My Emir ✅

Chapter 41- Bliss

It was Monday, Mariya's first day at work after one month and a half. She sure had a lot of things to deal with. As she had made up her mind, she won't let anything prevent her from moving on. Wallowing in despair would do nothing to heal her wounds.

Zayn parked his car in a spot in the parking lot of The Malik's Attorneys Law Firm.
In the car, their hands were intertwined with each other between the seats. Zayn gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before looking up at her, only to find her staring at him.

" You ready?" He asked.

" Yep," she answered affirmatively.

He inclined towards her and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. He let his lips linger for a while before pulling back.

" That's good." He gave her cheeks a light tap.

He stepped out of the car and opened the door from her side while she collected her file and suitcase from the backseat.

" See how much you love me," she uttered after filing out of the car.
Zayn closed the door behind her. He only chuckled at her words.

" Welcome back to work!"
They veered around to see Emraan approach them. He was clad in a three-piece dark gray suit.

" Thank you," Mariya returned to him.
He shared a brief handshake with Zayn before pulling him in for a hug.
They broke the hug and delved into a short conversation.
Mariya informed them that she was going into the building, and left them.

Inside, the building, she didn't miss the new changes made to the place. New sets of potted plants in the reception area. New couches, and even, the receptionist's desk had been moved from beside the staircase to the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was better than before.

" Salam Alaikum," the receptionist greeted her with a smile.

" Wa Alaikum Salam," she returned it with a blinding smile.
They parted after exchanging brief pleasantries.
There were only a few people around since it was early, and they greeted her to which she responded. A few bothered to ask about her whereabouts. Not wanting to prod on all that had happened, she told them she had been unwell.

She was heading to the elevator when someone called her from behind.

She turned to the person who had called her. It was Riddhi Agarwal. Her colleague at work. The woman was more of a friend.
They shared a brief hug.
Riddhi pulled back from the hug and took a moment to examine Mariya.
" See as you fine," The woman spoke unfiltered pidgin English. " Wahala for who is not married to a prince."

They laughed.

" Abeg," Mariya shrugged it off with a flick of her wrist. " As if you are looking any less."

" How have you been?" Riddhi's expression softened. " Sir told me you were unwell."

Mariya could feel eyes on her, but she ignored it, knowing very well where it was coming from. She was sure Riddhi ignored the stares too.
" I'm better now." She answered.

Two women stood a few feet away from them and were throwing vicious glances at them.
Mariya reckoned that it was high time she thought them a lesson.

" She's back now," the taller one said to her companion. She held a cup of coffee in hand.

Mariya couldn't help but overhear. She rolled her eyes and shared a look with Riddhi. They were talking out her__ again.