' Laila's pov '....
"When you're done, turn off the lights. I'd be downstairs". I heard Kareem say before he left the room. I, on the other hand, watched his distant figure leave the room while I tied my hijab.
It was currently the day we celebrate Khadijah's 20th birthday. I can't lie, spending this much time with Kareem's family was nice and I might miss them once we go back home.
Once I was done tying my hijab, I slip on my heels and grab Khadijah's birthday gift before switching off the lights and making my way out of the room. I look down at the little black box in my hand, remembering the day I bought it and how much time it took for me to decide on a gift for her. But thinking back, I don't remember seeing Kareem buy a gift, maybe he already had one.
I stopped in my tracks once I reached the top of the staircase. I could already spot guests swarming in through the entrance and filling up the grand floor. The first thing I did when I reached the grand floor, was look for Khadijah or Kareem or at least something to do so I won't look like I don't belong here. I walked around for a bit, ignoring practically everyone in the room, until I came across Kareem. He stood with his hands stuffed in his pockets as he talked to some guy. I didn't know whether to approach him or not, so I just awkwardly stood there watching him put in so much interest into whatever conversation they were having, when suddenly, he turned his head to my direction. I froze for a second, the light in the room illuminating his green eyes and caramel skin, making them almost look majestic.
I shook off those thoughts and regained my composure once I spotted the guy Kareem was talking to, also looking at me. I put up a smile and began walking towards them once I noticed Kareem signaling for me to come over. I shook off my nervousness and awkwardly stood next to Kareem. He looked down at me and smiled enthusiastically, a sparkle reflecting from his eyes, almost fooling me into believing it was real. But I must remember, this man is a really good actor. I don't know why he'll lie to his sister that he's happy to attend her birthday though. Is there something I still don't know about this man?
"I don't think I've introduced the two of you", Kareem's voice pulled me out of my daze. I looked up at the man he was talking to, finally getting a chance to observe his features. He was pale with deep blue eyes and golden blond hair. Having a striking resemblance with with guys you'd spot on teen magazines, except he wasn't a teen. "Jayden, this is my wife Laila, Laila, this is my client Jayden". I looked up at Jayden, wondering for how long I'd have to stand here and act like I'm actually interested in their conversation.
Jayden looked down at me and smiled. "Nice to meet you Mrs Muhammad", he said before turning his attention back to Kareem. "Kareem, you never told me you were married?" He asked, and that was my cue to leave.
"Well, it was just a small arrangement done recently. But anyways, can we get back to the contract?" Kareem said before I tapped his shoulder. I was in no mood to listen to this.
He looked down at me with confused eyes. "Excuse me". I said more to myself than to him. He nodded before I awkwardly walked to the far end of the room. Now I was stranded, again. I looked around the place, thinking of the many differences between me and Kareem when I felt as though my bare skin was touching the cold wall.
I slowly moved my hand to my back, where I suspected the cold feel was. I inhaled a sharp breath as my trembling fingers got closer to the spot...only to feel...bare skin. My eyes widened as my hand flew across my back only to feel more bare skin. No,no,no,no,no, this could not be happening! I've worn this dress so many times before, yet the zipper chose to break now? Ugh!
I took a deep breath before taking one more step making my back have direct contact with the wall. The cold surface making me flinch.
I thought of gaining Kareem's attention, but just as quickly thought against it. One change in position and everyone can see my bare back. With no other option left, I turned to my phone. I switched it on and quickly typed in, 'my zipper broke, please can you help me, I can't move from this spot', before clicking send.
I watched as he pulled his phone out from the back pocket of his pants before reading the message. My heart beat accelerating as I observed his every move. This was probably the first time I'd ever sent him a text and now I'm waiting for his reaction.
It didn't take long before he began approaching me and soon enough, he was barely a foot away from me.
I watched as he removed his blazer, revealing the not so fitted shirt underneath. "Wear this blazer and go upstairs and change. And hurry up, Khadijah is cutting the cake soon". He said before handing me the blazer. I flashed a nervous smile before quickly snatching the blazer from him, trying to hide the fact that I was probably sweating badly.
I put on the blazer, the large material sticking to my dense skin. I thanked him before rushing up the stairs and towards our room - the room that Khadijah practically forced me to sleep in. I pushed open the door and walked towards the dressing table. I stood in front of the mirror , staring blankly at the oversize blazer I wore, a small smile creeping into my face. ' I can't believe I'm wearing his blazer!' I thought to myself, a little bit more excited than I should've been.
Remembering what I came there for, I removed the blazer before opening my box and rummaging through it for another dress to wear.
After what seemed like forever, I finally found the dress and got changed into it before making my way downstairs. Fortunately, no one noticed my disappearance. I came downstairs with the blazer and handed it back to him.
The party continued as lively as I left it and soon after, Khadijah cut her cake. The night ended pretty soon with guests leaving one after another. Though it was my first and probably last gathering with this family, I really enjoyed it and hopefully my suspicions aren't true about whatever Kareem's hiding...