DAHLIA
Two weeks had passed since the scandal had hit the Nazari Empire, the stocks had taken a blow when the world found out about the collapse of my marriage. I had applied for a divorce on the basis of infidelity.
My failed marriage was plastered on the cover of every newspaper and business magazine, every assumption and every remark were only adding salt to the already deep wounds that Warren had left me with. But I was still trying to remain strong and composed.
True to my words I had appointed Dane Altaire as CEO, although the official signing was to take place very soon. I was not going to move from my decision although the board of directors were trying to break my resolve at every meeting. On top of that my father had summoned me, he had been abroad on a holiday when everything had happened but had returned home swiftly when he realised what had occurred.
My chauffeur Markus now drove through the gates of the huge Nazari estate, the place was larger than my own mansion which looked humble and modest in comparison. It had been an extra estate of my fathers he had given me when Warren and I got married. Just the thought of Warren made my chest tighten painfully. It was already hard enough explaining to Aria that the man she had started to call papa was not coming back.
“Thank you, Markus, wait in the car. I won’t be too long.” I said once he opened the door for me. Under my flawless makeup and a faint smile, I hid all my pain.
The eyes of the world were upon me. I could not afford to mess up. I was scared to face my father, after all, he approved of Warren greatly. But I had to face him sooner or later.
The butler allowed me inside seconds after I did the bell, bowing deeply. “Welcome home Lady Dahlia.”
“Thank you, Edward. It’s good to see you again.” I said politely before I made my way to the sitting room, taking a deep breath before entering.
“Baba, how are you?” I said smiling as I walked over to my father who was sitting with his wife Amal. She was only a few years older than me and was my father’s 5th wife. My mother had been the first but she had died in strange circumstances when I was young. My father never liked to discuss it.
“Daughter, finally you show up!” Hadid said standing up, he was quite an intimidating man in his late 60’s but he looked a lot younger than his years. He closed the gap between us and hugged me tightly, I closed my eyes just wanting to stay here forever. Protected in his embrace.
“I do apologise Baba but as you know there was so much going on.” I said, greeting my stepmother with a few air kisses.
“Hm, how about you tell me exactly what happened? I don’t think divorcing Warren was the correct thing to do Dahlia.” My father now said, looking at me seriously.
“Baba, he cheated on me. I don’t need a man like him in my life!” I exclaimed, not missing the eye roll from my stepmother.
“He is an excellent CEO, that you fired. Over something so small.” My father said gravely.
“Baba, if he is so amazing why don’t you marry him!” I retorted, annoyed that he thought it was something so small. My words made my stepmother give me a rather dirty look. Father simply sighed as he looked at me, disapproval clear in his expression. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.
“He would keep the company at its strongest. You are a woman Dahlia, you need a strong man behind you,”
“I don’t! Baba believe in me.” I said pleadingly. I needed something to keep me focused, something to hold on to so I didn’t drown in the pits of despair and sadness over my broken marriage.
“Amal, tell the staff to bring us some refreshments.” Father said, clearly indicating he wished to be alone with me.
“Of course.” Amal said, casting me a once over before she left the room. Father sighed, taking my slender hand in his large ones.
“You know about my health Dahlia… I don’t know how long I have. I need you somewhere I know you will be taken care of. Once I'm gone, many snakes will want this company, to take that power for themselves. Warren is a man who has a strong influence in our society and in the business world.”
“Baba! What about his cheating? He put me through something no woman should be put through. Do you think I should stand by and allow it?” I asked, hurt and angry despite the sadness that I felt at the reminder of my father’s illness.
“It isn't something that is unheard of, it is common.” He said. I knew he too had been a part of many affairs in his lifetime, but I refused to let myself suffer like this.
“This new CEO is as good, in fact he may be better than Warren. Just let me handle this baba please.” I said looking into my father's eyes.
He shook his head, I knew he wouldn’t agree so easily.
“I will give you 2 months Dahlia to prove that this new CEO can stand up to Warren's level. If he fails you will take Warren back, am I clear?” His voice was cold and curt, I knew he wouldn’t listen. I clenched my jaw but nodded. I would prove that I didn’t need Warren, that this company didn’t need him. Although the company would take a hit when the Murdock’s pulled their investment it was nothing in comparison to the Nazari influence.
I didn’t stay for longer, feeling my father’s growing annoyance the darker his face became. It hurt that he didn’t seem to think much of what I have been through. I took my leave before Amal even returned with the refreshments. I had things to do, and tonight I had a dinner meeting with Dane Altaire to attend. If all went well, he would soon be the new CEO of the Nazari empire.
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It was now evening and I was sitting in a private room of the very restaurant I had wanted to visit with Warren. I smoothed the skirt of my silk deep blue fitted dress that reached just above my knees. My mind drifted to the sweet moments of my marriage. So far, I had kept myself busy with work and had no time to wallow in self-pity.
