Chapter 22

Hawa’s POV

Viviane’s daughters took care of our hair, and Viviane offered me a manicure-pedicure session. My nails and feet were thoroughly cleaned. Since I liked henna, a young man who created beautiful henna designs came to apply it on my feet and hands.

It was almost evening when we returned to Kesso’s house. We found her husband at the barbecue with his friends. They had already put the meat on the skewers, and the fire was roaring.

Kesso went to him and kissed him on the mouth. He whispered something in her ear, and she burst out laughing. I approached and greeted them.

“My God, Hawa, I didn’t recognize you,” Mahamoud whistled. “You look stunning.”

He got up and kissed me. “How are you?” he asked.

“I’m fine, and you?” I replied.

“I’m fine now that I see you,” he said with a smile.

“You flatterer. Have a great party,” I said.

“Thanks, you too. I wrote to you, but you didn’t reply,” Mahamoud said.

“Oh, really?” I