Layla woke up early. She took her bath and dressed up quickly before Mia would arrive to pick a dress for her. As she stepped out of the mansion, Mia rushed in.
Mia looked at her from head to toe in surprise, and she quickly bowed her head, apologizing, "I am sorry for coming late, ma. I didn’t know you were going out early."
Layla beamed lightly. "It’s fine. Picking a dress isn’t hard. Besides, I decided to wear what I am comfortable with."
"You should have called me, ma. I am always at your service." Mia let out in guilt.
"It’s fine." Layla grinned.
Mia stretched out her hand to collect the bag that Layla was holding, but Layla didn’t give it to her.
"Don’t worry, I am going out alone. You won’t follow me around anymore." Layla announced.
"Why ma?!" Mia asked in shock. "Did I do anything wrong?"
"Not at all. You did nothing wrong. It’s just that some things are better done alone," Layla smiled, comforting. "I have discussed it with the chairman, so you don’t need to worry about it. You are still my secretary, but you won’t be going out with me every day. I will let you know when I need your help."
"Okay, ma. There’s no need to ask the president; you are my boss, and I must follow whatever you say." Mia announced.
Layla cracked up. "I’m only your acting boss in public; President Mason pays your salary."
Mia understood Layla, and she didn’t bother to say another word. She scanned the compound, looking for Michael, but she didn’t see him. "Where is the driver, ma? Did you send him on an errand?"
"No, I told him last night to take today off because he isn’t also going with me. I’m going alone." Layla declared.
"But, ma, are you sure there is no problem? If there’s anything you want to do, you can confide in me." Mia was worried.
"Who are you for me to confide in you?" Layla flung a question, and Mia looked down, saying nothing.
Layla beamed lightly and walked toward the parking lots.
"One more thing, ma." Mia said, raising the middle finger of her left hand.
Layla turned to her, asking, "what’s it?"
Mia pointed to the car, saying nothing.
Layla understood what she was trying to point out, and she walked back to her, smiling. "You are worried about the car, right?"
Mia nodded.
"Don’t worry. I am licensed to drive. And even if I don’t have one, I am Theodore Layla. So, who will question me?" She said.
"So, can I go now?" Layla sought permission.
Mia nodded. "Yes, ma. If anything happens or you need my help, let me know."
"Sure, I will." Layla smiled. She veered around and walked to the parking lot.
‘Now, the real mission begins!’ Layla thought to herself as she put her bag down and laid her hand on the steering wheel. She sighed and started the engine, and she drove out of the compound.
Mia watched as the big blue gate automatically closed. She took out her phone from her coat chest pocket and dialed an unknown number, and it didn’t ring twice before the person she called picked it up.
"Hello," the person said.
"Leo, Layla has gone out now, but she didn’t allow me or Michael to follow her. Keep your eyes closed on her and keep me updated about her movements."
"Sure."
She ended the call and returned the phone to her pocket. She looked back at the gate again and walked into the house.
*************
Immediately as Layla drove out of Tribeca, she increased the speed and drove recklessly, like she didn’t need her life anymore.
"Since I have this opportunity, why not use it?" She said this to herself and tried to enjoy herself in a way she felt was right.
She rolled down the car glasses and put her hand out of the window, enjoying the breeze.
"Uh!" She screamed happily.
TWO HOURS, FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER
PROFICIENT INVESTMENT
As Layla drove closer to Proficient Investment, she slowed down, and as she sighted the company at a little distance, her heart began to beat at its highest rate, and she quickly parked the car at the roadside.
"What’s going on?" She wondered, placing her hand on the left part of her chest and breathing heavily.
She closed her eyes and rested her head on the steering wheel for a few seconds. And after she felt relaxed, she raised her head.
"I can do this, right?"
Without giving herself an answer or waiting for motivation to arrive, she started the engine and drove gently into the company. She parked, and to avoid negative thoughts finding their way into her mind, she quickly picked up her bag and sunglasses and got down.
She wore the glass in a stylish motion and held her bag lightly with her right hand, holding the key with her left hand.
She looked at her front and walked into the company, elegantly dressed in a brown coat and trousers that were tight from lap to knee and baggy from knee to down.
