Chapter Four: Nobody Compares To You

"Have you packed your other abaya?" Ummi asked

"Not yet," I shouted.

"Halaat we are getting late. The flight is at two o'clock it's twelve fifty,"  my mum explained.
Ummi has to be on time, she hates being late wherever she goes.

I close my suitcase and place it near the door. I counter check everything. Alhamdulliah I am ready. I am leaving for Kuwait today. Ummi thought best to leave earlier, she said before I start working I should spend time home. With her and I get time to relax.

Layla came with us to the Airport, we took a taxi there. She was so sad, tears filled her eyes. I hugged her, one to many times. I am surely going to miss her.

"Khalo Halaat!" I hear a familiar voice. I turn around it's Haris. The cutest six year old in the world, he runs to me and hugs me tight. I kneel down and hug him again. Imad amd Rania also came. Rani hugged me, and also started to sob. Imad was 'busy' on his phone. I didn't look at him for too long. Just a glimpse.

Ummi was so disappointed when I told her about broken engagement, and unsure hearts. It felt like I took all hope from her life.
I guess he will just remain my "What if..." .

They all escorted me to the check in. I hugged them on last time. Layla and Rania, my best friends and Haris. Tears fall from eyes and I start to laugh, so things don't seem so gloomy.

"Don't worry guys I'll be back in one month," I said assuringly.

"I am going to miss you so much," Layla said. Haris held my hand and didn't want to let go. He kept on asking where I was going and why.

"I'll miss you guys the most," I said almost teary.  We had our final group hug. I hugged Haris, the little boy whom always knows how to make laugh. I hug him and tell him a joke. He loves jokes. I wave good- bye and stand in the check in - line. I could see Imad's remorseful eyes starring at me. I faintly smiled and looked away.

We waited in the launch room for about twenty minutes. It's time for departure and we boarded our flight. Our flight back home.

The flight was good, not tiring. We got to Kuwait in the evening. We took a taxi home. Home-Sweet-Home, my heart said. I check my phone, 50 messages. Hah.

We got in the house, nothing has changed except for Hussein's presence. He is in America with Ayat, studying in a university. Hussein knows the truth about Ayat being his real mother. He was very confused.

I was there and it was very confusing for all of us. Especially Hussein. He started calling me Aunty Halaat. I glared at him, he changed his statement there and than. Hah Hussein...

Hussein was so understanding and caring. He hugged Ayat. It was such a heartfelt moment. I  miss him though, the house is so quiet without him.

I go to my room and put my suitcase-everything is the way it is. I head down stairs. Ummi is on the couch resting. I go to the kitchen and decided to make a meal. Rice and Curry, I decided.

I laid the table, I kept the plate and glass. And placed the food on the table. I woke Ummi up and told her food is ready.

She went to wash her hands and sat at the dinning table, and started eating.
I wasn't hungry, I told her that I'd eat later. I was on my phone, replying all the messages.

An Email from Adams Company.
Dear Miss Halaat,
You will be required to come to the office for some formalities. On Saturday, at 8 o'clock
Thank you.

Saturday? That's tomorrow, I just arrived.
I can't believe I'll be working with Adam. The man that I despise, the man that ruined my life, the man that stole my heart and failed to return it.

I informed Ummi, that I am going to start working tomorrow. But hopefully, work will only be for a few hours. I didn't tell Ummi that I'll be working with Adam, she would start to worry and I don't want her to.

I went to sleep early, knowing that I have to get to work early.

The alarm woke me up. I prayed and headed straight for the shower. Picked out an outfit. I wore a maroon skirt, with a black top - tucked in and a long black cardigan. To top it off I wore a statement piece- a silver necklace.
I looked professional and chic

I put my make up light and simple. I applied strawberry lipgloss and eyeliner. Simple -elegant.

I combed my hair and tied my hair into a bun. I wore my black scarf, and carried my handbag. I got downstairs I found Ummi in the kitchen making breakfast. I greeted her.

I check my phone. It's 7:10 am. I sit and have breakfast; Tea with pastries and ummi's delicious chocolate brownie.

"Ummi when did you get time to make brownies?" I ask.

