"Why are we planning a surprise party for Mr Ahmed?" I asked, still baffled at the idea that I am planning a birthday party for my boss.

"Well he's my cousin and I feel like I owe it to him, after all he has done for me. Besides he hasn't celebrated his birthday in a long time," Adil explained, his eyes still fixed on the road.

"There must be a reason why he hasn't celebrated his birthday in a long time. Mr Ahmed is either going to lash out or frown the entire time at his own party."

"Hahah, say one word that describes Ahmed," he said, and glanced at me.

"Malapert," I said.

"What?" Adil glanced at me, his eyebrow arched.

"A malapert is someone who is boldly disrespectful," I explained. Adil started laughing. He came to pick me up from the mansion. We are going to the bakery first to order a cake and than to his favorite restaurant to book the place for the party. Not an atom in my body wants to plan Mr Ahmed's birthday party. But since Adil has been really nice, and thoughtful towards me. It would be rude, to simple say no. The car parked outside the bakery, my favorite place to get desserts. I suggested the place. They have the best chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Imad loves this place.

We got in the bakery and Lina(The owner of the bakery) walked up to us. I look around and got lost in the world of desserts, the smell of fresh, soft and delicious cake hit my nostrils. Hmm smells like vanilla. Not to forget the amazing coffee she makes. There weren't many customers yet, only one was in. But there's usually a rush when you come in during the afternoon. I love coming to this bakery, I always admired the interior design — it's authentic and chic. The walls are painted with pastel colors, it's so homey. "There's my favorite costumer," she hugged me and greeted Adil.

"So I got your text message and you want a two tiered cake. Is that right?" She spoke excitedly. "Oh my, why didn't I figure out this sooner. Is it for your wedding? You are finally getting married!" She squealed with joy. I looked at Adil, and he ran his fingers through his hair and smiled.

"Lina it's not my wedding cake. It's a birthday cake for my boss, and this is his cousin — Adil," I clarified. I witnessed the excitement slowly die from her facial expression.

"Your boss? Mr Ahmed," She spoke unsure. I nodded my head and said yes. "I never thought I would ever see you choosing a cake for your boss. From what I have heard from you, he isn't the nicest person," she said. "No offense." She turned to Adil.

"None taken," he said in a low tone.

"Okay so what flavor would like? Chocolate or vanilla, marble..." She spoke as she walked to the counter.

"Actually red velvet," Adil said.

"What an interesting choice," Lina said. "Is that all?"

"Yes, simple and elegant will do," he replied.

"Sure," she said. "Okay take a sit and I'll get you two coffee." We sat at our table, silently waiting. I stared outside the glass window and thought of my parents. How much I miss them, and yearn to hug them just one more time. I have to act strong, put on a facade and let the pain inside fade with time. It hurts... I know when I start talking about it, I will certainly start crying, and I don't want that. I am stoic, I'll have to be.

"Layla..." Adil called my name and smiled.

"Yes?" I answered.

"So what's your life story?" He asked.

"My life story? It's rather depressing, mostly filled with pain and unfinished dreams," I told him.

"Who were you before all that?" He asked, and listened attentively.

"A girl who believed in tomorrows, dreams and happy endings. Then I had to wake up and face reality."

"What changed?" He asked me, concerned.

"My own expectations, I guess. But everything happens for a reason, we just need to trust in Allah's plan and hope that there is better coming," I said and looked at my hands.

"Here's your coffee," Lina said, placing two cups of coffee on the table.

"Thank you," Adil and I said simultaneously. I took a sip from my coffee...

"Hope is important. There is better coming for you. People like you always get a happy ending or at least some sort of peace. We are all a mess, but it is how we keep it together that makes us beautiful. That makes you beautiful..." he said in a silvery voice. We looked at each other, and my heart flattered at the indirect compliment and his sincere gaze.

I took a sip from my coffee and glanced outside the window. There was an awkward silence for a while until I decided to say something.

"What's your story?" I asked him.

"Probably not as interesting as yours," he replied and smirked. My cheeks flushed. Why am I getting nervous?

"I...uh.. I think we should get going. Got to keep on track," I told him. I told Lina to bring the bill for the coffee, she said it was on the house. She's the sweetest. Lina even gave me a free cupcake to give Imad.

"Thank you so much Lina. So are you sure you don't mind delivering the cake?"

"No I don't mind at all. Thank you for coming, and tell Imad I said hi," she said and waved goodbye.

"Okay I will. Bye," I said and walked out of the bakery. We got in the car and drove off to the restaurant. The car ride, was mostly silent.

When we reached the restaurant, you will never believe who we saw - Mr Ahmed and Amanda.

