I love the growth in this chapter. So much!
Was it a miracle, or a coincidence?
Amina wasn't sure which it is exactly. She wouldn't term it karma, since she doesn't believe in that so she'll leave it to the first two. It has to be either. She couldn't believe her eyes when she woke up the next day, and came across the message on Hallyu staff work page where all information regarding staffs was posted.
It was a habit Amina had developed—to always check it so she won't be caught off guard by some news. She makes sure to check the page first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.
So, you can imagine how surprised her sleep induced self was when she saw the post. Her eyes were slightly squinted, as she wasn't fully awake then. Her fingers slowly tapped the page and scrolled through it, coming to a halt when her eyes fell on it.
She jolted upwards, sitting upright with wide eyes and sleep nowhere in sight. Her mouth was hung agape, eyes taking in the words written on the screen repeatedly.
She even lightly pinched herself with her free hand to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
She wasn't. Her eyes weren't deceiving her.
Veronica has been transferred to the branch in Busan. She no longer works in the Seoul branch. It means Amina is free of her wrath and any other she would've had to face in the future.
The woman is out of her life!
Unable to contain her happiness, Amina wasn't sure when she got on her feet and started jumping on the bed, giggling in the process and not bothering to hold back her squeals—the small device clutched in her hand like her life depended on it.
Where was the sleep that clouded her vision just five minutes ago? It was nowhere to be found, almost as if it had left to celebrate no longer having to be sleep deprived for work sakes.
The action continued for about a minute, before she came down from her high. Releasing a huge, contented sigh, her eyes skimmed the post yet again, and again, till the notice was imprinted in her brain she could state it without checking her phone.
Eventually, she decided to stop obsessing over it and got out of the bed, light on her feet as she made a beeline to the ensuite to get ready for the day. Upon taking her shower, she wrapped herself in a robe and even attempted to make breakfast. Keyword—attempted.
She realized after burning the first toast that she'd rather go for takeout. It sounds like a much better plan. She shouldn't let her awful cooking skills ruin the day for her. With such enthusiastic thought in mind, she disposed the burnt toast and decided to order breakfast instead.
However, before she could do so, she heard the doorbell ring—making her brows furrow. With lips slanted into a deep frown, she picked up a hijab she had discarded earlier on the sofa after subh prayer and threw it on to cover herself, before making her way to the door.
Pulling it open, she came to a sight of an unfamiliar man standing there, with a paper bag in his hand. The top he had on signified he was from an eatery. Upon meeting her gaze, his voice came immediately. "Delivery for Miss Ibrahim." He offered her a small smile.
If possible, her frown deepened. "I didn't order anything." She shook her head, her brows drawing in.
He looked down at the device in his hand, as if to confirm something. He then looked up again. "You're Miss Ibrahim, aren't you?"
She nodded.
He held the paper bag out. "Then it's for you." He confirmed, his smile never faltering.
Amina's head tilted to the side slightly, as she warily extended her hand out to collect the delivery with caution. Her eyes took in the name of the eatery's name written on the bag—it's a popular place. She's been hearing of it. Apparently, they have good food.
The Korean dramas she's watched seemed to advertise it a great deal as well. The 'Subway' logo was hard to miss.
The delivery man then handed out his tablet to her. "Can I have your signature, please?"
She nodded, not giving much thought to it. "Yeah, sure." She took it and managed with her other occupied hand to scribble her signature, to signify her accepting the delivery. The man left immediately after while she trudged back into the apartment, closing the door softly behind her.
She took off the hijab and threw it on one of the couches in the living room, while she made her way to the adjoined kitchen. Dropping the delivery on it, she slipped her hand into it and brought out the packs in there, instantly salivating at the sight of the content.
Subway Sandwich—chicken Teriyaki. Chicken salad packed differently, and fresh brewed ice tea.
Her lips slowly slanted upwards into a grin. She's never been a fan of heavy breakfast, and though that was more than she would normally have, she couldn't help but be grateful for whoever sent her that. She would've had straying, negative thoughts regarding the sender however, she realized a note placed at the bottom of the bag just in time.