She walked a little faster and didn’t bother to respond to greetings until she got to the top floor because she didn’t want the courage that she held in her to vanish before she get Asher.
She entered the top floor, grinning. "Good morning, guys!"
Her voice caught the staff members’ attention at once, and they looked at her. They smiled back at her and responded. "Good morning, ma."
"How’s your night, and how’s today going?" She cared.
"Fine." All the staff except Aria replied.
Aria sighed and answered alone. "All days are the same in this office."
"Is the CEO around?" Layla asked.
"Yes." Aria nodded.
"Okay, I will go see him." Layla said and walked toward Asher’s office.
Aria quickly stood up and walked out of her seat, blocking Layla. "Ma…"
"What’s going on?" Layla looked confused. "I just want to see your boss."
"I know, but..." Aria looked down. She didn’t want to relay Asher’s message to Layla.
"Why are you doing this?" Layla questioned.
Aria breathed deeply in frustration. She closed her eyes and opened them to relay the CEO’s message.
"Actually-"
Before Layla could complete her statement, Asher came out of the office.
"Aria, what's-" Asher faced Aria, but as he sighted Layla, he paused and walked closer.
He stretched his hand forward, confused. "What’s going on here, Aria? Haven’t I ordered you to never allow her into this place again?"
"Don’t worry, your days are numbered," he threatened Aria, shifting his attention back to Layla.
"What are you doing here?"
Layla turned to him properly and bowed her head, smiling. "Good morning, sir."
"What’s good about the morning that you are here disturbing my staff? What are you doing here?" Asher questioned.
Layla ignored his impolite manner and stated, "first, I want to apologize for making my presence inconvenient for you yesterday."
"It’s okay, you can go now." Asher said. His face frowned with irritation at Layla’s presence.
"And also, I want to fix an appointment." Layla said.
"With me or my staff members?" Asher asked.
Layla pointed at him. "You."
Asher chuckled. "Okay, my schedule throughout this year is already filled up and tight, so there’s no space for people of your caliber. Maybe you should come back next year."
Layla beamed lightly. "Next year is fine."
"Then, don’t show up till then." Asher said and turned to his office.
"But do you think things will be like this forever?" Layla threw a question.
He turned back to her, confused. "What do you mean?"
She crossed her hand on her chest and boldly looked straight into his eyes. "I only want to meet you now because of your influence. Have you ever thought you may be nobody by this time next year? Nothing lasts forever."
He chuckled for a few seconds and lightly hit his chest twice with his thumb. "If nothing is the only thing that lasts forever, then I will be nothing."
"Do you think this is the best thing to do?" Layla raised a question in a low voice.
Asher smiled devilishly. "I am never after doing the best thing, I only chase to have the best thing."
She mimicked his smile and loosened her hands from her chest. "That’s why you can’t distinguish between what’s right and wrong, right?"
"Right things were long lost in the world. All we are left with are those things human beliefs are wrong. The world is dark, and no one can light it because it’s too late," he lectured her.
"To survive, I mind my own business and never care about others. I make my decisions and set targets, and to the lucky me, what your kind believes is wrong yields a good result for me,"
He paused for a few seconds and wore a wicked smile. "To me, people like you will never take a step ahead of me in success. You will either beg me to lend you a ladder to climb up to success or appease me to back you there."
Layla nodded, beaming. "Yes, you are right. The world is dark, and it's getting darker every day. And that’s why people like you are living a comfortable life,"
She hit her hand on her chest lightly, declaring, "but I, Layla, won’t leave the world the way I met it."
He nodded. "You still have a lot to learn from geniuses like me,"
"No one has ever left the world the way they met it. Impacts in life are just different. It varies from good to bad." He enlightened her.
"Is this the right way to behave? Why are you the opposite of what people believe you are?" She asked. "Why don't you show the world your true colors and see if they will still love you?"
"Which of your questions should I answer first?" Asher asked in slow motion.
Layla couldn't help but let a surprised sound leave her mouth. "Hun?!"
"Young lady, I am two-faced because I need to be, and even if I show my true color to the public, they will still love and chant my name." He answered.
"Why will they love you?" She queried.
"Because I am rich." He answered with simplicity.
