The dawn call to prayer rang out. Kendra gently woke Maura with a kiss on the forehead, and the woman immediately opened her eyes and hugged her beloved husband.
“How come you’re already up, Honey? That’s unusual.” Maura loosened her embrace.
“Just this once, let me be the one to wake you up.”
“Oh, I’d love that, Honey.” Maura smiled.
Today, Kendra deliberately decided not to go to the hotel. He chose to relax at home with Maura instead. He felt a little guilty, as though he had betrayed his wife by meeting Alissa and exchanging messages with her all night. Even though they hadn’t done anything inappropriate.
He had wanted to spend the entire day alone with Maura, but Bu Amala suddenly called and asked Kendra to come over immediately. Alissa was being incredibly stubborn. She had insisted that Bu Amala get Kendra to meet with her. Work became his excuse.
If he refused to see her, Bu Amala would surely become suspicious. So Kendra thought it would be better to meet Alissa and explain to her in person that they could never be together, no matter what. Hopefully, this would end the problem once and for all, Kendra thought.
He was forced to lie to Maura, telling her he had a sudden meeting. Though it was difficult, Maura still tried to understand and let her husband leave. She had been preparing lunch for the two of them.
“I’m sorry, Maura,” Kendra said sincerely.
To make up for disappointing his wife, Kendra deliberately whispered something sweet in her ear before leaving. “I love you, Maura.”
Maura blushed shyly. Kendra very rarely said things like that to her. This time, he wanted to wipe the sadness from his wife’s face.
After parking his car, Kendra headed straight for the restaurant. Alissa was waiting in the same place as yesterday. The moment she saw the man she adored approaching, her face lit up.
“You really are reckless!” Kendra glared angrily as he dropped into the chair across from Alissa.
“If I weren’t reckless, I’d never get to see you!” the woman shot back.
“Okay. Get to the point. What is it?” Kendra was losing his patience.
“I’m serious, Ken. I want to convert to Islam, as long as you’re the one who guides me. As my husband, of course,” Alissa said without the slightest hesitation.
“You’re crazy! Religion isn’t something to play around with, Al. You want to change religions just because you want to become my wife? That’s an incredibly narrow-minded way to think!” Kendra’s jaw trembled with anger at Alissa’s reckless words.
They had broken up back then because of their different religions. There had been no other problem. That was the only one—the fundamental difference that could never be reconciled, no matter how much time passed, unless one of them was willing to give in and convert. But neither of them had budged. Neither one had crossed over to the other’s path. Instead, they had decided to break up and agreed never to communicate again.
“Just divorce your infertile wife, then marry me. If you really can’t do that, I’m willing to become your second wife.” Alissa stared sharply at Kendra.
“Astaghfirullah, Al. Do you even realize what you’re saying? Why are you acting so blindly like this? Wake up, Al. You’re beautiful, successful, and independent. There must be plenty of men who would fall in love with you!” Kendra insisted again.
The man tried to remain strong. He couldn’t let himself be tempted. He had come to the hotel to meet Alissa so he could end everything—not to return to her, much less divorce Maura. Never, Kendra thought.
“But you’re the one I want.” Alissa began to pout, displaying her spoiled, clingy side.
“Too late! I already belong to Maura. You were the one who rejected me when I asked you to convert back then!” Kendra grew even angrier.
“I wasn’t mature enough then. The situation is different now. I have the right to make my own decisions about my life, including which religion I choose.” Alissa still refused to back down.
“Enough! Stop this madness! Don’t bother me anymore!” Kendra left Alissa, his emotions in turmoil.
His heart wanted to embrace her, but his reason kept getting in the way. His desire kept urging him to accept her, but logic continued to resist. The most painful argument was the one a person had with himself.
“I’m not giving up! Just wait and see!” Alissa shouted shamelessly.
Damn it! She really had gone crazy! Kendra growled angrily as he shot Alissa a sharp look. He felt humiliated when everyone around them began taking turns looking their way.
Alissa stood tall, continuing to glare at Kendra’s back until he disappeared behind the restaurant wall. She had to get Kendra, no matter what it took.