𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞

𝟎𝟕 ||- 𝐙𝐚𝐢𝐝

"...and then we'll need to clear customs by Friday...." Lorenzo droned on.

His voice fading into the background as I tuned him out.

I massaged my temples, feeling the familiar tension build up. It's been two weeks already and Charles is yet to get back to me to let me know whether his daughter had complied and signed the contract.

My shoulders tensed and my spine ached. This was the only way that I would secure my position and ensure that I can get what I wanted.

"...sir, are you listening?" Lorenzo's voice brought me back to the present and I remembered that I was in a meeting.

"Yes, continue" I nodded, forcing myself to focus and he proceeded with the hint of skepticism on his face.

"As I was saying, customs clearance by Friday is crucial sir. Any delays will impact-" he got cut off by the buzzing of my phone and I held up a hand to stop him.

"My apologies, Lorenzo" I said and looked at my phone. A strange sense of relief and anticipation coursed through my body as I willed it to pick up the phone.

I dismissed Lorenzo with a nod "Handle everything and give me the details tomorrow" I said and he walked out.

As he exited I released a breath standing up and moving over to my window and pressed the phone to my ear.

"Uncle" my voice came out cold and collected as I waited for his response.

Whether or not she accepted the deal, it would be fine as I can always find a different method to get what I wanted.

But both I and my uncle knew that this was the safest way I could get what I wanted.

"Zaid" my uncle answered in the same monotone voice as me and I could feel the chill from his voice but it didn't faze me.

We were one in the same.

"Whatever it is that you have said to Charles the other night had worked. He somehow convinced the stubborn girl into signing the contract" my uncle's tone was even and leveled.

A pause hung in the air but I felt like the tension had washed away in the river.

A spark of satisfaction ignited within me and I felt my blood heat up "Good. It means we're one step closer" I could sense he nodded at the other side of the phone

"Yes, exactly. All it needs now is you unwavering attention and contribution" my uncle stated.

Silently reminding me of the real reason why we had created this plan.

"Of course, uncle"

Our conversation ended with an unspoken agreement and as I hung up my gaze lingered on the city before I took my seat again to relish in the satisfaction of completing my mission.

As I settled back into my chair, my mind replayed everything that has happened so far and that will happen.

The tension had dissipated and was replaced by a sense of accomplishment.

I leaned back and closed my eyes leaning my head against the head rest of my office chair.

Courtney's compliance was a crucial step, but the real challenge lay ahead. I needed to ensure our plan unfolded seamlessly.

There was no room for error.

Tomorrow was the end of the two weeks Charles had given his daughter to sign the contract and also the day id have her live in my house.

The side of my lip twitched up at the thought of our last meeting which had ended with her slapping me across the face.

I'd never been slapped before.