"Money doesn't do it all. Do you think what money can't do doesn’t exist?" Layla questioned.
"What money can't do exists, but what money can't solve is rare," he replied. "If I am in a situation where money can’t take care of it, influence will do a clean job, and I get both."
"What will you do when revenge comes?" She queried.
Asher laughed hysterically in a mocking manner. "Revenge my foot?"
He took some steps closer and whispered. "Weak people like you are the ones who are afraid of revenge. Revenge is my servant, and I order it around. I make it visit and destroy my enemy in place of me."
"One day, revenge might turn its back on you." Layla foretold.
"Yes," he nodded. "But not soon. Not even in this life."
"This isn't right," Layla said.
He smiled cutely, curtsying his head a little. "Thanks for your advice, Lady Layla. You are overstaying your welcome. Please leave."
"But-" Layla wanted to talk, but Asher cut her off.
"If you think challenging me with words will create a space for you here, you are wrong," he declared, warning, "let this be your last time here because I am not interested in being a business partner with someone that doesn’t even know the basic rules of life,"
He pointed to the door. "Should I have the security men drag you out or you will leave?"
Layla snickered. "Drag me? Do you know who I am? I am Theodore Layla. No one can touch me. Do you think your security men will listen to orders that will send them to jail?"
He stared at Layla and gave her a warning. "No matter who you are, to me, you are just an ant. And if you aren't careful, I will step on you, and there is no way you won't lose to me."
"Is this a threat?" Layla asked.
"Yes, it is. And there is nothing you can do to me." Asher beamed.
Layla sighed and fixed her eyes on his. "Then, wait and see. I will show you I am capable of doing what you can never imagine."
"Is this a battle line?" Asher asked.
Layla stomped out of Perficient Investment. She opened the car door and slammed it after she entered.She hit the steering wheel, grinding her teeth. "That son of a bitch! Fuck you!"She breathed heavily for ten seconds, thinking of what to do, but nothing came to her mind. She looked at the company entrance again and started the car to drive out. And as she wanted to reverse, Avery drove in.Layla turned off the car's engine and parked. She watched patiently till Avery parked beside her, and immediately after Avery got out of her car, Layla winded down the car glass."Avery." She called.Avery looked back and smiled, seeing Layla. "Layla."Layla got out of the car and walked to Avery. "Good day. How’s your day?""My days are always the same," Avery sighed, joking, "as the star girl, who directors want in their movies, and with many ambassadorial deals from different companies, It's always busy and stressful going from one show to another."Layla beamed."What about you? What are you
Layla drove to the front of a wooden local restaurant at the city end. She parked the car at the roadside and covered her head with a black scarf. She wore a face cap and used the scarf to cover half of her face before she got down.She walked into the restaurant and scanned the whole room without taking a step, but she didn’t see President Mason."He told me he's here," she whispered. Her face frowned in disappointment.She took out her phone to call his number, but before she could open the contact app, a young, golden-haired waitress who was of the same age as her approached her, smiling.The waitress bowed her head, standing in front of Layla. "The president, right?"Layla nodded. "Yes."The waitress pointed her thumb at the back. "He is waiting for you inside. Come this way, ma.""Okay." Layla curtsied her head. The waitress led, and she followed her.They walked to the restaurant's backyard, and the waitress opened the door for Layla to go inside.Layla took off her heels and en
Layla drove into Perficient Investment with excitement running around her face. She parked in the parking lot and wore her sunglasses. She picked up the file on the back seat and got out of the car, holding the file lightly in her hand. She walked into the company elegantly, raising her chin. She entered the top floor and met only Aria. Aria was placing her hand on the desk. "Good morning," Layla greeted, but Aria didn’t hear her. "Good morning." Layla raised her voice a little, but Aria still didn’t hear her. She walked closer and tapped the desk three times before Aria raised her head from the desk in a shocked tone. "Hun!" Layla beamed. "Good morning." Aria feigned an insincere smile, responding with her voice stammering, "go-od morning." "How’s your day?" She added. "Fine," Layla answered, raising concern in a low voice. "Are you okay?" Aria brushed her hands through her swollen eyes, which illustrated that she cried for a long time. She glittered her face with a smile and
