know if I should take it or not.

"Maryam, you're not affected " My subconscious tell me.

I clasped my palm with his but I didn't say anything. After that, I tried to excuse my self from there but Ma'am voice stopped me.  "Where do you think you're going to? I haven't yet fully introduce you to Mr Kareem".

Ma'am, there's no need for that. I know him! I actually know this heartless man!

"Maryam, this is Mr Kareem Abdulazeez. He's been our benefactor for over a year and half now.

I was sure that he was seeking my eyes all throughout the introduction but I didn't give him the chance to catch my eyes. Instead, I averted my eyes away.

I quickly left when an announcement was made to start the event. My heart was beating fast as I walk back to the kitchen. 

Kareem?... Kareem was the benefactor who fell in love with my cupcake? For two years, I tried to forget him.  And when I was at the verge of doing so,he now decide to show up his face out of nowhere. 

Just don't think about him Maryam, and moreover, there's no way you would ever accept him back.

Huh? Did he ever asked you to accept him back? He didn't right? He was even calling you miss Maryam. He's probably married by now, so there's nothing to freak about. Yes, he was probably married to that lady Hafsa. He must have been happily married with his P.A.

Just pull your self together! Prove to him that you're no longer the Maryam he used to know...show him that you've changed,you are now a changed person.

Thus, I supervised the servers in placing the cupcakes on the tray. Now, when this would be served, I will have to endure someone in there or better yet show him the new me. That, will be better.

I continued working and working as I made sure everyone enjoyed their dessert. 

"Maryam dear, Mr Kareem would like to say something to you".  Ma'am said when I had stood by their table.

I raised one of my eyebrow and looked at him. A smile appeared on his lip...how could he be acting like this? Like our parting was the best parting on earth.  "Please do take a sit Miss Maryam.. Join us" he offered.

Ma'am, Mr and Mrs Fawad,Mrs James and he here in the table. 

"No thanks ". I rejected his offer.

"Have you eaten dear?". Ma'am said in a concerned tone.

"I'm done eating, please don't worry about me". I lied. 

"What do you want to tell me Mr Kareem".  I faced him bravely. 

"How about taking a sit, miss Maryam?". He asked again for the second time.

"I don't have time to have a seat right now, Mr Kareem. Now, if you'll excuse me if you have nothing to say". I said coldly.

You can actually see the surprise look on Ma'am's face and the rest. Ma'am shot me a glare.

Him on the other hand, didn't seem to be surprised at all.

"I would like to tell you that your cake is the best cake I've ever tasted".  He said when I was about to take a step away from them.

"Thank you". I said and then leave.

*****

Now, it's only I and Mr Kareem. I could feel his gaze on me but I refuse to look at him.

"Thank you Aunty, we really appreciate all your love and care for us". The children said as they all group hug me. I just love this kids,may be it's because they are orphan and I know what I had went through when I was also a kid. That's why there's nothing I can't do for them.

I hug them back and smile at them. Unlucky for me, they all left again leaving me and him alone.

"You've changed a lot wife"

Wife? Wife? How dare him call me his wife! And of course, yes, I've changed.

I turned to look at him raising one of my eyebrow at him. Now, why are we putting on same colour of cloth? I was putting on a dark blue palazzo trouser and dark blue fitted top with white veil and white heels. He was also putting on dark blue trouser and white inner shirt with dark blue suit,even his shoe is also white.

"You've changed...a lot". He repeated again.

"Everyone change Mr Kareem... You can't expect me to be the same girl you used to know". I answered coldly.

"Maryam can-"

"Why have you come here? What's your main reason for coming here? Is there no any orphanage you can donate to except this one? How comes you get to know about this place when infact, this is not Nigeria?". I questioned him.

"I came to claim someone back".  He said moving closer to me.

"I came to claim you back Maryam".  He said using both of his hands to hold my shoulder.

"Please leave me alone... Just leave me alone and let me go. Else, I will walk out from here".  I threatened.

"I don't care Maryam! I don't care! I once do the mistake by letting you walk out on me, two years ago but today, I won't. I'll never let you". He said firmly.

What's wrong with this guy? Why must he show up all of a sudden? Why now?  I hate him! I hate him and his gut... I don't know who gave him the confidence that I'll accept him.

"So, you've finally shown your true reason for coming here huh?! I had wondered too, af all places,why here? How comes you get to know about this place when in fact, it's not Nigeria".  I asked furiously, glaring at him. But what came next from his mouth makes my heart drop,I can't believe it. I really can't believe what I just heard.