After the truth

~22~

Aaron stood ramrod straight as he waited patiently for the elevator. His mind was filled with the past events from the weekend. He almost could not attend work that Monday but he had a meeting with Mr Hussein regarding a contract. He could feel a headache coming in and genuinely, he felt the need to run away from all his problems. He thought of his mother and how she had begged him to put total trust in her and not ask questions yet.

"Aaron?"

He looked up to see Marwa wearing a smile that made her look radiant in her yellow dress and white hijab. She looked absolutely gorgeous and just seeing her made him feel a bit better.

"Is everything alright?" She asked him, stepping aside for him to come in.

"I'm fine now." Aaron replied, giving her what he thought was a charming smile.

Marwa frowned. She didn't seem happy with his response. She suddenly pressed the button to get out at the third floor.

"I'll see you later then. Take care." She quietly told him but he didn't miss the mumbled liar. When did Marwa get so good at reading him?

He sighed, tired of everything. When he checked his watch it was just 9:00am. Should he retire and hand over the company to one of his cousins? Another sigh left his lips.

Finally, his elevator ride ended and he walked swiftly to his office, ignoring the greeting from the receptionist on his floor. His secretary hurried after him with some paperwork in hand. He was irritated by the click-clack sound of her heels. Almost immediately he turned, and she ran into him.

"From here on out, flat shoes only! And 5 feet away from me, always!" He gritted out, gently pushing her away.

He threw his bag over the seats in front and dropped onto his leather chair. He wasn't feeling good at all. He just wanted to sleep and never wake up. Maybe.

"I'm so sorry sir. Mr Hussein has been waiting in the meeting room since 8:30am. I just wanted to inform you and to also give you these documents regarding the subject of today."

"What?" Aaron flew out of his seat. He grabbed the papers from her and hurried out to the meeting room. When he walked in, he was expecting to see the brown skinned Indian man that had been begging him profusely the last time but instead he saw a handsome man that looked eerily similar to someone he knew. He couldn't place a finger.

"Mr Hussein?" He was so confused. "I'm sorry I got here late."

The man in question slowly checked his wristwatch then looked up at him with a half smile. "Its alright. I guess I got here too early. Also, please call me Zayn. I'm not my father."

"Mr Zayn." Aaron nodded, moving over to sit in front of him.

"I'm sure you were expecting my father. Sorry for not giving a heads-up."

Aaron studied the man before him. He was handsome, spoke confidently, had an arrogant air about him but somehow seemed humble. Did Marwa like those kind of guys? He ran his fingers through his hair.

"My father wanted a contract with your company with hopes of preventing his business from going bankrupt." Such a direct guy! Aaron thought.

"I had no idea the business was going bankrupt."

"You just go into business with random people and don't run a check?" Zayn asked, his face twisted into a confused and irritated look. Aaron was speechless.

"How did you get this far? You're so naive." Zayn hissed, flipping through the paperwork Aaron had handed over to him when he entered.

"Mr Zayn, your criticism isn't welcome." Aaron gritted.

"Of course. Back to business." Zayn stated, his eyebrows raised.

"There's a new hotel being built around the Labay area along airport road that's in need of contractors to provide equipment for its construction. That's where your father came in. He pitched and I liked the idea he had, that was why I chose to do business with him."

"What exactly did he pitch? Can I have a minute of such meeting?" Zayn asked, watching the young man before him with keen eyes.

Aaron flipped through the documents in his hand before handing over a three page booklet. Zayn let out a chuckle as he skimmed over the words.

"Let's set up another meeting. This time, I'd be the one to pitch my ideas. My brother will make a presentation. I want you to listen keenly, I'd appreciate that."

An outsider would think Zayn owned the company and Aaron was an everyday worker. He demanded things and although he was slightly irritated by his mannerism and approach, Aaron was impressed.

"Let's do that."

**********
Marwa was surprised to see her big brother at her work place. She teased him about missing her and wanting to see her beautiful face when they saw over the weekend already. Although Zayn played along with her storyline a bit, he later confirmed that their father should have been the one here but Zayn was taking care of things before he returned. Marwa was heartbroken to hear that he would be returning back to Dubai soon but she played it off and acted cool.

Zayn quickly caught on to how her mood had changed and pulled her to him using her hijab. She scowled at him for rumpling her hijab but smiled when he hugged her. It was calming to be in her brother's embrace and she wished he didn't have to go back to Dubai but she understood that most of his life was spent over there. She tightened her hold around him to stop herself from crying.

"I would miss you so much." She mumbled then pulled away.

On the other side of the open reception area on the ground floor was Aaron watching the duo with something burning in his eyes. Marwa waved frantically at him to come over. She didn't understand why he was frowning or in a foul mood.

"You've probably met but I'd like to reintroduce." Marwa grinned, slipping her hands through Zayn's elbow. "This is my big brother Zayn Hussein. Zayn, this is my boss Aaron Siddique."

She watched the men shake with no smile on their face. Alpha males. Marwa scoffed. "He was also my childhood crush." Marwa whispered into Zayn's ears, feeling a little bit naughty.

Aaron felt stupid for feeling jealous but it still annoyed him the way Marwa leaned into her brother, her smile for him and how she whispered into his ears. All the while, the dude was just staring into his eyes.

Marwa's phone went off and a few greetings and talks she excused herself. She had a meeting with miss Camilla Genaro, the actress. Aaron watched her leave wishing she didn't. He let out a low groan, suddenly feeling exhausted. These days, he felt really ill in the heart.

"You like my sister."

He forgot about the annoying brother.

"Yes I do." He said.

He watched the annoying brother size him up.

"Stay away from Marwa."

Aaron scoffed. He had had enough of this guy's crap.

"Don't tell me what to do."

"She's my sister. And you're not worthy of her."

Aaron paused, then glared daggers at him. Perhaps, he was right.

"If you like her, you meet my parents and make it right. Otherwise, get her out of your mind, keep your distance and respect my sister!" Zayn spat, stepping closer towards him.

"Look up Zayn Abdullah Hussein! I'll bend you till you break. It's not a threat, it's a promise. I dare you to hurt her!" He whispered into his ears.

"So, brother-in-law.." Zayn grinned, slapping Aaron's back. "I'll see you around I guess."

Aaron watched his scary smirk morph into a wide smile. This guy is crazy! Is this really Marwa's brother?

"I look forward to getting to know you better Siddique."