Zara's POV

I stand there, frozen to the spot, not daring to look at him. He doesn't speak.

Did I seriously just do that?! The coffee was still hot as well! It must have burned his skin. Oh no! I slowly look up and glance at him. I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack. His white, previously spotless shirt now has large, dark coffee stains over the front. The coffee has spilt onto his trousers, too. Oh my god.

I spilt over half the cup on him! This is it. He's definitely going to fire me. On my first day, as well. He has full reason to fire me, I'm so clumsy!

I bite my lip and look up at his face. And then I shift into full panic mode. 'I'm so so so so so SO sorry, Mr Malik! I'm so clumsy! Oh god, please don't fire me! I promise I won't do anything like this ever again! Your clothes! Please, I'll clean them!' I grab a load of tissues from the box on his desk and rush to him, trying to clean away the stains.

But it just makes them worse. The stains just get larger. I feel like I'm about to go into cardiac arrest. I'm the biggest idiot in the world. He is one of the biggest businessmen in the city, one of the most eligible bachelors as the media puts it, and I do this! I'm so clumsy!

"Miss Ahmed-" I hear his authoritative voice and shake.

'Mr Malik, I'll buy you a new suit. I'll get this one cleaned for you, too. I promise! Please, just forgive me. It won't happen again,' I apologise, looking at him with wide eyes. I grab some more tissues and continue trying to wipe the coffee stains off his clothes. But it doesn't work.

"Miss Ahmed, it's-" He starts, but I interrupt again.

'No, don't say anything. I know what you're going to say. I'm so stupid, I know I am. I'm so sorry! I know I'm probably the worst assistant you've ever had, and the clumsiest! But, I'm sorry. I won't do anything like this again. Oh god... Your shirt!' I don't even know what else to say. His shirt looks like a mess now, and it is stuck to him, outlining his abs even more clearly than before.

"Miss Ahmed, listen to me!" He shouts, and I stop, looking up at him with wide eyes. He's angry.

'I'm sorry...' I whisper quietly.

"It's alright. I'm not that fussed that it's stained my clothes because I have a change of clothes, but that coffee was hot," he says, looking at me. My cheeks redden.

'I'm such an idiot, I can't believe it. I'm so sorry,' I apologise for what seems like the thousandth time. But it's not enough.

"Miss Ahmed, it was a mistake. I'm not mad at you, don't worry," he says to me. I look up at him and frown. What?

'You're not mad at me? I probably burned your skin, and you're not mad at me? Promise?' I ask, biting my lip.

He looks at me for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I'm not mad."

I let out a sigh of relief. I just got saved.

"I have a change of clothes, Miss Ahmed. You can get back to work, find file A24 for me."

'Okay, do you want me to get you another coffee?' I ask him.

He laughs loudly. "No, it's alright." I turn to go, but turn back to face him straight away when I see something. His hand. The coffee spilt onto his hand too, and he now has a large, red blister at the back of his hand. It looks really painful. I don't know why, I start feeling slightly emotional. I'm such an idiot. He's obviously in pain, because of me and my clumsiness.

'Mr Malik, your hand!' I say, worriedly.

He looks down at his hand and shakes his head. "I didn't even notice that, it's fine Miss Ahmed. It doesn't hurt." Bullshit. Of course it hurts. It looks so painful!

'I know that's not true, do you have a first aid kit?' I ask Zaid.

He nods. "Yes, in the filing cabinet. Don't worry, Miss Ahmed. I'll be alright."

I find the first aid kit and grab it. With my other hand, I grab his arm and take him over to the sofas at the far end of his office.

"Miss Ahmed, it's really alright," Zaid says to me.

I shake my head. 'No it isn't. It was my fault, so I can at least apply medication on it to make it feel better.' Zaid just looks at me for a few seconds, then nods.

We sit on the sofas as I apply medication to his hand after washing it with cold water. Zaid doesn't say a word, or move. After applying the medication, I wrap it with a bandage. I can't see him in pain, especially when I know that I caused the pain.

'Again, I'm so sorry,' I whisper, looking down at my hands. I'm such an idiot, I can't even look him in the face while speaking.

"It's alright, Miss Ahmed. It doesn't hurt. Thank you for the first aid."

I blush. Why am I blushing now?! I'm such an idiot. 'Now you're thanking me? I burned your hand and you're thanking me? Crazy. Okay, I'll go and find that file for you.' I stand up, making my way back to my cabin. Zaid shakes his head but doesn't say anything.

********

Thankfully, the rest of the day goes by smoothly. I don't mess up again. There's a lot of work at the office, so I'm busy for the rest of the day. So is Zaid. Before I know it, it's 5pm. Time to go home.

After finishing off the work, I switch off the desktop computer and laptop, and grab my bag. I take out my phone and call Dad.

'Hey Zara, are you done?' Dad asks me.

"Yeah, I'm done. Are you picking me up?" I ask.

'Yes, I'm stuck in traffic though. Sorry, but I'll be another 15 minutes,' Dad says to me.

