Chapter 4 SHOCK

Sandra looked over at Leila bewildered. "What? Ethan doesn't hate you. Why would you think that?"

"He certainly doesn't like me either, does he?"

Sandra sighed. "He's just acting out, give him time"

"I would give him time, if I know exactly what I'm dealing with and what he needs time for, Mother. I'm his wife now, please tell me."

Sandra stayed quiet, trying to gather her thoughts and tell Leila in a way that wouldn't exposed too much, nor would it seem like she didn't give a satisfying answer too. Sandra didn't think Leila was ready to hear why she fully supported her marriage with Ethan--apart from her believing she was the best lady for her stubborn son and also being her god daughter.

"Mother". Leila called again when she saw how deep in thoughts was. The expression on Sandra's face made her heart beat nervously.

Sandra cleared her throat. "Bunny..." Sandra sighed. "Ethan didn't really want this marriage "

"What?". Leila whispered. "W-What are you saying? Did you force him, mother?"

Leila stood from the bench, staring at her seated godmother with an unbelievable look.

"Did you force him?". She repeated, each word spoken out with fear.

"I didn't force him to do anything, little bunny. He's a grown man with more than five hundred employees working for him. How can I, a fragile mother simply compel him to marry you?". Sandra responded exaggeratedly.

"Then why did he tell me to ask you questions? And why did you also tell me Ethan was very much okay with the marriage? This is all my fault, I should have confirmed it from him myself before we got married."

Sandra patted the space beside her, inviting Leila to sit back down, and Leila complied, settling beside her once more.

Sandra placed her hand on her cheek and slowly caressed it. "Bunny, if you hadn't told me you were in love with Ethan, I would still do everything in my power to get you both married, because I believe with all my heart that you were made for each other. Now, Ethan might not see it because he's a dumbass and slow like his father, God rest his soul..." .Sandra smiled sadly. "But I know he'll fall in love with you, Leila, because you're the strongest, bravest, and the most beautiful girl I have ever met."

Tears welled in Leila's eyes that she almost couldn't see Sandra.

Sandra continued. "I am sorry for lying to you. I was being selfish. If you ever want to get a divorce, I'll support you all the way, Little bunny, because you're my goddaughter before my daughter-in-law"

Leila embraced her, breathing in her familiar scent, while Sandra reciprocated by gently stroking her long red hair.

Leila released her, then smiled hopefully. "I'll give it a try. I'll wait and fight for his love, mother, because I am truly and madly in love with Ethan, and I don't think I can imagine my future without him, mother. I know I sound insane" Leila chuckled at the end.

Sandra shook her head. "Love is originally insane, little bunny. But your insanity for him is healthy. I approve of it". Sandra said amusedly, causing Leila to laugh out loud.

They both shared another hug before they ate dinner together and retired for the night, as Ethan was not coming home that very night.

***

The next day, Leila and Zara both stared from a corner in the office, as the rest of the office gave a congratulatory applause for Chelsea.

"I wish to wipe that stupid yet surprisingly attractive smile off her face". Zara whispered.

Leila chuckled. She folded her arms, looking at how happy and proud her boss was.

Zara groaned. "I hate how you're this calm. She used your design to get a new promotion as a Senior Designer. All she did was source materials."

"It's fine, Zara. That won't be the last of my designs. Besides, I just need to bear it longer till I become an employee."

"Funny how you can just buy this company and be biggest shareholder, then I'll be your amazing and beautiful side kick. First thing I'd do; fire Chelsea, then..."

Zara trailed off when Chelsea began to approach them.

"Leila, good job with the design". Chelsea patted her shoulder. She turned to Zara with a scowl on her face. "And you... You'd look better if you got rid of that envious expression. It doesn't suit you". She eyed Zara.

Zara smiled falsely. "And you'd look much better with that make up off your face. It doesn't suit you."

Chelsea stepped closer to Zara. "With my new promotion, I'll be able to talk to the boss and convince her to terminate your internship"

"You mean the promotion you got with Leila's design? Yeah, Good luck that". Zara mocked with a teasing smile.

Leila was aware of the unique dynamic where Zara's supervisor, serving as the office manager, had a sisterly connection with Zara, due to being Zara's sister close friend since childhood.

"Zara!". scolded her friend lightly. "I'm sorry, Miss Chelsea. Please forgive her rudeness"

Chelsea's eyes softened a little when it shifted to Leila. "For you, I will. But you better teach some manners to your friend. She clearly needs it."

Chelsea looked at Zara with an hateful glare before storming off.

"Ugh, I can't stand her no matter how hard I try, and you shouldn't to."

"Not everyone has someone like family that watches their back at work". Leila replied.

"And not everyone can buy the company if they feel like."

Liana sighed tiredly. "Not this again, Zara. Please stop. And it's not even as easy as you think"

Zara raised her hand in mock surrender. "Okay, I hear you. Just looking out for you...and me. You have to admit, we'd live like queens"

Leila just playfully rolled her eyes at her friend.

"All right everyone, listen up!". Sasha, the project manager and Zara's supervisor, voiced out as she emerged from the elevator, causing everyone to quiet down. That was the level of authority and respect the interns had for her.

She began. "For the rest of this week and the next, interns will work together with architects on a particular project, using a 3D visualizers. Your presentation of your work will be done in front of other senior designers and your respective client, so you have to do your best. Remember, each project and assignments given to you is taken into consideration for your selection as a full-time employee."

As she finished, silent mumbles filled the office, while Leila exhaled a nervous breath. This was the first time the company was making them work directly for a client. Normally, they'd give the designs to their supervisor or work together with them then the supervisor will do the rest.

She clapped her hands to silence the growing murmurs. "The details of your project, name of your architect and the client you'll be working with will be sent to your email in few minutes. I wish you best of luck". She announced, and was about to leave when she stopped. "Oh, and one more thing: If your client outright rejects your design idea, your internship will be in a difficult situation. Once again, good luck". Sasha gave a comforting smile then headed back to the elevator.

Immediately, the elevator door shut. Dings, vibrations and notification from phones, laptops and computers went off. Leila removed her phone from her jump suit and went to her email.

Her heart leaped for joy when she saw she was going to be working with one of her favourite and talented architect, Jordan White. Slowly, her eyes descended to who are client might be. The joyous squeak of Zara couldn't break her concentration on which company she'd be working with. Her heart beat so fast that Leila was afraid she'd get an heart attack.

"Who are you working for?". Zara asked, trying to peek at Leila's phone.

"Atlas Arms Industries". Leila responded with a nervous shake in her voice.

"Atlas, isn't that...?"

"My husband's company"