Sudden pain around my wrist make me woke up from my sleep.

Ouch

What the f****

I opened my eyes to see that the source of the pain is in deep sleep

He was holding my hand so tightly as if he wont let me go.

Let me go from his home or life??

Didn't he said the previous night that he only sleep with people he love...

He is sleeping with me..

That means???

Nayy dont think that much Sia.

You're nothing for him... Just nothing

I looked at the wall clock. There was still few hours for meeting.

Since there was only one bathroom, I should get up there fast before he wakes up.

I took shower,got changed and came out clean and fresh.

Mr. Ashar was still in bed, checking his emails.

I fakely coughed.

"Good morning" I hope he dont remember holding hands.

"Morning" so much himself.

I wonder how much it will cost him to smile?

"Should I order breakfast?" I asked

"Yes" and he went in washroom.

After a while, we both had breakfast and discussed some meeting points.

This was the first time he was giving presentation to such important people.

I was nervous, but he looked calm.

We then left for meeting at 10.30 AM to conference hall of the hotel. We were greeted by Mr. Rowan himself.

"Bonjour" he greeted us in French.

We both shook hands turn by turn.

"It is pleasure having you both here with us in our celebrations" he said

"Congratulations on the anniversary of your hotel Mr. Rowan" Ashar said

"No, no, this is not the time and place to congratulate me. You both have to attend our party tonight. We will be having fireworks at midnight and its a scene must to watch" he said.

"We are so looking forward for that Mr. Rowan" he said

Soon, other board members came in.

I was sitting on the side, letting him to present.

There would be fireworks tonight. Means they will close lights of the hall. An excellent chance to run.

I lost the track of his presentation when that idea stuck me.

I looked towards him and he too lay his eyes on me in between.

I saw my hand which he had holded while sleeping.

There were marks of his fingers. But surprisingly, they dont hurt.

I want to help him,to take him out of his troubles. But the walls he had build around himself are huge. I just cant pass through them.

He thinks he is the only one who is damaged. He cant see someone else.

The board members started to clap and thats when I came back to present.

I smiled and clapped with them.

"We are so impressed Mr. Nicholson" the lady with black suit said to him.

"We heard that you are a difficult and arrogant. But I didn't find anything like that" The man who was the most senior in the room said.

"Oh well, you can ask that from my assistant." He pointed his hand on me

I smiled

"That's all are just rumours. He is one of the hardworking and finest man I have ever seen. Its an honour working with him"

I looked to him and he looked pleased.

After question and answer session, the board members decided to renew the contract.

Delighted with efforts, Mr. Ashar went out with others while talking to them and I stayed in the hall as I was packing up the stuff.

I was alone there and just when I was leaving someone came in.

"Mr. Rowan, is everything alright?" I asked him as I was surprised seeing him there.

"Well I wanted to talk to you about something." He was coming closer to me.

"I want you to work with me" he said

"I am really happy where I am. I am in no mood to switch. But thanks for the offer" I tried to stay courteous

"Sia, I'll give you everything more that what Ashar gives you.. Larger, bigger and better" he said in husky tone

"Mr. Rowan. I am not interested. Sorry" I said with strict tone.

"I'll pay you double with house and everything else" he said

"I am not for sale" I said as much polite as I could and left the room.

I walked fast and made sure he didn't follow me. Just then I bumped a wall

But it was Ashar.

"Where were you?" He looked worried.

"Do you care?"

"Yes" he clenched his jaws

"Why?" I asked looking into his eyes

"Because you're.."and he stopped

"What?"

"Nothing" he looked away

"Yeah. I am nothing" I lowered my face to hide any emotion that came up on my face.

I went into suite and composed myself.

I cant let this emotional breakdown take over me.

Mr. Ashar didn't come yet.

So, I took the opportunity to gather money and other small things and put it in the clutch that I was going to carry in party.

I am so ready for this.

Later in evening

"Mr. Ashar, it had been around 45 minutes since you're taking bath. Can you please come out so that I can shower too as well?" I shouted from outside of bathroom

He didn't answer.

"You won't like when I'll stink" I shouted again.

I waited and waited and finally he came out.

He was naked from upper body and just a towel tied up around his waist. Water drops dripped from his hairs to his body and then went under his towel.

Suddenly I was thirsty...

I bit my lower lip as I was admiring him.

"You can check me out later. Go and get ready". He said

Shit, he knew that

I ran inside bathroom to avoid any more conversation.

After shower, I dried myself and wore an elegant peach color gown with a V-neck paired with beautiful back keyhole and a small side slit.

Thankfully, he gave me enough privacy that I can do my makeup and hair.

I decided not to wear heals and wore pumps instead. I took my clutch with me and looked at mirror for final time.

I dont know when I'll see mirror again.

"I am ready" I said

He turned to look into me. His eyes went from my top to bottom slowly as he watched me.

I fakely coughed.

"Let's go" and we left.

We were greeted by the manager of hotel who took us to our seats. It was an a huge stylish hall having lights on the top with white marble floor and goldenish curtains. There was live music and waiters were serving drinks.

"Burke is coming." Mr. Ashar said

Wife mode on

"Hello Ashar and Sia" he greeted us.

"Hey uncle Burke" Ashar and I shook his hands.

"Please sit" I said.

"So how's everything" he asked.

"Everything is so well "he said looking in my direction

"Exactly" I smiled

Its surprisingly weird how well we can lie.

After some small talks of here and there, he asked

"So how long are you going to keep your marriage a secret?"

"Well few more months I guess" Ashar said

"Our business won't be able to handle this news at this moment" I said.

"As you guys wish" he said and we all smiled.

Then both men started to talk about business and stuff, while I focused on my drink and food.

"I would like to request all the couple to dance floor as we're just few minutes away from midnight..." the announcer said

"There will be fireworks at midnight which will be followed by formal celebration and speeches by the esteem owners "

Few minutes to freedom

"You guys should go" Burke said

We looked at each other.

"Well no not now. " I said

"Come on Sia. You both look so beautiful as couple. Come on there is no harm in that" he pointed towards dance floor

Can it be anymore awkward???

Mr. Ashar looked towards me and I looked back.

He forwarded his hand towards me, asking for my hand which I give it to him with little hesitation.

His touch now doesn't feel strange to me. To be honest, I like it. The way the skin of his fingers meets my skin, it creates sparks in my heart and body.

I'll miss his touch, his smell...

" Can I say something" I asked

"Hmm" he said

"I wish we had meet in better circumstances" I said

First appeared wrinkles on his forehead which eases afterwards

"What make you think that?" He asked

"Just a thought... May be things would have been better...."

"The fireworks will start in 10..9.."

Time to run

6...5....4..

I released my hold on his shoulder

3...2...1.... Lights off

We both left each other's hand and looked at sky. I took that advantage and silently ran towards the main entrance of the hotel and left.

Goodbye Mr. Ashar..

_____________________________________