Who is Leila?

Unsettled Doubts

Mark leaned back in his office chair, staring at the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. It was a crisp, clear day, but his thoughts were anything but clear. His mind kept drifting back to Leila. There was something about her, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

He sighed and tapped the intercom. "Sarah, can you come in for a second?"

A moment later, the sharp click of heels echoed down the hallway, and Sarah entered with her usual confidence. Her tailored blouse and skirt hugged her figure as she walked in, her dark eyes sharp and curious.

"You called, boss?" she asked, with a teasing smirk.

"I want Leila to go to the AI conference," Mark said, his voice calm but firm.

Sarah blinked, surprised. "Leila? You mean the new girl?"

Mark nodded, his gaze distant. "Yes. I know she's new, but she comes with a lot of experience in the field. I think it would be good for her to get more familiar with our work and the people in the industry."

Sarah tilted her head, studying him carefully. "She's new, Mark. Are you sure it's a good idea to put her in the spotlight so soon?"

There was a long pause. Mark leaned back further in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. "She doesn't seem like what she presents herself to be. There's something... off. I just can't figure out what it is. She reminds me of someone—an old friend from a long time ago. And I need to know more about her."

Sarah's perfectly shaped eyebrow arched, her interest piqued. "If you're unsure about her, why are you putting her on such a key project? She may not be trustworthy. You don't usually take risks like this."

Mark's lips tightened. "I know. But I can't shake the feeling that she holds some kind of mystery. There's something familiar... and I need to find out what it is."

A sly smile spread across Sarah's face as she slowly walked over to the large windows. The blinds lowered with a soft whir, dimming the light in the room. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor with every deliberate step she took toward Mark. She moved with the grace of a cat as she stood beside him, eyes full of a mix of curiosity and mischief.

Then, without warning, Sarah leaned down, placing herself gently on Mark's lap, her arms loosely wrapping around his neck. Her lips brushed close to his ear as she whispered, "Are you sure you want to keep her close, Mark? She could be a danger. I could help... in more ways than one."

Her voice was low, seductive, carrying the suggestion of more than just professional help. Mark sighed, feeling the familiar heat of her presence. Sarah had always been forward, flirting at every opportunity, testing the boundaries of their professional relationship. But despite her attempts, Mark kept his distance, never letting her cross the line.

He placed his hands firmly on her waist, gently pushing her back as he said, "Get up, Sarah."

She pulled back slightly, a playful smile on her lips as her eyes glinted with mischief. "You sure? I could make things... easier for you." She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his cheek. "If you want, I could use a private investigator. Keep a discreet eye on her. No one would even know."

Mark hesitated, his thoughts swirling. He didn't like the idea of invading Leila's privacy—not yet, at least. There was something about her that intrigued him too much. He needed answers, but he wasn't ready to take that step. Not without more information.

"No," he finally said, his voice quiet but firm. "Just keep an eye on her yourself. No need to raise suspicions. But I want you to dig deeper into her past. Find out everything you can. Discreetly."

Sarah leaned back, a little pout forming on her lips. "Fine," she whispered, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of his collar before standing up. She adjusted her skirt, the playful expression quickly replaced by her usual sharp professionalism. "I'll see what I can find."

As she headed toward the door, she turned back, her voice dropping into that flirtatious tone again. "But don't say I didn't warn you, Mark. She's not what she seems. I can feel it too."

Mark watched her go, his thoughts still muddled. He didn't know why, but something about Leila—her mannerisms, her eyes, the way she carried herself—reminded him of someone he had lost a long time ago. Someone who had vanished from his life before he could even say goodbye.

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. He couldn't afford to make mistakes, not with the project, not with Techno's future hanging in the balance. But he also couldn't let go of the nagging curiosity that gnawed at him every time he saw Leila.

Who was she really? And why did she feel so hauntingly familiar?

As he sat in his quiet office, the soft hum of the city below, Mark's gaze drifted toward the window. Somewhere, deep in the recesses of his mind, memories of his childhood flickered—memories of friends, of promises, of a past he had tried to forget.

He sighed deeply, whispering to himself, "Leila... who are you?"