DAHLIA He smirked irritatingly at me and I glared back before composing myself. “What did you want to talk to me about?” “I just wanted to ask how long Cook’s been in this company and about the shopping centre that the El Nazari wanted to make a few years ago. A process that seems to be put on hold.” I walked around the table looking at the computer file he had just opened and perched on his desk. “He’s been on the board for years, nearly two decades if memory serves.” “With your age, I’m wondering if I can trust in your memory. Anyhow, I do think he’s been having some odd involvements. I want to visit that building.” He said, not giving me a chance to even say anything. “But that building is…why?” I asked. He stood up, leaning down and looked into my eyes. “I just have something I want to confirm.” He said making me move back. His seductive scent filled my nose. The man wasn’t only handsome and well dressed but somethi

DAHLIA “Oh, come on, you look gorgeous!” Zara, my best friend said. She had forced me to come with her to a club and although I don’t mind a drink here and there, I wasn’t really in the mood. Not since she had left me at that club all by myself right after I had broke up with Warren. Zara herself, was dressed in a gorgeous deep purple silk dress and it was clear she was happy to be here. “Zara… I look like a high-end hooker!” I said now looking down at myself. All I could see were my breasts! She shook her head. “You look sexy. Look you need to let loose and maybe you know, take a man home or at least to a hotel…” She said. I sighed. “I’m not ready for that.” I said despite a certain someone coming to mind. My eyes widened and I quickly pushed the thought away. “Ok fine. At least loosen up, have a few drinks you know?” “It’s a Sunday, I have work tomorrow?” “A few drinks won’t hurt!” She retorted. I hadn't been out sinc

DAHLIA I awoke with a gasp; I had just dreamt of kissing Dane again. Just the thought of his lips on mine made my stomach flutter, a pleasant throb settling in the very pit of my stomach. Dane… was I crushing on him? I couldn’t deny there was an attraction there. I sighed, sitting up trying to ignore the ache between my legs. After showering, I got dressed in a pale-yellow knee-length dress. Pairing it with a cropped white jacket and heels. I applied the usual eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. My skin was clear and apart from occasions, I wouldn’t really wear foundation. I left my hair open as I decided to go see if he was awake. After the state he was in last night, he would need some painkillers. I entered his room silently, to see him still asleep. His arm was over his forehead and his shirt had risen a little, showing off his defined V. I looked away, placing the painkillers and water on the bedside table. I walked to the curtain and pulled them open, letti

DAHLIA I had made my way to my fathers’ house and headed upstairs to his bedroom. The house staff had told me he hadn’t been fit enough to leave the bed today. Also, it seemed like Amal had decided to go out. It hurt to know that he was alone at such a time. I didn’t like the woman much, but the fact she wasn’t here for my father upset me even more. I sighed and placed a smile on my face. Conceal and appear content. I took a deep breath before I entered the room. It was a luxurious room decorated in marble, cream wall panelling and gold borders. The ceiling was stone with intricate patterns, a huge chandelier was in the centre. The embroidered cream curtains were open, and the sun shone through the windows. The huge king-sized bed was covered in embroidered Egyptian cotton bedding with several pillows. I almost cried seeing the state my father was in. Gone was the wig he wore during the day. He had lost his hair thanks to chemo. He looked so weak and haggard,

    DAHLIA I was shocked, to say the least. Watching him bite into the hot cheesy quesadilla, for once I had no words. I simply gave him a small smile before I picked up one of the pizza pastries. How could I refuse when he had made the effort? Right now, I needed some sort of comfort, although he was not the one I had expected it from. I took a small bite, brushing a crumb from my lips. I felt broken after that argument with Baba. Sometimes I felt so alone in this world, no matter how many friends, social events or what wealth I had. In the end, it didn’t even matter. I had Zara, but she didn’t entirely understand this. She was from a wealthy family too and although she was sympathetic, she couldn’t really relate. “Want to talk about it?” He asked, his deep voice taking me by surprise. I looked up at him as ‘My Heart Will Go On’ began playing on the jukebox. “Am I that obvious?” I asked. “You look a mess.” I