"Oh, that's no problem. I'm waiting inside the office. Just text me when you're here and I'll come out," I tell him.

'Okay, see you in 15.'

I turn off the call and am about to head out of my cabin, when Zaid enters. He is wearing his coat and is holding his bag. Looks like he's about to head out too.

"I thought you would have left by now, Miss Ahmed. All done?" Zaid asks me.

I nod. 'Yes, I made the appointments for you and I've emailed you the notes on that file.'

"Good. Are you getting picked up?" He asks.

"Yes, Dad's on his way. He's running a little late though, there's traffic."

He nods. "I haven't seen Uncle in a while, how is he?"

What? 'Dad's good, he's been busy with work but he's good. How are Aunty and Uncle?' I ask about his parents, who are literally like second parents to me. They're amazing, they love me like their own daughter.

"Mum and Dad are doing good. And you must know how Hafsa is," Zaid says to me. Is he joking with me now?

I chuckle. 'Yeah, Hafsa is her usual crazy self! I saw her just yesterday at university.'

"What? You saw her yesterday? Hafsa was complaining to me and Mum last night about how she hasn't spent time with you in ages," Zaid says, his brows furrowed.

I burst out laughing. 'Seriously? I was with her yesterday and all day Monday! She's crazy!'

"She was saying that you haven't come over in ages, since I've come back," Zaid says, looking amused.

I blush. What am I supposed to say to that? He's right. I haven't been to their apartment in ages, I haven't been even once since Zaid has come back from the US. That was because I was trying to dodge him. But now..

'Erm, I..tell her I will. There's just been so much work,' I lie. I'm up to date with all of my university notes, and we haven't been given any assignments yet. It would be kind of weird to visit the apartment now that Zaid is back, and now that he is my boss.

Zaid nods. "I'm sure she would love it if you came over," he says. I blush again. Ugh. Why am I blushing like crazy!? Oh yeah, because I am crazy.

I nod. 'I will, soon. Are you heading home too?' I ask him.

He nods. "Yes, I'm exhausted. Work has been very busy this last week or so."

'Yeah, you should take some rest. I think I should get going now, Dad should be here any minute,' I say, giving him a small smile.

"Okay, see you tomorrow Miss Ahmed," he says to me.

'Bye, Mr Malik,' I say, heading out.

********

Damn. I really needed this fresh air. Dad has reached the office. I mutter a "hello" at him and get into the car.

When I don't hear a 'hello' back, I look over at Dad who is in the driver's seat. He has a massive smile on his face and he exits the car. Huh? Where is he going now?

I turn around and look out of the window to my left. Zaid. What?

Zaid has come over to the car, to meet Dad.

'Zaid! Long time no see, son. How are you doing?' Dad asks him. Son?

Zaid smiles back at Dad. He's SMILING?! I didn't know Zaid can smile. "I'm great, Uncle! How are you?" Zaid is an amazing sight, especially when he's smiling like that which is very rare. He has perfect, sparkling white teeth.

'I'm alright, son. Just the normal, you know, busy with work. I hope Zara didn't cause any trouble at work?' WHAT?!

"Dad?! Am I adopted or what?!" I shout, and regret it straight away. I shouted in front of Zaid like an idiot, he must think I'm really crazy.

Dad and Zaid both chuckle. 'She was great, Uncle. She didn't cause any trouble.' I shoot daggers to my father. And then start blushing again, when I remember that I actually did cause trouble today. Earlier today, when I spilt coffee over Zaid. What an experience.

Thank god Zaid didn't tell Dad, though. I give him a thankful look.

Thankfully, before Dad can embarrass me further, I tell him to get into the car so we can go home. Dad gives Zaid a manly hug and Dad enters the car. Zaid heads to his own car, the newest version of BMW as Dad told me the other day.

'He's a great guy, don't you think Zara?' Dad asks me, smiling.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. He's good."

We reach home half an hour later, as there is traffic on the way back. I have dinner with my family that night and head to bed early, as I'm actually feeling quite tired now.

That incident which happened earlier keeps popping into my head. It was so embarrassing, I still can't believe that I managed to spill over half a cup of coffee onto him. Without getting fired.

I fall asleep quickly that night, around 10pm.

********

The next two days at the office are also busy. I hardly see Zaid, as we're both so busy. When I'm about to leave to go home on Friday evening, he comes into my cabin, looking exhausted.

"Miss Ahmed, please can you call my sister?" Zaid asks me. He's rubbing his forehead with his fingers.

'Hafsa? Why? Is she okay?' I ask.

"She's called me over 10 times in the past 3 hours. She wants you to come over tonight, to help her with her notes." What?

Suddenly, my phone rings. It's Hafsa. I answer the phone.

"Babe, has Zaid bhai told you to come over? I need you, babe! Please, I can't get through these Developmental Psychology notes!" She says dramatically. I roll my eyes.

'What do you mean you can't get through them? We only have to read through two journal articles and bullet point a few notes, that's not too difficult!' I say, laughing. What a crazy girl.

