Marie.
~
The party came back in an ugly way the next morning.
Working was just getting fun, but with a headache and a twisting stomach, nothing was fun.
Thank God running a company was easy as long as you have some competent people in place.
" .. here is your coffee, and Mrs Jivel wants you to approve some of the lipstick shades and designs. The team needs it before lunch, and then we have a meeting at 2 pm .. Marie focus! "
Do you know who was in her element? Ayshe.
As if yesterday we weren't at the same event.
" Fine. We do all that.. what are boys doing? "
When I woke up this morning, only a note waited for me.
* You might need to see a doctor about that snoring. People can die from that. *
He can never just .. be normal for a day.
" Oliver is at work .. why don't you call him? " She asked.
As if I didn't try.
" Never mind him! .. I'm a working woman now who has her own responsibilities and obligations..
" Just call him! "
" Right.. "
He actually picked up!
" Hello, love. "
" Asin, you been gone when I woke up. Where are you? .. and don't say Oliver because..
" ..NAAH .. just kidding, leave a message after the tone, and make sure to apply sunscreen ..
" ASIN! "
" .. you are no fun. I'm at a meeting. "
" With whom? " I asked.
" Obviously beautiful woman willing to do my bidding .. with the chemical team at the lab. "
Luckily, he knows not to push any further.
" Hmm .. are there any women? " I leaned back.
" Bye-bye. "
I put the phone down, not fully convinced he is not talking to some sexy scientists.. what are the chances they are both good-looking and smart as well?
" So? Where are the women? " asked Ayshe.
" Nowhere.. I don't know. " I took the designs she brought. " He is working on Maya surprise. "
" Fueh .. a mystery older sister type. You can't catch a break with the in-laws, huh? " She tried to be funny.
" .. and you have none. " I smiled.
" Hey! Technically, all yours are ..
" Sister, we need to work. " I showed her the paperwork.
And as the angry little squirrel my little sister was, she relented.
~
The meetings were long, but still, it made me feel super important.
All this being CEO and its responsibilities didn't sink in yet. But I loved my staff.
These people were all talented and driven. The best worked for the Martells, decades of quality and prestige guaranteed the best talent from any field.
" I think we can start thinking about advertising. " Henny brought it up.
" Can we just table all work for the next 2 hours? "
Lilly had a worse day than me and less time to catch up on her breathing. Luckily, the patio was perfect for getting some fresh air.
" .. alright. I love you too. Bye. " Ayshe put her phone down. " Oliver is picking up Asin then us. "
Asin sent a text message after lunch, but there were no words, just a single selfie with all the working scientists.. all 30 somethings.
I smiled, cheking the picture again. Texted an LOL and a little heart.
" You guys doing something tonight? "
Henny asked me specifically.
" I don't think so .. but what do I know? I'm only his wife. " I shrugged.
" Oliver is a little more open, but also knows exactly how much to tell me .. typical lawyer. " Ayshe complained.
" Marie, have you seen these videos from your husband last birthday? " Lilly gave me a phone.
It was a video showing a gigantic ballroom filled with black tuxedo and bright dresses, all screaming boring .. I knew my husband. He hated that.
" Yeah .. his parents probably go all out this year as well. No escaping these. " I gave her back the phone.
" You planning something, right? " asked Henny.
" I .. should I? "
I leaned forward, having not thought about it. Ayshe laughter stopped my momentum.
" Why are you cackling like a witch? " I asked a little irritable.
" It's funny, you think .. that it will be you who's planning it. " She still shook her head amusing herself. " My sister, you might be the guys wife, but there is an obvious choice here, no? "
Oliver ..
" I talk and let him help. " I compromised.
The girls didn't have much faith in me, but I won't let it pass without my input.
——
Oliver.
~
I didn't let my ghost of an ex bother me. Threatening what we built?
Now that's a no, no.
Realised I needed an ally.
It was that original contract I drafted for Marie when they got married that gave me an idea.
I wanted to minimise the risk of her accidentally blabbing or .. go crazy with the knowledge and make sure she can tell it to her sister.
I need that as well. A confidant.
Asin was out of the question. This entire thing was done to avoid him finding out.
His parents, as the one responsible for this disaster in the first place, was the more logical choice. Except..
They would probably go nuclear to protect that secret, and their own actions would arouse suspicion in Asin's eyes.
