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Released23, Aug 2026

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Part 1

I asked his P.A. after they came out to where the cars were parked, waiting for him to come out with his security guards standing by: "I kept calling, he didn't pick up, and I had them check where King landed, but up to now he hasn't been found, but I sent him a message that you wanted to see King." "What did he say?" "No reply yet, Sir." Filled with boiling frustration, AA Kaita got into the car; the P.A. sat in front, and the rest of the security guards got into the other cars. — Fu'ad Hashim

Part 2

A stern, dark woman was descending the stairs dressed in luxury attire—an exclusive Ankara tailored in the grand style of elite, educated women—with a phone in her hand. Just by looking at her face, you could read deep frustration written all over it. Even before she finished coming down, she was calling out loudly to Fu'ad, who was sitting in the parlor drinking tea with a remote in his hand, dressed ready to go to work. He raised his head upon hearing his mother's voice. "Mummy, is everything alright this early morning?" "How could everything be alright? Didn't you see what your foolish, elderly wife did yesterday? That's why right from the beginning I kept warning you against marrying the daughter of an infidel whose actions are known to everyone in this entire town. Now, wallahi, go early and bring back my grandchild before the devilish obsession of her stubbornness brings trouble to the boy. It's better she and her mother, who backs her up, sort it out themselves, because I am certain this time around she has brought upon herself something that will affect their entire family, not just her alone." Putting down his teacup, filled with annoyance toward Fahima, he said to his mother: "Mum, that was actually my intention even without you saying anything. Ever since yesterday when I heard the news about what Fahima did on social media, I intended to go straight from the office today and fetch Salim. I don't know what Fahima is looking for; I think this so-Salled profession of hers is driving her crazy." He hissed and stood up. "No, there is no question of waiting until you leave the office—how can you wait until evening? Do you know what will happen? Right now, I want you to first stop by her house and bring him back." "Mum, Salim is in school right now, it's past 9 AM, and I know Fahima is also at her office by now." "Just go to the house first and make sure. If they aren't there, go all the way to the school and pick him up." He simply said "Okay" and walked out of the parlor. In truth, he loved Fahima deeply, which is why up until now he couldn't bring himself to care for any other woman—in fact, women in general didn't interest him—but he was baffled by her stubbornness and fixation on matters like hers. Furthermore, no one could stop her from doing what she set her mind to; she would always follow through. As he entered his car and drove off, he muttered to himself alone.

He parked at the front of the house and saw the small gate door open, along with Fahima's car inside the compound. He was surprised, not expecting to find her at home, but then thought maybe she didn't take her car out today because he knew that barring a very solid reason, nothing would stop Fahima from going to work. He raised his hand to knock on the parlor door when he felt it push open. He was very surprised; even before finishing his entry into the parlor, he caught sight of her lying sprawling on the floor near her bedroom door. He rushed over to where she was, lifted her into his arms, and called her name repeatedly while she lay completely breathless. He was utterly disoriented and didn't know what to do, especially since there was no sign anyone else was in the house. Where was Mami? Where was Salim? He asked himself these questions, knowing no one would answer. Just as he was about to lift her, he spotted her phone lying off to the side. He picked it up to see if there was anything, only to find it completely shattered into tiny pieces. Thus, he carried her outside to where he parked his car, placed her in the back seat, and drove at high speed while glancing back at her until he reached the nearest private hospital, where nurses rushed out, placed her on a stretcher, and hurried her into the emergency unit.

He paced back and forth alone in intense distress over Fahima's condition, feeling a renewed wave of deep love and sympathy washing over him. He silently prayed for her recovery because he did not want to lose her; he alone knew how much their separation hurt him, though he had endured it because he wanted her to realize her faults regarding how deep she plunged into her work, constantly putting herself in danger despite being a woman and a mother. After about 40 minutes, the doctor came out accompanied by two nurses. Fu'ad cornered the doctor with questions about Fahima and whether she had regained consciousness. "Follow me to my office," the doctor simply told him. With heavy legs, he followed behind the doctor, filled with fear about what he would be told concerning Fahima's condition, as he began to lose hope based on the expression on the doctor's face...

Part 3

Abia State

Every corner of the parlor was as dark as night despite it being daytime—around 1:20 PM—making it impossible to distinguish the people inside except for a dim red light, accompanied only by the sound of rising voices. "Why didn't you show up when we called a meeting last night?" one of the seated men asked in English. "Boss, please forgive me, I was in deep confusion yesterday." A chilling laugh echoed, and the one addressed as the boss said: "You were in confusion, while we are in joy, and you too must rejoice over the return of King. We are going to give you a second assignment to bring King back among us, but this time it should be different from the first. The organization desperately needs King back by any means necessary. The success of the organization grows with King's proximity to us, especially since his wife's time is almost up—only 12 days remaining. So we seriously need King before that time runs out. Try your absolute best and bring back our King to us." All the men in the parlor burst into laughter...

