She knew Nadia was quite aware of all her secrets...

She knew Nadia was quite aware of all her secrets, so she thought it best to control her feelings. Fitnah told herself, 'What a poisonous serpent she is! She blackmails me with what she knows about me. I am a coward! Why should I fear her? What can she say? Men and women have the same rights. Why should I fear a scandal? Everyone around me lives scandalous lives. Yet I do fear one thing, my husband, Hamid, who is unaware of the extent of my mischief.

He is the only source I have of wealth and riches... Money dominates everything and can overcome all obstacles. Hence, I must tolerate Nadia's devilish challenge. I know what her looks mean. Hamid stays at home for her own sake! I should have fired her long ago, before it became too late. Anyway, she is my maid and it is my own mistake. I should go to Hamid's room.' Fitnah put on an expensive silk robe and entered her husband's room without knocking on the door, in order to catch him by surprise.

She found him relaxing in a comfortable chair. Soft music was playing. "Oh, what a surprise to see you! I thought you were ill", Fitnah exclaimed. Smiling. Hamid asked, "What makes you think so? I am quite well." "But you have not left the house for two days. This is not like you." "How can you say that? You are always the first to leave and the last to come home," Hamid told his wife.

Fitnah then asked, "Is it possible that you spend all the time in the house?" Hamid replied, "Well, nights are enough for me!" "Oh, Hamid, you irritate me by your indifference!" "Do I? Anyway, lately I have found that I prefer to stay at home." "How do you spend your time?" "Reading books and listening to the news." Fitnah laughed, "That is wonderful! Since when do you read books and listen to the news?" "Oh, you do me a great wrong.

Am I so stupid and uninformed?" "Now, be frank and tell me why you are really staying at home more often than usual." "I told you, I have always done that." "But why?" Hamid said, "I have some important matters to take care of here." Fitnah said, "Now, speak out; do not make me nervous. What are these important matters?" Hamid asked, "Why should you be upset about them?" Fitnah replied, "Of course, I know what you are talking about, but I want you be honest with me." "Have you been frank with me?

"Hamid asked his wife.