Episode 9

I watched as Valeria left the office accompanied by Said, and then, the door closed. My eyes went back to the woman sitting in front of me.

"Is this how you're doing business? I told you I want to marry you, I did everything, even waited for you and I continue to wait, my lord. And on my first visit I see a maid leaving your office. I won't even ask what you were doing, by the disheveled way she was, I already know what happened here. What would your mother say if she knew about this? I never imagined that a son of the royal family would be so low," she said.

"Who are you to say anything to me or threaten me?" I replied, keeping calm, but with a firm tone.

Ayla got up, her eyes flashing with rage and disdain.

"I am the woman your mother chose to be your wife, Khalil. And you're here, lowering yourself with a maid. It's a disgrace to your family. You should think about the consequences of your actions."

I approached her, maintaining my posture.

"I don't need you to tell me how to act, Ayla. My relationship with my mother and my choices are my problems. And as for you, I suggest you remember your place. I did not accept the marriage because I do not believe in alliances based on political conveniences. And I made it very clear that I will never, hear me well, never marry you or anyone else. So I suggest you don't keep waiting for me."

Ayla snorted, crossing her arms.

"Political conveniences or not, it's your duty. You are putting everything at risk for a simple maid. And what if someone finds out? The entire family will be the target of scandals."

"That's none of your business," I replied, my patience wearing thin. "I don't have time for your games and threats. Now go away, the door is right there."

She hesitated, but I realized she had no more arguments. Ayla left the room, still furious. I was left alone, trying to calm my thoughts. Valeria had awakened something in me that I couldn't ignore, and now I needed to figure out how to deal with it without jeopardizing everything I had built. I stood firm in my position of not marrying, much less being a father, and so it will be.

I ran my hands through my hair in frustration and left the office to go after Valeria. I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find her.

"Said!" I shouted.

"Yes, sir?" he appeared quickly.

"Where is she?"

"She's gone, sir. She didn't want to stay."

I grabbed him by the collar, pulling him closer to me.

"Why did you let her go? Are you against me, Said?"

"Mr. Al-Hassan, you need to choose Miss Ayla and go back to the Emirates. You need to go home."

"Who are you to decide what I should or shouldn't do?" I pushed him down the stairs.

"I'm sorry, sir." he pleaded, getting up slowly.

"Get out of my sight, you traitor. Get out!" I shouted, my voice echoing down the hall.

Said walked away quickly, leaving me alone with my anger and frustration. Valeria disappeared again, and now, besides dealing with pressure from Ayla and my family, I needed to find a way to bring her back into my life. Things were getting more and more complicated, and I couldn't let her escape again. She is mine.

I stood still for a moment, trying to regain my composure. Frustration and anger bubbled up inside me, but I had to think clearly.

I picked up the phone and called one of my most trusted contacts.

"Ali, I need you now. Find Valeria Vasconcelos for me. She was working at my hotel recently. Use all necessary resources, but be discreet."

"Yes sir. I'll be in touch as soon as I have news."

I hung up the phone and looked out the window. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

While I waited for news from Ali, I tried to focus on work, but my mind kept wandering back to Valeria. The memories of our time together, her beauty, the feeling of her body next to mine. I needed her by my side.

I poured myself a whiskey to calm my nerves and went back to my desk, picking up Valeria Vasconcelos' resignation paper in my hands. As the majority owner of the hotel, it was my responsibility to sign it. Her resignation clearly stated that she had been ill at the company and had been given a few days off, but she did not show up for work by the end of the term.

As I read, an idea began to form. I signed the document, but decided I would do something different. I wanted Valeria close to me, so I would offer her a job as a personal secretary. This would be my opportunity to keep her close and find out more about what was going on in her life.

Hours passed until my phone finally rang. It was Ali.

"Sir, I found Valeria. She is at home, alone. She seems fine, but there is no indication that she is aware of our search. I will send the location now."

"Good work, Ali. I'll handle this personally."

I hung up the phone and grabbed my jacket. I couldn't waste any more time. I traveled to Dubai and went to Valeria's house, my heart pounding. When I arrived, I knocked on the door, anxiously waiting for her to answer.

Valeria came out carrying a medium-sized bag in one hand, and a suitcase in the other. The act clearly denounced that she was going to travel. I put my hands in the pockets of my dress pants and looked at the bags.

"Khalil? What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

"It wasn't hard to find you, I'm a sheikh, you should know that by now. Can I come in? I need to talk to you."

She hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed, stepping aside and letting me in. I walked into the living room, observing the small, cozy space.

"So what do you want to talk to me about?" she asked, closing the door and dropping her suitcase on the floor.

"Valeria, I want to offer you a new job." I began, turning to face her. "I know you were fired from the hotel, but I want you to work for me as my personal secretary."

She looked both surprised and suspicious at the same time.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Because I want you close to me." I replied honestly. "Since that night, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. I can't let you go like this, without at least trying."

She bit her lip, clearly conflicted.

"Khalil, this... this is complicated."

"I know it is, but I'm willing to face any complication." I approached her, holding her hands. "Please, Valeria. Accept."

She looked into my eyes, and for a moment, I saw the vulnerability and desire that mirrored my own feelings. She took a deep breath, hesitating before answering.

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