Adil did say this restaurant is his favorite. When Adil saw his cousin, he became dumbstruck and anxious, so I told him to stay calm and let me do the talking. We walked over to their table and greeted them. Mr Ahmed didn't even reply when I said hi and Amanda gave me the meanest look— they are meant for each other.

"My name is Amanda Wyatt," she introduced herself to Adil and they shook hands.

"Adil," he replied. "I am Ahmed's cousin."

"It's a pleasure meeting you," she said. Obviously drooling over him. Ugh, I don't like her.

"What are you doing here?" Ahmed asked.

"We just came to order our take out," I replied.

"I wasn't..." He suddenly stopped talking, and looked down to his phone screen.

"Yeah, what she said." Adil put his hands in his pockets. We walked away and went to talk to one of the waitresses and we explained everything to her. She was kind enough to explain the procedures. To make our lie believable, we did order take out and we ate it in the car. Margherita pizza. We talked about the party and how we would convince Mr Ahmed to come to the restaurant. I told Adil the decorations, can be easily placed a few hours before the party. Adil started telling me his life story, which is by the way — interesting.

"So about the project in NewYork. Are you interested?" Amanda spoke

"Yes," I replied.

"Great, the contract will be sent to you by tomorrow."

"I better not regret this decision," I told her.

"You won't," she said. I never liked Amanda, there's something about her just screams diabolic. I hate working with her, she's desperate and she doesn't know when to shut up. But she's good for business. Right now, I wouldn't mind listening to Layla's maddening voice. I guess Adil will have to deal with that now. He actually persuaded Layla to get to know each other. "The project will begin as soon as you send me the blueprints of the building," she said.

"Okay," I said and stood up. "My assistant will get back to you."

"Ahmed," she called out my name. " I was thinking maybe we could go out for dinner or something." Here we go again. This isn't the first time she has asked me to go out with dinner with her.

"I am busy," I told her and walked away.

"Busy with your housemaid?" I turned around.

"What did you say?" I asked her. My anger rising to the surface.

"You took her to dinner along with your nephew. I have asked you many times and you always say the same thing. It's obvious you have a soft spot for her, and today, how you quickly bit your tongue when you were supposed to remind her of her place," she spoke in an orotund tone. I walked closer to her, and spoke in a low tone and carefully so she could properly understand me.

"Miss Amanda, you are forgiven this time. But the next time you bring this up. I will forget you and your company ever existed. You best believe, no investors will come your way. Don't forget, you work with me, not the other way around." I walked away.

"Thank you," I said, while getting out of the car.

"You're welcome. It was nice getting to know you," he said. "I am hopping you'll be there at the party."

"Oh I don't know..."

"Come on you can bring a friend," he said in a fruity tone.

"She's married," I told him.

"She can come with her husband. It's no big deal," he said and smiled.

"I'll let you know," I said and closed the door.

"Okay take care," he said and drove off. Adil dropped me back to the mansion. Imad was probably back from school and now doing his home work. I got in from the back door, that leads to the kitchen. I saw Imad and Jane. She was talking to him...

"Imad! Guess what I have for you," I said excitedly. Jane looked worried and sad. I went to Imad, stood in front of him. His eyes were puffy and red. Tears streaming down his cheeks. "Oh habibi what's wrong?" I asked and hugged him.

"Nothing..." he replied in a low tone.

"You know you can tell me anything," I told him, and wiped his tears.

"The teacher said we have to come with our mum and dad," he explained tears falling from his eyes. "A boy in my class started making fun of me, saying that I don't have a mum or dad. All I have is a nanny and that I am a spoiled brat because Uncle Ahmed took me to Barcelona." I can't stand and watch him cry. It just hurts my heart.

"Oh Imad, don't cry. You know that's not true. You are not a spoiled brat, you are a special boy who is very much loved by everyone. How about tomorrow I go to your school and talk to the teacher about the bully. Is that okay?"

"No! He'll make fun of me more..." he said and wiped his tears.

"What do you want me to do then?" I asked him.

"I want you to come to the meeting, with uncle Ahmed."

"Would that make you happy?" He nodded and said yes. "Okay stop crying then. I brought you something from Lina's bakery," I told him.

"Lina!" He said her name joyfully. I gave him the box, which had a cupcake in it. He's happiness means everything to me. How am I going to tell Mr Ahmed that his nephew wants him to go to a school meeting along with me.

...

Mr Ahmed arrived back to the mansion late, it was about 10:00 o'clock when he came back. Enough time to practice my "speech". The moment he entered, I went to him and greeted him. Then I explained to him what had happened to Imad at school. "He wants us to attend the school meeting together," I told him.

"Okay. Just text me the day and the timing," he said and headed upstairs. I didn't think he would agree so easily, I had prepared a long speech about morality. I was pleased with his answer yet confused.

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