Chapter - 4: A game of silence

Chapter - 4

As Ibrahim stepped out of his lavish bedroom, his heavy footsteps echoed through the marble-floored hallway. His sharp features were void of any emotions, just the usual cold.

Downstairs, his men were already on high alert, standing near the entrance, waiting for his command. One of them, a tall, muscular guy, quickly moved to open the door as Ibrahim approached.

"Car is ready, Sir," He said, nodding respectfully.

Ibrahim didn't reply, simply sliding into the backseat of his sleek, black Mercedes. The leather seats felt cool against his skin as he leaned back, exhaling slowly.

"Drive," he ordered, his voice deep and firm.

The driver didn't ask any questions. The car smoothly pulled out of the driveway, gliding onto the road as the city slowly came to life. Ibrahim gazed out of the tinted window, his fingers tapping against his knee, lost in thought.

After a few minutes of silent driving, they arrived at a tall building—one of his business hubs. The car came to a halt, and as soon as Ibrahim stepped out, the doors of the meeting room were pushed open for him. Inside, several men in expensive suits sat around a long table, their faces tense with worry. His presence immediately commanded attention.

One of his business partners looked particularly uneasy, rubbing his temples as he hesitated before speaking.

"Sir Ibrahim…" he started, his voice low, nervous. "There's a problem."

Ibrahim arched a brow, sliding into his seat at the head of the table. He crossed one leg over the other and lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply before exhaling a slow cloud of smoke.

"Speak," he said lazily.

The man gulped. "Our last delivery… it got interrupted. An investigator got involved, and now they're planning to check our offices. If they dig too deep, it could cause a lot of trouble."

Silence filled the room. Everyone was waiting for Ibrahim's reaction.

He smirked, shaking his head before leaning forward, his eyes turning sharp and dangerous.

"And what the fuck are you all sitting here like scared little bitches?" He hissed, flicking ash onto the table. "Fix a meeting with him. Offer him money—however much he wants."

The man nodded, but Ibrahim wasn't finished. His tone dropped colder, deadlier.

"And if the bastard refuses…" he leaned back, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. "Make sure he never fucking breathes again."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Everyone exchanged glances, but no one dared to question him.

"Understood?" He said, his voice low.

"Understood, sir," they all muttered.

"What a pussy," Ibrahim took another drag of his cigarette and smirked, "If it were for my men, they wouldn't have bothered me with such a puny little thing."

"You all want to fill your deep pockets, but don't want to dirty your pretty handsome... Huh..."

"Anyway. Now get it done, and don't bother me again for such silly problems," he said in a firm voice, "If you need someone to help you wipe your ass, don't bother me. Ask any of my men."

—

At the hospital, Austin slowly stepped out of the room, his movements careful and slow, a grimace flickering across his face with each step.

The dull ache in his ribs reminded him of the events that had led him here. As he took in his surroundings, his gaze fell upon Noah, engaged in a quiet conversation with the doctor.

Her expression was strange, a mix of concern and something else he couldn't quite place.

Summoning his strength, Austin took a deep breath and began walking towards them. The soft shuffle of his feet caught Noah's attention.

Noah turned her head slightly, her eyes immediately scanning him from head to toe as if assessing his condition. The doctor, noticing the interaction, shifted his gaze to Austin as well.

"How are you feeling now?" The doctor asked in a calm, professional tone.

Austin exhaled before replying. "I could surely be better… I guess. But there's still some pain." His voice was hoarse, rough around the edges.

"You'll recover soon, but you need rest," the doctor stated. "That's why I am here."

"And you will get even better going forward and that's why I am discharging you." The doctor said with a straight face.

"I am getting discharged," Austin frowned, "So soon?" Shouldn't I stay a little longer?

The doctor hesitated for a moment before glancing at Noah.

The brief exchange between them didn't go unnoticed by Austin. Something unspoken passed between them, something he wasn't supposed to see.

"You'll heal better at home," the doctor finally said, his tone slightly more composed. "But only if you avoid strenuous activities."

"Oh don't worry, I won't strain him," Noah, standing beside him, offered a faint smile and nodded. "Thank you, doctor."

She then stepped forward and gently grasped Austin's arm, supporting him as they moved towards the exit. "Careful," she murmured, her voice softer than usual.

Just as they reached the door, the doctor called out to them. "Make sure to come for a check-up next week, and don't forget his medication."

