Next day
The company's anniversary celebration was in full swing, with employees dressed in their finest attire, mingling and laughing together. The air was electric with excitement, and the sound system pulsed with upbeat music.
Yasmeen, now Laila, was lost in the crowd, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation. She had signed up for a dance performance, and her nerves were starting to get the better of her.
The emcee took the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our talented staff members!" The curtains opened, and the performances began.
Laila's heart pounded in her chest as she waited for her turn.
Laila stepped onto the stage, her burnt face captivating the audience. She wore a stunning dance trouser and crop top, her long hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. The hall fell silent, anticipation building for her solo performance.
As the music began, Laila's body came alive, her movements fluid and sensual. She whined and twisted, her hips swaying to the rhythm. The crowd erupted in cheers, mesmerized by her perfect execution of the dance.
Her eyes locked onto Damon, seated beside Jayden, and a spark of defiance ignited within her. She performed a daring balletic move, her body bending in ways that seemed impossible. The dance took on a darker tone as she flexed her body, her bones seeming to shift in ways that sent shivers down the spines of the audience.
The crowd screamed and gasped in horror, yet they couldn't look away. Laila's eyes met Jayden's, and he rose from his seat, his eyes wide with shock. "Yasmeen Kai," he whispered, his lips barely moving.
Laila's heart nearly stopped beating as she read his lips. She felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. Damon, meanwhile, couldn't tear his eyes away from her. The slap she had given him and her seductive dance moves had left an indelible mark on his mind.
As Laila turned and whined, her body moving in perfect sync with the music, Damon couldn't help but think that she could replace Mia. The thought sent a thrill through him, and he found himself captivated by her presence.
As she finished her performance, Laila felt an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. She had never felt so alive, so free. The celebration continued, with awards, speeches, and more performances. The night was filled with laughter, music, and memories that would last a lifetime.
Jayden, the CEO, took the stage, a small smile on his face. "I'm proud of every single one of you," he said, his voice filled with appreciation. "This company wouldn't be where it is today without your hard work and dedication."
The night wore on, and the celebration showed no signs of slowing down. Laila mingled with her colleagues, feeling a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. She knew she had made the right decision in joining this company, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held.
**
Laila sipped her coffee, her eyes scanning the room as she joined the staff for their daily briefing. The anniversary celebration had been a short but lively affair, and now it was time to get back to work.
As she took her seat, Damon suddenly materialized beside her, his eyes locked onto hers with an unnerving intensity. Laila's gaze never wavered, her smirk a silent challenge. If he thought he could intimidate her, he was mistaken.
"Hey, Laila," Damon said, his voice low and husky. "Any problem if I say I loved your dance? You're...hot." His gaze roamed over her body, lingering on her curves. "Your moves were incredible. Pity about your face, though."
Laila's expression shifted from amusement to annoyance. "So?" she drawled, her voice laced with sarcasm. "You're offering to buy me a new face? Or what.
Damon's smile was predatory. "Exactly. I'd be happy to take care of the expenses."
Laila laughed, the sound dismissive. "I don't need it," she said, her eyes flashing with defiance.
But before she could react, Damon reached out, his fingers brushing against her lips. "Your lips..." he murmured, his eyes narrowing as he tried to place them.
"Laila!" a voice barked, shattering the tension.
Laila turned, her gaze meeting Jayden's furious expression. "Get me a vanilla cupcake," he yelled. "And you, Damon, we're done for today."
The abrupt dismissal was a clear warning, and Damon backed off, his eyes never leaving Laila's face. She watched him go, her heart still racing from the encounter. What did he want from her, really? And why did Jayden seem so protective? The questions swirled in her mind, but for now, she pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand.
As Yasmeen turned to leave, Jayden's voice stopped her cold. "I want you to follow the stairs, not the elevator," he said, his tone dripping with wicked intent.
Yasmeen's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she bit back her retort. Instead, she started running down the stairs, her black skirt and white long-sleeved shirt clinging to her sweaty frame. She clutched her ID card tightly, her mind racing with the task ahead.
The restaurant was far, and Jayden hadn't even bothered to give her taxi fare. Yasmeen's legs ached as she ran, her breath coming in ragged gasps. When she finally arrived at the restaurant, she ordered the vanilla cupcake and began the trek back to the office.
Jayden sat awaiting her arrival, his eyes narrowing as he took the cupcake from her. "Get me another one," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Yasmeen's anger simmered just below the surface. "Taxi fare," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jayden's glare silenced her. "Find your way," he snapped. "You have legs."
Yasmeen ran down the stairs again, her feet pounding the concrete. She was starting to feel like a slave, running errands for Jayden without any respite. As she returned with the cupcake, Jayden's eyes never left hers. "Get me another one," he said, his voice cold and detached.
Yasmeen's anger boiled over. "What the hell," she muttered under her breath. "I'm not a slave." But she ran out of the office, panting, to get the next cupcake.
**
It was the ninth order, and Yasmeen was exhausted. Her hair, once neatly tied in a bun, now hung in messy strands around her face. Her sweat-drenched shirt clung to her back, and her legs trembled with fatigue.
As she entered the CEO's office, Jayden's voice cut through her exhaustion. "Get me another vanilla cake," he ordered.
Yasmeen's eyes flashed with anger. "Can you just stop?" she pleaded. "I'm tired already. You're not even eating any of these."
Jayden's eyes flashed with anger, and he strode towards her, his presence suffocating. "Don't you dare..." he growled, his words cutting her off.
Yasmeen's legs shook beneath her as he loomed closer, his piercing gaze making her skin crawl. "Why do you hate me so much?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Why?"
Jayden's response was swift and brutal. He slammed her against the wall, his lips inches from her ear. "Your lips, your eyes, your hair... they remind me of her," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.
"Of Yasmeen Silver Kai," he yelled, his voice echoing off the walls. Yasmeen shivered, her back pressed against the wall as he came closer.
"It's only Yasmeen who can dance the _Creepy ballet dance_ when she's about to deal with someone," he said, his eyes glinting with a sinister light.
As Jayden's face drew closer, Yasmeen's mask began to slip, revealing a glimpse of her fresh skin. Yasmeen hated vanilla cake, and he knows that.
He took out the cake and brought it to her lips.Laila "Chew," he demanded, his voice cold and detached.Yasmeen's legs shook as she opened her mouth and chewed.
"Swallow," he demanded, his eyes never leaving hers.
Yasmeen swallowed, her neck reddening as she panted for air. Jayden's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the mask slipping, revealing Yasmeen's pretty face.
Anger swelling up is heart as he removed the mask. Yasmeen's eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded, "Please spare me, save me. I don't want to go to jail. I'm not at fault."
Tears ran down her face as she gazed up at Jayden, her eyes pleading for mercy, But is eyes splitting fire.