16. BOARD MEETING

Murad sat at the head of the long, polished conference table, his expression stern and focused. The board meeting had been underway for nearly an hour, and the discussions had been productive—until now.

One of the older board members, Mr. Bernard Grayson, cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. His voice was smooth but carried an air of authority that came from decades of experience in the industry.

"I'd like to propose a new direction for our upcoming project," Grayson began, his eyes meeting Murad's with a hint of challenge. "I believe we should collaborate with Liya Designs, the renowned fashion designer from New Downtown and West City."

The room fell silent. Murad's jaw tightened as he absorbed the proposal. Liya Designs was indeed famous, celebrated for its innovative and luxurious creations. But there was history—bitter, complicated history—between Murad and Liya, whose real name was Taliya. The history Muraf knew nothing about.

"Mr. Grayson," Murad began, his voice strained with barely concealed anger, "we have discussed potential collaborations at length, and Liya Designs was not on the list of suitable partners."

Grayson leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips. "With all due respect, Murad, Liya Designs has an impeccable reputation. Their influence could elevate our brand to new heights. It would be a mutually beneficial partnership."

Murad's fingers drummed against the table as he struggled to maintain his composure. "Liya Designs might have a strong reputation, but their style and vision do not align with our company's core values and direction."

Grayson raised an eyebrow. "Or is it that you have a personal issue with Ms. Taliya?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Murad's eyes flashed with anger. He felt the gaze of the other board members on him, waiting for his response. But, he twisted the paperweight in his fingers seeing Fahad stepping forward.

"This is not about personal issues," Fahad said through gritted teeth. "This is about what is best for our company. We need partners who share our vision and values, not just those who are popular."

Grayson folded his arms, unfazed by Murad's growing ire. "Sometimes, business requires us to set aside personal differences for the greater good. Liya Designs could bring a fresh perspective and attract a new demographic."

Murad clenched his fists under the table, his mind racing. The thought of working with Taliya, of having to face her in a professional capacity, was not anything good; for God's sake he didn't want to meet her. Their history was complicated and filled with unresolved tension. He couldn't let his personal feelings cloud his judgment, but he also couldn't ignore the potential consequences of such a partnership.

"I understand the potential benefits," Murad signed slowly, choosing his words carefully. "However, I believe we can achieve our goals without compromising our values or engaging with entities that do not align with our vision."

Grayson shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Your stubbornness could cost us a significant opportunity, Murad. I urge you to reconsider."

Murad took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He knew he had to stand firm, to protect the integrity of the company he had worked so hard to build.

"We will continue to explore other avenues," Murad signed to Fahad making Fahad voice out his words, his voice steady and resolute. "For now, Liya Designs is not an option."

The tension in the room was palpable as the board members exchanged glances. Grayson sighed and leaned forward, conceding the point for now. "Very well, Murad. But remember, opportunities like this don't come often."

Murad nodded curtly, signaling the end of the discussion. As the meeting continued, he couldn't shake the lingering anger and frustration. He knew this wouldn't be the last time Liya Designs would be brought up. He would have to prepare for the inevitable clash that loomed on the horizon.

~☆~

Murad and Fahad sat across from each other at the long, polished dining table in Murad’s mansion. The room was tastefully decorated, with soft lighting and elegant furnishings, but the atmosphere was tense. Plates of food lay untouched as Fahad’s voice filled the space, his frustration palpable.

“That baldy Grayson has lost his mind!” Fahad spat, his fork clattering against his plate. “How could he even suggest partnering with Liya Designs? It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Their business practices are shady at best, and their reputation—”

Murad sat silently, his eyes fixed on his plate. He picked at his food, the flavors lost on him as he listened to Fahad’s tirade. The headache that had been a dull ache all day was now intensifying, pulsing behind his temples. He rubbed his forehead, trying to stave off the pain.

“And the worst part,” Fahad continued, his voice rising, “is that we’re expected to just go along with it. No discussion, no alternatives. It’s infuriating!”

Murad glanced up at Fahad, his expression unreadable. He appreciated his friend’s cum assistant's loyalty and his fierce protection of their interests, but the constant conflict was draining. He took a deep breath, raising a hand to signal Fahad to stop.

“Fahad,” Murad signed quietly, his face
carrying an edge of weariness, “leave it for now.”

Fahad paused mid-rant, looking at Murad with a mix of surprise and concern. He opened his mouth to argue but then saw the strain in Murad’s eyes, the way he was massaging his temples. Fahad’s expression softened slightly, his anger giving way to worry.

“Murad, are you okay?” Fahad asked, his tone gentler.

Murad nodded slowly, though the headache was intensifying. “Just... tired. We’ll deal with Grayson and the Liya Designs issue tomorrow.”

Fahad sighed, leaning back in his chair. He took a deep breath, his anger subsiding but not entirely gone. “Alright, but we can’t let this slide. Grayson needs to understand the risks.”

“We will,” Murad assured him, though his eyes was strained. “Just not tonight.”

Fahad nodded, reluctantly picking up his fork again. The room fell into a heavy silence, the only sounds the clinking of cutlery and the occasional sigh from Fahad. Murad tried to focus on his meal, but the headache was relentless, a constant reminder of the pressures he faced.

As they continued their dinner, Murad’s mind wandered. The memories of his encounters with Taliya, the blurred fragments of his past, and the looming decisions about the company all swirled together, adding to his growing sense of fatigue.

Fahad watched him closely, the concern evident in his eyes.  Although, he didn't know Murad that well, but he knew one thing that Murad was trying his best to control his inner turmoil, he couldn't help but feel pity on his boss.

After the meeting was over, the lonely feelings gnawed his guts. That was why he invited Fahad over to dinner with him. In the silence room they dined with their forks clicking against the cutlery as they finished their spaghetti; a takeout.