Chapter 5

Consciously, she draped the shawl she always carried with her more tightly around her. She was religious, not perfect, but she always wore modest clothes, carrying a shawl if not a headscarf. Ten minutes later, a man in a gray blazer suit stepped into the room.

Ayleen immediately rose to her feet. He was maybe around fifty or more and had gray eyes, dark hair, and a pale skin tone, just like his father used to describe, in their earlier days spent together in Pakistan. Growing up, they were very close to one another.

The moment his gaze landed on Ayleen, a flash of surprise took over his features before settling into a small smile.

“Please keep sitting, beta (child),” he said, coming forward and gesturing for her to sit down in the seat next to him.

Ayleen, not expecting such a humble welcome, motioned her head in agreement, settling down in the same spot as before.

He smiled. “The last time I saw you, you were just a year old baby, too attached to your mother and always seeking her attention. Now look at you, all grown up, but still bearing a lot of resemblance to your father,” his eyes gleamed a bit, remembering the old times.

Ayleen couldn’t help but smile a bit. He didn’t look a bit snobbish or rude at all. In fact, he felt familiar.

“Is Zamin here too? I lost contact with him years ago while shifting here,” he asked hopefully after a second.

Ayleen shook her head. “No, he is in Pakistan. I came here on a scholarship to become a doctor.”

Ibrahim Yildiz nodded his head in appreciation. She looked so polite and humble, just like Zamin.

The same butler from before came holding a tray of coffee and cookies, settling them neatly on the table.

Despite her polite refusal, Ibrahim Yildiz forcefully made her take some freshly baked delicacies, which literally made her moan inwardly.

He asked her several questions, all regarding her family and country. Ayleen couldn’t help but notice a glint of sadness in his eyes.

“So, you came here looking for a job?”

“Yes, sir! I badly need a job!” Ayleen paused, expecting a response, but all she got was a frown from him. He didn’t say anything, so she continued her speech, “I can cook and bake a bit or do any other household chore, like cleaning and laundry. I may not have a diploma, but you can trust me that I will never disappoint anyone.”

Ibrahim Yildiz quirked his brow, placing back his cup of coffee.

“Say goodbye to your college and finances this year,” the voice in her head scared her.

“Beta (daughter), you don’t have to work here. If you need money, I can help you out with it. Zamin and I have had a really good time in the past.”

Though his tone was gentle, Ayleen could decipher a tinge of pity in it. That was the last thing she needed, being pitied and thought of as an opportunist.

She tightened her jaws, scratching her fingers in uneasiness. “Sir, I don’t know what you are insinuating, but the only reason I came here is because of the slight history you have with my family. Considering that, I just wanted to ask if you have a job opportunity for me; otherwise, I am not here for charity,” her voice held anxiety yet firmness.

Ibrahim Khan instantly felt a sense of pride for this girl, who despite her challenges, was fighting with dignity. Just like her father, she wanted to struggle and earn.

“So, you want to work here?” he quizzed in a serious tone.

Ayleen didn’t even move a foot and stayed still, although anxiety kept stirring in her, and she bobbed her head up and down.

The corner of his eyes crinkled as he stood from his place.

Her chest caved in, waiting for him to refuse her any job.

“Then you can work here!” A faint smile appeared on his face, and that’s what left her surprised.

She blinked, once and then twice.

‘Oh my God, I got this job.’

Ayleen rose to her feet. “Thank you so much, sir!” she breathed with gratitude. The stress finally lessened in her. Now she could finally go to her university and pay the dues, send her family money back home. Positive vibes encircled her.

“But first, you have to call me Uncle. Second, I will ask Martha, our senior maid, to guide you in the household chores suitable for you. Thirdly, you can stay here and work as a full-time employee.”

“Understood, s—Uncle!” Ayleen beamed with happiness, making Ibrahim Khan chuckle.

He softly patted her head before excusing himself for some work, asking her to join from tomorrow.

In her happiness, she sauntered in the hallways, making her way out, deep in her thoughts when she collided with a flower vase, the impact causing it to clash against the floor, the water splashing its way onto the person coming inside.

“The FUCK!” Murat yelled as Ayleen looked in shock and terror.

“Oh, my God! I am sorry, I am so so sorry, sir! Oh, shit!” she started rambling.

“JUST SHUT UP!” Murat shouted, looking at his pants and shoes that were wet.

The household staff all rushed there, the butler looking at Ayleen in pity.

“Who the fuck let a lowlife clumsy like her roam freely!” his eyes were ablaze, ready to burn the girl standing in front of him in shaggy clothes.

Tears of humiliation flowed freely from Ayleen’s eyes as she stared at the ground like a punished child.

“Sir, she is new here. Please excuse her!” the butler stepped forward to Ayleen’s aid, but one glare from Murat, and he bowed his head.

“I-I am so-sorry, sir!” Ayleen stammered.

A servant rushed to give a towel to Murat, which he jerked away furiously before turning to Ayleen.

“GET OUT!” He yelled furiously, and this time Ayleen scurried away from there, eyes still burning with tears.