Neither of them noticed that Suleiman was standing just beyond the doorway.
He had heard everything.
For the first time since arriving at their apartment, he looked genuinely afraid.
Not because Amina suspected him.
Because he realized how close she was to discovering the truth.
Three months later, Malik lost his job.
The transport company that employed him had been struggling for months. One morning, workers arrived to find the gates locked and a notice announcing the suspension of operations.
Malik returned home carrying a cardboard box containing his personal belongings.
Amina knew something was wrong the moment she saw him.
“What happened?”
He placed the box on the floor.
“They closed the company.”
“Closed it?”
“Bankruptcy. They say they cannot pay us until the remaining assets are settled.”
Amina sat down slowly.
“How are we going to pay the rent?”
Malik had no answer.
Within weeks, their savings disappeared. Amina sold her remaining jewelry. Malik visited construction companies, warehouses, and transport firms, accepting interviews for any job he could find.
