Chapter 18 :The Solace

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the dining hall, casting warm, golden hues across the room. The long table was set with a delicious spread of fresh bread, fruits, cheeses, and steaming tea. The children from the orphanage sat chattering away, their laughter echoing like a melody of hope.

The double doors creaked open, and Noor entered the room with her usual poise. Her white silk dress shimmered softly in the morning light, though the faint bloodstains near the hem betrayed the ordeal of the previous night. Every step she took down the hallway was measured and elegant, though Maya, who was trailing close behind her, noticed the slight stiffness in her gait.

"Mother Noor!" a little boy called out, his fork clattering to his plate as he leaped up. "You're here!"

"Good morning, everyone," Noor greeted with a radiant smile, her voice gentle but firm.

The children erupted into a chorus of cheers, some rushing to her side with wide eyes. "Are you okay?" a small girl asked, clutching Noor's hand.

"Of course," Noor assured her, crouching slightly despite the twinge of pain in her side. "It'll take more than a few scrapes to stop me."

"You must've been like swish, swoosh, bam!" another boy chimed in, dramatically waving his arms as if mimicking a fight.

"Did you really fight ten bad guys at once, Mother?" a girl added, clutching her doll.

"More like twenty," Maya interjected with a smirk, sliding into the room. "And she didn't even need to mess up her hair."

"Exaggeration doesn't suit you, Maya," Noor teased lightly as she made her way to the head of the table. "It was only ten."

The children erupted into laughter, clapping and cheering. Maya rolled her eyes but smiled. "Only ten? My mistake. You're practically invincible, aren't you?"

"Invincible might be a stretch," Noor said, sitting down gracefully, her gaze twinkling with humor. "But I do try my best."

The children resumed their seats, though their eyes remained fixed on Noor as if afraid she might vanish if they looked away. Plates began to fill with food, and the warm atmosphere of breakfast took over.

As Noor poured herself a cup of tea, Maya, standing by her side, couldn't hold back. "Madam, you shouldn't even be out of bed. Do you have a hidden superpower I don't know about?"

"You could call it willpower," Noor replied smoothly, sipping her tea. "Something you might consider developing the next time you burn toast."

The children giggled as Maya gaped in mock outrage. "I'll have you know, that toast incident was not my fault. The toaster had it out for me!"

"Oh, sure," a cheeky boy named Murak piped up, grinning mischievously. "The toaster also made you burn tea, didn't it?"

The room erupted into laughter, and Maya threw her hands in the air. "Et tu, Murak? I thought we were allies!"

"Sorry, Miss Maya, but it's too funny!" he said, beaming at Noor for approval.

Noor chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Maya, you're a good secretary, but perhaps we should avoid assigning you kitchen duties in the future."

"I'd like that written in my contract," Maya muttered, crossing her arms dramatically.

A little girl leaned toward Noor and asked, "Mother Noor, can we have pancakes tomorrow?"

"Of course," Noor replied, patting the girl's head. "But only if Miss Maya promises not to make them."

"I'm being bullied in my own house," Maya huffed, but her lips twitched into a grin.

The children giggled again, clearly enjoying the playful banter. Noor's gaze softened as she looked around the table. Despite her physical pain, the joy on their faces made everything worthwhile.

As the meal continued, Noor listened attentively to the children's stories. One boy proudly announced, "I got full marks on my spelling test!"

"Excellent work, Tariq," Noor said warmly. "You'll have to teach me a few new words now."

"Okay, but only if you tell us more stories about fighting bad guys!" Tariq bargained, making everyone laugh again.

"I think we'll need a full library for all those stories," Maya quipped, pouring herself some tea.

"I'll leave that project to you," Noor teased back, earning another mock groan from Maya.

The breakfast stretched on with laughter and lighthearted moments, the usual worries of the world temporarily forgotten. Noor's strength and warmth seemed to envelop everyone in the room, making it clear that this was more than just a meal—it was a sanctuary.

As the children began to finish and leave for their day's activities, Noor stood, bidding them farewell with gentle pats on their heads and kind words of encouragement. When the last of them had gone, Maya lingered, watching Noor closely.

"You're pushing yourself too hard,Madam" she said softly.

Noor glanced at her, her smile faint but unwavering. "These moments matter, Maya. For them, and for me."

Maya sighed, shaking her head.

"And yet you wouldn't have it any other way," Noor replied, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness.

Maya chuckled despite herself. "Touché."

The two women left the dining hall together, the laughter from breakfast still lingering in the air like a soothing melody.

------

At exactly 6 PM, the estate buzzed with anticipation. Maya stood by the grand entrance, greeting the incoming guests. The hall was alive with soft conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the elegance of impeccably dressed figures—actors, advertising executives, and influential personalities. The chatter was light but laced with curiosity, as one question circulated repeatedly among the guests: Where is Madam Noor?

Maya maintained a poised smile, but her heart raced. Noor was nowhere to be found. She glanced discreetly toward the head butler, whispering, "Any word from Madam Noor?"

He shook his head, equally perplexed. "No, ma'am. We haven't heard from her since she left for the stables."

