At 2:30pm, Irene changed into a more corporate outfit and left Madison with her Dad. She has fixed a meeting with Dubai clients for 3pm and didn't want to keep them waiting. Irene kissed her dad's cheeks before heading out. This time, Irene allowed Tony to drive her.
3:02pm, Irene arrived at Palm Bay hotel in the heart of Cabin city. Tony assisted her with her bag and she walked head high behind him till they got to the lounge area for the meeting. Irene met a young man in his 30s sitted dressed in an Arabian outfit working on his laptop.
"You must be miss Swift," he said in an Arabian accent without lifting his head. Irene smiled and extended her hand for a handshake. The young man raised his head and looked at her before accepting her hands. "You are three minutes late," he said with a weak smile. Irene chuckled and apologized.
Irene looked at the young man for the first time and she could admit he was handsome. He was one of the most handsome men she has met. His perfect eyebrows, jawline and his head wrap complimented his white outfit. "Akmed," he said with a calm smile. His smile added warmth to Irene's heart.
Irene blushed and nodded shyly. This was the first time a man was making her feel giggling. "We were expecting three…" Irene asked curiously but Akmed interrupted. "Yes. My father, and my uncles. They are your clients. They sent me" he said proudly. Irene's heart has been captured. This was all she wanted in a man.
Grace, authority, business minded, handsome and neat. She nodded sweetly and started the meeting. Akmed was impressed by Irene's presentation and business intellect. He nodded at every point that struck a chord. He asked Irene possible questions that could hinder their business transaction and her answers to every question were superb.
The meeting lasted for two hours and Akmed was very impressed. "This was worth my time, Miss swift. You are one tough business mogul" he complimented sincerely. Irene blushed at his words. "We should have tea together," Akmed asked politely, signaling to the waiter. Irene's heart skipped. "Our first date" she whispered to herself blushing.
The waiter brought two cups of ice tea and served them. Akmed smiled warmly at Irene and she blushed. She could not deny that this man had an effect on her. An effect that she liked. "I like you Miss Swift. You are a business asset. It's not common" Akmed sipped his tea while maintaining eye contact.
They enjoyed their evening together and Irene could not hold back her smile. She has fallen for this man. Akmed extended his hand to help Irene to her feet and she noticed a ring. Her eyes pooped at the piece of jewelry on his finger and she froze. Akmed noticed her gaze on his finger and smiled.
"I get that alot miss swift. I don't look it at all" he said, chuckling, helping her to her feet. Irene's facial expression changed from bright to pale. "I don't understand," Irene said, taking her hand away from him slowly. Akmed smiled more and led her towards her car.
"Miss Swift, I am married. What I meant was, I don't look married. People doubt it alot". He said, smiling warmly. Irene's head spins in circles. She couldn't believe her ears. She immediately faked a smile and nodded softly. "That's great Mr Akmed. Congratulations" she said with a hard lump in her throat.
Akmed smiled and helped her with the car door. "It's no news Miss Swift. We have been married for six years now. I have two kids" he said proudly. Irene smiled softly and nodded. "Till our next meeting Mr Akmed" Irene said smiling. Akmed closed the car door and stood at the garage till her car went out of sight.
Irene hissed and hit her head several times with her bag immediately Tony started the drive. "Silly, silly, girl! Flirting with a married man". She hissed at her silliness. She couldn't believe, Akmed was a father of two kids. Her ideal man disappeared in seconds. Irene sighed softly, disappointed.
She got back to the hospital and met Madison and her dad playing chess. Mr Dave noticed the look on his daughter's face and asked what the problem was. "What happened at the meeting?" he asked, putting away the chess board. Irene pouted and sat on the chair beside the shelf.
"The meeting went well dad. I thought I got myself a man this time" she faked a cry, pulling her heels. Madison chuckled loudly while Mr Dave seemed interested in the story. "What happened to the man Irene?" He asked with seriousness in his voice. Irene unpacked her hair, letting it fall down her shoulder.
Irene sighed softly and took off her blazzer. "Dad, he was representing our Dubai clients. He was so handsome and neat too" she beamed dreamily. Mr Dave and Madison looked at her and exchanged glances. "Well, he is married with two kids" she broke the news. Madison could not hide her laughter and bursted out.
Mr Dave tried to understand the dilemma, but he wasn't getting it. "You mean, you had a crush on a married man?" He asked coldly. Irene sighed softly and returned to her laptop without any response.
Irene spent the last two days in the hospital with her Dad. His recovery process was getting better gradually and Irene could not hide her excitement. She kissed her dad's cheeks as usual and left for the office. Nurse Betty served Mr Dave breakfast and administered his drugs.
Irene had the best day at work. She met with new clients and closed new deals for the company. She took note of the next meeting's agenda. Irene thought of having a branch in Africa, she learnt how lucrative it will be for the company and it will be closer to their potential customers.
Madison and Irene went out for lunch to celebrate. The girls had bright and happy faces throughout lunch time. Irene's phone beeped and she checked the screen. It was her Dad. Irene beamed happily, so excited to share her success story, she picked her phone and smiled. "Hello daddy".
"Irene, I need you right now!" Mr Dave instructed coldly before hanging up. Irene's heart skipped. She quickly called the waiter and paid hurriedly. Madison could not understand the reason for her sudden action and called her, but Irene was already a table ahead.
"Hey, calm down! Reduce your pace please" Madison called out running towards her. Irene got to the back seat and instructed Tony to drive back to the hospital. Madison entered the car and turned to Irene. "Can you tell me what is going on? Please" Madison persuaded.
"It's dad, Maddy. I think something is going on. Something is wrong" Irene said, almost panicking