Chapter 4 A New House, A Quiet Room

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CHAPTER 4: A New House, A Quiet Room

The car ride to Chike's house was silent. Amara sat beside him, hands folded tightly in her lap. The tension was still there, but she was no longer trembling. She just didn't know what to expect.

When they arrived, Chike opened the door for her. The house was big-too big for two strangers pretending to be husband and wife. It was modern, neat, and quiet. Almost too quiet.

"You can use the guest room," Chike said, pointing down the hallway. "It's yours for as long as you want."

Amara nodded, unsure of what to say. "Thanks."

She entered the room. It was clean, simple, and smelled of lavender. She sat on the bed and stared at the ceiling, wondering how her life had changed so quickly.

Dinner was awkward. Chike ordered takeout. They ate quietly at opposite ends of the dining table.

He asked, "Do you want anything? More pillows? Different food?"

She shook her head. "I'm okay."

That night, Amara lay on the guest bed wide awake. Her wedding day was over. But her new life had just begun.

She wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring.

But for tonight, she let herself rest-with questions still heavy in her chest.

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