Hot Night With CEO

Upon arriving in front of the Rusun Mawar building, Fahira quickly got out of Darian’s car after thanking him. Fahira let out a heavy sigh as the man in front of her remained unmoved, not bothering to respond to her gratitude. Just as Fahira was about to bow out of respect, Darian’s car slowly drove away. Her smile disappeared instantly as she muttered, “Optimus Prime, lucky he’s handsome!”

Fahira hurriedly climbed the stairs to her second-floor apartment. She wanted to catch the remaining time for Maghrib prayer. Of course, Fahira felt uncomfortable to ask Darian to stop at the mosque for prayer, especially since she had never seen Darian perform prayers, even though she knew he was a Muslim.

Fahira was surprised when she went to put her shoes on the shoe rack at her terrace. A pair of white sneakers was neatly lined up there. She was sure they belonged to Ariel, who else would be with Ariel besides her friend Ariel herself. Fahira opened the door and greeted Ariel.

“Ariel, I’m home,” Fahira greeted loudly, not knowing who was with her sister.

“Just a moment, Fahira, I haven’t performed Maghrib prayer yet,” Ariel replied, and Fahira quickly went into her room after placing the food Darian had brought on the living room table without looking at who was with Ariel.

Fahira came out of her room after praying and taking a shower. She was wearing a teddy bear-patterned dress with wet hair hanging loosely. She approached Ariel, who seemed serious, playing PlayStation with a friend.

“Ariel, let’s pause the game for a while. I brought food earlier. Let’s eat before it gets cold!” Fahira said as she sat on the sofa.

Thud. Fahira froze when the man next to Ariel turned to look at her. A fair-skinned man with wavy hair smiled gently at her. His doctor’s white coat, which he usually wore, was not there. He was only wearing black jeans paired with a contrasting blue t-shirt against his fair skin.

“Hi, just got home from work?” He greeted with a friendly smile, still holding the PlayStation controller. He placed the controller down and adjusted his glasses resting comfortably on his straight nose with his finger.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Dr. Gavin? What are you doing here?” Fahira asked, still surprised and confused.

“Just wanted to check on Ariel’s condition. He seems fine. I should be leaving now,” Gavin said politely as he stood up, but Fahira was still in shock.

“It’s okay, Doctor. I’m sorry my house is small and cramped. Let’s talk in the living room!” Fahira continued, standing up and adjusting her long hair to look presentable.

Fahira led Gavin to the living room. The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. However, Gavin tried to start a conversation. “You work late, aren’t you supposed to go home around 3?”

“I had to work overtime, Doctor. At the beginning of the month, there’s always a lot of work that needs to be done as quickly as possible,” Fahira replied, preparing to make coffee for Gavin.

“Where are you going?” Gavin asked, causing Fahira to look at him.

“To make coffee for Dr. Gavin!” Fahira replied with a shy smile.

“No need, I already had coffee at the hospital. Just stay here with me!” Gavin said, surprising Fahira.

Fahira sat back down with a stiff smile. Honestly, this was the first time Fahira had a male guest at her house. So far, only specific people, such as neighbors, Ariel, and Helen, had visited her home. And tonight, suddenly a young, handsome, and kind doctor was sitting in her living room, looking at her gently.

“Fahira, if we’re outside the hospital, just call me Gavin.”

“Okay, um, Gavin!” Fahira replied, still looking awkward and stiff.

“Relax, Fahira. Why are you suddenly so quiet?” Gavin teased, amused by Fahira’s awkwardness. He knew that she was usually active and would ask anything related to her sister’s health whenever she brought her to the hospital. From the way Fahira spoke, Gavin was sure she was an intelligent person.

“Yeah, it’s okay. You can come here anytime you want,” Fahira replied, trying to swallow her saliva that suddenly felt stuck in her throat.

“Alright, I should go now, and you should rest and take care of your health!” Gavin said as he stood up from his seat.

“Yes, thank you, Gavin!” Fahira replied, speechless. It was the first time she felt noticed by a man who had managed to stir her heart.

