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CHAPTER ONE


The family's modest neighborhood was a picturesque blend of simplicity and warmth. Tucked away from the bustling city, it possessed a unique charm that drew people together. Rows of cozy houses, each with its own distinct character, lined the streets, adorned with colorful curtains and well-tended gardens.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the neighborhood, the small kiosks that lined the sidewalks came to life. These makeshift stalls were the heartbeats of the community, offering a variety of goods, from fragrant spices and fresh produce to handmade crafts and toys. Shopkeepers greeted passersby with welcoming smiles, their voices animated in lively conversations with customers haggling over prices.

The houses, though modest in size, radiated a sense of comfort and familiarity. Wooden fences, adorned with blooming flowers, separated the neatly manicured front yards from the sidewalk. Children's bicycles leaned against porch railings, waiting for their young riders to return from their adventures.

The serene environment was often interrupted by bursts of laughter from children playing tag on the lawns or riding their bicycles down the winding streets. Pets barked and chased after tennis balls, adding to the joyful commotion. Yet, even in these boisterous moments, there was an undercurrent of harmony, a shared understanding that this was a place where families thrived together.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the neighborhood, a sense of tranquility settled in. It was a community where everyone knew each other's names, where bonds were forged not only in times of celebration but also in moments of solace.

And within this idyllic yet occasionally boisterous neighborhood, the close-knit family of Aisha, Safna, Khadija, and Abducent was about to share a moment that would forever change the course of their lives.

In the cozy living room of their modest home, Aisha, a loving mother with a warm smile, sat with her two daughters, Safna and Khadija. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. They were engaged in a lively conversation, sipping tea and sharing stories from their day.

Aisha asked, her eyes twinkling with motherly curiosity, "So, Safna, how was school today? Any exciting news from your friends?"

Safna, a bright-eyed teenager with a penchant for art, eagerly launched into tales of her school adventures. Her younger sister, Khadija, listened with rapt attention, occasionally chiming in with her own anecdotes. The laughter and warmth in the room were palpable, a testament to the strong bond shared by this family.

As they exchanged stories and jokes, the door swung open, and Abducent entered, his demeanor somber and burdened. The cheerful atmosphere instantly dimmed as Aisha noticed the sorrow etched across her son's face.

Aisha's voice trembled as she asked, "Abducent, what happened? Why is Zainab here?"

Abducent took a deep breath, his voice cracking as he began to narrate the tragic events that had unfolded that day. "Mom," he said, his voice quivering, "it's a nightmare. You won't believe what I'm about to tell you. It's about Musa and Adam."

His mother's face paled, and she clutched Zainab closer to her chest. "What happened to them?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Abducent continued, tears welling up in his eyes. "The gardener of Musa's father, a man named Felix, he... he killed them. Both Musa and Adam. It was a horrifying scene."

As he spoke, Abducent recalled the gruesome details of that day, how he had rushed to the hospital with Musa, hoping for a miracle. Musa, mortally wounded, had clung to life long enough to share the dreadful truth with Abducent.

"Musa," Abducent continued, his voice quivering, "he told me everything in the hospital before he passed away. He made me promise to take care of Zainab, his disabled 12-year-old sister. She has no one else now."

Aisha's eyes welled up with tears, and her grip on Zainab tightened. She looked at her two daughters, Safna and Khadija, who stood nearby, and they, too, were in tears.

Abducent's voice broke as he remembered the flashback Musa had shared with him, the revelation that shook him to his core. Musa's weak voice echoed in his mind as he recounted the words Musa had spoken in his dying moments.

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In the dimly lit hospital room, Musa's labored breaths filled the air as he whispered urgently to Abducent, "Listen carefully, my friend. It's not just any murderer; it's Felix who did this. He stole something precious from our family."

Abducent leaned closer, his heart pounding. "Felix? Why would he do such a thing?"

Musa's pain-ridden eyes met Abducent's, and he rasped, "Our family's valuable diamond. Felix was desperate. He thought it was the answer to all his problems."

As Musa's life ebbed away, he managed to add, "Promise me, Abducent, promise me you'll find that diamond and ensure justice is served. It's with him... It's worth hundreds of millions... Use it to fulfill my father's dream of building an orphanage home first.. Then you can use the...the... [size=8pt][/size]" Musa gave up.

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Abducent paused, lost in the memory of Musa's words. Felix, the name sent shivers down his spine. He had a mission now, not only to care for Zainab but to uncover the truth about the stolen diamond and bring Felix to justice.

His mother and sisters, unaware of the weight of this new revelation, grieved for the loss of Musa and Adam. Abducent knew he had a long and perilous journey ahead to fulfill his promise to Musa and unravel the mysteries surrounding the stolen diamond.