Hot Night With CEO

Fahira thought her feelings for Darian would fade away with time, but in the second week of their separation, her heart felt even more wounded. She had tried countless times to convince herself that everything would be fine. Fahira, who was always strong and resilient, felt different this time. She was in pain. She was fragile.

Instead, Fahira experienced severe sleep disturbances or insomnia. Every night, she remained awake, her eyes reluctant to close as beautiful memories with Darian pulled her back into the past. It was only around three in the morning that Fahira could finally shut her eyes, but only for 1-2 hours. She felt like giving up, but she also needed to work; she couldn’t just leave her hard-earned job because of personal issues.

Moreover, the pressure from her coworkers, who would look at her with disdain whenever they met, added to her burdens. Her closeness with Darian a few weeks ago had become the subject of gossip among almost all employees in the company. However, Fahira didn’t want to dwell on that. What mattered most to her now was healing her own heart. Fahira was certain that Alea was the best choice for Yasmin, Darian’s mother.

On a night like this, Ariel found Fahira curled up on her bed again. Ariel knew her sister was crying, just like the nights before. Ariel’s heart ached, so much so that she wanted to confront Darian directly. From the beginning, Ariel was uncomfortable with Darian’s presence beside Fahira. And now, her worst fears had come true. Her sister had to experience heartbreak in her first experience of falling in love.

“Are you okay? Your face looks so pale,” Ariel asked with concern.

“I’m fine, Dek. Maybe just tired,” Fahira replied, preparing breakfast for both of them. Then silence fell again.

Since Fahira’s return on Sunday night with Darian, everything had changed. Fahira, who was always friendly and cheerful, became more reserved. She chose to stay busy and immerse herself in her work rather than engage in casual conversations with her colleagues. Although Fahira usually responded to their jokes, this time it was different. Fahira intentionally kept herself occupied, even doing some of David’s work. Ray, Mira, Susi, and David themselves chose to stay silent unless Fahira initiated a conversation. They understood how their colleague felt, and they were ready to defend her on the front lines whenever employees from other divisions made hurtful remarks about Fahira and Darian’s relationship.

Ariel glanced at Fahira for a moment before finishing his breakfast. Then they both got ready and left for their respective destinations. Ariel went with his friend Arif, while Fahira went with Mang Damar, her regular ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver. The man who usually kept an eye on Fahira now became her shadow guard, as did Ariel. When the time was right, he would reveal his true self. But first, he had other tasks to complete.

As Fahira arrived at the office, she headed to the pantry first, as usual, to make a cup of coffee for her boss. She felt a sense of relief when she entered Darian’s office and saw that he hadn’t arrived at his desk yet. Fahira quickly turned to leave. However, just as her hand was about to grasp the door handle, the door suddenly opened, and the person she was trying to avoid was now standing there, staring at her with a blank expression.

“Excuse me, I’ll take my leave!” Fahira said, bowing slightly in respect, while the man continued to gaze fixedly at her, blocking her path. Darian remained silent, his jaw clenched as he observed Fahira, who looked thinner, gloomy, and lost in thought. Unbeknownst to Fahira, Darian had been secretly watching her through the gap in the curtains of his office.

Instead of giving Fahira way to pass, Darian entered and closed the door, leaning against it.

“Don’t make a habit of always bowing your head in front of me!” Darian spoke coldly, causing Fahira to slowly lift her head. Their eyes met for a moment before Fahira mustered the courage to respond and match Darian’s icy gaze. “I have work to do, so please let me leave now!”

Darian let out a sharp exhale. Fahira looked disheveled, her eyes darkened, and her face appeared pale. “Today’s schedule is packed. If you’re not feeling well, you should go home and rest. Let David take care of all your work,” Darian said firmly, emphasizing his words. Of course, he didn’t want to see the woman he loved fall ill.

“I’m fine, Mr. Darian!” Fahira retorted, just as determined. Darian then shifted his body away from the door and walked towards his large chair, avoiding looking at Fahira’s back because he knew he wouldn’t be able to let her go if that happened.

The memory of their final encounter as a couple replayed in Darian’s mind uncontrollably.

“After today, we will only be boss and secretary. I hope that what we’ve experienced together can be enough as memories,” Fahira said between tears, while Darian could only remain silent, burdened with pain. He couldn’t bear to part with her in such a painful way.

“Promise me, Darian,” Fahira continued, lifting her face to meet his sad brown eyes. Darian was rendered speechless, feeling the ache in his heart.

“Isn’t there any other option?” Darian tried to sway Fahira’s decision. He wasn’t sure if he could keep his promise.

“I won’t choose an imam who sees his mother as a burden,” Fahira responded firmly. Her words struck Darian’s heart deeply. She was right. In a man’s eyes, a mother’s feet are where a son finds paradise, and a wife’s feet will be his in the future.