Part 4 (Excerpt 6)

Return of the King by Aphserteen Khairee (Condolence message to fellow author Nanatou...)

6 — Fu'ad Hashim "What is your relationship with the patient?" the doctor asked Fu'ad after finishing his paperwork, looking up and removing his white-framed glasses. "I am her husband." The doctor stared at him for nearly 4 seconds before saying: "Now, you as her husband, how could you allow her to fall into such a terrible condition? Where were you while your wife suffered a serious heart attack, and what happened that put her in such severe shock that, had it not been for God sparing her remaining days, we would be talking about something else right now?" Fu'ad clutched his head in deep anxiety upon hearing Fahima's condition and said: "Forget all that, doctor, what is her condition right now?" "Hmmmm, you have to be very, very careful sincerely if you want to save your family's life, because right now she is in the worst stage and anything can happen to her if she continues to be subjected to stress, as she has suffered a severe heart attack. However, we tried our best, and with God's help, her breathing has stabilized. Everything will be fine, insha Allah." He handed him a paper and said: "These are the things required." "Okay, doctor, thank you very much, but can I see her please?" "She is still unconscious, we gave her a sleeping injection so she needs some rest, but you can peek at her." "Okay, thank you, thank you, doctor."

After stepping out of the doctor's office, he headed to the room where she was admitted. With an oxygen mask over her nose to assist her breathing—which still hadn't normalized—tears immediately welled up in his eyes out of sympathy for her condition, confirming his worst fears. Her not listening to him had brought this upon her. Salim and Mami flashed through his mind. Though Salim was at school, what about Mami? And what happened in the first place? Definitely, something was fishy. "KING," he uttered in terror, eyes wide. He rushed out of the room quickly, headed to where his car was parked, sped out of the hospital, and drove furiously until he reached Fahima's house. He didn't even bother parking properly or locking the car as he hurried into the house, shouting names: "MAMI! SALIM!" as he entered the parlor. With profound shock, his eyes went wide and he let out a piercing scream: "MAMIIII..."

His entire body began to tremble in utter panic. His heart felt like it was tearing apart as he gasped for twin breaths, rushing over to where Mami lay in the middle of the parlor in a pool of blood, emitting a painful, agonizing groan, her lips trying to utter something with a knife plunged straight into her abdomen. She raised her hand with difficulty, reaching out toward Fu'ad. He knelt beside her in the blood, completely paralyzed and not knowing where to start as his entire body shook. "Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un," he muttered continuously, his trembling hand reaching toward the knife stuck in her stomach. As he leaned closer, he felt as though she was trying to speak. He brought his ear right to her lips and heard her say: "Kin..." Before she could finish, death took its course. Just as he tried to pull the knife out, he heard: "You're under arrest!" from behind him. Startled, he turned around to see police officers surrounding the parlor, all pointing their guns at him. "Wallahi it wasn't me, Allah it wasn't me!" Overwhelmed by sudden, unannounced catastrophe—and knowing Fu'ad was the ultimate coward—he immediately burst into loud, weeping cries, calling out: "Mummy, wallahi I didn't kill her!" They paid no attention to him, slapped handcuffs on him, and shoved him into their vehicle. He screamed continuously, calling out Mummy's name, insisting it wasn't him. Neighborhood residents crowded the street upon seeing the police vehicles.

Part 5

KING After coming out of the mosque attached to the house—accompanied only by Zaki, some Muslim guards, and the compound security guard who led the prayers—he walked into the parlor with Zaki behind him. After taking his seat, Zaki, who remained standing, said: "AA Kaita's P.A. has been calling me with about 15 missed calls and a message saying AA wants to see you." King picked up the remote, browsing channels on the TV, and said: "Arrange everything, we are having dinner there today." "Okay," Zaki simply said and walked out of the parlor. King himself got up less than 10 minutes later and went upstairs.

30 minutes later, Zaki returned with an expression of anger and went upstairs to King's room. Knocking on the door, King—who was seated on the cushions holding the Qur'an—told him to enter. "I just saw news circulating on social media about the murder of Fahima Aliyu's mother, and supposedly her ex-husband is the prime suspect, caught red-handed over the body." King laid the Qur'an aside and said: "What? When, and where, and where is Fahima Aliyu herself?" "I don't know yet, but we will investigate now, Insha Allah." "And what are you waiting for? Quick." "Okay," Zaki said and hurried out of the room. King clutched his head. He had known for sure that a trap was set for Fahima, which was why he wanted her to tell him the truth, but she had chosen to hide it from him. "Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un," he kept murmuring with deep concern and sympathy for Fahima. He knew the life of a pure, innocent girl was in danger because of him, and now she had even lost her mother. "Ya salam, what do these people want from me? Why do they drag the lives of innocent people into my affairs? Why?" He asked himself questions that had no answers. A hot, fierce breath escaped him as Aliyu's chest heaved, his eyes turning bloodshot red. In a terrifying, menacing voice, he said: "I must chew the gravel so the date seed will be afraid. You guys have made your own moves; now it is King's time. Now you will know that the real King has returned..."

