Resuming work, I wear a bodycon gown with a pink blazer, pairing it with jewelries and black heeled shoes. Growing up, I become a lady with an hourglass figure. Anytime I walk, the curve of my waist draws attention, my hips mirror the fullness of my shoulders. A kind of balance that makes me impossible to ignore. I leave my black silky hair cascading down my back. On my eyelid, I apply my signature smoky eyeline, brown powder blending with my face, and red lipstick sitting pretty on my lips. Looking into the mirror, I smile at my reflection. With one final spray of my favorite strawberry scented perfume, I leave the house. I lock my doors and put the keys beneath a flower vase as I head to my office. The city is alive, cars move along the road, traffic lights blink in rhythm, and horns sound in a chorus of urgency. Different passersby walking on the street of the city. I enter the office, settle down in my space and ready to deal with the day's work. Mid way into my work, I receive a call from my boss. Getting to the entrance, I knock and I am told to enter. Stepping inside, I meet him with another man having a business meeting whose back is towards me. My boss acknowledges me and rises.
"Let me introduce you," he says.
The man with his back turns, stands, and extends his hand. My breath hitches as I take in the sight before me. It's him.
He pauses, then show me his white teeth.
"We meet again" he says. I blush like a kid who just got her favorite candy, the warmth rushing to my cheeks as I take his hand.
"Do you know each other" my boss said.
"We did meet recently" I say quickly. I don't want my boss knowing the full story.
"You look beautiful" he says
"Thank you" I shyly say, still blushing.
"This is the CEO of Harlem industries, we are signing a contract, so you will be seeing more of him. This is the accountant; she is in charge of the accounts. I trust her" my boss says.
"Nice seeing you again, Alisha, I hope our working together will be smooth" he says.
"Same here" I say.
"This is the reason I call you, you can go" my boss says.
I go back to my seat. I am glad I will be seeing more of him. 'Why do I never hear of Harlem industries?'
'it is because you just come into the country, dumbass.' my sarcastic self snap back at me. I proceed to search the internet. Wow, seeing the pictures on the net, he really outdoes himself. His company is among the best on Forbes.
Harlem POV
I enter my friend's company to sign a deal. Ladies seem to melt whenever I enter the room. I go upstairs and meet his secretary; she ushers me in. I open his office door and meet him on his seat. We shake hands and exchange pleasantries.
"It is a long time since we meet. When do you arrive in the country." he asks.
"I return a few days ago," I respond.
"What about your wife and child?"
"Wife and child??? I don't have any." we both laugh it off.
"I hear about your marriage, congratulations man." I say
'Oh, you might have seen it on the tabloids. Thanks man."
"I am signing the contract but let me introduce you to someone, she is a trusted staff."
"Alright" He calls the person using the intercom.
Few minutes later, someone enters. I couldn't see the person because my back is towards the door. Judging by the voice, it is a lady. Introductions are made, standing up to shake hands with her, I meet her. The lady from the funeral.
"We meet again" she blushes. My friend asks if we know each other. She answers, I have to stop the words from rolling off my tongue. I check out her appearance; she is beautiful and endowed. I cannot stop myself from telling her how beautiful she looks. She acknowledges the compliment while blushing.
"Nice seeing you again, Alisha. I hope our working together will be smooth." I speak.
She goes back to her office while I keep smiling.
"Hmmm!!!! you like her?" my friend says.
"What!!! We meet recently so how is it possible to like her?"
"That doesn't mean anything."
"It can just be 'like at first sight" we both laugh.
But come to think of it, she looks extra beautiful today. Did I like her? Well, we will still see each other so I can't decide now.
"It is nice seeing you today, partner. At least we will be working together now. I have to run off; I have some appointments to catch."
"Okay my friend and partner." he stands up to shake my hands.
"My regards to your wife."I say.
I go outside, part of me is hoping to see her one last time before leaving the building, I didn't see her but it is fine. I enter my black sedan, and I am driven to my next appointment.
Alisha POV
I met Harlem when I was ten years old. We played together when other children avoided me. Whenever I have an injury, he tended to me. We were practically joined at the hip. Our closeness made me develop feelings towards him. Our houses were apart but on the same street. If I wasn't at home, I was practically at Harlem's. My father knew his family. At school, my father knew I was in the best hands because Harlem protected me. I was the quiet and reserved girl, and he was the opposite. I knew he was heartbroken when I left without saying goodbye. I was truly sad that I left him and looked forward to seeing him again.
Lunch break is almost over, and I am here busy with the account of the company. Now that my boss bags a deal, there is too much pressure on me. I manage to drag my tired self to the company's canteen. My favorite meal is on the menu today; white rice, garnished with different veggies and tender chicken. I serve myself and look for somewhere to eat. I finally find an empty seat. In no time, I dive into the food. My stomach is overjoyed at the first spoonful I took. God, this feels so good!!! I take my time to finish my food even though I know work is waiting for me at the office. Scrolling through my phone, I see a notification from my dad's lawyer. I carry my tray of dirty plates to the counter then go back to my office.