XXVII: Wondrous Hearts

Lale huffed for the umpteenth time, throwing the bouquet into the bin. Rereading the card, she tore it into two then mete out the same treatment she gave the flowers. Adjusting the lapels of her hijab, Lale gripped the edge of the oak desk as a wave of nausea hit her. Her eyes became hazy as she tried to regain consciousness of her environment. Focusing on her breathing pattern, she counted from ten to one inwardly.

She stood up straighter when she felt okay again, making a mental note to grab a bugger on her way back home. She stepped out of the confines of her office and made a beeline to the studio where dozens of mannequins were wrapped in different colors and sizes overflowing gowns. She gave her team a nod of acknowledgement for a job well done before giving them a week off to make up for the long hours of work she had them run through.

She grabbed a cup of coffee from a vending machine in the hallway then went into the relaxation ro