Part 6 (Excerpt 7)

An old enemyUnguwan Gangare The next day, in a low-income neighborhood where King built his magnificent mansion right in the middle of a working-class area, his presence transformed the neighborhood into one of the most respected and desirable places to live. He had upgraded the area right from the entrance all the way out to the main highway expressway, paving roads with asphalt and constructing proper drainage so water wouldn't pool on the roads like it used to. Consequently, residents saw their businesses and capital grow. His house sat right in the middle of the street; stepping inside, both the gate, paint, and everything else were finished in milk color with gold touches. Describing the beauty and layout of the house would be a waste of time, but the reader can picture it. The house held deep historical significance in King's life, housing every image of past experiences—both the sweetest memories and the most horrible moments. Today, he had returned to live in it for a second time without the people he built those memories with, yet carrying memories that would never fade from his heart.

He sat alone at their luxurious family dining table eating breakfast while Zaki stood nearby briefing him on yesterday's operations. He laid down his spoon, grabbed a tissue to wipe his mouth, checked his wristwatch, and asked: "How is her body?" "She has regained consciousness, but she is still in shock, so I had the doctor give her another sleeping injection." "Ensure strict security is placed where she is. Did you reach the officer in charge of the case?" "Yes, I'll be handling the case now." "Good," King said, stepping past him toward the parlor exit. As he stepped into the compound, his guards stood up; cars had already been arranged, and they were just waiting for him. Just as he was about to enter a car, he heard commotion near the gate. Without worry, he entered his car while Zaki sat in front and the driver started the engine. As the gatekeeper swung the massive gate open, he spotted a woman accompanied by her security guards and two young women trying to push through, crying to see King. He told the driver to stop. It was Fu'ad's mother and her two younger daughters. Lowering the window glass, he motioned for the guards to let them approach. Weeping, Hajiya Hawwa hurried to the window where King sat and said: "Please help me, wallahi I know Fu'ad could never commit murder. Please help ensure nothing happens to him; he is my only support since his father passed away, I have no one else besides him. For the love you have for the Prophet, please have this accusation dropped. Wallahi he wasn't even with Fahima, it was just a thief's unlucky footprint." She finished in tears while her daughters held onto her, also crying. He felt their cries deeply inside his heart; it all felt wrong, and it was entirely his fault. He was the one who brought innocent people into distress. His return had not brought blessings to his people; instead, because of his return, a daughter had lost her mother, and a mother was facing the threat of losing her son. He clutched his head in anguish and frustration. He alone knew the burning pain in his heart; right now, he himself needed someone to bring his grievances to for peace of mind. Another voice inside him whispered: Remain a resilient warrior, and use your name as King to challenge every single obstacle standing in your path, including those that will confront you in the future. He released a heavy sigh, raised his bloodshot eyes—now bare without his sunglasses—and looked at Fu'ad's mother: "Mama, calm your mind, insha Allah your son will come out safely, nothing will happen to him, I promise you that." She began expressing her gratitude with relief and comfort. He gave a forced smile as the driver pulled away, leaving the street. Everywhere they went, crowds shouted: "Sai kai! Sai kai!" with his campaign posters plastered everywhere.