Noah turned slightly and nodded once again. "I will. Thank you."

Austen remained silent as they made their way to the car. The hospital air was cool against his skin, and a strange sense of unease settled in his chest.

Noah helped Austen into the passenger seat before walking around to the driver's side.

"Shouldn't I get changed into something else first?" Austin asked looking at himself still dressed in the hospital gown.

"I will take care of it soon," As she settled in, Noah glanced at him. " Wear your seatbelt," she instructed, turning the key in the ignition.

Austin followed her order without a word. The car hummed to life, and as Noah started driving, he turned his gaze toward her, watching the way her fingers gripped the steering wheel.

"Why are you helping me?" He finally asked, his voice breaking the silence between them.

Noah kept her eyes on the road, her expression normal. "Because you are my secretary," she replied matter-of-factly. "We've worked together for a long time."

Austin narrowed his eyes slightly. "That's it?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she tapped her fingers against the wheel, considering her words carefully. "Yes."

"No one does so much for a mere secretary," Austin whispered to himself. He didn't believe her. There was something she wasn't telling him, but he didn't have the energy to push further.

The car ride was mostly silent, but the tension between them was palpable. Austen couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to all this. Noah wasn't the type to go out of her way for someone unless there was a reason.

At that moment, Noah's phone rang. A sharp, intrusive sound that cut through the quiet like a blade. She exhaled sharply, pulling the car over near an old, deserted gas station. The flickering neon sigh barely lit the cracked pavement. She picked up the call, voice flat.

"This better be fucking important."

Austin glanced in the rearview mirror. That's when he noticed it–a black SUV parked a few meters behind them. The sunlight is reflecting on the dashboard, but the shadow of a person inside was blurred. Austin didn't pay much attention to this.

Noah must've noticed it too because her expression instantly hardened.

She was back to her usual, cold composure. Ending the call without another word, she tossed the phone onto the dashboard, shifted gears, and pulled back onto the road.

The SUV followed.

"Shit," Noah muttered under her breath, eyes flicking to the review mirror. She didn't speed up—yet. Acting normal was the key. If she bolted now, it would be too obvious.

She took a sharp left down and empty street, barely missing a parked truck. The SUV followed. The bastard was restless.

Noah tightened her grip on the wheel. Then, without warning, she slammed her foot on the accelerator. The engine roared, tires screeching against the asphalt.

Austin jerked forward, startled. "Noa... Umm... what are you doing?"

"Nothing," she muttered. "Just felt like driving fast."

Another turn. Then another. Speeding through the maze of roads, dodging late-night stragglers and ignoring red lights. And then—

They were gone.

Noah eased off, she pulled into a narrow road, surrounded by nothing but thick trees and eerie silence. Killing the engine, she sat still, fingers drumming against the wheel.

Austin looked around. "Are we there yet, or are we just taking scenic routes now?"

Noah didn't answer. Instead, she looked at the side mirror, searching. Nothing. The SUV wasn't there.

She sighed " I just wanted some fresh air," she said.

"Ohhh!!!" Austin looked at her for a while before finally turning his face away," Shall we get going now?"

"Yes" She went back to her usual self, started the engine and took another road, her expression once again unreadable.

When they finally arrived at Noah's home, Austin's breath caught in his throat. The mansion loomed before him, an architectural masterpiece of glass and stone, exuding quiet dominance.

Towering iron gates guarded the pristine marble driveway, lined with lush greenery trimmed to perfection. Soft golden lights illuminated the grand entrance, casting long shadows over the intricate carvings on the heavy oak doors.

Everything about the place screamed power and secrecy–an untouchable fortress where whispered conversations and hidden truths lingered behind its towering walls.

The air carried the faint scent of flowers and grass, yet an unsettling silence hung over the estate. The house stood like a fortress, even the rustling leaves and distant chirping birds felt muted as if the surroundings were holding their breath.

Noah watched him, then gestured toward the entrance. "Come inside."

Austin hesitated for a moment before following her. Something about this entire situation felt off, but he had no choice but to go along with it.

As they stepped inside, the grandeur of the house wrapped around him like an illusion. The walls were adorned with expensive art, and the air filled with the faint scent of something rich and intoxicating. Servants moved silently, their expressions are neutral.

But Noah is still thinking about the person who is keeping eye on her, "Are they planning something," she thought. She is stressed but doesn't want to show it, so she takes a deep breath and starts acting casual.

* * * * *