Healing Her Broken Heart

Aleyna Is Threatened

She opened her eyes to Karen standing in front of her, her arms folded. “What do we have here?” “Aleyna was mugged and she got injured.” “Oh, that’s too bad Aleyna. Are you Okay?”

“Yes, thank you for your concern Karen as you can see I’m in one piece.” Aleyna said giving her a smile. “Yes, thank god for that.” She replied rolling her eyes. “Oh Mark, I need to discuss some details with you about the project could you please come with me?”

 “You go Karen I’ll be there after cleaning these wounds.” Karen definitely didn’t like Mark’s attention towards Aleyna, she stomped out of the room while Mark ignored her. “Thanks Mark, I feel much better now.” “Are you sure?” Aleyna nodded her head. As Mark got up Mr. Harris also entered her cabin genuinely concerned for Aleyna’s well-being and offered her to take a day off which she pleasantly declined.

She was on her way to the bathroom when she was stopped by Karen at the end of the hall, “I see Mark’s playing doctor to you and your acting like the perfect damsel in distress.”

“Whats gotten into you Karen? You’re acting like a jealous high school girl.” Aleyna retorted back. “Is this your way of getting the project? Well than maybe you should sleep with the whole company.” She sneered at Aleyna.

“How dare you? I don’t stoop to your level. These are your antics.” Karen came closer to Aleyna staring daggers into her eyes, “Don’t you dare come close to Mark Aleyna, I’m warning you.” “Or else?” “Or else you’ll see how far I can go to get what I want.” Aleyna quickly walked past Karen and into the bathroom where she could feel hot tears brimming in her eyes. When she came out, Mark was already waiting for her.

“Are you alright Aleyna?” “Yes, please excuse me I have to get back to work.” She avoided any eye contact while Mark could see that she had been crying. He had heard their confrontation and was concerned about her.

That night Defne stayed with Aleyna, “Defne, you make it seem like I was almost killed, I’m fine.” She held her friend’s shoulder and reassured her the zillionth time. “and what’s with Karen threatening you?” “Defne, please don’t mention Karen with my mom she’ll get alarmed”.

“Okay and by the way David called to check up on you and so did Mark. They’re not able to reach you.” “I’m just trying to stay away from Mark.”

 “What? Why? Karen’s words wouldn’t bother you, its something else I’m sure.”

Aleyna tried avoiding her friend’s questioning, “What did David say?” “He was concerned about you and I told him about Karen’s threat. “What did you do that for?” “Well, hes our friend so he should be in the loop.”

“I see some gorgeous girls in my home tonight.” Susan Morris, Aleyna’s mom called out from the door. “Susan, how r u? You look lovely.” “Thank you dear, so do you.” “And I thoroughly enjoy your sandwiches every morning.” “Oh, that’s why I always keep an extra for my girls.”

“Mom, I’m glad you came home early. Missed you” “Just another tiring day dear but thankfully today we didn’t have a lot of patients so I was able to come home early.” Susan knew the girls long enough to know that something was amiss.

“So girls, whats up? I know theres something going on?” “well actually mom, I got mugged this morning.” “oh my gosh, what? Is my baby Okay?” “Yes I’m fine, look at me Im completely fine. All my limbs are intact.” She tried to joke with her mom flailing her hands and legs. Her mom calmed down a bit while Defne gave her a glass of water.

“Ley, did you report it to the police?” “Nope we didn’t, David got my purse back from the mugger and I didn’t want to get involved in any police matters.”

“David was also there with you?” Susan asked thoughtfully, “Yes, and so was Mark.” Defne added, “Never heard his name before.” “He’s the project manager of the new project our copy has taken up.” They talked some more and when Susan was calm did the girls go to bed.

The next morning, Mark had texted Aleyna that he was on his way to pick her up for work. She also wanted to talk to him so she told Defne about Mark and that she would meet her in the office. Mark was waiting for Aleyna in his new Civic. He definitely looked great in a gray suit with his jet black hair gelled back and a clean shave. She slipped in the front seat wearing a bottle green woolen top with her black trousers. Her hair open on one side and clipped on the other. Mark thought she looked beautiful.

