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“Will do, thank you. Will there be anything else?”

“No, that’s all I wanted to discuss with you.” I grab my laptop and rise to leave, and he does the same but I’m a little curious about what Naseer might have said to him, so I ask, “What did Prince Naseer tell you about us?”

He pauses for a second. “He said you are his wife and he’s not going to give you a divorce.”

I let out a weighted sigh. “I guess, I don’t have no choice but to attend the boxing match with my hands tied behind my back.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I know he has nothing but affection towards you but if it will help you to tell me maybe I can find a way to help, when you are ready just tap me on the shoulder and I’ll be ready to help.”

“I appreciate that, unfortunately, I can’t speak about it. Thanks again for the offering.”

“Alright then, see you later.” I nod and leave his office. I’m going to get beat down with one punch and getting up will be difficult, that’s if I ever get up. I have no choice but to keep pushing Naseer away. I know he’s stubborn and he doesn’t let go once he latches on. He’s like a lion that grabs his prey in the neck. There’s no chance for the prey once the lion’s claw gets to the neck. I can still run before he catches on to me.

I head straight to my office; I was very uncomfortable and unfocused yesterday; all my thoughts was on how to be extra efficient and deliver fast then race to the opposite end of the world. I’m dressed in slacks and a red blouse today. I wish I could be in jeans, a t-shirt, and fluffy house slippers and my hair in a ponytail or hair net. I code better when I’m comfortable.

Lucy is not at her desk, so I head straight to my office. Though not as big and well put together as Josh’s, it’s also nice with an oak desk and two chairs. I do have a beach view which is always a beauty to behold. I’d planned to put my children’s pictures on my desk, but Naseer’s presence squashed that plan, now I dare not risk him seeing their faces. There’s no question he would know. Besides, it’s pointless getting comfortable when I need to race out of here.

Right now, I need to get the work done and leave this country faster than I came. I drop my laptop on my desk and fire it up as I take a moment by the window to enjoy the view. “I wish you could breeze away my troubles,” I mumble out loud.

“What troubles you, Jade?” says the voice behind me that I know belongs to Naseer. Startled, I quickly composed myself and turn to him. He’s always had the power to make my heart gallop against my will.

“Prince Naseer, I didn’t hear you come in.” I grin.

“What troubles you, Jade?” he asks again, as his eyes bore into mine.

“Just work stuff, nothing I can’t handle. How may I help you?” I grin more, and he chuckles; he knows I’m lying but I’m not about to tell him his presence troubles me.

“You forget I’ve known you since you were a teenager. Wipe that grin off your face. I know the difference.” Now I’m irked. How dare he?

“And you forget that I’m a grown woman, a mother, and head of a company. I grew up and I changed. The teenage girl and the college girl are both gone,” I retort, annoyed that he can read my cues.

“True. I seem to have amnesia about the fact you have children with another man, but I’m not forgetting that you are beautiful and poised before me,” he says letting his eyes sensually rove all over me. Pausing a little at my opened silk blouse, my nipples harden in defiance. Traitorous nipples. I move to hide as best as possible.

“Grew up? Yes. Changed? Maybe … but I doubt it. Some parts of you are still the same, so please,” he persists. “What troubles you, Jade.”

“We both know that I’m not going to tell you. Drop it,” I volley a subtle snap at him.

“Now, who’s being forgetful,” he replies smugly. “You know I won’t let it go if something is bothering you.”

“Gent please, let it go,” I say pleadingly, pulling my chair to seat. He should know when I’m at my wit’s end.

“Fine, I’ll let it go for now.” He sighs heavily in exasperation.

“I wanted to see you before I head out today. I didn’t return yesterday because I had to take care of some stuff, but I’ll be here all day. Maybe we can have lunch together.” He sounds like he’s begging but I know better; he’s not asking or begging. He’s telling me what’s going to happen.

“I have lunch plans with Orion today, we need to go over some stuff together.”

“Dinner it is then, I hope you are not planning to work late or spending long hours at this office. Remember, I used to take away your laptop. I can still do it now,” I respond with a side eye and raise an eyebrow before saying.

“I do what’s necessary to get the job done. I don’t think dinner with you would be possible I’m sure Princess Nadra is available.” I dislike mentioning that woman, she has been a thorn in my side, since my teenage days. Now, I can use her as a get-out-of-jail card. I saw them leave together earlier much as I refused to admit my jealousy.

“Nice try, Jade. I’ll be here at seven to take you to dinner or I’ll order in if you refuse to leave.” I didn’t respond as I watched him leave. I immediately set my alarm to leave at five today. He won’t want to be seen around my place or in my building, so he won’t show up at my place.

I make sure the door is closed when he leaves to avoid his unexpected return and block the thought of him with Nadra out of my mind. Her presence with Naseer has always been a bone of contention in our past relationship. She brings out the dark side of me.

I shouldn’t be thinking about them because I walked out on him and I’m asking for a divorce to marry a man that doesn’t make my heart skip, how much more gallop, it’s what I agreed to. I certainly didn’t see this crazy situation in my future when I stumbled into his room needing to use a bathroom.

My dad answers the Skype call, “Mariam, how are you, dear; the children are getting ready for bed.”