Chapter 10, Two Stories
As soon as they arrived at the company, Anaya and Zayd exchanged phone numbers before heading in different directions. The large glass doors reflected the morning sun as Anaya walked toward the CEO's office, her heart pounding with excitement. Today marked the beginning of her career, and she was eager to receive her first project.
Stepping inside, she found her father seated behind his large mahogany desk, flipping through some documents. Mr. Abbas had always been a punctual and disciplined man, something Anaya deeply admired.
Hearing her footsteps, he looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.
"Good morning, Dad," she greeted, stepping closer.
"Morning, Anaya." His voice was calm but held a hint of curiosity. "What are you doing here so today?"
Anaya frowned. "Dad, don't you want to see me?"
He sighed, placing the papers aside. "It's not that. I just didn't expect you to be here already. Why leave your husband and come to work?"
"I came with him," she replied simply, her curiosity piqued by his unusual questioning.
Mr. Abbas look at her thoughtfully. "Hmm. Call him."
Anaya blinked. "Call who?"
"Zayd."
She gave him a suspicious look but obeyed, pulling out her phone and dialing Zayd's number. What is he up to?
It didn't take long for Zayd to arrive. As always, he looked composed, his expression unreadable. He greeted Mr. Abbas respectfully before glancing briefly at Anaya.
"Sit down, Zayd," Mr. Abbas gestured toward the chair beside Anaya.
Once they were seated, he folded his hands together and studied them both. "How are you? I hope Anaya isn't troubling you?"
"Dad!" Anaya exclaimed, turning to him with a look of disbelief. "Why would you say that?"
Zayd chuckled, shaking his head.
Mr. Abbas smirked but didn't respond to Anaya's glare. Instead, he leaned forward. "I'm assigning you to one of our biggest anticipated upcoming projects, Anaya."
Her irritation vanished instantly. "Really?" Her eyes lit up.
He nodded. "Yes, but you'll have to start everything from scratch-proposal, planning, execution. I want you to earn this project yourself."
Excitement coursed through her. This was exactly what she wanted-the project she didn't care how.
But then-
"Since this is your first real work experience, Zayd will guide you. He's one of my best project managers, and you'll learn alot from him."
Anaya's excitement came crashing down. She stiffened, shooting Zayd a side glance before turning to her father.
"Dad, why him? He's so strict!"
Mr. Abbas ignored her protest and handed Zayd the necessary documents. "I don't want to hear any complaints, Anaya. Work hard and do your part."
Zayd stood up, flipping through the documents without a word. Anaya huffed, still glaring at her father, who remained completely unbothered.
Dad is impossible! she thought as she grabbed her things and stormed after Zayd.
___
Anaya followed Zayd to his office, closing the door behind her as she stepped inside.
His office was neat, well-organized, and surprisingly comfortable-exactly what one would expect from a project manager.
Zayd gestured toward a chair. "Have a seat."
She hesitated for a second before settling across from him, watching as he leaned back in his chair with his usual composed demeanor.
Anaya narrowed her eyes. Why does Dad always put this man above me in everything? Now, he has to dictate my office life too, not just my marital life.
Without wasting time, Zayd placed the documents between them, his expression unreadable. "Mrs. Anaya, this is my office-please feel comfortable. Congratulations on your first project with us. I won't be doing much for you-I'm only here to guide you. The rest is up to you. You have to prove yourself."
Anaya straightened, keeping her expression neutral. "Okay, thank you," she replied coolly.
Zayd briefly went over the project details, outlining Anaya's responsibilities. He explained that they would need a team, which he would help her assemble, but first, they had to work on the proposal. His tone remained professional, but there was an unmistakable distance, as if he were deliberately keeping their interactions strictly business.
Once he finished, Anaya took the documents and moved to a seat farther away from him. Without another word, she set her focus on the work in front of her.
___
Thirty minutes later, the office door swung open, and Zeenat stepped inside. She paused for a moment, taking in the sight before her. Anaya sat at a desk, deeply engrossed in her work, while Zayd, despite focusing on his own tasks, stole occasional glances at her.
A mischievous smile curled on Zeenat's lips.
"Good morning, brother!" she greeted excitedly, snapping Zayd out of his thoughts.
Zayd blinked, then stood up, his face lighting up at the sight of his sister. "Oh, Zeenat! Morning. How are you, dear?"
"I'm fine, brother," she chirped, then turned toward Anaya with curiosity. "Who is she?" Zeenat asked, gesturing toward the woman at the desk.
Zayd arched an eyebrow. "You don't know?"
Zeenat shook her head.
"That's Anaya."
Zeenat's eyes widened slightly. "Who is she-oh..." She stopped mid-sentence, realization dawning on her face. "That Anaya... my sister-in-law."