"I made the brownies yesterday night, after you went to sleep. I wanted to make you something it's been long since I made something for you," she said.

"Shukran Ummi," I say. She smiled and drank her tea.

"Ummi I need to get going," I say- standing up.

"What time are you coming back home?"

"I have no idea, I will call and infrom you," I told her.

"Okay Habibity take care," she said. I took the car keys and walked out of the house. I haven't driven in a long time. In Abu Dhabi, it's either Taxi or Rania driving me around. I got in my car and drove off.

Alhamdulliah, there wasn't much of traffic. I got there on time. I got to the company, Adams company. So many memories, flashing in my mind. My heart started beating fast - breathing getting heavy. I took careful steps towards the entrance of the building. Preparing myself mentally.

I haven't seen Adam, since the day he divorced me. I got into the elevator and went to the fourth floor, where Adams office is. I get out of the elevator and I started feeling light headed. I walked to the secretary's desk and introduced myself. After confirming with the boss, I was told to enter his office.

I took a deep breath in and opened the door.

"Assalam alaykum Miss Halaat," Adam said while standing up behind his desk.

"Waalikum salam," I replied. I walked slowly towards the sit in front of his desk. It felt like an impossible journey. Adam hasn't changed at all, the same grey mysterious eyes...

Adam following my every move, making it impossible to think straight.

We both became speechless. I take my sit and cross my legs. He sits- his hands brushed through his hair. "Halaat?" he says my name. He raised his eyebrow and looked at the piece of paper he held.

"Mr Adam I work for Miss Amira and she has personally appointed me on this project until she comes back form her trip," I said formally. I hope he doesn't see past my act. I have so much to say, but I have to keep things professional.

"Yes I have been informed. So what.. um," he says- almost seeming tongue tied.

"Is there a problem?" I asked. 

"No," he said. I gave him the documents that are needed and waited for his reaction. "I told Miss Amira your boss, that this project will take more than a month to establish, I need to get all the share holders on board. Some of them need a lot of convincing," he said.

"I will inform her. Though my job here is only to make sure things go as planned and everything the boss wants- happens," I said.

"Than Miss Halaat are you whiling to work with me, to make sure things 'go as planned'," he said. I didn't look at him, I looked away. The Adam I knew died along time ago... But oh do they look alike.

"Yes," I replied. It's not like I have a choice.

"Good, we will be working together. Every meeting, every annual function regarding the contract you will attend with me," he said.

"That's not necessary. I am sure you can manage that," I said and stood up.

"I see Miss Halaat you are not interested in the success of your company ," he rudely remarked.

"Adam that's totally ..." I say- I bit my lip. Adam stands up, walks towards and stood in front of me. So close.

My heart started beating fast, I couldn't hear myself think. His grey eyes, I got lost in. We just stared at each other, leaving our eyes do the talking.

"It's the only way Halaat," he said in a low-modulating voice. I quickly looked away and so did he. He isn't my husband, I am not his wife. And the look he gave me was as sinful- like we were about to kiss.

"You can leave now, I will call you when matters concern the contract are in discussion," he said in a bitter tone. I took my hand bag and rushed out of the room. I breathed out- I didn't even I was holding my breath.

ADAM

Halaat...
My Halaat will be working with me. When I found out this - I didn't believe it. She came back to me, this will be my only chance to get her back. I made a mistake and I must fix it. I don't care what it takes, Halaat will be mine again. I love Halaat, she's my wife. At least she was...

When she walked in the room. I wanted to hug her and tell her how much I love her, how much I missed her. Halaat has became even more beautiful, she's still the same angel I fall in-love with. But so much different.
We had a moment, but she looked away. I love her lovely eyes that tell me much of what I need not to know. This time all I could see was pain & anger. What have I done?
I am surely a fool.

She doesn't know I remember. I can't tell her, not yet. I must put this act of my past until the time comes.

****
Thank you for reading.❤️

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Feeling genrous today, two chapters. Ramadan Kareem to all muslims. ✨
I hope you are enjoying the stroy. Thank you so much for your support and feedback.

Adam remembers his love, Amira is in love with Adam, Halaat wants nothing to do with Adam and just wants to impress her boss. How long will she keep her act - until she falls for in his arms once more...