...One year later…...
Here I am, married? No. I'm stalling all the time so I don't have to get married. I don't want to unite my life like that. I've always been a man who, when I decide something, nobody makes me think otherwise. But Ayla is living with me, my mother decided that. She came to live in our house, my mother saw it as a thank you for her having spent these years by my side. According to her, helping me.
I'm in front of the mirror adjusting my shirt, until Ayla enters the room. She stopped in front of me, raising her hands to adjust my tie.
"I'm starting to think you don't want to marry me. You've been putting off our wedding for so long.
"I have a lot of business to take care of, Ayla. We've already talked about this. Give me the time I need," I said without looking at her. "Are you taking the medicine I gave you?"
"I am. I won't force you to have children if you don't want to, don't worry," she replied, her tone resigned. "If there's anyone who understands you, it's me, my lord."
I sighed, adjusting the tie with a final tug. I was mentally grateful that Ayla was so understanding, but I couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort. My thoughts drifted to Valeria, and the familiar anger burned in my chest. I quickly pushed the memory away, focusing on what was in front of me.
"I have to go now. I have an important meeting," I said, grabbing my briefcase and heading for the door.
"All right. Just don't forget that we need to talk too," Ayla said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
I left the room, feeling the weight of the expectations of everyone around me. With every step I took, I wondered if I would ever be able to leave the past behind and move on. The responsibilities of governing and leading my companies were overwhelming, and Valeria's shadow still hung over me, even after all this time.
There was a night I woke up sweating from a dream I had about her. Everything around me was dark, and suddenly, some lights came on. Valeria appeared in front of me, as beautiful as ever, dressed in a navy blue dress that outlined her beautiful curves. She walked up to me and stopped, running her hands across my chest. It was like I was really feeling her touch.
I woke up with my heart racing, the image of Valeria still vivid in my mind. Beside me, Ayla slept peacefully, oblivious to the whirlwind of emotions that dream had triggered in me. Unintentionally, I called her by Valeria's name, still dazed.
"Valeria..." I murmured.
Ayla woke up to my call, and it was as if the world had fallen apart. She sat up in bed, her eyes wide and full of grief.
"Khalil, you just called her name," Ayla said, her voice trembling.
"It was just a dream, Ayla," I tried to explain, but I knew my words would sound hollow.
"A dream? A dream that makes you call her name? You still think about her, don't you?" Ayla got out of bed, her frustration evident.
"That's not it..." I started, but she cut me off.
"Stop lying to yourself, Khalil. I can't compete with a ghost." Ayla left the room, taking her pillow and duvet with her, then slammed the door behind her.
And I know that's what she wants to talk about.
Already in the car, as I was heading to a crucial meeting and later to a trip to Spain, I reflected on my inner conflicts.
I arrived at the office and, after one last adjustment to my tie, entered the meeting room where the team was already waiting for me. The meeting went smoothly, although my mind was elsewhere. I was thinking about the imminent trip, the lecture I would give at a school, and the new hotel project in Spain, the reason for my trip.
At the end of the day, I quickly returned home to pack my bags. Ayla was not around at the time, which brought me momentary relief. I quickly got ready and headed for the airport. During the flight, I tried to focus on the papers and documents I was carrying, but the memory of Valeria and the dream of the previous night continued to disturb me. I ended up closing my eyes to rest for a while.
Upon landing in Spain, I was met by an assistant who drove me directly to my new hotel, where a success celebration was scheduled.
Tariq came with me, one of my personal security guards and a friend, as Said was busy with other responsibilities that my mother had entrusted to him, preventing him from accompanying me.
The afternoon arrived and I was preparing for the lecture. Seeing young people excited to learn and aspire to something in life was rewarding.
"Mr. Khalil, the car is ready," Tariq announced.
"Just a few more minutes, Tariq. I'm coming down," I replied, tying a perfect knot in my tie.
I finished adjusting my tie and took one last look in the mirror. I picked up my watch and strapped it on my wrist, leaving the hotel room and heading for the lobby. Tariq was waiting for me near the exit, always attentive and professional.
"Shall we?" I asked, as we walked to the car that was waiting for us.
"Yes, Mr. Khalil," he replied, opening the door for me.
We got into the car and headed for the school where I would give the lecture. During the ride, I thought about the main points I wanted to address and how I could inspire the youth to pursue their dreams.
"Update me on my schedule," I said, looking at my watch.
Tariq opened his tablet and began listing the appointments.
"Tomorrow morning, you have a meeting with the executives of the European branch of your company. In the afternoon, a visit to the new headquarters in Barcelona is scheduled for an inspection. And in the evening, a dinner with local investors," Tariq said, reading the details.
"I understand," I replied, mentally preparing for another busy day.
I looked out the car window.
"Tariq, make sure everything is ready for tomorrow," I said, turning to him.
"Yes, Mr. Khalil. Leave it to me," he replied with a nod.
"I want to return to my people as soon as possible." I continued.
With that, we arrived in front of the huge school, people coming and going. Some were very busy on their cell phones talking to someone, and others were just getting some fresh air.
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 50 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments