Chapter 5, business trip

As I stepped onto the tarmac, the sun glinted off the sleek surface of the private jet. My eyes widened as I glanced back at Rami, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within me. This was a world I had only glimpsed from afar, a world of private jets and high-stakes deals.

"Ready for this?" he asked, offering a reassuring smile.

I nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through my nervousness. We settled into the plush leather seats as the engines roared to life, and within moments, we were soaring above the clouds, leaving my usual life far behind. The flight was smooth, the view breathtaking. I stole glances out the window, mesmerized by the ever-changing landscape below.

When we landed in Barcelona, the vibrant city welcomed us with its warm Mediterranean air. I felt a surge of adrenaline as we made our way to the meeting venue. The stakes were high; this meeting could significantly impact Ram's business, and I was suddenly acutely aware of the pressure.

"Dema," he said as we entered the conference room, "I want you to sit in on this meeting. Take notes, but stay silent. Just observe." I could see his confidence radiating, and I felt a mixture of awe and apprehension.

As the meeting unfolded, I observed the dynamics of the room. 

The representatives from the Spanish corporation were shrewd and direct, but Rami was undeterred. He presented his proposal confidently, his voice strong and articulate.

I diligently scribbled notes, trying to capture the essence of the discussion.

The negotiations were intense, and I felt a growing sense of admiration for Rami's composure and strategic thinking. After what seemed like an eternity, he secured the deal. A wave of relief washed over him, and I felt a surge of pride witnessing his success.

Once we stepped out of the room, he turned to me. "So, did you learn anything?" he asked, a curious glint in his eyes.

I hesitated for a moment before pulling out my notebook. "I took notes on everything," I said, flipping through the pages filled with my neat handwriting. As I showed him my observations, I felt a surge of unexpected confidence. He listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement.

"You’ve got good potential," he said, genuinely impressed. "This is exactly what I need ."

My eyes lit up at his words. For the first time since we boarded the jet, I felt a sense of belonging, of being valued. "Thank you," I replied softly, a genuine smile finally breaking through. In that moment, I realized that this trip had been more than just business; it was an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I was eager to see where it would take us next.

The low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the elegant restaurant. Across from me, Rami leaned forward, his eyes sparkling as he spoke. "I'm really excited about the future of the company," he said, his voice warm and passionate. "We're expanding rapidly, opening new branches in Dubai, London, even Singapore soon."

He gestured around the restaurant, a smile playing on his lips. "This is just the beginning. I want to build something truly global, something that makes a real difference."

He was captivating, his enthusiasm infectious. As he spoke, I found myself drawn in, imagining the scope of his ambitions. He wasn't just a businessman; he was a visionary, a man with a drive and determination that was both impressive and intimidating.

And for a fleeting moment, I felt something more than just professional admiration. There was a warmth in his eyes when he spoke about his dreams, a vulnerability that made him seem more human, more approachable. Was it possible? Could there be something more between us than just a business relationship?

My phone buzzed, shattering the moment. He glanced at it, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "Excuse me," he said, standing up abruptly. "It's urgent."

He stepped away, his voice muffled as he spoke into the phone. I watched him, my smile fading. He looked stressed, his brow furrowed.

He returned a few minutes later, his face grim. "I'm so sorry, Dema," he said, sitting back down. "Something important has come up. I need to meet with someone urgently."

My stomach plummeted. "Oh."

"I feel terrible about this," he said, his voice laced with genuine regret. "But I can't get out of it. Let's just head back to the hotel. You can do whatever you want – relax, order room service, watch a movie. I'll be back as soon as I can."

He seemed genuinely apologetic, but the disappointment was a bitter taste in my mouth. All those hopeful feelings, those fleeting moments of connection...gone. Replaced by a familiar ache of rejection.

The princess in the movie sighed dramatically, her eyes wide with longing as she gazed at the handsome prince. "But your duty," she whispered, "your family..."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. Duty. Family. Such convenient excuses. It reminded me so much of Rami. He, the prince, with his empire to build, his image to maintain. And me, the ambitious young woman, a pawn in his carefully orchestrated game.

He had married me to silence the whispers, to quell the rumors that plagued his playboy image. A convenient marriage, a strategic alliance. Love? A distant afterthought, if it existed at all.

He was charming, yes, undeniably so. He had swept me off my feet with his words, his confidence, his promises of a future together. But now, the facade was slipping. He was more concerned with my contributions to his company, with how I could enhance his image, with how I could further his ambitions.

He was using me, exploiting my talents, my intelligence. And I, foolishly, had allowed myself to believe that there was something more, something genuine beneath the surface. That maybe, just maybe, he saw me as more than just an asset.

But the harsh reality was staring me in the face. I was a prisoner in this gilded cage, trapped in a loveless marriage, playing a role in a carefully constructed charade. The movie continued, the princess and the prince finally overcoming all obstacles, their love triumphant. But I knew better. My own fairy tale had a far less enchanting ending.

The silence in the room was deafening. I listened to the soft ticking of the clock, each second dragging on like an eternity. Where was he? It had been hours.

Then, I heard it – the click of the door opening and closing. Footsteps approached his bedroom bed, heavy and weary. 

He sighed, a deep, exhausted sigh that seemed to echo through the room.

I lay perfectly still, pretending to be asleep. I couldn't bring myself to face him, not yet. I needed time to process the gnawing suspicion that had taken root in my chest.

Then, I heard it. His voice, low, whispering into the phone. "…yes, she's asleep now… no, it wasn't easy… she's sharper than she looks…"

He paused, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Of course, she's just another employee to me…"

My breath hitched. Another employee. That's all I was to him. A pawn in his game, a tool to be used and discarded. The words echoed in my mind, a cruel confirmation of my worst fears.

He continued to talk, his voice growing softer, more intimate. He mentioned a restaurant, a late-night dinner, a woman's laughter. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place. He hadn't been at a business meeting. He had been with another woman.

Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and stinging. I squeezed them shut, trying to hold them back. But it was no use. The dam had broken. I let the tears flow, silent sobs escaping my lips.

Why did I even bother to hope? I knew this was how it would be. A gilded cage, a loveless marriage, a facade carefully constructed to maintain appearances. And I, the naive fool, had fallen for it.

Exhausted and heartbroken, I finally drifted off to sleep, the sting of betrayal a constant ache in my chest.