His grandfather didn't know about our sin.. his Aunt Derya was a smart and powerful woman but I wasn't sure how much she did know and finding out such things would be a headache.
Ayshe.. the woman who accepted me and my lifestyle. I can trust her ..
Tonight I will tell her everything. I can't protect it anymore.
And Desiree has an ally whose very appearance would throw Asin into a dizzy in the worst of times.
We will have another race soon.
~
BARRY ERISTER CHEMICAL LAB'S.
I stopped in front a boring building and waited until Asin appeared.
" You would think these people are mellow, but they just as rowdy like anyone else's once you approve all their research. "
I picked him up after he spent most of the day with Maya's little surprise.
" Who knew? .. anything fun they are working on? " I asked.
" What about everything? .. pills, food additives, water cleaning, they even have actual drugs on the premises.. for science, you see. "
We laughed at the thought of cocked up scientists doing experiments.
" Any plans? " I asked.
" Nothing.. nothingnothing.. want to take it easy for a few days. You? "
" Probably taking Ayshe to dinner.. maybe a movie. Spend the night at my place. "
I saw him quietly grumble.
" .. Stop pouting. You are the one who is constantly trying to run away from your willing wife. " I reminded him.
" Oh shut up.. she is either high or doing it out of guilt. We can't get .. the timing right. "
" As you said, right? Let it happen naturally.. "
" Naturally, Naturally.. I'm fucking imbecile Oliver. Haven't you learned yet? "
Despite those word he never looked happier, or more motivated since the marriage he changed as well.
Not noticed by anyone but me.
Same guy .. more balanced.
I hope tonight will go well. Ayshe cares for him .. not just as her brother in law but they acting more like good friends. I only ever saw him like this with Maya.
She will help.
——
Ayshe.
~
" What is the place called again? "
" The Byssiee. French cuisine. Can barely eat it. " Oliver grumbled.
We were on our way to our first official date.
" Why? " I asked.
" Asin detest anything French.. don't even eat a damn baguette. " he smiled.
His time surely scared him overseas.
The restaurant was of course uber fancy and packed. The looby was filled with people waiting for a table but the maitre 'd came and showed us a table at he window.
" Any wine Mr. Aster? "
He asked for some 50 year old bottle and I felt very giddy. Being with the guy you like at a place like this has an effect.
" We loved visiting Paris when we were little. Marie swore she will live there one day. Back then I wanted to paint. " I reminisced.
Back than we actually thought those times will last. Summer in Europe, wintering in the Alps..
I shooed those useless thoughts away and opened the menu.
Lots of disgusting things .. to be honest I wasn't a fan of the food either. Italian.. now that is food.
" Never tried escargot..or frog legs.." Oliver thought out loud.
I was horrified until I saw his smile.
" You did try them like everyone and thought it's horrible. " I theorised.
He slowly nodded. " Love their food .. in general but have to agree some of their national delicacies are ridiculous. "
The wine arrived and even music in a form of a violinists.
" Last night opened my eyes. " I gained his attention. " Seeing those people, how they lived.. I feel like I know you a little better. "
" It's a rough place. Not long ago we still barely gone there without masks on. Although that was just precautions. The 9th never betray those accepted.. it's just ..
" You weren't.. yet. " I guessed.
He nodded and took the glass.
" They have reservation against outsiders, yet thanks to a few words from Uncle Ivan our identity was kept a secret, their hostility slowly lessened. Yesterday was a big breakthrough. "
I knew he meant the fight.
Other women, native from there, talked a lot how impressive he was as a young leader, and how reminded them of someone called Hassan.
I asked Oliver.
" .. he was Uncle Ivan son. He died about 6 years ago. Before we meet him. I only ever saw pictures but the resemblance is there. Uncle often says not much difference in personality either. "
It was sad.
Losing a child so young.
I bet Asin's appearance felt like faith to their family. As in their own son came back inside another body.
Oliver told me a lot of his own history, as grateful as I was a few things caught my attention.
Like how some of his stories felt like they were missing people or peoples from them. It was a strange feeling but I hoped one day he will fill in the blanks.
Dinner was 7 course. We ordered one entrée and we either cleaned the small portions or avoided them entirely.
I was expecting to be more full but I guess not all meals fill you the same.
Oliver had more plans. Like a empty cinema with my favourite movie just happened to play.
" You remembered.. "
" Of course I did. Besides it's a pretty good movie. " he adjusted his seat to level with mine. " .. Don't tell Asin, I can't take the pelters. "
I shifted myself to lean on his shoulders and got comfortable.
