Affairs Of The Hearts |✅

61| Busted...

Abuja, Nigeria.

"Yes, take them to the CFO," he addressed firmly, and the secretary nodded. Just as she was about to leave, a woman stormed into the office, her presence blazing like a tigress.

"How dare—"

"Go and do your work, Rose." Jalal's calm interruption was enough; Rose shot a glare at the intruder before leaving the office, obedient to her boss's commands.

"You do know that wasn't the right way to enter someone's space, young lady," he stated in a cool, measured tone, not even glancing in her direction. His voice, though calm, radiated power and authority, causing a chill to run through her. Not only Nabila—many shivered in the presence of Jalal Abdurrahman Marshall, a man whose commanding nature was almost a force of nature.

All the anger she'd brought with her dissipated like smoke. She cleared her throat and made herself comfortable on one of the plush visitor's chairs in his grand, opulent office, which radiated a refined wealth.

"Um...when will you finally acknowledge me, Mr. Marshall? I'm tired of sending signals. By now, you should know that I, Nabila Muhammad Safaana, am totally and madly in love with you," she declared with a huff, earning only a dry chuckle from Jalal.

He knew who she was and much more. He knew her family, her parents, her relatives, their secrets—all of it. Since their first encounter at Jalilah's school, he'd known she was from the Safaana family, but he chose to act indifferent to keep her from becoming a nuisance. Alas, she became just that.

He looked at her, deciding it was time to end this. What he was about to say would rid him of her once and for all.

"Nabila Muhammad Safaana, eldest child of Muhammad and Fareeda Safaana, both hailing from Katsina State, Safaana local government. You're twenty-eight, sassy, and heir to your father's empire. You're the elder sister to Aslam and Iman, Abuja's top sugar baby to wealthy politicians who are all at your beck and call, and best friend to Mahiya Kabir, daughter of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. You're currently involved with the Accountant General of the Federation, serving him your 'special services' in exchange for a generously padded bank account. And, lastly, you're cousin to Binafa Kabir Safaana," he finished, bitterness heavy in his tone.

Nabila's mouth dropped open in shock. How did he know all this? Even the darkest details of her private life? She was horrified—her shot with Abuja's most eligible bachelor was over before it began. Her father had told her earlier that he couldn't fulfill a promise he'd made to her, and she'd left home in a storm, thinking her plan with Mahiya would win him over. Now, humiliated, she regretted ever taking the path she did.

Maybe, just maybe, he might have considered her as a wife.

Jalal remained calm, a smirk touching his face. He knew she hadn't anticipated this. He could see her regret. What she didn't know, however, was that even if she'd been as pure as a newborn, he'd never consider her. First, because she was a Safaana, a family that had destroyed him. And second, because he loved his Jewel—his heart had no room for anyone else.

"Um...I...how—"

"Can you please leave my office, Miss Safaana, or should I call security?" His calm voice sent shivers through the usually unshakable Nabila, who commanded men young and old alike.