BETRAYAL IN BLOOD

 Betrayal in Blood

Part 1: The Ultimate Betrayal

Jibba and Malik were brothers—born of the same mother, raised under the same roof, yet destined for a tragic

collision. Jibba, the elder, was a wealthy businessman who had always wielded his money and influence to get what he wanted. Malik, on the other hand, was a humble, hardworking teacher who had built his life with honesty and integrity.

The true tension between them began when Malik married Awa, a stunning woman with a radiant smile that could melt hearts. Jibba, despite having access to countless women, became obsessed with her. It was not love—it was a dark, twisted infatuation.

At first, Jibba tried to bury his desire. But every time he saw Awa, his obsession grew stronger. He began making subtle advances—compliments that lingered too long, accidental touches that were not so accidental. Awa, loyal to her husband, ignored them.

But Jibba was relentless. He showered Awa with expensive gifts, sent her money secretly, and even promised her a luxurious life if she would give in. She resisted at first, but as time passed, she found herself tempted. Malik was loving but struggled financially, and Jibba’s wealth offered an easier life.

One evening, Awa received a message from Jibba:

"Meet me at the Golden Palm Guest House at 8 PM. No one will ever know. Your life will change forever."

Her hands trembled as she read it. Guilt gnawed at her, but Jibba’s words lingered in her mind. She wasn’t planning to betray Malik, but a part of her felt trapped—trapped in a life of struggles, in a marriage where financial burdens weighed heavily on them. Maybe, just maybe, if she met Jibba and rejected him in person, he would leave her alone for good.

Against her better judgment, she went.

The Guest House Meeting

Awa sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress. Jibba leaned against the table, swirling a glass of champagne with a smug smile.

“You’re nervous,” he said, stepping closer.

Awa stiffened. “I shouldn’t be here, Jibba. This is wrong.”

Jibba chuckled. “Wrong? Awa, I’ve done nothing but try to make your life easier. What has my brother ever given you? Struggles? Pain? He doesn’t deserve you.”

Awa’s eyes flashed. “You think money is everything, don’t you? That just because you have more, you can take whatever you want?”

Jibba set his glass down and walked towards her. “I don’t just want anyone, Awa. I want you.”

Awa shot up from the bed and backed away. “I didn’t come here for this. I thought you’d understand that I’m not interested. I thought you’d stop chasing me.”

Jibba’s smile faltered. His eyes darkened. “You’re lying to yourself. If you really weren’t interested, you wouldn’t be here.”

Awa swallowed hard, her heart hammering. She had made a mistake coming.

“Jibba, I love Malik,” she whispered. “I would never betray him.”

Jibba clenched his jaw. “Then why are you still here?”

Before Awa could answer, the door suddenly burst open.

The Confrontation

Malik stood in the doorway, his eyes burning with a fury neither Awa nor Jibba had ever seen before. In his right hand, he gripped a knife.

Awa gasped, stepping back in shock. “Malik—”

But he wasn’t looking at her. His gaze was locked onto Jibba.

“You bastard,” Malik spat. “My own brother?”

Jibba straightened, his expression unreadable. Then, to Awa’s horror, he smirked.

“Malik,” Jibba said, voice calm, “I was just keeping your wife company.”

Malik’s nostrils flared. “Don’t play games with me.” His voice was low, dangerous. “I trusted you.”

Jibba sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Trust? Malik, you don’t even trust yourself. You’re weak. You’ve always been weak.”

Malik took a step closer, his grip tightening on the knife. “You spent months trying to steal my wife, throwing money at her like she was some cheap thing you could buy. And now this? This?”

Jibba shrugged. “If she didn’t want to be here, she wouldn’t be here.”

Malik turned to Awa, his eyes searching hers. “Is that true?”

Awa’s lips trembled. “I— I never intended—” She shook her head. “I came to tell him to leave me alone.”

Malik’s jaw clenched. He turned back to Jibba. “You disgust me.”

Jibba chuckled darkly. “Come on, little brother. Let’s be honest. You were never good enough for her. Awa deserves a man who can give her everything. And you?” He scoffed. “You can barely afford to feed her.”

That was the last straw.

With a roar, Malik lunged.

Jibba tried to step back, but Malik was too fast. The knife plunged deep into his chest, and his smirk turned into a look of pure shock. He gasped, clutching at the wound, blood pouring between his fingers.

Awa screamed.

Jibba stumbled backward, collapsing onto the bed. His breathing became ragged, his eyes wide as he stared at Malik.

“Y-You…” Jibba coughed, blood trickling from his lips. “You actually did it.”

Malik stepped back, chest heaving, the knife slipping from his grip. His hands were shaking, blood staining his fingers.

Awa sobbed into her hands, her body trembling.

Jibba let out one last breath, then went still.

For a long moment, the room was silent except for Awa’s muffled cries and Malik’s heavy breathing. Then—

A loud knock at the door.

“Jibba?” a voice called. “Is everything okay? Guests are complaining about noise.”

Malik’s stomach twisted. If they found him here, it was over.

He turned to Awa, his voice low and urgent. "We have to get out. Now."