Though, truth be told, it didn't give much information about the sender. Or to be more precise, she didn't quite get the message written on it.
Iwby.
-04.
That was it. Nothing more.
It looked like a code of some sort, with the whole letters and number thing. She would've taken it as perhaps something related to the eatery—perhaps, a number of their orders per day. But, she was quick to abolish that thought. Reason being, the note was definitely handwritten. The messy handwriting spoke volumes.
It doesn't ring a bell though. Nothing about the note does.
Pressing her lips together, she made her way to the refrigerator and pinned the note on it, her finger lingering on it for a second longer. She wasn't sure why she did that, it was just like an instinct that's hard to put a finger on. She chose to not give much thought to it—believing that whatever it meant, it will slowly unravel itself.
So, turning around, she made her way back to the kitchen island and devoured her breakfast in record time, leaving the ice tea for when she's done dressing up. Perhaps, it's because she hadn't taken anything last night, not having the appetite after the incident, but she devoured her breakfast. All of it.
She's never done that before. And a small part of her brain even considered nagging her, reminding her that such eating habits will lead to her gaining weight but she pushed it away, unwilling to let anything ruin her morning.
Once done with that, she made a beeline back to her room to get dressed for the day. Like always, she never fails when it comes to picking out the right outfit. The only difference being that morning, she put a bit more effort to match her mood and her new resolution.
Her wrap top, crafted from a luxurious fabric, drapes gracefully over her frame, creating a flattering silhouette. The top complements her high-waisted pants, accentuating her waist and adding a touch of sophistication to her look.
The pièce de résistance of her outfit is the Fendi medium-weight trench coat—which she chose to pair the look with considering it's Spring. The trench coat, with its iconic Fendi details, falls gracefully to just above her knees, providing an effortlessly chic layer to her ensemble.
Her choice of Salvatore Ferragamo ankle boots adds a contemporary edge to her classic look. The boots, crafted from high-quality leather, feature a stylish design that perfectly balances comfort and fashion. They add a hint of modernity to her overall appearance.
Her hair is elegantly covered with a jersey veil, expertly wrapped into a hijab. As a finishing touch, she carries a Louis Vuitton satchel bag. The bag's iconic monogram and impeccable craftsmanship complete her ensemble.
Staring back at her reflection in the mirror, her lips slanted upwards into a wide grin—sporting a look that showed her being in a good mood. Unwilling to be late, after a quick glance at the watch strapped around her wrist, she made a beeline out of the apartment, not before picking up her ice tea, a companion for her journey to the office.
That very day, she decided to take a bus to work instead of hailing a cab as usual. Having spent a while there, she came to know the bus stops near her and how fast it would take her to work and back.
Occasionally sipping her tea, she tapped her foot on the ground as she waited at the bus station. Only about a minute or two after arriving there, the bus arrived and she descended it. Luckily, it wasn't crowded so she found a sit to settle on without anyone bothering her.
The drive to Hallyu seemed faster than ever. Because before Amina realized it, she was soon descending the bus at the stop near the building. Discarding her now empty cup of tea, she covered the distance between the stop to the company. The ambience there that day seemed particularly light, with everyone bustling about their day with wide smiles adorning their faces.
Or was that just Amina seeing things through her giddy lens? Maybe.
While in the elevator that would take her to the floor she works on, she couldn't help but overhear the conversation of the others in the place—not that they tried to keep their voices down.
"Have you seen the news?" Inquired one of the trio engaging in the conversation. Amina was at the inner end of the elevator, while they were in front. She could see their side views, and recognized them as her coworkers, the same trio models that enjoy picking on her any chance they get.
The other nodded, and was quick to jump into the conversation. "I did." She confirmed. "Veronica has been transferred to the Busan branch. Isn't that basically the place where those outcasts are sent to? That's basically being fired without being fired."