“Would you like to share this sandwich with me? My mom’s known for her culinary skills.” “Sure, how about we stop by at Dunkin’s?” They stopped at Dunkin’s and went inside, “why don’t you grab a table and I’ll get us coffees.” Once seated they both enjoyed the sandwich along with their coffees.

 “Wow, this is so good.” “Thanks, its her zinger sandwich.” “So from what I know, your mom is a gynecologist and also a great cook. That’s a lethal combination.”

 “You could say that again.”

“umm listen Mark, about yesterday, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did.” Mark touched her hand, “It’s ok, you were pretty shocked yesterday.”

“I became a manager in less than three months because of my own hard work and I want this project the same way. I don’t want any favoritisms neither do I want anyone to think that I got one.”

“It’s obvious that Karen’s comments have upset you but I won’t be judging your projects, that’s the job of the higher management. Look, you do your job and Ill do mine. As for Karen, I’ll talk to her.”

They were both glad to have cleared the air. They quickly finished their coffees and headed towards the office. Once in her cabin Aleyna was so engrossed in her work that she totally forgot about the group meeting which was scheduled for the day until Defne reminded her. It was quiet a successful meeting as everyone had completed their appointed tasks, just a few more pointers from Mark, Aleyna thought.

 She was headed towards his office when she felt a sharp pain in her head. s**t! This is not good. She couldn’t go to Mark with a throbbing headache. It had been coming and going for the past six years when she had hit her head on the hard ice and suffered a concussion. The doctors had advised her to take a painkiller if it became unbearable. She headed back to her cabin and took two pain killers. She looked for David’s prescription instead found the prescribed relaxants already in her drawer. Defne must’ve got them for me, she thought, I’ll take these later.

 That evening Mr. Harris was throwing an early Christmas party for everyone. There were still a couple of hours left before the party but Defne was chirping with excitement. They hadn’t even decided what to wear. Aleyna couldn’t help but laugh, this party was a great stress reliever for all and of course a chance to dress up. Although Christmas always brought back sad memories for Aleyna but she was happy for her friend. That evening everyone left early.

 Back home the two girls were getting ready at Defne’s house. Aleyna was dressed in a gorgeous silver silk backless long dress, she wore matching dangling earrings and made a side bun leaving few hair strands loosely on her face. She wrapped a cashmere black shawl on her shoulders. Defne was also dressed in a light blue gown and looked ravishing. Adam was already outside waiting for his date and so was Mark. This was a surprise Defne had planned for her dear friend. The guys couldn’t help but admire their dates. Mark sure looks yummy, thought Aleyna and shook her head trying to relieve it of the weird thoughts of Mark in her head. The ride to Mr. Harris’s house was breathtaking with vivid green leaves peeking from under the white snow, it was like looking at a painting.

  Once there, they were greeted by his wife and Mr. Harris himself. Mrs. Harris was a graceful lady with her gray hair tied in a neat bun and her emerald jewellery matching her gown. Their mansion was considered the oldest in the Rittenhouse neighborhood and Mr. Harris’s father had painted the whole place white calling it The White House.

 “Oh my favourite girls are here looking gorgeous as always.” “You’re very kind Mrs. Harris.” Aleyna replied. “I see you have a hot man by your side Aleyna.” She whispered in her ears chuckling.

Aleyna blushed and from the corner of her eyes she saw Karen looking at them intently. Aleyna decided to ignore her and enjoy the night. There were beautiful Christmas decorations done in the hall and everything looked warm and cozy.

 Aleyna stood by the fire place, swaying to her favourite song ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran when Mark came up behind her, “Care to dance?” Aleyna spun around to face him, “Would love to, this is one of my favourite songs.”

 Mark placed a hand on her bare waist and pulled her close. She could smell his perfume and his warm breath on her skin sent tingling sensations throughout her body. She felt herself melting in his arms. Aleyna couldn’t remember the last time she felt like this. He held her hand and they both started dancing effortlessly in each other’s arms with Defne and Adam joining them on the dance floor. She was pulled out of the trance by Mr. Harris’s voice calling for every ones attention.

