"I can't do this anymore. Let's break up," he said.
"Babe, I don't understand what you are saying," she said, raising her head from her phone.
"What is there not to understand?"
Zulfa's heart sank as she processed his words, her mind racing to understand what went wrong. She took a deep breath, searching for the right words to express her confusion and hurt.
"What have I done, babe?"
"You did nothing. I don't feel anything for you anymore."
"Who is she?" she asked angrily.
"There is nobody."
"Are you serious here or is this just a prank? Because it is not funny anymore."
"Do I look like I'm joking, Zulfa?" he said, looking into her eyes.
Zulfa was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise as she heard him utter her name. It was a moment she never expected, as he had never addressed her by her name before. The sound of her own name on his lips reverberated through her, stirring a mix of curiosity and intrigue within her.
"You are even calling me by my name," she continued. "I know I can be very annoying and all that, but what did I do?" she inquired.
"I'm sorry it has to end this way."
"You are avoiding my question."
"I don't owe you any explanation, madam," he shouted and continued, "We both deserve to be with someone who makes us happy."
She was utterly taken aback upon hearing such news, as discussions about happiness were the last thing she anticipated. The unexpected nature of the topic left her astounded.
"But you make me happy."
"Then what about me?" he continued. "Do you know if I'm happy or not?"
"You never complain about anything, and whenever we have issues, we do try to settle," she explained.
"All this does not matter anymore because I'm done."
"You are done?" she continued. "What about what we shared? The promises?"
"It is normal. I am not your first, so..."
With an irate gesture, she abruptly interrupted him, fully aware of the forthcoming words he was about to utter. Her anger compelled her to curtail his speech, firmly asserting her dominance in the conversation.
"So what," she continued, "did you ever love me?" she questioned.
"Love is never enough," he continued. "I came to tell you because I respect you."
Standing up from the chair situated by the window, he purposefully moved with intention, signaling his imminent departure. Within the confines of the room, an undeniable atmosphere of weightiness permeated, carrying an unmistakable aura of closure. The very air seemed pregnant with an unspoken urging, compelling him to transcend the boundaries of the familiar and embrace the uncharted territories of the future.
"Do you even think of my feelings?" she said, trying to hold his hand.
"You will be fine... They say time heals all wounds. You will be fine," he said, holding the door handle.
"What will my friends say... What will people say... How will I face the world?" she uttered, her voice tinged with a hint of anger.
He regarded her with a knowing look, one that conveyed his long-standing perception of her self-centered nature. It was a moment of unspoken acknowledgment, where the weight of their history and shared experiences hung in the air. There was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, tempered by an understanding that ran deeper than words could express.
"It is always about people to you," he said, removing his hand from hers.
As her phone abruptly began to ring, she abruptly awakened from her slumber, abruptly realizing that she had been immersed in a dream. A gentle smile graced her lips as she shook off the remnants of the dream, dismissing it as a mere figment of her imagination.
"Hello, babe. Are you not coming again?" her friend asked during a phone call.
"Of course, I am," she continued. "Where are we meeting?"
"Our regular."
"Okay, what about Sumeiyah?"
"I just spoke with her."
"Okay, meet you girls soon."
"Okay, till then," her friend said as she hung up the call.
**********************
"Good morning."
In their lavishly adorned sitting room, her father resided comfortably upon an exquisite throne crafted with glistening diamonds. The opulence of the surroundings enveloped the space, rendering an expansive aura that transcended ordinary boundaries. Every detail in the room, meticulously chosen, exuded an air of sophistication and refinement.
The walls, draped in the finest silken tapestries, showcased intricate patterns and vibrant hues, creating a visual feast for the eyes. Soft, ambient lighting emanated from intricately designed crystal chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the room's elegant furnishings.
The centerpiece of the sitting room was a majestic fireplace, crafted from polished marble, radiating a gentle warmth that embraced the entire space. Above it, an ornate, hand-carved mantelpiece displayed a curetted collection of treasured heirlooms, sparkling under the subtle illumination.
"Morning, my dear," he said with a smile on his face. "Are you awake? Why were you sleeping at this time?"
"I was having a migraine," she said reluctantly.
"Sorry, sweetheart. Have you taken any medication?"
"Not yet, don't worry, it will go."
Her response didn't surprise him; he had grown accustomed to the walls she had built around herself. He couldn't help but wonder when she would find it in her heart to forgive him and allow their relationship to mend. The weight of his past mistakes hung heavy in the air. But still, he remained hopeful, holding onto the belief that time and patience would eventually pave the way for healing and reconciliation.
