(Chapter 8)

Syha

It is my first day at work, and to say I'm nervous would be an understatement. I did have worked for small non-profit organizations in my country but now being an accountant in a renowned company, it's a big deal for me.

Araan drops me off and kisses me luck then drives away to his own office. Last night we went shopping since I'd need some new professional clothes for work. So, I have now on a blue shirt blouse and high waisted slacks with the blouse tucked in, and my hair tightly put up in a pony tail. Araan had assured me multiple times that I look stunning.

Entering the grandiose halls, I step in the elevator that takes me up to the 11th floor. I go over to the desk and upon stating my position and information, I am led to a cubicle desk and immediatly greeted by the team leader I'll be working for.

"Syah Azlaan, welcome on your first day. I'm David Jasper. Your team leader but don't count me a boss. I'd like us to be working in a friendly atmosphere." He says while reaching out a palm for me to shake.

With a shy smile, I shake his hand. "Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to work here, with all of you. Jadeson Corp. has been a dream for me." I admit genuinely.

"Perfect." He beams, his light blonde hair shining under the fluroscent lights. "Now, come over here and get the files for our next project. Deena would walk you along the progress and what's the part you're gonna play." He waves a hand over and a woman my age struts over, a welcoming smile on her face, dimples on her cheeks. "This is Deena."

"Hi. Syha." I introduce myself and shake her hand as well.

"Hey! It's nice to meet you." She's really cheerful for someone wearing such thick

glasses.

"Nice to meet you too."

"You two catch up and ring me up if there's anything you'd like to know, Syha. I'll be in my office." He pats my back and trudges off.

"Come on, let's get started." Deena calls me on, already walking back to where she came from. I quickly follow behind, taking deep breaths to keep the anxiety at bay and do my best to prove my capability on my first day.

Two hours later, I already have a grip on what is my part and I go back to my desk. Arranging it a little and place a small cactus on the corner, along with a photo frame of us on our first date out. I softly smile at the picture, admiring Araan's big smile and let myself focus on work.

Araan texts around lunch time. I response to his eager questions and munch on my bagel. He seems really excited and digs out every detail, which is very adorable to be honest. He also tells me that he'll come pick me up and we should go out for dinner. I say okay and put my phone down.

"Syha," I look up from my laptop upon hearing my name and find David hovering over the frame of my cubicle. "I need you to type out something for me. Can you do that?" He asks, and his eyes shine as he looks at me.

Though it's not my job to type out anything for anyone outside of the project we are invested in, it's my first day and I can't say no to my boss.

"Sure." I smile politely.

"Great." He beams, tapping a hand on my desk and walks around to put the files on top of it. Suddenly he leans close and makes a show of showing something to me on the laptop. I am uncomfortably aware of his presence and breath, I scoot a little to the side, stiff and hurrying to get his work done so he'd leave.

After what feels like hours, he finally pulls away and I can breathe.

"Okay, so hand it over when you're done. Thanks in advance, Syha." He smiles too sweetly.

I only nod in response and sigh out in relief when he trudges off. Half an hour later, I'm done with his work. So, I go over to his office and hand it over when Deena enters in.

"Hey, I was thinking how about we go drinking to welcome you after work?" She suggests. I really don't want to drink with strangers. We just met today.

"Uh, I'm not sure. My husband's coming to pick me up." I say.

Something unreadable flashes in David's eyes at that. But Deena seems overjoyed. "Invite him too! It'd be fun. Come on, Syha. We do it for every new employee." She grabs my arm for emphasize and I sigh in defeat.

"Okay. I'll tell him." I smile and Deena's face lights up.

"Perfect! I'll tell the others." And she trots out of the room. I was about to leave too when David stops me.

"I didn't know you have a husband."

If I didn't know better I'd almost assume he's jealous from the rough tone he uses while pronouncing 'husband'. Weird.

I manage a sweet smile, "Well, my resúme did say I am married. And being married usually requires having a husband."

His face falls and I surely hope whatever hint is needed, he got it. "Now if you'll excuse me." I mutter and dash out of the room.

How am I gonna work with him if he continues to being like this?

After work, I text Araan and he lets me know that he's already here. There's five of us and when we all walk out of the building, Araan spots me immediately. I walk over to greet him with a smile and a peck on the cheek.

"My colleagues want us to join them for drinks. Wanna come?" I ask, linking our arms and enjoying the body warm he radiates.

"Sure." I kiss his cheek one more time and lead him to the group. I introduce him to each and not miss the way David eyes him subtly. My jaw clenches. That shithead pervert.

We all head to the bar across the street and settle around a booth. Araan stays close to me with an arm around my waist. It feels really nice to be his wife in public and receiving his affection. I know we're taking it slow, one step at a time, and it is making everything in our growing relationship all the more sweet.

"I must say Syha, you got yourself a freaking hottie." Mia, another team member, whispers in my ear and I stifle a laughter.

"I know. Lucky me." I can't help but agree, eyeing my hottie from the corner of my eyes.

"Does he have any brother?" She asks.

Snickering, I shake my head with pretense pout. "He does, but he's way younger to be your personal hottie." I wink.

"Damn." She fake cries and we both chuckle after that.

The conversation flows around the table and I am pleased to see how easily Araan just settles, talking and laughing. So carefree and beautiful. My heart flutters happily. After anothe round of drinks and some snacks, the others pile onto the dance floor except Deena who sneaks up with some boy. But we stay in the booth, watching their antics and laughing.

As I was sipping from my second glass, I almost splutter out the drink when I feel Araan's hand on my thigh, squeezing. I glare at him. "We're in public."

He smirks, "Well, everyone's too busy to bother about us." His hand travels to my inner thigh and he squeezes again and I can barely stifle any noise from coming out of my mouth.

"Just- let's go home." I say and he grins triumphantly, standing up and dragging me to follow.

I laugh but can't quite hide the fact that I'm equally as eager if not more for him to be all over me.

We barely throw everyone goodbyes before we're scrambling to Araan's car and speeding home.

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