Mara's POV
The alarm buzzed at exactly 5:30 a.m.
I didn't snooze it.
Not today.
I sat up, let the chill of the morning wrap around my skin, and stared at my reflection in the dusty mirror by my window. My bonnet was crooked, mascara from yesterday smudged under my eyes; and still... I looked like power.
Tired power, but power.
I cracked a small smile.
"You've got this," I whispered to the girl staring back at me.
I got up, did my prayers, then moved like a machine; brushing, steaming my blouse, and lining my eyes with kohl like I was preparing for war. My skirt hugged my hips just right, and I tied my scarf with a confidence I hadn't felt in weeks.
Was I scared?
Absolutely.
But fear had followed me all my life; and it still hadn't won.
By 6:45, I was out the door. Not a second late. No chaos. No tears.
Just Mara Rahim, walking like she owned the pavement, even if her entire life fit in a tote bag.
When I got to Malik's building, the guards barely glanced up this time. My ID swiped green, the elevator welcomed me with a soft ding, and for the first time... I didn't feel like an outsider.
I felt like a storm waiting to happen.
He was already in the office when I got to my desk.
I took a deep breath and walked in.
He looked up, brows slightly raised. "Early."
I smiled. "Told you I learn fast."
For a split second just one; his lips twitched like he was amused.
But it was gone before I could hold onto it.