“Whatever decision you make, I’ll accept it, Honey, but never leave my sight!” Darian’s voice trembled as he embraced her tightly. Darian would never utter a farewell, as for him, Fahira was his heart. Wherever he was, Fahira would always be by his side.

When Fahira was about to remind Darian about his meeting schedule, suddenly a hand landed harshly on her shoulder. “Move aside, I want to meet my future husband!” Alea said arrogantly. David and Ray, who saw Alea’s arrival, were already on alert. Like her previous visits, the model seemed to always seek trouble with Fahira, who remained polite and friendly to her.

“I apologize, Miss Alea, let me escort you!” David responded, quickly opening Darian’s office door and signaling Fahira to return to her desk.

“Thank you, David,” Alea pretended to be sweet, then entered Darian’s office.

“Hi, Sweetheart!” Alea greeted, approaching Darian. Alea lowered her head to kiss him, but Darian immediately got up from his chair, nearly causing Alea to stumble.

“What do you want here? Didn’t I tell you that I’m busy today?” Darian said firmly, then moved to sit on the sofa where he usually met with guests.

“I want us to have lunch together. Besides, before we get engaged next week, I want us to get to know each other better,” Alea replied with a sly grin. She then confidently sat on Darian’s lap.

Darian tolerated Alea’s behavior for a moment. She played with his tie and traced his strong jawline with her finger. Alea admired Darian’s handsomeness and claimed to have fallen in love with him at first sight.

“Please mind your behavior! We’re at the office!” Darian said sternly, with a hint of anger, and reluctantly, Alea got off his lap.

“Okay, I’ll come to your apartment tonight!” Alea flirtatiously winked at Darian, who still looked at her coldly.

“Come on, Darling, shortly we’ll be engaged. What’s wrong with spending the night together?” Alea coaxed again. She was surprised that her future life partner was so reserved and cold.

“It’s better if you leave; there’s a meeting that’s about to start,” Darian replied, glancing at the clock on his left wrist.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“I’ll wait here!” Alea insisted, sitting in Darian’s large chair.

“Suit yourself!” Darian responded curtly while adjusting his suit and then left his office.

The meeting with division managers was held in the company’s meeting room. Darian, along with David and Fahira, entered the room five minutes before the meeting started. Each manager presented their division’s work results in turn. As usual, Darian paid close attention and would ask questions and make statements after each presentation.

About 90 minutes later, the meeting found a satisfying outcome, meeting the owner’s expectations. Fahira, who had been trying to focus and take notes during the meeting, suddenly felt her vision blur, and the back of her head started throbbing intensely. Cold sweat started to soak her body, and she felt as if she were floating. Thud. Fahira’s head hit the table in front of her. All eyes turned to the source of the sound.

“Ms. Fahira fainted!” David exclaimed in panic as he shook Fahira’s shoulder.

“Fahira!” Darian murmured, quickly getting up from his chair as the meeting leader. He was in a panic and immediately checked Fahira’s forehead, which felt hot. Disregarding the other meeting participants, Darian took over David’s task of lifting Fahira’s body.

“You drive; we’ll go to the hospital now!” Darian ordered, lifting Fahira’s body bridal-style.

“Darling, wake up, what’s wrong with you?” Darian panicked, gazing at Fahira’s sad face. David, who was in the elevator with Darian and Fahira, could only stay silent.

David knew the love story between the two of them, and he could only pray in his heart that they could reunite. David had witnessed how broken Darian was after their breakup. However, Darian was skillful in hiding it while at the office.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Fahira was immediately attended to by the ER doctor. The results showed that she was suffering from severe dehydration and anemia. According to the doctor, Fahira was experiencing depression and severe stress. She needed intensive medical treatment.

Around two in the afternoon, Fahira had been moved to the hospital ward. Darian, who was by Fahira’s side, could only remain silent with a sorrowful gaze. He held Fahira’s hand and kissed it softly. “Forgive me, Fahira,” Darian whispered. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from her. But thinking of his mother, Darian’s tears flowed even more. He was torn and couldn’t make a choice.

A knock on the door interrupted Darian’s tears. He quickly wiped his eyes and opened the door. “Where’s Fahira?” Ariel demanded, her eyes flashing with anger. Darian remained silent and allowed Ariel and Gavin to enter.

Darian and Gavin sat in the hospital garden.

“I entrust Fahira to you, take good care of her,” Darian said, holding back his tears.

“What do you mean?” Gavin asked, confused.

“I believe you understand what I mean. I trust that you’ll take good care of her,” Darian continued, patting Gavin’s shoulder before leaving him standing there.

“If you love her, Darian, why are you letting her go?” Gavin murmured softly, watching Darian’s retreating figure. He did love Fahira, but he couldn’t bear to hurt Darian either.