For the first time, Zeenat truly looked at Anaya. She had never seen her properly before, and now that she did, she couldn't help but stare.
Without warning, Zeenat rushed toward Anaya. "Oh, Anaya!" she exclaimed, almost startling her.
Anaya quickly stood up, her eyes widening in confusion as Zeenat suddenly pulled her into a hug.
Anaya stiffened for a second before awkwardly returning the embrace. What's happening?
When Zeenat finally let go, she grinned. "I am Zayd's sister. You're so beautiful, dear!"
Anaya smiled, smoothing her clothe. "Thank you. You are too." And she meant it.
Zeenat gasped playfully. "Really?" Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, she turned toward Zayd, who was now seated again, pretending to be busy. "What about him?" She pointed at her brother. "Who looks better-him or me?"
Anaya's gaze flickered between Zayd and Zeenat." Him" she thought instantly but didn't say it out loud. Instead, she simply smiled.
Zeenat pouted. "Tell me, Anaya! You don't have to be shy."
Before Anaya could respond, Zayd rose from his chair and grabbed Zeenat's hand. "Alright, that's enough. Let's go," he said, leading her toward the door.
Zeenat giggled. "Fine, fine." Then she turned back to Anaya. "You're new here, so if you ever need a friend, come to our office on the lowest floor!"
With that, Zayd ushered his sister out.
The moment they stepped outside, Zayd turned to Zeenat with a frown. "What are you doing, Zeenat? Can't you see you were making my wife uncomfortable?"
Zeenat smirked. "Your wife?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "I was making her uncomfortable?"
Zayd sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Zeenat laughed. "Fine, I won't disturb her again." Then she crossed her arms and gave him a mock-serious look. "But you know, now that you're married, it seems like you've already forgotten about me. And it's only been two days!"
Zayd blushed slightly, looking away. "It's not like that, Zeenat..."
She chuckled. "Mmm-hmm. Sure."
They walked toward a nearby desk and sat down.
Zayd's expression softened. "How's your husband? Everything okay?"
Zeenat's quickly nodded. "All is well," she said simply, trying to mask any sign that something was wrong.
Zeenat glanced at her phone and stood up.
"Mr. Abbas is calling me. I have to go," she said, her tone light once again.
Zayd nodded. "Alright, take care."
Mr. Abbas wasn't someone to keep waiting.
With a small wave, she hurried off, leaving Zayd behind.
___
Zeenat went looking for Mr. Abbas, but they told her he was in the conference room.
The conference room? If it was a meeting, why would he specially invite her there? She could only hope all was well.
As she stepped inside, she immediately noticed that almost all her project team, department members, and a few other employees were already gathered.
But the biggest surprise wasn't the number of people-it was who stood at the head of the table.
Mr. Abbas Ahmed, his presence commanding as always.
And beside him...
Zeenat's chest tightened. Rayyan.
So, he was coming to the office after all-yet he hadn't given her the lift she had asked for.
Rayyan wore a crisp navy suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and striking features, making him look even more refined. His expression remained unreadable, yet she couldn't ignore the countless eyes drawn to him-especially from the ladies in the room. Their interest was unmistakable; everyone wanted to leave a lasting impression.
After all, he wasn't just handsome-he was the CEO's son.
Zeenat found a seat at the back of the conference room, trying to steady herself. She sat down beside her office closed friend Mariya, who gave her a reassuring glance.
"As you all know," Mr. Abbas began, his deep voice filling the room, "our company is expanding, and with that growth, we need strong leadership. That is why I'm pleased to announce that Rayyan Ahmed will be joining the company as a senior director, overseeing multiple projects, including the new developments in our real estate division."
A ripple of approval spread across the room. Some employees exchanged impressed nods, while others whispered excitedly about working under the CEO's son.
Zeenat kept her face neutral, even as something twisted in her stomach.
A senior director.
That meant he would be making decisions, leading projects-working closely with all of them.
Her fingers tightened around the pen in her lap. She was already the second lead in one of the company's newest projects. She had worked hard for that position, proving herself time and time again.
She just hoped he would be professional here atleast.
"Rayyan has extensive experience in the industry," Mr. Abbas continued. "I expect everyone to cooperate and work together seamlessly."
Then, he turned expectantly to Rayyan.
After a brief pause, Rayyan finally spoke. His tone was smooth, controlled, and completely unreadable.
"I look forward to working with all of you." His gaze moved across the room, steady and assessing. "Let's keep it professional and efficient."
Rayyan didn't once glance in her direction.
The meeting ended as quickly as it started, and the office buzzed with excitement as employees discussed their tasks.
Zeenat sighed, ready to leave when a voice stopped her.
"Zeenat, stay back, please," Mr. Abbas said.
Her breath hitched. Mariya, who was beside her, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before walking out.
She stayed back as instructed, while Rayyan remained seated, leaning his head against the chair as if he couldn't care less.
