The Next Morning
Nigeria, Abuja
Ridwan's Office
(Ridwan calmly goes through a new project on his tablet.)
Ridwan: (thinking) Hmmm... we can work with that. And if we actually unite with the Luxoras, we could become even richer... but...
(He exhales deeply.)
(His phone suddenly rings.)
(He glances at the screen.)
Ridwan: (murmurs) Hmm... speak of the devil.
(He ignores the call and presses the intercom.)
Ridwan: Get the contract documents ready.
(He hangs up, but his mobile phone continues ringing.)
Ridwan: She can't even take a break? Is she that desperate to leave her home?
(He finally answers.)
Ridwan: Hey... at least take a breath from pressing that phone. What is it?
Hannah: This is very urgent! We had a deal, remember? We don't have much time!
Ridwan: Relax. I've got a lot on my desk right now. I can't leave everything just because of your matter alone. So, chill.
(Hannah goes silent for a brief moment.)
Hannah: (voice trembling with anger) You know what? You've seen my weakness enough. You think I'm helpless... that I'm desperate and hungry for this marriage, right?
Ridwan: (chuckles) Obviously.
(Hannah closes her eyes, trying to hold back her tears.)
Hannah: Alright then...
(Her tone suddenly becomes cold.)
Hannah: Listen to me very carefully. This deal... and this marriage... are over.
(Pause.)
Hannah: You feel so proud because of the little money in your pocket? I'd rather marry a broke white man than marry a proud man with a half-empty pocket like you.
(Her breathing becomes heavier.)
Hannah: I chose you for a reason, but you've just proved to me that you aren't worth it.
(Pause.)
Hannah: The deal is off. The business... and the marriage.
Do have an awful day.
(She ends the call, breathing heavily as tears begin rolling down her cheeks.)
(Ridwan slowly lowers the phone from his ear.)
(Her words replay repeatedly in his mind.)
(His confident expression disappears.)
Ridwan: (whispers) What have I done...?
(He immediately dials her number.)
(No answer.)
(He calls again.)
(Still nothing.)
(Again.)
Ridwan: Please... pick up.
(He begins pacing around the office.)
Ridwan: Please...
(Adam knocks gently.)
Adam: Sir... may I come in?
Ridwan: Come in.
(Adam enters with a file.)
Adam: Here's the file you requested, sir. Everything is ready.
Ridwan: Just leave it there... and give me a moment.
Adam: Alright, sir.
(He quietly exits.)
(Ridwan keeps calling.)
Ridwan: Please... pick up...
Meanwhile
(Hannah sits quietly in the back seat of her car, tears streaming down her face.)
(Her mascara has smeared beneath her eyes.)
(Her driver keeps glancing at her through the rear-view mirror.)
Driver George: Uhmm... ma'am...
Hannah: (wiping her tears) What?
Driver George: I know you're going through a lot, and I understand... but why don't you answer the call just once? Maybe... it might put a smile back on your face.
Hannah: Huh?
(She looks at her phone.)
Hannah: My phone has been ringing?
Driver George: Yes, ma'am. Honestly... it has been louder than your crying.
(At that moment, the phone rings again.)
Driver George: See?
(Hannah quickly grabs it.)
Hannah: It's him!
(She hurriedly wipes her tears, takes a deep breath, and answers.)
Hannah: What is it?
Ridwan: (lets out a sigh of relief) I... uhmm... I just wanted to say I'm sorry.
(Pause.)
Ridwan: I'm sorry for not being considerate... and for always shutting you out.
(Pause.)
Ridwan: How about we meet at the same place and settle everything once and for all?
(Pause.)
Ridwan: When are you coming back to Nigeria?
Or... if you'd rather, I can come over there.
I can be there in about four hours.
(Hannah's expression softens.)
Hannah: Your choice.
Ridwan: Then I'm coming.
Just send me your address, and I'll call you when I get there, okay?
Hannah: Okay.
Ridwan: Alright... thank you.
And... take care.
Hannah: Okay.
(She ends the call.)
(The sadness on her face disappears almost instantly.)
(She jumps excitedly in her seat.)
Hannah: Ahh!
(She accidentally hits her head on the roof of the car.)
Driver George: (laughs softly) Sorry, ma'am. Are you okay?
Hannah: (rubbing her head while smiling) I've never been better!
(She leans forward and hugs him from behind.)
Hannah: Thank you so much, George! It actually worked!
He's coming here to sort everything out!
Thank you!
Oh my God!
I need to get ready.
Take me home!
Driver George: Anything for you, ma'am.
(He starts the car and drives off.)
Back at Ridwan's Office
(Ridwan hurriedly packs his tablet and documents into his briefcase before rushing toward the door.)
Ridwan: Adam!
(Adam quickly turns.)
Adam: Yes, boss?
Ridwan: Come with me.
Also, get the car ready.
We're taking the next flight to London immediately.
I want everything ready.
Adam: Got it, boss.
(He rushes off as Ridwan heads out with determination written across his face.)
--------------
Six Hours Later
London, England
The Ritz Restaurant, Piccadilly
(The heart of London glows beneath the golden evening sky. Luxury cars glide effortlessly through the historic streets while elegantly dressed guests arrive one after another at The Ritz Restaurant, one of London's most prestigious fine dining destinations. Crystal chandeliers sparkle through the grand windows, live piano music drifts softly through the air, and impeccably dressed staff welcome every guest with warm smiles.)
(By one of the window tables overlooking the beautiful streets of Piccadilly, Ridwan sits alone.)
(Dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal black suit, with his signature white and black Muslim cap neatly resting on his head, he carries himself with effortless elegance. A luxury wristwatch rests on his left hand while a tablet lies on the table beside a cup of untouched coffee.)
(He glances at his wristwatch.)
Ridwan: (murmurs) She's taking too long...
(He sighs quietly before looking toward the entrance once again.)
(His fingers gently tap against the polished wooden table while his eyes occasionally wander outside through the crystal glass windows.)
(A few meters away, across the street.)
(A sleek black Range Rover remains parked discreetly.)
(Inside the vehicle, Sofiyah sits in the back seat, wearing oversized designer sunglasses despite the fading daylight.)
(Her eyes remain fixed on the restaurant entrance.)
(Her perfectly manicured fingers tighten around her expensive handbag.)
Sofiyah: (through clenched teeth) Enjoy your little meeting while it lasts...
(Her jaw hardens as jealousy and rage burn behind her calm appearance.)
(Just then...)
(The soft growl of another luxury vehicle echoes through the street.)
(A stunning pearl white Rolls Royce Phantom slowly pulls up in front of the restaurant.)
(The chauffeur quickly steps out and respectfully opens the rear door.)
(A pair of elegant silver heels gently touch the pavement.)
(Hannah steps out gracefully.)
(She is dressed in a breathtaking cream colored designer dress that flows elegantly with every step she takes. A matching long coat rests lightly over her shoulders, while her neatly styled blonde hair dances gently with the evening breeze.)
(Her natural beauty turns heads almost instantly.)
(Pedestrians slow down.)
(Some guests pause their conversations.)
(Even the valet staff steal brief glances at her.)
(Her personal assistant steps out behind her, carrying a leather folder and tablet.)
Assistant: Everything is ready, ma'am.
Hannah: (without taking her eyes off the restaurant) Thank you.
(She adjusts the sleeve of her coat before walking confidently toward the entrance.)
(Her graceful steps echo across the marble walkway.)
(The doorman immediately opens the grand glass door.)
Doorman: Good evening, ma'am.
Hannah: Thank you.
(She walks into the magnificent restaurant.)
(The soft piano melody fills the luxurious dining hall.)
(Her eyes begin searching the room.)
(Within seconds...)
(She spots Ridwan.)
(A gentle smile forms on her lips.)
(Ridwan notices her too.)
(His expression remains calm, though his eyes briefly follow her elegant approach.)
..
(Hannah walks toward Ridwan's table with a faint smile, though the sadness on her face is impossible to hide. Her assistant remains behind, giving them privacy.)
Hannah: (takes her seat) I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. London traffic was terrible.
Ridwan: It's alright. I just got here myself.
(An awkward silence follows as both of them try to keep the atmosphere formal.)
Ridwan: I hope your trip was good.
Hannah: It was... thank you. I hope you're doing well too.
Ridwan: Alhamdulillah.
(Ridwan reaches into his briefcase, brings out a neatly arranged file, and slides it across the table.)
Ridwan: Please, read through it.
(Hannah looks at the file, then back at him.)
Hannah: What's this?
Ridwan: The agreement. Our marriage contract. Read it carefully, and if you're satisfied, sign it. That's all I need from you.
(Hannah opens the file and quietly reads through each page.)
(Her eyes move from one paragraph to another before she looks up at him in surprise.)
Hannah: I honestly wasn't expecting this.
Ridwan: Why?
Hannah: Whatever your conditions may be... trust me, I haven't been dreaming about this marriage either. I'm only on a mission, and once we both achieve what we want, we'll end it after one year. So... don't give yourself butterflies.
Ridwan: (lets out a soft smile) You have no idea how much I don't want this marriage either.
Hannah: (nods) Then the feeling is mutual.
(She signs the last page and closes the file.)
Outside the Restaurant
(Sofiyah watches everything from inside her parked car. Seeing Hannah sign the document fills her with rage.)
(She immediately grabs her phone and dials a number.)
Mrs. Chalse: Hello?
Sofiyah: Mum! Can you believe this? he came all the way from Nigeria just to see her! This is getting really serious. We have to do something before it's too late!
Mrs. Chalse: Calm down, sweetheart.
Sofiyah: Calm down? She's actually signing something with him!
Mrs. Chalse: Don't worry. I've got this. That marriage is not going to happen. Trust me.
Sofiyah: It better not.
(She ends the call, her eyes still fixed on the restaurant.)
Back Inside
(Hannah gently slides the signed file back to Ridwan.)
Hannah: There you go.
(Ridwan opens it briefly, confirms her signature, then closes it.)
Ridwan: Thank you.
(Both of them stand from their seats.)
Hannah: Well... it was nice meeting you. I guess this is an interesting way to begin whatever this arrangement is.
(She smiles politely and stretches out her hand.)
Hannah: My name is Hannah.
(Ridwan looks at her hand, then smiles apologetically.)
Ridwan: If you can remember, I told you the last time we met that I don't shake hands with women.
(Hannah slowly withdraws her hand.)
Hannah: You were actually serious about that?
Ridwan: (smiles warmly) Yes. My religion doesn't permit me to shake hands with women who are not my mahram.
Hannah: (smiles in understanding) I respect that.
Ridwan: It's an honor meeting you too, Miss Hannah.
Hannah: Likewise, Mr. Ridwan.
(They exchange respectful smiles before walking toward the exit, each carrying different thoughts about the unusual journey they have just begun.)
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