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“That’s good, I’ll let you continue. You can cancel our meeting.” He rises to leave. I rise as well.

“My computer shut down automatically, yesterday at about ten thirty pm. I know I didn’t set that timer, is that a company policy.”

“No, Naseer requested that shutdown be programmed to yours, he said you don’t know when to stop once you are in that mode. I agree with him, please don’t try to remove it. I don’t want my IT guy fired; I kinda like him.” I nod my understanding that Naseer will fire the IT guy if I work hard.

Doubt he understands that hard work and resilience have kept me sane and functional.

“Can you have him tweak it to midnight, extra hours could make a lot of difference for me.”

“Let’s have a deal. I know Naseer is travelling next week for a few days. When he travels, I can give you till midnight even if I think it’s crazy beyond that, but I will only do this if you meet with me for lunch or dinner whichever is convenient for you.” I nod in agreement as he gives me as sheepish smile “And, you get to tell me how you two met and ended up married without anyone knowing, believe me, it’s driving me crazy trying to figure how you two met. Naseer, won’t tell me.” He said it like it was life and death for him to be in the know.

“Why do you want to know?” I’m perplexed.

“Indulge my curiosity.”

“You know what they say about curiosity and the cat.”

He laughs. “I’m a very big cat, Mariam, curiosity can’t kill me.” He winks.

“Deal, only how we met and got married, nothing beyond that” I succinctly state. I signed a fucking NDA, I remind myself.

“I think my curiosity can stop there.”

“Good, because I can’t go beyond that.”

“I’m excited. I can’t wait for him to leave and get to know more about the woman that has the mighty Naseer twisted like a pretzel” he’s all excited like I’d just given him the winning lottery ticket. “See you later, Mariam.” He leaves my office with a big grin on his face.

I take care of a few tasks on my to-do list. I watched the video Leah sent of my children’s school play. Micah is in his element, but Mira is struggling a bit, overall, they are happy and that’s all that matters.

I joined my team for lunch in the staff lounge. I’d avoided the lounge because of avocado but Lucy tells me the avocado serving was done yesterday. She’d tried to get people’s reaction but nothing so far, everyone seemed mute about the avocado canceling in their daily lunch. Now I can eat in the staff lounge. Didn’t take long for Shay and Connor to begin teasing each other and soon challenged Kelan and me to a race of who could finish first every week.

Kelan and I are fist-bumping and hugging telling them we will take them down. They are cheerfully doing the same thing. Naseer chooses that moment to step into the lounge as Kelan put his right arm around my shoulder and left hand to high five, which I happily give back with a smile, but my smile is instantly washed when I sight Naseer’s frown, as my team gives a loud cheer.

My eyes remain laser-focused on him, daring him to attack Kelan. I will rip him apart if he dares. I soon excused myself from the team. I make it to my office entrance just as he’s asking Lucy when I’m back.

“I’m right here, Prince Naseer. How can I help you?”

“In your office now,” he growls. I ignore his seethe and maintain my pace to my office, he slams my door, his audacity is infuriating.

“You will tell Kelan not to put his hands on you again,” he annoyingly states to me.

“I will do no such thing,” I immediately answer, with my arms folded ready for this fight “We were just having a friendly and cheerful ego boost to our challenges. Did you notice Shay and Connor doing the same thing, am sure you didn’t notice. It’s what my team does, not like it’s your business on who I’m friendly with. Kelan is married and he loves his wife very much and would not cheat on her and certainly not with me plus she’s one of my close friends. They watch my children sometimes. Is there anything else I can help you with Prince Naseer.” I stared him down daring him to challenge me.

“Stop calling me that, I’ll work on it. Before, training me would have challenged him but I’m speaking with you instead,” he says calmly as the lid is placed on his brewing anger.

“I heard you weren’t very nice to my staff yesterday because I wasn’t here. I would appreciate it if such action aren't repeated in the future.” His eyes turn dark. I’ve knocked the lid off the seethe.

“And I would appreciate it if you don’t leave in the future without any idea of your whereabouts,” he says gritting. I can tell my disappearance yesterday isn’t all he’s talking about, but we don’t need to open that box of despair. We can both tango around it.

“I’m a grown-ass woman, Naseer, I don’t have to give you details of my movements.”

“You will if I say so and I’m saying so, don’t fucking test my limit, Jade.” The look on his face is deadly. I know he’s undeniably upset. I can’t win this argument, but I’ll find a way around it.

“Don’t you dare tell your driver to disobey me?” My eyes shot up. “Yes, Jade, I know you told him not to listen to me, I’ve also informed him, that he needs to listen to the guy that approves his salary otherwise he’s fired.”

“Yet you don’t think your action isn't creepy,” I snap at him.

“Read my lip and hear the sound of my voice, I do not care how creepy it sounds or looks if it affects your safety.” he snaps right back.