SIX WEEKS LATER Layla walked into Proficient Investment with a different, excited look. Her mood and mode of walking were elegant, and the happiness in her easily ran around her face. She entered the top floor and met Asher having a conversation with his staff members. “Good morning.” She greeted him at the top of her voice. Asher paused his conversation and shifted his attention to her. “I heard you feed the workers with words — congratulations,” he said, smiling. He giggled, adding, “But unfortunately, I am sorry I can’t solve your problem. I can't sponsor the project.” “Why do you think I am here for that?” She asked, crossing her hand on her chest as she bent to the left a little. “I think far. If you aren’t here for that, what other reason will you come for?” He raised a question. “What if I come to tell you I quit?” She asked. “You won’t be here for that. It seems you will rather push to the end than quit, even though you know you will lose.” Asher said. “Shame to the d
Asher arrived in his office, with Aria and Nancy behind him. Nancy quickly walked closer and took off his clothes. She hung it on the shining standing wooden hanger at the left side of Asher’s table and Asher sat down on his seat. Nancy walked back to his front and bowed her head. “I will go and get your coffee, sir.” “Okay.” Asher permitted and Nancy walked out. Aria walked forward, holding a file in her hand. She bowed her head and raised it. “Good morning, sir.” “What’s it?” Asher asked. He picked up a file and opened it. Aria walked forward and placed the file on the table. “Sir, this is the proposal I prepared to defend the Spanish contract.” Asher moved the file closer and paraphrased it. “Is this what you call a proposal? If you are to assign a contract to a company, can this convince you?” “I give you just-” Before Asher could complete his statement, a call came into his phone. He closed the file and picked up the call. “Good morning.” The caller, a Spanish chairman’s
MIAMI MOTEL, NEW YORK CITY. 6:30 pm Asher arrived in front of the Miami motel. It was the oldest motel in New York City and was built in the most local neighborhood in New York City. It didn’t look like a place Asher would go for a simple reason, but if he win the Spanish contract, it will be the biggest break for him ever since he became a CEO. “This place is dirty,” He said silently, looking around irritated. He hissed and looked back. “Why isn’t she here yet?” He constantly looked at his wristwatch every second for twenty minutes, until he was tired of waiting. A part of his mind told him to go inside and visit the chairman by himself, but the other part that convinced him to wait till Layla showed up won. Six minutes later, Layla arrived, holding a food basket in her right hand as she glued a flower bouquet to her chest with her left hand. She stood beside him, looking down. “Let’s go in.” He looked at her from head to toe and scoffed. “Can’t you apologize for coming
After they left chairman Caros’s place last night, Asher was so excited that he decided to pardon everything Layla did to her and he promised to return the favor to her by pleading to President Mason on her behalf.Asher arrived at President Mason’s office, but President Mason wasn’t around. Asher was so busy with tons of work but he waited for President Mason because he wanted to make Layla happy by making him make a big break he would forever be proud of.President Mason arrived in his office an hour later and met Asher pressing his phone.“I am sorry for keeping you waiting.” President Mason apologized as he walked to sit down opposite Asher.“It’s fine,” Asher smiled, putting his phone beside him on the chair. He stood up and bowed his head. “Good morning, sir.”“Morning, son, how’s work?” President Mason inquired.“Fine, sir.” Asher replied and sat down.“Hope there’s no problem? Why did you come unannounced early this morning?” President Mason questioned.Asher beamed, lightly.
Layla entered the local restaurant, President Mason’s hideout, wearing tight jeans and a cardigan, covering her face with a face cap. She looked around and went straight to the room, but she didn’t meet President Mason inside.She dug her hand into the cardigan pocket and took out her phone. She dialed his number, and it didn’t ring twice before he picked it up.“I am in-”Before she could complete her statement, the same waitress from the first day opened the door. She stood in front of Layla and bowed her head.“He is not here, but on the other side.”“Okay.” Layla ended the call and followed the waitress.They turned left and right thrice till Layla was confused and she wondered if she could remember the way out.The waitress stopped in front of the last room at a corner and opened the door. She bowed her head, directing, “go in.”“Okay.” Layla said, looking at the lady suspiciously. She entered the room, taking her steps slowly, one after the other.The waitress closed the door, a