MY BEST FRIEND HUSBAND

The first day of the wedding arrived like a dream.

Anna stood in front of the tall mirror, the ivory lace of her outfit embroidered with gold beads that caught the morning light, her skin glowed from the traditional oil her aunt had applied, and the henna on her hands was still fresh with sweet-scented dye.

Laughter echoed from the courtyard below,it was meant to be the happiest day of her life,

But something sat heavy on her chest.

She tried to shake it off just maybe it was nerves or homesickness, or the sheer pressure of a five-day traditional wedding.

Still, the weight didn't leave.

Downstairs, the courtyard was bustling. The first event the Blessings Day was where families came together to pray, exchange goodwill, and welcome the bride formally into the groom's lineage, it was a day of song, laughter, and promise.

Idris stood tall in his ceremonial agbada, his heart steady, his hands firm.

He hadn't seen Anna yet.

He wanted her entrance to be a surprise.

But someone else stood at the edge of the celebration Bela she is dressed in deep red, with golden threads wound through her hair, she blended into the crowd like a flame waiting to catch.

She greeted uncles, she laughed with cousins, she helped the dancers into line. Everyone adored her presence, she was helpful, lively seemingly the perfect friend.

But her eyes always circled back to one person.

Idris.

When Anna stepped outside, the drums paused. Gasps and murmurs of admiration followed her as she descended the steps.

But even as she smiled, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Idris.

Then, she spotted Bela.

Their eyes locked.

Bela raised her phone and gestured for a photo. Anna smiled faintly and posed, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. Something about Bela's expression felt… too sweet.

As Bela looked at her phone screen, pretending to snap selfies, she angled it slightly pointing toward Idris.

In truth, she wasn't taking pictures.

She was watching Anna's every move.

And Anna felt it.

That heavy thing on her chest? It pressed harder.

That night, back in the bridal chamber, Anna sat in silence, her aunties had left,her makeup was off, her ornaments set aside, but she couldn't sleep.

The shadows seemed darker than they should be. The wind had gone completely still, like the world was holding its breath.

Her phone buzzed.

It was an unknown number.

She opened the message:

"You trust too easily. He still remembers the taste of betrayal."

She dropped the phone, her heart pounding.

Seconds later, another message.

This one included a photo.

Of Idris, from university days.

With Bela on his lap, kissing his cheek.

Anna stared at the image,her chest tightened. It wasn't jealousy, it was the deliberate cruelty behind the message. The whispering in her ear.

Someone wanted to unsettle her, shake her.

She texted Idris.

"Hey. Weird message just came in.

Will show you in the morning. Love you."

He replied seconds later.

"Ignore anything strange.

You and I are strong. I love you."

Anna smiled. But the smile cracked quickly.

Because from outside her window, she heard something.

Footsteps, not fast, not loud,slow, deliberate Circling the house.

She rose, heart hammering, and peeked outside.

No one.

But at her windowpane drawn in the fog of the glass were four words:

"You don't deserve him."