The interior of the room was romantic and elegant, decorated in shades of browns and gold. Soft Arabic music played in the background; it was the perfect place for a couple to come to. I leaned against the backrest of the curved velvet booth, losing myself in the music, the weight of my pain ever-growing.
There was a light knock on the door before one of the waiters opened it and Dane walked in, looking rather handsome. He was dressed in black slacks and a black shirt that had a few buttons left open, revealing the necklaces that hung around his neck.
He didn’t even spare me a look as he sat down, his muscles flexing with every move. I looked away quickly not wanting to be seen staring.
The waiter poured us both a glass of wine from the bottle that stood in a bucket of ice and left the room. I had already placed the order when I had arrived, wanting to at least impress the young man. I wasn’t sure if anything would impress him. He now sat back, tilting his head as he looked at me, a cold gloomy expression on his arrogant face.
“I already placed the order but if there’s anything you would like to add-”
“No thanks.” He said icily, tossing the contract on the table. “I read the contract and there are a few things I want to be amended.”
Well, it was clear he wanted to cut straight to business.
“Oh? I thought it was rather fair. We made sure we paid handsomely. You will have your pension, insurance, healthcare all-” He cut me off again, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“I don’t really care if you think it's fair. I said I want to change a few things.” He said arrogantly. I felt a stab of annoyance. What a jerk. Why did he hate me so much? But I needed him, so I simply pouted and nodded. He gave me a look before continuing.
“I will have the final say when it comes to the way I work, even if the Nazari empire is huge. If I don’t think something is fitting, I will not pass it. If you step in and try to oppose me even once, I assure you I will leave.” He said, his hazel eyes piercing into mine. I didn’t miss the way he looked me over, contempt growing on his face. I frowned back at him.
“Sometimes I do need to have a say in the company Mr. Altaire.” I said firmly.
“I assure you I am a lot more suited for this job than you are. If you want me, Ms. El Nazari, you need to accept my condition. Stick to make up and dressing up, leave the work to me.” He said arrogantly. I pressed my lips together, annoyed. He wasn’t wrong, I did need him.
Although it shocked me how he didn’t seem to care how important a person I was. I had done a little background check on him and knew he was from a working-class family, although there wasn’t much on his family, apart from the fact they owned a small diner downtown and that he was the eldest of three siblings.
“I have also done my master’s in business Mr. Altaire, and I have years more experience than you.” I said in a clipped tone, sticking my nose up as I picked up my glass. “I completed at the top of my class in-”
“I don’t really care.” He said, sounding bored. I frowned, I wasn’t wrong, he was 26 and I was 30 after all.
“Well, you should! I’m older and wiser.” I retorted. I didn’t miss the flash of annoyance in his eyes as he leaned forward, making my eyes widen as I was forced to lean back. The same intoxicating scent that I smelt off him at the office filled my senses and I tried not to get lost in those eyes that were rimmed with the most perfect lashes one could ask for.
“Listen to me princess, I don’t care how old you are. You’re the one who wants me, remember?” His low voice made my heart race and I simply nodded, wanting him to move away. I didn’t miss the way his eyes ran over my face, lingering on my lips before he frowned deeply and moved back.
“Fine! How about this? Sometimes we will discuss things, but I will leave the majority to you.” I said frowning as I looked him square in the eyes.
“Fine.” He said, frowning. Neither of us was completely satisfied. I smiled clinking my glass with his.
“I look forward to it.” I replied, relieved we had come to an agreement. A small predator-like smirk crossed his face for a fraction of a second before he drank the wine…
Dane Three Days had passed since my dinner with Dahlia, or should I say the spoilt princess. She was partially a mystery to me; at times she didn’t seem to care that her husband had cheated on her and then at other times I thought I saw the sadness behind those alluring grey eyes. I frowned, stopping my train of thought. She was nothing more to me than a stepping stool to get to where I wanted. I stepped out of the bedroom of my small apartment in the busy city, it wasn’t too big but it was well kept and decorated with a modern interior. I had only recently moved out of my family’s small apartment and if I was going to do this then I didn’t want to draw too much attention to who my parents were. Tonight was the party in my honour, celebrating my new status as CEO of the multi-billionaire company. I looked in the mirror, the suit I wore was well-tailored in a dark navy shade, underneath it I wore a red shirt, a few buttons
DAHLIA My heart thumped in my chest, which rose and fell erratically. Stepping back I looked at the clearly drunk and dishevelled Warren. It was the first time I was seeing him since that day and although I had invited him to show him that I didn’t need him, I did not expect him to be in such a state. “Dahlia! So is this the bastard who you left me for?” He spat coldly as he staggered towards me. “Security!” I heard father thunder. Warren was ruining their relationship as much as he was his own. Warren glared at me; I could see the anger he felt as he looked me over. He had spent the last 2 weeks pleading, begging and promising to do better through texts, emails and every other way possible. I refused to listen. Once a cheater, always a cheater. The only interaction from my side had been when I sent him the divorce papers. Papers he would never sign without a fight. “Mark my words! I will destroy the both of you!” He hissed, keeping his voice
