February 28

|20|

OCTOBER, 2020.
ASOKORO, ABUJA.

Lockdown was over, and life activities resumed as they were before the pandemic. Both local and international borders had resumed normal operations.

Jaiyana found a new job at an architectural company, all thanks to Anwar. Today was a Monday, and she was all set for work. Her siblings were enrolled in the same new school as El's children, all thanks to him . One thing she was happy about was no longer being the household driver, as they now had many drivers at their service.

Her mother also resumed work, and everything went back to normal. Their relationship remained the same, with only the facade her mother put on when El was around. El continued to be extra nice to them, which made them happy, and they started loving him as a father.

They were currently having breakfast in the dining room. El was with Safna today, so they had breakfast together. He usually spent three days with Safna and three days with Mariya, rotating between them.

"What's the name of the company that employed you, Jaiyana?" El asked, initiating a conversation.

"M & Co, Daddy," she answered.

"That's nice. I've heard of them before. They're a new company but have achieved a lot. May success be with you," he said, smiling at her, to which she smiled back.

"When is your appointment, Sweetheart?" he asked, directing the question at Safna which made Jaiyana cringe. She still wasn't used to them calling each other with endearments.

"By 10 am, In Sha Allah Honey. . I've been feeling nauseous for the past three days," Safna answered weakly. Jaiyana's fork stopped midway to her mouth. She silently prayed her mother wasn't pregnant. Although she's still young and hadn't passed the stage of having babies, it will still be embarrassing seeing her carry the child of another man who isn't their father.

"Subhannallah, we will go together. May Allah grant you shifa," El said, entwining his and Safna's hands, which made Jaiyana shudder. These old couple with their unnecessary Pda, (public display of affection).
She thought, before bidding them goodbye.

Luck wasn't on her side when she came out of their apartment and met Fahad about to leave for work. She hated encountering him because he had been a pest for the past few months since they moved into his father's house.

Fahad's frown immediately turned to a smile when he sighted her. He trudged to where she stood in the parking lot next to her brand new Porsche El Kabir got for her.

"Good morning pretty Jay." He smiled. He was also undeniably handsome and tall just like his father, but Jaiyana all but found him only annoying.

"Good morning, pretty Jay," Fahad repeated with a charming smile of his.

"Good morning, Fahad," she returned neutrally.

"I'm so lucky to have run into this beautiful damsel. Thank you Allah." He dramatically said making Jaiyana to roll her eyes.

Before Jaiyana could react, Fahad occupied the passenger seat in her car.

"What the heck, Fahad?" Jaiyana gritted.

"Hmm, today's ride to the office will be amazing," Fahad said, taking a bubble gum from the car.

"What are you doing? And get your legs down," she said, annoyed gesturing at his perfectly fine long legs crossed on her dashboard.

"Come on, Jay, enter the car already. I'm late for work," Fahad whined.

"I'm not taking you to your office. Get out of my car," she said firmly.

"Jay, I'm late for work! Can we just leave already?" Fahad said lazily.

"You know what? You're damn annoying!" Jaiyana yelled and zoomed off in a crazy speed. The uniformed soldiers upon sighting her speed opened the gates wide open even before she neared the gate with drop jaws.

"Whoa Jay! I really don't want to die now, i want to live to see our children . Can you slow down a little?" Fahad smirked infuriating her more.

"Where the heck is the office located?" She annoyingly said while Fahad laughed.

"Don't eat me tigress." Fahad laughed raising up his hands in a dramatic way. "Garki Area 11." He added.

"Be fast about it, i have just ten minutes left, lest i arrive late, and Daddy is going to sue me for that." Fahad said taking hold of the can of pringles from Jaiyana's backpack.

The car came to a sudden halt and Jaiyana snatched the already opened can from him.
"Fahad! Have you gone nuts by any chance? What the heck is wrong with you?!"

After numerous murder attempts by Jaiyana, they finally made it to El's company.

"Thanks for the near-death experience, Jay! I'll be closing up by two, come pick me up early," Fahad yawned lazily.

"You wish! I wasn't the one who asked you to abandon your car at home," she retorted and drove off, leaving a smiling Fahad behind.

***
Due to Fahad's antics, she arrived at the office late, knowing she was in trouble. The boss here wasn't like Anwar, who was always lenient with her lateness.

"Jaiyana, you're late!" Humaira, her co-worker, exclaimed.

"Good morning to you too, Humaira," Jaiyana rolled her eyes.

"Oh, come on, I forgot to say that. But seriously, you're in trouble, Jay!" Humaira said, causing alarm.

"Wait, what happened?" Jaiyana asked.

"The grumpy boss who we've never met, made an unexpected appearance today. He summoned all the newly employed workers into a meeting, and you were the only one absent, Jay. He asked for your name and other information before leaving the boardroom looking very upset," Humaira said, horrified.

"Really? Is he around? I can go in and explain why I was late," Jaiyana replied,in a bored tone that showed how unbothered she was by Humaira's declaration.

"Are you serious, Jay? Didn't you hear what I just said?" Humaira asked.

Jaiyana sighed. "What do you want me to do? The worst he can do is fire me, and I'll be fine with it. I've been through worse in life," she said, unaware that a certain tall, lean figure had overheard her. Humaira, noticing him, gasped and slightly opened her mouth.

Jaiyana noticed her co-worker's tensed reaction and before she could speak, a deep voice interrupted her.

"I'd like to have a word with you, Miss Jaiyana, in my office. First office by the left on the tenth floor," and with that, he left before Jaiyana could even glimpse at him like he wasn't there to begin with.

***

I know the chapter is too short, and I'm really sorry about that 😭. I have a massive writer's block, and I didn't want to leave you guys hanging without an update, which is why I posted.

I might not update soon, so please bear with me 🤲🏻. I need to refresh and think about the ideas I'll bring to you guys. I already have the plot in mind; I just need some time to think about how to put the ideas together. I'd really appreciate it if you guys understand. Thank you. I love you all❤️.

6.5.24🤎.