"Yeah, I know. But you know I hate Developmental Psychology! And it's the topic you're amazing at, please please please?! You'll literally be saving my life if you come over! And you have to stay! Or I won't be your best friend anymore," she says. I know that she's pouting right now.

'What? No! I can't, Hafsa. You're crazy! You know what? You come over to mine, you can stay! I'll help you with the notes then,' I say to her.

"No! You haven't come over in so long, Zara. Honestly, it's been nearly two months babe! Why? Please, Mum and Dad aren't at home either. We can do anything!" She says, excited.

I look over at Zaid, he's standing there with a small smirk on his face.

'Hafsa, I can explain the work to you over the phone too?' Then she cuts the call.

What am I supposed to do?! She's asking me to come over, and stay the night too. And she lives under the same roof as her brother, who is my boss.

"Miss Ahmed, you should come over and help her. She won't leave me alone. I don't know much about this topic, so I won't be able to help her," Zaid says to me.

'But-' I start, but am unable to finish my sentence as my phone rings again. It's Dad.

"Hi, Dad. Are you here? I've finished, I'll come outside," I say, grabbing my purse.

'I will reach the office in a couple of minutes, dear. Hafsa called me just now, she wants you to go to her tonight to help her with homework,' Dad says. She called Dad too?!

"She called you too, Dad? Yeah, she's being crazy. I mean, how?" I ask.

Dad chuckles. 'Zara, she needs your help dear. Go to her house tonight, and have fun too! You haven't been there in ages.' Even Dad is telling me to go?!

"Dad, this is going to be so awkward. Are you crazy too?" I whisper, but it's obvious by the smirk on Zaid's face that he heard me.

'Zara, I know Zaid is the reason why you're not going. But Hafsa is your best friend! And Zaid is a good guy. I know you might be finding it a bit awkward as you work with him now, but so what? He's Hafsa's brother, and you used to be friends with him. I'll drop you off tonight, dear.'

"Okay, fine. I'll go. I'm coming out now, I'll need some clothes if I stay there tonight, won't I?"

********

So, I head to Zaid's apartment later that evening. I've changed into more comfortable clothes. I'm now wearing a red and black plaid shirt which is open, and I'm wearing a white top underneath it. I'm wearing black skinny jeans underneath, and my favourite red sneakers. I haven't taken off my makeup from this morning, but I've applied a matching red lipstick. And my hair is now up in a messy bun. This is the real me. I'm lazy a lot of the time, and I love wearing comfy clothes.

I ring the doorbell when I reach the apartment. Only two seconds later, Hafsa opens it. She looks very excited, she tackles me into a hug as soon as I enter.

Gosh, I've missed their apartment. It feels like home. The amount of crazy things me and Hafsa have done here.

'You look beautiful!' Hafsa says, smiling.

"More like I look lazy! So what do you need help with?" I ask her.

She pouts. 'We have all night for studying, babe! Come and sit down!' We go into the hall, and I take a seat on one of the large, white sofas. The apartment is beautiful. Zaid designed it himself.

"So it's only me and you at home? Great!" I laugh.

Hafsa shakes her head. 'Mum and Dad have gone to a meeting in London, but Zaid bhai is at home. I think he's taking a shower. He usually does at this time, after he's exercised.' Crap. Zaid is at home. I hope I don't see him. It's going to be so awkward if I do!

"Hafsa, this is a bit awkward," I mutter, nervously.

She frowns. 'What's awkward?'

"Your brother... I kind of work for him now, if you've forgotten!"

She laughs. 'Zara, it's just Zaid bhai! Don't worry about him.' JUST her Zaid bhai?! She doesn't understand. If it was any other person, I would be fine. But it's JUST Zaid.

"Do you want something to eat? Or a drink?" Hafsa asks me.

I chuckle and shake my head. 'No, I'm fine babe. I just ate a little while ago.'

We talk for some time, and then Hafsa brings her laptop to show me the work she doesn't understand. I explain it to her, and she makes some notes.

"This is so confusing, but thanks to you I actually understand it better! Why do we have to learn about appetite regulation in babies though? I mean, we're adults now! So annoying!" Hafsa groans. I laugh at her.

'Well, I think it's interesting. I want to do a Masters in Developmental Psychology though, so that's probably why. It's not that confusing, and I'll help you anytime you need me to,' I say to her.

She smiles. "You're a lifesaver, Zara. Honestly." I chuckle. She's so adorable. I love her to bits.

'Miss Ahmed, it's good to see you,' I hear a too familiar voice from behind me. Zaid.

I turn around to look at him and my breath catches in my throat. Damn. He's looking good. Really good. He's wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a light grey t-shirt. His hair is all wet, he's just come out of the shower. He smirks when he catches me looking at him. Damn.

********

So, what did you all think of this chapter? I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate it! If you liked this chapter, don't forget to vote and comment! I love you all, stay tuned for the next chapter! ;)