The third of the trio tutted, shaking her head in the process. "I wonder what she did to end up there."
"The right question should be, what hadn't she done?" The one whom brought up the Busan issue stated. "It's no secret that she barely does any work around here. It was about time HQ got rid of her anyway. She's terrible."
Amina couldn't agree less. However, she didn't think the Busan branch was that bad. Truth be told, she was simply glad to have the woman out of her hair, despite knowing she'd become someone else's issue. With what these women are saying though, it seemed she wouldn't have the liberty to terrorize someone anymore.
She should be more focused on getting another job.
Amina wasn't sure if she should feel bad for the woman or not. Then again, why should she? She's done nothing but make her life a living hell. She deserves what she got really.
The first of the three ladies, whom brought up the topic to begin with was quick to jump in, "That's not what I'm referring to. Everyone knows the Veronica thing, she had it anyway." None disagreed to her statement, knowing she's right. "I'm talking about the issue Dispatch posted. Didn't you see it?"
The lady to her right tapped her arm repeatedly, her excitement hard to miss. "Oh, that? I did! Was wondering since when Dispatch started reporting on non-Korean celebrities."
"Since those celebrities started residing here and are a huge deal, that's when." The woman stated, her tone making it hard to tell whether she was happy with the news or not.
"Do you think it's true?"
"Since when has Dispatch posted anything that isn't true? Didn't you see the pics? There are so many evidences. Anyone can tell it's true. It's like he wasn't even trying to hide it."
The conversation came to a halt as the elevator doors slid open before Amina could get a hang of what the conversation was about. All the people in the elevator slowly filed out, her being the last. She didn't dwell on the conversation, knowing it has nothing to do with her.
She simply focused on making her way to where she works, though no questioning what her work will be with her boss no longer there. However, the minute she stepped foot in the place, she was met with the sight of one of her workers, whom stopped by to give her a message.
"Amina." The woman called out, offering her a warm smile. She'd always been one of the few kind to her there—she was Veronica's assistant though Amina barely saw much of her. She doesn't even know her name really, that's how much she's been absent.
Regardless, Amina recognized her and that's all that matters. She offered her a smile back. "Yes?" She could only hope it's good news.
"Miss Ae Ra is looking for you."
"Ae Ra is back?" Amina hadn't seen her since her first day there. And though they had only met that one time, she thought the woman is cool and they got along just well.
The woman gave her a wary look, no doubt because of her addressing her superior casually like that. But, she didn't dwell on it as she nodded. "Yes. She's in the meeting room."
Amina nodded slowly. "Alright. Thanks." She wasn't sure what to take the woman's sudden return, but she didn't give much thought to it. She simply turned around and changed her destination to the meeting room.
She spotted the woman outside, seemingly on the phone. However, the minute she sported her, her lips slanted upwards into a wide grin, which eased Amina's brewing worries and ended the call, closing the distance between them.
"Amina." She called out fondly, her warm smile never wavering. "It's good to see you." She pulled her in for a short hug.
Amina awkwardly returned the hug, not knowing how to react to suddenly being treated well at work. She was starting to get used to having papers thrown in her face. Still, she eased herself and offered Ae Ra a warm smile back, so as to not seem hostile. "It's good to see you too." She stated earnestly. "I haven't seen you since that day."
Ae Ra released a loud sigh, her shoulders slumping in the process. "Don't remind me." She shook her head. "I've been through so much I think I'm starting to get wrinkles." She rolled her eyes, her lips slanting into a smile yet again. "Thankfully, all that is over. Come, we have an important guest I want you to meet."
Amina's eyes widened slightly, "A guest?" Since when has been the one to meet guests? She's still traumatized from what happened the night before. That didn't end quite well. So, she tried to make up excuses. "I..." She shook her head. "I'm not qualified for that. You know it."
Ae Ra must've seen the worries clouding her mind, because she turned around, took her hands in hers and tried to speak softly to her. "You know more about this project than anyone else. No one else is more qualified for it than you are." She stated earnestly. She then added in a light tone. "Plus, he made it very clear you're the one he wants to work with so..."