DANE “Would you like to come inside for a coffee?” I looked at her, trying not to look at the way water trickled down her collar bones and into her cleavage. This was not a good idea… I glanced at the mansion hesitating. Should I agree? “Sure, I guess I could use a hot drink.” I said quietly, not missing her eyes widened in surprise. I raised an eyebrow. “Why ask if you didn’t want me to agree?” I asked. She shook her head vigorously, a tendril of hair falling in front of her face. My fingers itched to brush it aside. “No, no that’s not it. I owe you, come on in.” She said getting out of the car as she hurried to the door, my jacket around her shoulders. She reached inside her purse and took her keys out. Unlocking the door, she stepped aside allowing me to pass. I looked around the entrance hall that was dimly lit by the rectangular wall lamps that glowed warmly spread across the soft brown panelled walls. The floor was marble and the
DAHLIA The following morning dawned rather cold; I was sitting in the car with Aria. We would drop her at school before I headed to work. When Warren was around, he forced me to stay home from work more often than not. At the time I didn’t mind, loving to spend more time with Aria. Ever since baba became ill, I had worked a lot more. I wondered if Warren's reason was so he could mess around at work. Were there other women at work he had been sleeping with? Just the thought sent a pang of pain through me. I was annoyed at the same time. I sighed until I felt someone watching me and looked at Aria who was watching me thoughtfully. “Is everything ok darling?” I asked her, caressing her hair that was in two pigtails. “Is mama sad because daddy left us?” She said. I froze, my smile vanishing. “Who said daddy left us?” “Kids at school, and Mrs Riddle was telling the other teacher…” Aria mumbled. I frowned, feeling anger spike inside.
DANE I looked up at her not missing the anger and pain she was fighting and closed my laptop. “Don’t be foolish.” I said now standing up. I looked down at her. She was still a few inches shorter than me even with her heels. She wore a red silk blouse and a black skirt that hugged her figure perfectly. “Excuse me?” She said glaring at me, I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be stupid. If you fire those women they’ll just realise you really are affected by it all. Let them carry on, they're not worth it.” “This is my company Mr. Altaire!” She snapped. I raised an eyebrow. This woman really did know how to give someone a headache. I frowned. “Look. This company is already at a very rocky point. So, tell me what do you want? To fire a few women for having an affair with your ex. Or to stabilise it? Your ex-husband is mostly to blame. He’s the one who cheated on you.” I said coldly. She looked away but I knew that had hit home.
DAHLIA I turned away from him, I had no idea why I even told him that. The fear of something happening to Aria ate at me like maggots ate the flesh of a dead body. I felt sick and the anxiety was building. I made to run down the steps but I had only taken two steps when he grabbed my wrist making me gasp as I almost stumbled. If he had not been holding me, I would have fallen. I turned and saw him frowning deeply as if struggling with himself. “I’ll take you.” He said curtly, walking past me and down the stairs still holding me. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at his back. He was helping me? We had just reached his car and drove out of the parking lot when my phone rang. The name Markus flashing on the screen. “Ma’am! The school CCTV showed that it was Master Warren who took her!” He said, it was clear he was rather panicked. At least Markus was one of the rare ones I trusted and knew he took care of Aria with genuine care. “Thanks
WARREN I looked at my reflection. That bastard! How dare he strike me! Middle-class scum! I slammed my hand into the mirror. This wasn’t going to work. I had seen the look in Dahlia’s eyes when he dragged her out! Jealousy reared its ugly head and I felt it spread through me. She was mine. She couldn't leave me. I frowned thinking back to our time married. She had been the perfect wife… but a man couldn't just be tied to one woman. Why couldn't she see that? I took my phone and looked at the hundreds of miscalls from Kendra. Maybe it was high time I used her. An hour later, I had stopped the bleeding and had my nose set back in place. I was fuming. Kendra had just arrived, and she was more than happy that I called her. She ran into my arms and I simply caressed her hair. Now noticing all the differences between Dahlia and her. Her hair wasn’t as thick or silky as Dahlia’s. She smelt of strong perfume whilst Dahlia’s was always subtle yet seductive… Ev
DAHLIA The following day had dawned cold and wet. I had just dropped Aria at school before heading to work. Last night consumed my mind. I had awoken hours later in the hall. Glass shattered and a few embedded into my skin. All I remember is that voice that instilled fear within me. I wanted to put it down to just a prank call, but the words still rang in my head, like a chilling chant of dread. I had removed the glass and made sure to cover up well so no one saw the cuts on my arm. I was wearing a blush pink silk blouse and black fitted pants paired with some pink heels. I walked into work so lost in thought I didn’t even realise where I was walking until I knocked straight into someone. I gasped stumbling back until an arm wrapped around my waist catching me before I hit the ground. My eyes widened when I looked into a pair of piercing hazel eyes that were becoming so very familiar. Not to mention the arrogant cocking of his brow. “Are you naturally