" Your secrets are safe with me. "
~
We ended the night on a walk down the original street.
Apparently the first road that the entire city built around. Hand in hand our talks got around our parents and his missing father.
" .. When? "
" I was 3, have no memories. Mother in a fit of rage burned everything she had of him, I guess I could find him.. have his name. I just don't want to..you know the worst thing? "
" What? " I asked.
" I know .. that one day out of the blue the bastard will appear and try to throw my life into a a whirlwind of repressed emotions. "
He was probably right also saw himself clearly. Fully understanding how difficult it would be to face a man who walked out on you and your mother when you were a baby.
" That's a very mature, forward way of thinking. So you never thought about finding him? "
I suppose even for normal people there was a way, so for someone like him with money, people, and skills of his own, it would be a breeze.
" I would lying if I said no. Of I did, God knows Asin wanted to help but for me .. a man leaving his family voluntarily is no longer a man. "
He sounded sure yet there was an underlying sadness there.
" Hey.. " I turned his face towards me. " I'm here and plan to stay. If the time ever comes I'll be right there with you. "
I was glad to see his clouded eyes became clearer. His lips tasted like the wine we had.
We saw some ice cream, went to the late night vendor who done tricks on the customers.
The game was a cat and mouse one. The ice cream being the mouse.
Oliver looked mad seeing the flirtatious way the man played with with the cone .. by the time his turn arrived the man took one look and just handed over the cone.
" .. bastard. Playing these cheap tricks to get some attention. " he grumbled to himself.
His jealousy made extremely happy like it was supposed to.
" Your mom never thought about remarriage?" I continued.
" No .. she go on dates. But never brought a guy for me to meet. But I'm an adult now, she can marry again, have more children.. " he sounded hopeful.
" You have Asin .. that's as close to a brother as they come. " I nudged him.
" I know .. he has Yary but until recently they never really got along. "
We stopped at a nice park light up like a Christmas tree and took a free bench.
" They look okay now. Although mostly fighting. "
I added.
Made me think how me and Marie were used be like that. Only having a few clever one liners daily and gossiped a lot but lived our separate lives.
" Wasn't always like that.. in every family a favourite is chosen and .. well the other feels that but have to accept it. "
" Hmm .. Yary had problems with how Asin was treated? " I asked.
He shook his head and his expression turned serious.
" Asin wasn't a favourite Ayshe. He was the one who got shipped off 8 thousand miles away. When he got sick .. and everything after what made his family like this. Overprotective and a little crazy when it comes to him. "
The more I heard about their history the more I saw how different it was from what it first looked.
Money didn't guaranteed happiness, or love. They say nothing like a funeral to bring family together. Well 4 years ago they got a wake up call.
" You suffered with him. " I said.
Seeing him getting lost in thought, the pain he unconsciously showed. I knew how his entire life changed just as much as Asin's.
" .. I betrayed him. "
I sat up fully face him.
" What do you mean you betrayed him? "
He let go of my hand and cupped my face.
" I need to tell you a story, something I promised just days ago I can never tell .. but circumstances have changed. " his eyes filled with tears. " .. you have to promise me never talk to anyone about it. "
I was plenty worried at this point, in 30 seconds his entire demeanour changed and the air surrounded us became heavy with untold secrets he carried for God knows how long.
But I already made my decision long ago when it comes to everything him.
" What ever it is, I promise you to never tell a soul. You can trust me .. "
I hoped my feeling reached him, and his kiss told me it did.
" It all started when Asin was diagnosed, back than .. he had a girlfriend..
——
Asin.
~
" .. so I can spend it on anything? "
" Yeah babe.. it's how money works. But you have your card don't you? "
" I do .. but it's not the same as having your own money. " Marie looked up from the floor.
" Look down, it's dripping! "
I was helping her with put some conditioner on she said it needs to be massaged into her scalp .. if the crew would see me now.
" Have you ever got paid? .. for normal job I mean? " She asked looking at the carpet.
" I have you know I been working since I was 15 years old. So yeah I got paid. "
" Bought something? " She asked.
" Babe I bought food .. it's funny how easy shopping priorities became when I had no funding. " I reminisced.
When I arrived without much of anything I had too rely on the kindness of those who .. had very little to give.
Yet they did and with a smile. Some of the most generous people on this planet are those who barely have enough.