Maya felt her composure waver for a moment, but she quickly straightened, turning her attention back to the guests. One of the actors, Jasper, approached her with his signature smirk. "I have to say, Ms. Maya, your boss has a flair for suspense. Is this part of the campaign? A dramatic late entrance?"

Maya gave a polite laugh, hiding her nerves. "Madam Noor always arrives at the perfect moment, Mr. Jasper. I assure you, it will be worth the wait."

Jasper tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "She must be extraordinary, to keep an entire room hanging on her absence."

Before Maya could respond, the faint sound of galloping hooves drew everyone's attention. The open doors framed a striking scene as Noor appeared, astride a black stallion. Her dress flowed like liquid silk in the evening breeze, and her masked face only added to the aura of mystery. She exuded an effortless power that silenced the murmurs and drew all eyes to her.

As Noor approached, her gaze briefly met a suited Man among those all. He froze, his usual confidence momentarily replaced by awe. But Noor's attention shifted as a voice rang out from behind her.

"Madam Noor," his tone half-teasing, half-challenging. "It seems I'm winning this time."

Noor's smirk was barely visible beneath her mask, but her voice carried clearly. "Not in this life." With that, she urged her horse forward, galloping past the estate and leaving the crowd breathless.

The guests broke into murmurs of admiration and surprise. Jasper turned to Maya, his eyes wide. "I take it back. She's not extraordinary—she's legendary."

Maya smiled tightly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "Please, come inside. Dinner will be served shortly."

---

Fifteen minutes later, Noor entered the dining hall. Gone was the masked rider from earlier; now, she was dressed in a sleek black gown that shimmered subtly under the warm light. Her hair was elegantly styled, and her expression was calm, commanding immediate respect from the room.

"Good evening," Noor said, her voice soft yet authoritative. "I hope the wait wasn't too long."

Jasper, seated near the center of the table, couldn't help himself. "Not at all, Miss Noor. I think I speak for everyone when I say it was worth every second. You certainly know how to make an entrance."

Noor's gaze swept toward him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Timing is everything. Shall we begin?"

As the meal was served, the conversation naturally turned to the advertising campaign. One of the executives leaned forward, addressing Noor directly. "Madam Noor, your vision for this campaign is… unique. Most luxury brands aim for grandeur, but you're focusing on simplicity and empowerment. May I ask why?"

Noor set down her glass, her gaze thoughtful. "Luxury is not about excess. It's about purpose and meaning. I'm not selling a product—I'm sharing a philosophy. People don't just buy items; they buy into ideals. And I want this campaign to represent strength, authenticity, and grace."

The room was silent for a moment before Sharon broke it with a chuckle. "And here I thought we were just here for the paycheck."

The table erupted in laughter, and Noor raised an eyebrow at him. "If you're here for the paycheck, you're in the wrong room. My team works with those who believe in the vision."

Sharon held up his hands in mock surrender. "Point taken, Madam Noor. I'm fully on board."

Another guest, an actress known for her fiery personality, chimed in. "Madam Noor, I have to ask—what inspired you to build such a unique empire? You're not like anyone I've ever met."

Noor's gaze softened, though her tone remained steady. "I chose a different path—one that serves others as much as it serves me.Rest of it came itself"

Maya watched the exchange with quiet admiration. Noor's words carried a depth that resonated with everyone in the room, leaving them reflective and intrigued.

As the meal continued, Jasper couldn't resist adding another quip. "So, Madam Noor, is it true you only hire the most handsome men as your staff? Because I think I might qualify."

Noor's expression remained impassive, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Mr. Jasper, I hire based on competence, not appearances. But if you'd like to join the staff, I'm sure we can arrange an interview."

The table burst into laughter, and Jasper grinned, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "I'll keep that in mind. Though I might prefer being in your campaigns instead of serving dinner."

Noor's response was smooth, her tone slightly teasing. "We'll see where you're better suited."

By the end of the evening, the guests were charmed, their admiration for Noor solidified. As the final plates were cleared and the discussions turned more casual, Maya reflected on how seamlessly Noor had turned what could have been an ordinary business dinner into an unforgettable experience.

And as Jasper left, he turned to Maya with a wink. "Tell your boss she's terrifyingly impressive. And if she ever needs a jester for her empire, I'm available."

Maya smiled, shaking her head. "I'll let her know. Safe travels, Mr. Jasper."

When Noor finally retired for the night, Maya followed her into her private chambers to debrief. "Madam Noor," she said, "the event was a resounding success. Everyone was captivated by you."

Noor, removing her earrings, glanced at Maya. "Captivation isn't the goal, Maya. But if it serves the purpose, then so be it."

And with that, Noor dismissed Maya for the night, the faint trace of a smirk lingering on her lips.

Maya stood by the window, watching Noor's solitary figure as she disappeared into the distance. There was something about her that Maya couldn't quite understand—something that seemed to both draw her in and push her away. Noor's strength, her unshakable resolve, was awe-inspiring, but it was also a wall that no one could break through.

It wasn't just the business or the charity work that kept Noor distant—it was the years of solitude, the weight that she carried like an invisible cloak. Maya knew that, but she couldn't help but feel the pang of longing. She wanted to reach out, to offer Noor a hand in the darkness, but she also knew her place. Noor didn't need her pity, nor did she need anyone's rescue.