Jake’s POV
I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. This night’s encounter with Emma had left me feeling guilty and confused. Why did I keep seeing Nora’s face instead of Emma’s? I tried to push the thoughts away, trying to focus on Emma, but my mind kept wandering back to Nora.
“Hey, have you heard from your sister lately?” I asked Emma, trying to steer our conversation back to something less complicated.
She shook her head, a frown creasing her forehead. “No, I haven’t. Why?”
“I thought I saw someone like her at the airport today,” I confessed, watching her reaction closely.
“That’s not possible,” she replied quickly, her tone defensive. “She wouldn’t show her face around here again.”
“Maybe I could be mistaken,” I said, trying to downplay it.
“Jake, listen. It would be difficult for her to come back here after everything that happened. I don’t want you to worry about it. Even if she does come around, I’ll make sure she doesn’t come near us.” Her voice was firm, but I could sense an undercurrent of concern behind her words.
“I just don’t want any of this to ruin our moment,” I said, shifting my expression to something gentler, hoping to ease her worries.
She smiled softly, leaning in for another kiss. “Let’s focus on us tonight, okay? We can’t let anything from the past interfere with our future.”
I nodded, cuddling her. I just hope I’m wrong deep down, even though I know I’m not.
Nora’s POV
The next morning, I woke up feeling nervous, I can’t help but think everything won’t go as planned. Zara knocked softly on my door, jolting me from my though, I welcomed her in setting everything I think will be needed.
“Good morning, ma’am. Are you ready for your styling?” she asked, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Yes, I am,” I replied, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
She helped me with the hijab, expertly wrapping the fabric around my head, leaving only my eyes visible. I watched her in the mirror, amazed at how she transformed the fabric into something elegant and graceful. She then applied my eye makeup, expertly lining my eyes and adding a touch of shimmer that made them pop.
“Wow, you look fantastic!” she said, stepping back to admire her work.
I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection. The navy blue hijab complemented my outfit perfectly, and I felt so confident all of a sudden.
“Thank you, Zara! I really appreciate your help,” I said, feeling relieved, after cracking my head on what will actually work out, mother nature decided to send her to me.
“You’re very welcome, ma’am. You’re going to make a great impression today,” she replied, beaming.
As I arrived at Blue Enterprise in one of my cars, my heartbeat quickened. Just outside the building stood Ray and a few other people. Seeing him took my breath away; he stood tall and sophisticated, though he looked more mature now, with traces of white in his beard. It felt like nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of the moments we shared. Images of the both of us entangled in sheets flashed through my head. I shook my head, ashamed that I was having such thoughts.
“Stop it Nora, these people are your enemy not your friends.” But before I could even motivate myself, our eyes met and shiver ran down my spine.
The air seemed to thicken, and I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his gaze. I adjusted my hijab, ensuring it was securely in place and got down from the car.
“Welcome, Lady B. We’re honored to have you at Blue Enterprise,” Ray said, stretching out his hand for a hand shake.
I smiled, trying to appear confident. “Thank you, Mr McLaren. I’m pleased to be here.”
Jake quietly sneaked into the queue, and I could feel the tension in the air.
“I was looking forward to meeting you yesterday. However, after waiting for over an hour, I had to leave,” I said, raising my brows.
They had to answer for keeping me waiting, my identity isn’t simple anymore I have to demand respect.
“I’m really sorry about yesterday, I have no excuse. I promise to make it up to you,” he added, his face apologetic.
“I’m looking forward to that,” I replied, exuding confidence despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.
“This way, please,” he said, leading the way inside.
I had never stepped into Blue Enterprise before, and I must admit, it stood on equal ground with Kings Land.
We sat down in his office, and I brought out my files. Occasionally, I stole glances at him, feeling the weight of his gaze trying to pierce through the hijab fabric.
His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I adjusted my hijab, ensuring it was securely in place.
“Lady B, I must say, your proposal to partner with Blue Enterprise is intriguing,” Ray began, his eyes scanning the documents in front of him.
“What makes you think we’d be interested?”
“I believe Kings Land’s research and development goals align perfectly with Blue Enterprise’s expertise,” I replied, my voice steady, despite the turmoil inside me.
As we discussed the proposal, I couldn’t help but steal glances at him. His eyes would occasionally lock onto mine, and I felt a spark of electricity. My heart raced, and my palms grew sweaty. I pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the task at hand.
His piercing gaze seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt exposed, vulnerable. But I refused to let my emotions cloud my judgment.
“I must say, Lady B, your vision is impressive,” He said, his voice low and measured. “But I need to know more about your plans for Kings Land’s future.”
I smiled, sensing an opportunity. “I’d be happy to share my vision with you, Mr McLare. I believe Kings Land has the potential to become a global leader in the biotech industry.”
“I believe our combined resources would create a powerhouse in the biotech industry,” I continued, my voice steady. “We could drive innovation and growth, benefiting both companies.”
Ray nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I see. And what do you propose we gain from this partnership?”
I leaned forward, my hands clasped together. “I believe our partnership would not only bring financial benefits but also accelerate research and development in critical areas.”
The meeting concluded with Ray’s promise to consider my proposal.
I gathered my files and stepped out of his office heaving a sigh of relief
I had barely walked three steps when Jake approached me, it was like he had been hanging around all this while.
“Lady B, may I have a word with you?” he asked, his voice low and husky.
My heart skipped a beat, did he see through my disguise ?