" I wish I could see that.. you winding up inside the 9th. You got lost? " She asked.
" Nooo .. I meant to go there. Test myself etc etc.. are we done? "
I pulled my hand out after a quick lie .. I got lost on the bus rode to last stop .. and kept going.
I barely remember what was on my mind that day, in retrospect I was lucky I didn't get killed.
" Yeah we done. " she put a towel around her hair and twisted into those funny cone shapes. " Are you hungry .. Should I order something from downstairs? "
I shook my head and went to wash my hands.
She was dressed in pyjamas by the time I got out.
" Asin where and when is your next race? "
I laid down next to her on the bed.
" We having a meeting about it .. soon. "
She wore a sour expression. " Meeting with those .. other the ..
I laughed hearing her babble. " The council of 12, well 11 .. they been around for a while. "
" Whatever they called! Isn't it dangerous!? " She sat up.
I swear she was bipolar. Switching those moods like her outfits.
" I first met them when I was 17 years old. Survived and I'm still here .. w-what are you doing!? "
Sneaky woman kicked me under the cover so I couldn't even defend the first few.
" Are they .. really bad people? " she asked timidly.
She was so naive and innocent when it came to such things. I reached and, pulled her back down and close.
" You need not fear my wife. Let me explain like this. Think of them .. as successful business man, they invest, take risks, like my own dear family. Except they use .. dishonorable means to achieve success. "
Her face gradually became angrier.
" What is this? Mansplaning organised crime? " She asked in a low tone.
" Stop.. being a fake a feminist is so much worse than being an actual.. Marie!! "
I was pushed off the bed.
" As a strong women.. I sleep alone tonight and go further my career tomorrow. We revisiting this when you learn to talk to nicer. There! "
She thrown a pillow and turned to the other side away from me.
I laid down the carpet looking up the fake sky in my room thinking .. this isn't even that bad.
The carpet was soft and comfortable, at least I won't burn up tonight from getting globbed on like a grape vine.
" Are you sleeping!? "
" .. ZzZ .. "
I even closed my eyes until she turned back around giving up put the pillow under my head.. if I only have a blanket, this would be perfect.
~
I woke up being stepped on.
" .. Marie .. God damn it! "
She looked back acting surprised.
" Excuse me but I have to go to work .. couldn't sleep well and now I have to use navigation in my own room? " She scoffed.
I always enjoyed our little morning theater.
" No love .. havens no. Good luck and God bless your day. " I got up stretching.
Sleeping on the floor for a night even now and then is not that bad.
" Why haven't you dragged yourself to the couch? Trying to make me feel sorry? " She followed me outside. " What are you doing today? "
" Enough.. with rapid fire questions. " I sat down getting some vitamin D. " Tell about your day instead. "
She let out an irritated breath but give in.
" I'm getting into a routine. Coffee, meeting, lunch, meeting, coffee, home. " She took a seat as well counting. " It's good a thing. "
I had a hard time not grimacing hearing those words. Just a few days and my wife is an office drone.
" About last night.. you know I'm safe right? .. this ain't some bad movie my love. "
She wasn't happy but I could tell she understood.
" I just hate how many things I'm still in the dark when it comes to you. " she admitted.
I reached over and guided her on my lap.
" Give us time. I already told more than I ever planned telling anyone. Besides I'm in the dark about a lot of things with you. "
" Why don't you ask? " She raised an eyebrow.
" Oh my one and only.. I just don't care. " I shrugged.
In anticipating of her retaliation I held her hands down.
" I can't have a serious talk with the man. "
She looked up talking to the sky in her frustration.
" Marie! .. look at me. " I pulled her back. " All you need to do is ask. Not going to lie, I might not answer them always but .. use your head .. and ask questions I can answer. "
She was older.. as in walked and talked when I was mindless embryo. Yet I can't always tell.
" Fine .. but you can be more open about things.. so I don't always learn it from others first. "
She brought up a valid point. Her smug expression was cute.
I placed a gentle kiss on her soft lips enjoying her signature fragrance. " I promise to call you first with my crazy .. just don't complain about it later okay? "
" Deal .. " she kissed me only to pull away quickly. " .. you really don't care about my past? "
" Babe I have your entire past on a file somewhere inside. I probably know more things about you than yourself. "
" Pfft .. right .. like what? "
She nudged me with a taunting look ..
This woman ..
Lord .. let our mornings always be this blessed.