MY BEST FRIEND HUSBAND

Morning came wrapped in tension.

The compound bustled as it always did dancers rehearsed, pots steamed in outdoor kitchens, wrappers were ironed, beads polished. But beneath it all, an invisible wire was pulled taut.

Anna sat upright in bed, weak but aware.

The fever had broken slightly overnight, her eyes were sunken, but her mind was sharp.

Idris hadn't left her side once.

"She's close to slipping," Isioma whispered. "If we don't act today, we might lose her."

Idris nodded. "Today's the third day.

The day of joining. And I'm going to join her in battle, if I have to."

At noon, the guests arrived in a procession of color and music. Chiefs, elders, and family members filled the ceremonial tents. Cameras flashed, plates clattered, speeches were given.

Bela, dressed in a regal maroon lace, glided through the compound like a queen.

All eyes were on her.

She smiled sweetly. Carried jollof and chicken to the elders. Flirted politely with the groomsmen. Even hugged Anna's mother with practiced grace.

But Idris saw through it all.

He stood by the stage,microphones in hand.

When the hall quieted for the traditional groom's speech, he stepped forward and spoke.

"I want to thank everyone who has gathered for this celebration," Idris began. "Today is meant to be the joining of two hearts, two families. But…"

He paused.

The air shifted.

"…today, I need to reveal something. Because this union cannot begin with shadows hiding in the corners."

Whispers rippled through the audience.

"Last night, I received evidence clear evidence that someone here has been poisoning this ceremony. Sabotaging my bride. Endangering her life."

Gasps. Murmurs.

Bela stood still.

Idris raised a hand. "I'm not speaking in riddles."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small recorder. He pressed play.

Bela's voice filled the air.

"She's too weak now… One more night and she won't make it to the fourth day. Then he'll be mine."

A wave of silence crashed over the gathering. You could hear hearts stop. Gasps cut through the crowd like machetes.

Bela's wine glass slipped from her fingers and shattered.

Someone screamed.

Eyes turned to her.

"No... No, this is fake " she said, her voice cracking. "It's not me! That's not me!"

But no one moved.

No one believed her.

Anna's father stood slowly.

"You have brought curses into our home," he said, voice trembling.

"You tried to bury your shame in shadows," Anna's mother said. "But the dead don't stay buried."

Bela turned to Idris.

"Please. You loved me once. You said you loved me

"I did," Idris said quietly. "And you crushed it beneath your foot. You humiliated me when I was nothing. And now… you came to destroy the woman who stood beside me when I was rebuilding."

Bela's eyes filled with tears, but not of regret of rage.

"I made you," she hissed. "If I hadn't hurt you, you'd still be poor. You'd still be small."

"You were never the reason I became better," he said. "You were just the reason I had to."

Security was called.

Bela was escorted out of the compound kicking, screaming, still protesting.

The elders quietly burned the wooden charm found hidden beneath Anna's bed.

A spiritual leader came that night to cleanse the compound.

Anna was bathed in sacred water, her fever broken, her skin glowed again,her voice returned, her strength came back slowly.

That night, Idris and Anna sat under the stars. No music. No noise. Just wind, and healing.

"She's gone," Anna whispered. "Really gone."

"Yes," Idris said, kissing her hand. "And now, she has to live with what she became."

Anna closed her eyes. "But what if she comes back?"

Idris didn't answer right away.

He looked out into the dark, then back at her.

"If she does," he said softly, "we'll be ready."