 Aleyna felt herself flushed so she asked the waiter for a glass of juice. She gulped down the whole glass within seconds. The taste was a bit off but its coolness calmed her nerves. After sometime, Aleyna didn’t feel too good so she sat on the nearest chair, fanning herself. It was suddenly turning really hot in there.

 “Are you okay Aleyna?” Mark asked concerned, “Umm I don’t know I feel really hot inside and its like my head is spinning.”

Defne and Adam also came to her. “That juice tasted so bitter and I don’t know its causing my head to spin.” Aleyna said trying to keep her eyes open.

 “I think she drank alcohol. She never drinks alcohol its not her thing.” Defne quickly remarked. Aleyna was holding her head from the throbbing pain and the dizziness. “I’ll take care of her, Defne you excuse Mr and Mrs. Harris from our side.” Mark quickly added.

Mark wrapped the shawl and his coat around Aleyna’s shoulders and guided her towards the car. Her vulnerability caused him to be over protective of her. She sat in his car and he decided to take her straight to his home as it was closer to Mr. Harris’s mansion. She was semi-conscious so he picked her in his arms and carried her inside his house. He took her to the bathroom where he gently wiped her face with some cool water and then gently placed her on the bed and went to get a cold compressor for her forehead. He gave her a drink to improve her condition. When she felt some better he brought his oversized shirt which he managed to put on her while opening her silky hair.

 While she slept like a baby, Mark sat on the couch admiring her, he wanted to be by her side, soothe her, let her down her guards and break the fortress which she had built around her. He finally fell asleep watching her.

It was midnight when Mark woke up to someone sobbing, it was Aleyna. He could see her breathing heavily while turning in her sleep. She had gripped the sheet tightly with her knuckles turning white and her face sweating. She was calling her Dad. Mark was alarmed and rushed to hold her hand while he stroked her hair with the other.

“It’s Okay Aleyna, you’re okay dear. Every things going to be fine.”

Aleyna woke up to a beautiful Saturday morning, her surroundings seemed unfamiliar to her. She hardly remembered last night and had no idea where she was. The smell of some yummy pancakes and hot coffee aroused her. She got out of bed and saw herself in an oversized sweatshirt and no lower. She reluctantly got out of bed and found the house to be well furnished and welcoming with a contemporary living toom and a metallic fire place. In the kitchen, she found Mark looking completely at ease behind the stove.

 “Hey”, Mark turned to look at the gorgeous girl in his shirt with hair falling carelessly down her waist. “How did I get here?” Aleyna asked with her eyebrows raised, “You were almost unconscious last night, u remember?” Mark asked, “Well, I’m guessing the waiter mixed up your drink accidentally and gave you alcohol. You weren’t feeling well so I brought you here and don’t worry Defne has already told your mom.”

“You need to have a good breakfast Aleyna, its really important to get over that hangover and have this strong coffee, it will do you good.”

 “Umm Mark, how did I get in this shirt?” She felt shy and uncomfortable walking in his house like this. She was wondering if something had happened between them last night.

 “I made you wear this but don’t worry I didn’t look, I promise.” This was comforting.

They both sat down to eat. Aleyna was starving so she dug into the pancakes squeezing some cream on top. Mark had made some delicious pancakes and the coffee really woke her up.

As she ate, she licked her lips to get rid of the cream on her lips but missed a spot which Mark instinctively bent forward to wipe off and Aleyna froze. She started biting her lips and Mark’s gaze was fixed on her with his face inches away from Aleyna’s. With his thumb he began tracing her lips. Aleyna could feel the tingling inside her returning. She felt his warm touch and closed her eyes. She wanted more of him, it felt like her body was on fire. Her eyes opened and locked with his blue ones, he pulled her chair close to his and bent down with his hand on the side of her cheek and brushed his lips with hers. Aleyna gasped, then he slowly started kissing her. Aleyna was captivated by his soft lips and how gently he was dealing with her. She placed her hand at the nape of his neck and kissed him back. When they let go of each other, Aleyna was shivering so Mark picked her up from the chair and placed her on the couch, covering her bare legs with a blanket.

 He handed her coffee and sat next to her, “You feeling alright Aleyna?” “Yes, thank you.”

 “Last night, nothing happened between us, I would never take advantage of an unconscious girl.” Mark assured her.