"My baby girl is having a migraine, and I shouldn't be worried!" he continued. "Take your medication, my dear."
"Okay, I will."
"What are you doing this evening?"
"I am going out with the girls."
"You mentioned having a migraine," he said, showing concern.
"It doesn't stop me," she replied.
"Okay."
Her father sat, savoring his favorite coffee. Turkish coffee, with its unique brewing process in a cezve, held a special place in his heart. The robust and thick beverage, made from finely ground coffee beans, water, and sugar, resulted in a thick and frothy concoction.
"Do you mind joining me?" he asked.
"No, thank you."
"Has the new guy resumed?”
"Yes, he has, and I have provided him with the necessary orientation," she replied.
"Hmmmmmm, orientation!" he continued, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I'm sure you made it clear to him that you won't hesitate to replace him if he proves to be unqualified."
"That is not funny," she said, looking at her dad with anger.
"My dear, I am not mocking you."
"Then what were you doing just now?"
"I have heard numerous reports about your harsh treatment of your employees, and I have witnessed it myself."
In one corner of the room stood an elegant bar, adorned with crystal decanters, gleaming glassware, and an impressive selection of top-shelf spirits. A well-stocked library lined another wall, housing a collection of books that showcased both literary classics and contemporary masterpieces.
"Some," she asked, pouring herself a glass of wine.
"I know you don't want to hear this, but as your father, I am in the best position to guide you."
"I'm not arguing that," she murmured to herself.
"You fired that young man over a minor mistake, despite knowing his potential for the company."
Her father's words hung in the air, challenging her decision. Zulfa glanced at the sumptuous sofas and armchairs, upholstered in the finest fabrics. Their rich textures invited guests to sink into their embrace, providing a haven of comfort and relaxation. Embellished with intricate embroidery and accentuated with decorative pillows, the seating ensemble epitomized luxury and style.
The flooring, an epitome of grandeur, boasted a polished marble surface, reflecting the room's splendor with a dazzling sheen. A plush, hand-woven Persian rug, with intricate patterns and rich colors, adorned the center of the floor, adding a touch of artistry and warmth.
Delicate sculptures and tastefully arranged artwork adorned the walls, providing a feast for the eyes and stimulating conversations. An expansive window, draped with flowing curtains made of the finest silk, offered breathtaking views of a manicured garden, inviting nature's beauty to intertwine with the opulent indoor space.
"But I have replaced him."
"How sure are you that this new guy is good?"
"His CV and his interview spoke for him."
"Okay, and you already slapped him."
Her father's unexpected words struck her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her utterly astonished. An overwhelming surge of anger coursed through her veins, transforming her countenance into a vivid canvas that depicted her inner turmoil.
"How did you know I slapped him?" she asked angrily. She continued, "So you have an informant in my company."
"My company, you mean," he laughed and continued, "because I resigned for you does not mean I don't know what happened in the company."
"If you're still interested in running the company, why did you resign?"
"I'm not interested in running the company, but as your father, I'm telling you the right things to do," he continued. "I understand that work can be stressful, but it's important to remember that how you treat others reflects on your character."
"I don't just understand where all this is coming from."
"Hmmmmm, you don't want to be known as someone who's difficult to work with or who's quick to anger."
"Anger... anger you said," She laughed sarcastically, and continued, "But they don't listen to me, and they don't do their job right."
"I understand that it can be frustrating when employees don't meet your expectations."
"I'm not asking for your pity," she murmured to herself.
"You said what?" her father questioned.
"Nothing."
"Have you tried sitting down with them and discussing your concerns?"
"No, I just tell them what to do, and they should do it."
"Well, that strategy is obviously ineffective. To find solutions, you must take the time to understand their viewpoint and collaborate with them."
"All right, I'll try to be more understanding."
As he looked into her eyes, he saw a glimmer of possibility, a flicker of the love that once bound them together. Deep down, he knew that their journey toward forgiveness would be a rocky one, filled with ups and downs, but he was determined to weather the storm. With each passing day, he longed for the day when they would find their way back to each other, when they would be able to let go of the hurt and pain that had kept them apart.
"That's wonderful to hear, honey. You can make your workplace more productive and enjoyable for everyone by treating your staff with respect and collaborating with them to achieve shared objectives."
"Can I take my leave?"
"I want you to understand that you are a leader, and a leader has to be patient with his or her followers."
"Like you were patient with Mum," she said as she walked out on her dad.
