Jaan-e-Azlan❤

36

The meeting finally drew to a close after nearly two hours of detailed discussions. The employees began gathering their files and tablets, bowing their heads respectfully before leaving the room. One by one, the glass door opened and closed, until the bustling conference room was nearly empty again.

Azlan leaned back in his chair, exhaling softly. His hand moved to rub at his temple, the faintest sign of fatigue seeping through his composed demeanor. Mantasha noticed. For two hours she had watched him, astonished at how steady and sharp he was-yet now, up close, she could see the heaviness resting in his shoulders.

"You work too much," she murmured before she could stop herself.

His gaze shifted to her, surprise flickering in his eyes. But then, a shadow of a smile touched his lips. "Someone has to."

She looked down, fiddling with the strap of her bag, almost embarrassed at her boldness. But before she could say more, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Sir?" a young employee peeked in nervously. "The staff would like to greet madam personally... if you allow."

Azlan's brows lifted slightly. He turned to Mantasha, whose eyes widened in confusion. "Me?" she whispered.

He gave a small nod. "Yes. Come."

He stood, and she followed hesitantly as they stepped out into the open floor. The moment she appeared beside him, the atmosphere shifted once again. Employees rose from their seats, smiles polite yet warm.

"Welcome, ma'am," several voices greeted.
"It's an honor to have you here."

Mantasha froze for a moment, unused to such attention. Back home, she had always blended quietly into her surroundings, but here, standing beside Azlan, she felt the weight of every gaze. She gave a small, shy smile. "Thank you."

Some of the female staff exchanged approving glances, one whispering something to another that made them grin softly. A young male employee quickly stood from his chair, bringing over a tray of fresh juices. "For you, ma'am," he said, bowing slightly.

Azlan's sharp eyes flicked to the boy, and the poor employee nearly tripped in his hurry to place the glass down. Mantasha bit back a smile-Azlan's protective edge was unmistakable, even in silence.

As they walked further into the office, she caught sight of framed awards lining the walls, charts of growth, and photographs from past company events. She realized just how vast and successful his work truly was. Each employee seemed eager, disciplined, and highly respectful-but beneath all that, there was genuine admiration for Azlan.

Her chest swelled with pride. This is him. This is the world he has built... and today, he chose to bring me into it.

They stopped at a corner office where a senior manager approached. "Sir, if madam would like, we can show her around the departments?"

Before Azlan could answer, Mantasha shook her head politely. "No, thank you. I'll stay with him."

Azlan's gaze lingered on her for a moment-steady, unreadable-but deep inside, something warm stirred. She didn't want to be entertained elsewhere, she wanted to stay beside him.

"Alright then," he said, voice lower than before. "She'll remain with me."

The golden hue of dusk spilled through the tall glass windows of Azlan's office, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The hum of the city outside felt distant, muffled, as if the office stood in a world of its own.

Azlan finally leaned back in his chair, loosening his tie. He had spent the entire day navigating meetings, reports, and calls, but now the silence was settling in. His eyes drifted to Mantasha, who sat comfortably on the leather sofa by the window, scrolling through her phone with an absent smile.