Part 7

AA Kaita He paced back and forth inside his office while his P.A. stood by in deep dread. Angrily, AA said: "So, he still has the guts to come out and contest as governor despite all the rumors spreading about him?" "Yes, of course," came the reply. Suddenly, he turned around upon hearing the voice of someone he least expected to see at this time and right inside his office. It was King, standing with Zaki and two of his guards. He looked completely transformed, enhanced in beauty, majesty, and striking presence. He looked so changed, unlike the King he used to know, not like the companion they grew up with. An overwhelming aura surrounded him, leaving AA standing frozen like a statue until King walked forward with pride and elegance right up to him. Before AA could react, King pulled him into a hug, tapping his back. "I miss you, friend," he whispered in his ear. Only then did AA muster a tiny bit of courage, masking his shock: "Miss you more, am glad you're back." King released him with a meaningful smile. "Bismillah," AA said, pointing to the cushions set aside. After they sat, AA looked at the P.A. and Zaki and said, "Excuse us." The P.A. walked out after greeting King. Though bewildered seeing King in his Excellency's office, he didn't want to leave, wanting to see how things would play out. AA turned, noticing King's guards and Zaki hadn't left, and looked at King. King simply gave them a look, and they stepped outside, except for Zaki who stood his ground. "So what are your plans?" AA asked King. "I'm sure you saw the first step," King replied without looking at him, picking up the glass cup AA had poured a drink into, and taking a sip. Struggling to compose himself, AA said: "Why did you choose to change parties, knowing this seat is yours and I am ready to step down?" King gave a short smile, fixing his gaze on AA like someone trying to read something for nearly 10 seconds before saying: "May God grant success to whoever has the fortune. Best of luck." As AA prepared to speak further, they heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Knowing it was Zee, AA looked up in frustration and saw her staring fixedly at King, whose eyes were on his phone though his attention was with them. The fragrance of her perfume announced her arrival. She wore an exquisite red gown with a light scarf draped over her shoulder. Her face glowed like a 15th-night moon with breathtaking beauty. A striking smile crossed her face as she walked up to AA and gave him a peck. Zaki cast a single glance at Zee and turned his attention back to his phone. She walked all the way to King's seat and said: "Welcome back, my King." She sat right beside him on the sofa he occupied. King glanced up and flashed her a killer smile while feeling her brushing against his body, but kept a straight face. A wave of elation washed over her, seeing that today King hadn't brushed her off or ignored her as he used to do before she openly displayed her obsessive intentions—something even her husband knew about. "Thanks, Zee. Hope you are all doing well?" She batted her eyelashes with flirtatious charm, while AA felt like strangling them out of sheer jealousy. Zee replied: "We're doing alright, my King. We missed you a lot." King stood up without looking her way again, extended his hand to AA, and said: "Friend, I must be heading back, I have a lot to do." "Okay, I will drop by later tonight." They walked out together with Zaki trailing behind, while Zee remained seated on the sofa, lost in her own thoughts. As soon as they hit the road, Zaki said: "You have a meeting with journalists where they will ask you questions regarding your gubernatorial election."

Summary

In this gripping political and domestic thriller, the narrative weaves together multiple intense plotlines:

  • The Political Rivalry: AA Kaita is growing increasingly frustrated and paranoid as his former friend and rival, King, returns to the political scene, switches parties, and poses a major threat to his gubernatorial ambitions. Meanwhile, AA's wife, Zee, remains infatuated with King, much to AA's intense jealousy.
  • The Domestic Tragedy: Fu'ad Hashim faces relentless pressure from his mother regarding his marriage to Fahima Aliyu, an ambitious professional whose demanding career causes friction. While Fahima suffers a severe heart attack due to overwhelming stress, a dark tragedy strikes at her family home: her mother is brutally murdered. Fu'ad arrives at the scene to find her dying and is immediately framed and arrested by the police.
  • The Underground Forces: Mysterious criminal networks in Abia State are desperate for King's return to their fold, counting down the days (12 days remaining regarding a crucial deadline tied to his wife) and orchestrating high-stakes traps that directly entangle innocent lives—including Fahima's family.
  • King's Quest for Justice: King realizes that Fahima and her family have been caught in a trap meant for him. Infuriated that outsiders have brought violence to innocent lives, King steps out of the shadows, ready to reclaim his power and show that the "real King has returned."

Description

The story is set in a vibrant yet politically volatile Nigerian urban setting, transitioning between elite offices, working-class neighborhoods (Unguwan Gangare), and private hospitals. It features rich character dynamics:

  • King: Charismatic, powerful, deeply feared, and fiercely protective, returning to reclaim his domain.
  • AA Kaita: A politically entrenched figure struggling to maintain his grip against King's rising influence.
  • Fu'ad Hashim: A timid, well-meaning husband caught between a demanding mother, a fiercely independent career-driven wife (Fahima), and an unsparing frame-up for murder.
  • Fahima Aliyu: A brilliant professional whose dedication to her career inadvertently pulls her into a web of danger, culminating in devastating personal loss and a severe medical crisis.

Comments

  • Pacing & Tension: The author (Aphserteen Khairee) expertly builds suspense by intertwining high-stakes political maneuvering with gut-wrenching domestic tragedy. The sudden murder of Fahima's mother and the wrongful arrest of Fu'ad raise the emotional stakes significantly.
  • Character Complexity: Characters like Fu'ad evoke deep sympathy due to their helplessness against systemic traps and familial pressure, whereas King commands authority and presence whenever he enters a scene.
  • Themes: The story heavily explores themes of power, betrayal, the collateral damage of political vendettas, and the struggles of modern professional women caught in traditional and hazardous expectations.

Conclusions

The chapter concludes on a resolute note of impending confrontation. With Fu'ad unjustly jailed for a crime he didn't commit, Fahima incapacitated in the hospital, and King realizing the full extent of the conspiracy against those connected to him, the stage is set for a massive reckoning. King's declaration that “the real King has returned” signals that the upcoming political and personal battles will be uncompromising, dramatic, and high-stakes.

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