Habibi: An Unexpected Love

IsabellaMexico City"Straighten your back," I mentally ordered myself. "Smile," I put on the best smile I could for my interviewers. I had applied for a work visa in the city of Toronto, and I was jumping with joy as I would be leaving my country in search of better economic opportunities. It's not that I didn't like Mexico, but my dream had always been to settle in Canada and explore every corner of that beautiful country."Your application is impressive, Miss..." one of the men in suits began speaking through the laptop screen, "... Sánchez. Isabella Elizabeth Sánchez Figueroa..." He furrowed his brow. "Am I pronouncing it correctly?" I nodded slowly."We are thrilled to have you as part of our team at WB Automotive. We look forward to seeing you here soon.""Thank you so much for the decision to recruit me as an employee of your company," I smiled kindly. We said our goodbyes, and as the screen turned off, I let out a long sigh, released the stomach I had been holding in, and slou

Isabella―But before he takes her with him, do you have all your documents with you?" the woman asked. I nodded and took them out of my portfolio-style bag, handing them to her. As she reviewed them, I looked around the place. Ever since I entered through the elevator doors, the atmosphere felt cold. I could still feel it beneath my suit jacket. “Were they trying to keep it warm?” I thought sarcastically. It was fall, but it felt like a minimalist freezer decked out with quirky paintings."Alright, follow me," she said. I followed, trying not to slouch due to the buttons on my blouse and being careful not to take wide strides to avoid ripping my skirt. "God, please don't let me harm anyone with a button today." We stopped in front of double doors. "Every time you enter with Mr. Ashgar, you need to knock twice, just as I will, and wait for confirmation before entering.""Okay," I nodded, understanding what she was telling me."You can't knock more than twice. There's a security camera

IsabellaI was taken aback by what my eyes were reading, "Permanent Contract," as I looked up at my new boss. He was engrossed in a conversation in Arabic, and although I knew the language, I tried not to pay attention until he mentioned me."She's my new assistant, so if my mother asks, tell her it was challenging to find someone with good references and trustworthy," he said. The man nodded and smiled. I discreetly averted my gaze, and my heart raced as I saw the salary. I need to do thorough research to know how to excel in this position. I signed it without hesitation and then waited for their conversation to end. When they finished, I handed my contract to the man."Is everything all right, Miss Sanchez?" asked my new boss, Mr. Ashgar. I nodded politely. "Good, there's a restroom on this floor. Go out and turn right at the end, you'll find it. Change and discard that outfit you're wearing," he raised his eyebrows, and he noticed. "Unless you want to assassinate someone at any mom

IsabellaI was in total shock when his words came out of his mouth. "Wow, this job is a dream come true for anyone." Salary, benefits, and now this bonus, a new car."Is everything okay?" Mr. Ashgar asked. I nodded immediately and carefully got out of the car, keeping a certain distance out of politeness."Thank you, Mr. Ashgar. It's just that it's quite fancy for a bonus." He raised an eyebrow."All my closest, most trusted employees have a bonus," he said. I raised my eyebrows and nodded slowly."Thank you, Mr. Ashgar.""Just call me 'Sir.' You can start using it tomorrow." I nodded, remembering the rules."Yes, sir." He gestured for me to close the car door and follow him."And where does it say you live? Is it close to the company?" he asked curiously. I continued walking behind him."About twenty minutes by bus. I live in the Rockville area. I have an apartment.""Oh, I know where that is. You have a nice view of the city," he remarked, surprised. "It's a good neighborhood, middl

ZaidI mentally reviewed everything that had happened today. Hearing Miss Sánchez begin the sentence with "Mrs. Bruce said..." made me angry. I wasn't going to let my mother and Mrs. Bruce win in my territory. So, I had decided to take my assistant with me to my brother's wedding in Abu Dhabi, instead of taking Mrs. Bruce. I couldn't understand why she was so keen on meddling in my life. Did she think I would break my word and not marry the youngest daughter of one of Dubai's most important sheikhs? When I gave my word, I kept it.During the night, I walked through my garden as I usually did when I was stressed. I would take in some fresh air to calm my mind. I knew that sooner or later, I would have to face all my family responsibilities, and it would worsen my relationship with my parents, which was already strained. I was the youngest of four siblings. The eldest was dreaming of taking our father's place, the middle one was about to get married and was achieving his ambitions as he