Chapter 3 ANXIETY

The next morning, Leila resumed work at the 'loving request' of her husband. Entering her floor, her colleagues congratulated her; some gave her flowers and cards. She collected each of them with a smile on her face.

She settled in her cubicle, about to switch on her computer when her superior came.

"Leila? Your two weeks break aren't up yet, why are you here?"

Leila stood up. " Good morning, Miss Chelsea. I wanted to focus on my career right now, and my husband also thought the same"

Chelsea clicked her tongue. "This is what you get when you marry for love at a young age. How can a husband make his wife work barely seventy-two hours after marriage? He must be working a nine to five job. So pathetic ". Chelsea eyed her contemptuously.

Leila didn't inform her co-workers she was marrying into the Cruise family, an old family well known for it enormous wealth and properties, one of the top eight richest family in the world. She knew if they found out, her work life won't be the same. Apart from the hate some of her colleagues would no doubt have for her, the company would also try to please her and overlook her hard work and talent. So she decided not to invite any of them to the wedding. Instead, she gave them each a box of chocolate and lied to them that it was a low-key wedding, saying they couldn't afford a big guest list.

Chelsea sighed dismissively. "Anyways, are the designs ready?"

Leila tucked her hair behind her ear, about to switch on her computer when Chelsea suddenly yanked her left hand, observing the exquisite ring. Chelsea's eyes almost popped out of her socket when she looked at it closely.

"W-What job does your husband do again?". She asked, still looking at the ring with an envious awe.

Leila pulled her hand away from her jealous gaze. "He's a business man."

Chelsea scoffed sarcastically. "You expect me to believe your husband afforded that just by being a simple business man?"

Leila itched to tell her that she didn't give a flying fly what she believed and she could kindly buzz off, but because she was her superior, she chose her words carefully.

She smiled. "It's my personal affair, ma'am. Do you want the design printed or sent to your email?". She changed the conversation.

Chelsea was about to comment on her response, but her attention was needed in a conference room. Leila visibly relaxed as her heels clicked away from her cubicle. She hoped she would not have time for her till the end of the day.

It was finally lunch break. As Leila stood from her desk and headed to the break room, she was enveloped in a hug from behind.

"I'm so, so sorry for missing your wedding, Leila."

Leila turned with a smile on her face when she recognized her close friend's voice. She hugged her tightly then released her.

"It's fine, Zara. There was nothing you could have done, you had to obey your boss."

Zara Kapoor and Leila had met in their job interview and instantly clicked before they got the job as interns. They were assigned together as a team for a proposal presentation, which strengthened their bond of friendship.

Zara pouted apologetically. "I'm still sorry. I can't believe I missed a chance to see...". She leaned to whisper in Leila's ear. "the Ethan Cruise."

Liana blushed. "You can always come by the house anytime."

Zara's eyes lighted up. "Really? Then I'm coming soon. Do I have to get an evening dress?"

Liana furrowed her brows. "For what?"

"I've seen the Cruise Mansion online; that place looks like a freaking castle. I have to dress the part; can't appear there looking like a pauper."

Leila let out an hearty laugh. "So you'd come during the day wearing an evening dress? It's called an evening dress for a reason, Zara. Just wear what you want, you're already stylish as it is."

Leila wasn't lying about Zara being fashionable. Zara was the best dresser in their office, well apart from Leila's supervisor, Chelsea, who seemed like she spent her life fortune on clothes and accessories.

Zara tilted her up proudly. "You're right, I'm pretty awesome."

Leila shook her head smiling. "Didn't say you were awesome, just that you're a good dresser."

Zara waved it off. "Same thing, so how's married life? You got married to your first love, you have to be the happiest woman on earth right now."

Zara noticed the drastic change in her friend's expression, making her heart drop . "What? What is it?"

Leila smiled. "Nothing."

Leila entered the break room, heading to the coffee machine to make some coffee, while Zara took a seat on the couch waiting for her friend to join her. After few minutes, Leila sat in front of her, heaving a deep sigh before looking up at Zara.

"How was Croatia?". Leila asked.

Zara gave her a pointed look. "It was fine-saw beautiful places, met nice people, ate good food. Now, answer the question"

Leila smiled, but this time with a tinge of sadness. "Married life is good. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I'm sure it'll fine; we'll get through this. Every marriage as its ups and downs". Leila assured, but it felt like she was convincing herself more than she was telling Zara. "Right?". She added, seeking reassurance. The thought of a future without Ethan as her husband seemed bleak to her.

Zara swiftly stretched her hand to rub Leila's free one comfortingly. "Of course, Leila. You're a gorgeous woman, and Ethan will eventually come to realize. You just need to be patient"

As they shared a smile, they changed the conversation to a project that would determine their future in the company. With both of them expressing their nervousness and excitement.

***

Throughout the night ride home, Leila dwelled on Zara's words. She inhaled deeply before exhaling. "Patience". She whispered to herself.

Getting inside the mansion, she was greeted by a maid.

"Is mother back?". She asked the maid who had already collected her bag from her.

"Yes, Mrs Cruise. She's in the garden."

Leila got to the garden in no time. She spotted her mother-in-law with a garden hose, wetting her flowers. She usually called them her babies.

Leila rushed to her side, collecting the hose gently from her hand. "You shouldn't be doing such strenuous work, mother."

Sandra was startled briefly before a smile took over a face. "It's just wetting a couple of flower, little bunny. There's nothing strenuous about it."

"It is when you just got a bone marrow transplant". Leila scolded lightly.

Sandra laughed. "The surgery was five months ago."

"You just had a check-up. Can you please listen to me? I'm pretty sure the doctor, too, and rest?"

Sandra smiled lovingly at her. "I'll do as you say, mom."

Leila rolled her eyes, before she turned off the hose after she was done with the task. They both sat on a bench that overlooked the garden, giving them a beautiful view of the bright moon and twinkling stars.

"Mother?". Leila called out, breaking the silence.

"Hm?"

"Why does Ethan hate me?"