ARIA
A few minutes after the men left my office, a soft knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” I said, staring out the window and backing the door.
The door opened quietly. I turned my chair and found Zainab softly stepping inside, with her hands folded in front of her like she was unsure whether or not she was disturbing me.
“Zainab,” I said, offering a small smile.
“Ma’am,” she replied, walking closer to my desk.
“Is there an issue that needs my presence?” I asked, already bracing myself to go attend to it.
“No, ma’am,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “I just wanted to ask… who those men were."
I leaned back in my chair and let out a slow breath.
“Oh. Forget about them,” I replied casually, though my chest felt tight.
She did not look convinced.
“Are you sure, ma’am?” she a
