**Chapter 8: A Slip Up**
Laila's office was a sleek and sophisticated space, with a harmonious blend of navy blue and white hues. The walls were painted a crisp white, providing a clean backdrop for the navy blue accent wall behind her desk. The floor was covered with a plush white carpet, adding a touch of warmth and texture to the room.
Her desk was a stunning navy blue, almost black, with a glossy finish that reflected the light. It was a large, L-shaped desk, with a minimalist design that exuded elegance and. The surface was clear of clutter, with only a sleek silver laptop and a single, neatly arranged stack of papers breaking the smooth expanse.
A navy blue leather chair sat behind the desk, with a high back and silver accents that matched the laptop. The chair was positioned to take advantage of the stunning view of the city skyline outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
In front of the desk, two white leather armchairs were arranged in a conversational circle, with a small, navy blue ottoman between them. The armchairs were adorned with subtle, silver accents that added a touch of sophistication.
A white credenza sat against one wall, with a few carefully selected decorative items on top, including a silver framed photo and a small, navy blue vase with a single white flower. The credenza was adorned with navy blue hardware, adding a pop of color to the otherwise white piece.
The room was illuminated by a combination of overhead lighting and table lamps, which cast a warm, inviting glow over the space. The overall effect was one of calm, professional elegance, with the navy blue and white colors creating a sense of balance and harmony.
Laila stood in her office, staring down at the busy road through the transparent glass. The car moving continuously nonstop and the people walking on the side walks and although she stared down, her eyes seemed to be unfocused with a dazed look in her eyes and her thoughts spiralling.
Somewhere, her thoughts had been troubled lately, because although she knew she had the upper hand as Peter wasn't aware she knew of his deceit, which gave her time to prepare herself and take him by surprise, she still didn't feel easy, she couldn't help but be worried that he had something up his sleeve even if she was to take him by surprise. Her gaze turned hard at the thought.
Although he was reckless to bring his affair to their bedroom, which led her to finding out, still the Peter she knew or came to know in the last few years of their marriage wouldn't just play with fire in the company if he didn't have backup and she couldn't help but wonder what it was.
No matter what his backup is I would make him pay, she thought.
Laila picked up her phone to call her lawyer, Mr. Davis.
"Laila my dear, how are you doing?" Mr. Davis voice was light-hearted, making Laila's gaze turn soft, with a smile.
"I am doing fine Mr. Davis, what about you?"
"I am well my dear. It seems we don't see you much anymore, you should find some time to come see me and your aunty Sarah." He said. Laila understood what he meant, since the death of her parents, she had kept to herself, almost shutting herself from the outside world.
Mr. Davis had been her father's lawyer when he was alive so she was well acquainted with him. "I will try to find time to come see you guys,"
"That's good my dear, I think I could live with that" he laughed.
Laila said,"I called you for something today uncle, I need your help." Mr. Davis asked,
"What is it about dear?"
"I want a divorce." She declared,
"Okay, may I ask why though?" Mr. Davis was straightforward.
"My husband has been cheating on me" Mr. Davis was surprised at Laila's words.
"That bastard," he cursed Peter. "I'm sorry my dear, so what are your plans now?"
"Thank you uncle. I want a divorce and I want him to compensate me and also he's involved in some fishy dealings in my company. It seems I did wrong by making him the acting CEO." Laila said.
"Yes my dear, you definitely did wrong. But if you say he's involved in some bad deals in the company and that he cheated on you then you'll need evidence to prove it." This was something Laila already expected and she replied,
"I am aware of that, infact I have proof that he cheated on me. I'll send them to you immediately we drop the call. But I am still gathering enough evidence of his involvement in stealing my company's money."
"Ok then, send what you have and I'll look into it for you." Mr. Davis said.
"Thank you uncle, I appreciate your help." Laila was grateful,
"You don't have to thank me dear, it's my job right?" He replied before saying, "Do find time to come see us, your aunt misses you."
"I will uncle." Laila promised before the call went off. She stood in place sending the pictures and videos of Peter and Nina cheating on her, that she had taken the day she found them.
She turned around to get back to work when she noticed Nina standing in her office, not too far from the door. She hadn't heard her conversation on the phone right now did she? She asked herself.
"Oh Nina, when did you come in?" Laila asked, studying her face
"Just now, I noticed you were on the phone and decided to wait," Nina replied with a straight face.
So she heard, Laila thought. But she decided to act normal, going to sit at her desk she said,
"I see. Is there something you wanted?" She knew that wasn't something she would usually ask Nina as she was her best friend, but Laila didn't see her as her best friend anymore.
Nina seemed surprised at her distant behavior. "Oh no, I just wanted to check on you as Peter said you were being distant." She replied coming to sit on the chair in front of Laila's desk. But it was only after sitting she realized the mistake she made.
"Peter said I was being distant?" Laila asked. Oh no, Nina thought.
"No... Well yes.... I mean he asked me if something was wrong and I said I didn't know and that I would check on you. He seemed worried." She quickly tried to cover up her mistake. But then it was unnecessary as Laila already knew of their affair, but Nina didn't know that she knew else she wouldn't have made a slip up in front of her. That means she didn't hear my conversation on the phone just now, Laila thought.
"I see," Laila acted oblivious, not stressing the issue on. And although it was subtle she noticed Nina release a sigh of relief. "Well I'm fine. I think it's just the aftermath of the accident."
After her so-called checking on her, Nina quickly left Laila's office in a hurry, she breathed, trying to catch her breath. She could only hope that Laila didn't suspect anything from her slip up, else it could be fatal for her. She should quickly go tell Peter about it in case she asked him.
But then she thought, there was one way of knowing if Laila suspected anything or not. If Laila asked Peter about her slip up, then she definitely suspected. But if she didn't ask then that means she didn't suspect anything.
Nina quickly left to go and tell Peter what happened happened.