Fahira escorted Gavin to the terrace of her house. She stared at Gavin’s broad shoulders until they disappeared behind the stairs. She couldn’t believe that the handsome doctor had visited her house. She was still in a daze when a voice interrupted her thoughts. “Aww, someone’s being pursued by a handsome doctor!”

“You, go inside!” Fahira snapped, pushing Ariel inside before closing and locking the door.

***

As usual, Fahira woke up at three in the morning to perform the night prayer and continued reading the Quran until the morning prayer. Fahira was aware that her sins might not be forgiven, but at least when she prostrated, a sense of peace filled her heart, as if God was embracing her affectionately.

As on this night, she prayed a long prayer for her late parents, hoping that she, a weak servant, would still be worthy of meeting them one day. Fahira was grateful beyond measure because until this moment, she was still showered with God’s blessings. Trials and tests that came her way were merely bridges for her to draw closer to Him. Fahira was sure that God loved her very much. These trials and tests were proof of God’s love for His chosen servant. Everything would be beautiful in its time, and Fahira believed that happiness awaited her someday.

After supplicating, Fahira tidied up her prayer mat and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Ariel and herself. Usually, Fahira wouldn’t allow Ariel to leave for school before finishing her breakfast. Although Ariel wasn’t going to school today due to the recovery period after surgery, Fahira still prepared meals for breakfast and lunch. She didn’t want Ariel to eat out frequently or buy unhealthy food outside, which could be harmful to her heart health.

At 6:15, Fahira was ready to leave for work. “Dear, take care at home, don’t forget to eat, take your medicine, and rest. I’m leaving for work now,” Fahira said as she prepared the things she needed to bring to work.

“Okay, Fahira, sweetheart. Don’t worry, I’m feeling better now. You don’t need to worry. Oh, why don’t you ride the motorcycle instead? I’m not going to school!” Ariel replied, relaxing on the living room sofa, playing with her phone.

“I have Mang Damar with me, dear. Besides, I don’t feel like riding the motorcycle myself, it’s too bothersome, especially when it gets stuck in traffic!” Fahira replied, approaching Ariel. She kissed Ariel’s forehead affectionately, and Ariel held Fahira’s hand and kissed the back of it.

“Take care, Fahira!”

“Okay. You take care at home too!”

“I will.”

Upon arriving in front of the Rusun Mawar building, Fahira approached Mang Damar, who was ready with his motorcycle and his signature green jacket. However, suddenly a handsome bespectacled man approached them. Fahira could only gape in surprise as the man arrived again. Gavin intentionally picked up Fahira to go to work together. Aside from being on the same route to the hospital where he worked, Gavin genuinely wanted to get to know Fahira better.

“Doctor, you don’t have to bother like this!” Fahira said, feeling shy as they were already in the car. The white Fortuner car glided on the road at a moderate speed.

“I don’t feel bothered at all. In fact, I’m happy to meet you again,” Gavin said, smiling at Fahira with a fleeting glance.

“Call me Gavin, Fahira!” Gavin insisted again.

Fahira smiled at Gavin while scratching her non-itchy back of the head. “What dream did I have last night? I woke up to such a beautiful sight this morning,” her heart echoed as her heartbeat started to become irregular.

Unconsciously, light banter began breaking the silence between them. Being both friendly and sociable, Fahira and Gavin quickly engaged in a long conversation. Time flew by, and before they knew it, Gavin’s car entered the parking lot of the Putra Corporation building. Just as Fahira stepped out of Gavin’s car, Darian’s car stopped right in front of the lobby. Darian’s heart instantly boiled; the heat spread from his head to his feet as he saw Fahira smiling and waving at the man inside the car.

“We’ve arrived, sir!” David’s voice suddenly startled Darian, who was still motionless.

Darian let out a long sigh and stepped out of the car. As usual, he passed by the employees without bothering to respond to their greetings, including Fahira’s. “Optimus Prime is so unpredictable. Yesterday he suddenly acted nicely, and now his dark mode is back,” Fahira complained in her heart as she walked towards the common elevator with Helen, whom she happened to meet.

A smile appeared on Fahira’s beautiful face as she remembered Gavin’s sweet gesture towards her. However, the smile quickly disappeared when a man in a black suit stood in front of her. “Come to my office now!” Darian ordered and walked away, entering his office.