Once everyone had left, Mr. Abbas turned to her, then to Rayyan, then back to her.
"How are you, Zeenat? Hope Rayyan is treating you well?" he asked.
Zeenat hesitated before offering a small, polite smile. She didn't know what to say. If she was honest, it would only cause more tension.
Rayyan, however, scoffed. "Dad, why did you stop me from leaving?"
Zeenat's eyes widened slightly.
Oh Lord, what have I gotten married to? she thought. Is he really speaking to his father like that?
Mr. Abbas sat forward, his expression darkening. "Sit properly, Rayyan."
Rayyan straightened, clearly displeased.
"Are you really asking me that?" Mr. Abbas continued, his voice laced with frustration. "It seems like you're getting worse and worse, Rayyan."
A heavy silence followed before Rayyan finally muttered, "I'm sorry."
Zeenat's lips parted slightly in surprise.
Oh, he knows how to apologize? she mused.
Rayyan sat through the meeting with a blank expression, his arms crossed as he listened to his father talk.
"I would talk to you later, Rayyan," Mr. Abbas said, leaning back in his chair. "For now, I want both of you to work closely together, especially regarding your project. Since your team lead is still not yet back, you will be leading the project for the time being, Zeenat."
Rayyan's jaw tightened. Work closely with her?
"Zeenat, please show him to his office and go over the necessary work details with him."
Zeenat didn't say anything to that; it wasn't her job. But Mr. Abbas might be trying hard to link them. She had no problem with that; it was Rayyan she knew who did. She just hoped Rayyan would be more cooperative.
Zeenat gave a polite nod. "Of course, sir."
Mr. Abbas then looked at Rayyan. "Given your experience, I'm sure within a few days, you'll adjust to everything."
Adjust? To this? Working with this girl?
Rayyan held back the urge to scoff. He didn't need anyone to guide him, especially not her.
"That's all for now. You're both dismissed."
"Follow me, please," Zeenat said, her voice steady with a simple smile.
Rayyan hesitated. Just for a second.
She saw how the employees in the room exchanged whispers, their curious gazes flicking between her and Rayyan.
Some were openly gossiping, their expressions filled with speculation.
What is she up to?
What is she doing walking with the CEO's son?
Thankfully, nobody knew he was her husband. Otherwise, she couldn't imagine how the rumors would escalate.
Rayyan on the other hand, His eyes never left her.
She just ordered him, and he had to obey. If not for his father's interference, why on earth would he be taking directions from her?
What kind of spell did she and her brother cast on my dad?
His Office
Zeenat led him to a spacious, modern office.
It was already set up-tidy, organized, and elegant, just as expected for someone of his status.
"This will be your office from now on," she said, turning to him with a polite smile. "Welcome to your office. I hope you like it."
Rayyan didn't respond. He simply walked past her, inspecting the desk and cupboard with a critical eye.
Unbothered by his coldness, Zeenat went to the windows and drew the curtains open, letting sunlight flood the room.
"Good view," she remarked casually, turning back to face him, her smile still intact.
Rayyan still didn't respond or even glance in Zeenat's direction.
She hesitated for a moment before walking to the small fridge in his office. Opening it, she took out a bottle of water and a canned drink, setting both carefully on the tray beside it. Then, with practiced ease, she carried the tray over to his desk and placed it in front of him.
"Would you like this, or do you prefer something hot? I can make tea or coffee for you," she offered softly.
Silence.
Rayyan didn't acknowledge her presence. Instead, he removed his coat and set it aside, revealing the crisp white shirt he wore underneath. Without a word, he lowered himself into his chair and picked up some documents, his expression unreadable.
Zeenat stood still, watching him.
His deliberate disregard for her was more than just frustrating-it was intentional. He wanted her to feel unwelcome, to understand that her presence annoyed him. After all, as he had mentioned before, she made him uncomfortable.
"You are yet to say anything," she finally said, her voice calm.
Rayyan almost forgot she was still standing there. Her persistence was something he had always found frustrating. This woman never knew when to stop.
Lifting his gaze at last, he met her eyes with a blank stare. "Are you done here? Do you need anything?"
Zeenat pressed her lips together, not knowing how to respond.
Am I done? Is this his response? Do her questions mean nothing to him?
She had thought he might need something, that they would be working closely together. How could she be "done" when this was just the beginning?
When Zeenat didn't respond to Rayyan's question after a few seconds, he gazed at her intensely, making her look downwards.
"Leave," Rayyan told her.
Zeenat raised her head to look at him, even more surprised and shocked now. He didn't like her at home, yet here in the office, she had expected him to be more professional.
"Rayyan, can we please-" Zeenat tried to speak, but he stopped her.
"I said leave," Rayyan told her, now with a harsher tone.
Zeenat turned and walked away.