Wants to work with her?
Now Amina is certain it definitely isn't a good idea. If it's the man from before then she would resign right then and there. She can't handle any more of that. She's gone through enough.
Her stomach quivered in uncomfortable knots, as she shook her head yet again. "I really don't think..."
"Just, trust me, okay? I promise. You won't regret it." Unlike Veronica, there was something about being in Ae Ra's presence. It was comforting, for she knew the right words to say to calm a person.
Amina wasn't sure why, but she trusted the woman. So, after holding her gaze for a while, she reluctantly sighed and gave in with a slight nod. "Okay..."
"Great." Ae ra's grin widened, if possible. "Come." She dragged her into the meeting room, pushing the door and stepping in first before Amina followed after her quietly, muttering all the prayers that came into mind that she wouldn't regret agreeing to whatever this is.
She refused to look up, to turn around to see the people in the room. She wanted to drag not knowing for as long as she possibly can, though it seemed Ae Ra has no plans of letting her do that.
"Alright. She's here." Ae Ra clapped her hands together as they made their way further into the room to where the others are, with Amina following quietly behind her like a lost puppy.
Amina flicked her eyes shut, her hands curled into a fist by her side. She wasn't sure what she was doing at that moment, but she wanted to prolong the inevitable. That is, until a familiar voice came, easing her worries almost instantly.
"Anyeong, noona."
She knows that voice. She could recognize it, and that particular term almost anywhere.
She whipped her head up, her gaze falling on more familiar faces than she expected to see then. "Hunter?" Her lips parted, blinking repeatedly as his familiar chestnut hair came into sight, followed by the soft boyish features.
He offered her an adorable wide grin, which made him much like his age.
"I'm here as well." The blonde sitting beside him waved as well. "Hello, sister-in-law." Chris, as always being Hunter's partner in crime offered her a small smile.
Amina could only blink, shifting her gaze from the two to the other man, the last person she honestly expected to see along with them seated with a familiar frown marring his features. Though, there was something different about him then, he seemed less hostile.
"Oraenmaniya; it's been a while." Bae Hyun greeted, with more niceness than he'd ever shown towards her since they met. He even rose his hand slightly, offering a stiff wave.
Amina blinked, her gaze shifting one man to another. She couldn't believe her eyes. "What..." She cleared her throat to regain her voice. "What are you guys doing here?"
"What else?" As always, Hunter was the first to answer. He then wiggled his brows. "Your team is here for you. No worries."
Amina shook her head, trying to make sense of the whole thing. Raising her hand up, she found herself at loss for words. While she was trying to find the right words to use, Chris's voice came, as he chirped in.
"The whole Jeju team is here. The main players anyway."
"What?"
He gestured behind her, his lips curled into a knowing grin.
Amina narrowed her eyes at them, knowing she might not like what she would see. Unable to help her curiosity, she turned around, her breath nearly getting knocked out of her lungs upon setting her gaze on the man, whom without a doubt is behind the whole thing.
Her mouth must've dropped to the ground, her eyes the size of Mars. "What the hell are you doing here."
His lips slanted into a small smile. "I'm Aahil Tafida, nice to meet you. I hope we work together just well."
He said what again?
*****
And the Jeju squad are back in action!!!!!
When I tell you I love the found family in this book, I mean it!!! The love and care they have for Amina is unmatched!
Also, that cute note! Any guess on what it means?
Vero is out of our lives, finally! About time anyway.
Keep including me in your prayers abeg, I get test coming up and I'm hoping to round this book up soonest, let's hope I'll be able to do it.
Question of the day: what is the one thing that would make you fall in love with a guy?
Personally, if you buy me Pepsi and turaren wuta, I'm a goner😂😂
Seriously though, I believe finding a person that you get along with is extremely important. There are a lot to consider as well.
Sha, take care.
Love, Jannah Mia ❤️