Chapter 3: The Invitation
I headed to my office in the school, waving at passing teachers and students. It was the end of the day and everyone was looking forward to heading home. I need to check my messages -- those I couldn't check at home.
I closed the door of my office and booted up my laptop -- signing in as Hoor instead of Tania, I opened my messages. I had a new message from Lonely Hearts - 'Available for an Exclusive New Year's Gig?' the subject line read. I clicked on it.
It was an offer for an exclusive New Year's Eve bash for the "Lonely Hearts," featuring a single, ultra-high-paying client. The fee was nearly 100 times what I earned on a typical online stream. The job description was a list of high-risk acts that hinted at the client's wealth and desperation:
1. Private Strip Dance
2. Lap Dance
3. Pole Dance
4. Role Play/Verbal Domination
5. Unprotected Intimacy (The ultimate price, demanding total surrender.)
The risk was terrifying, but the payout—the freedom and the thrill of the ultimate escape—was irresistible. I knew I had to take it. I would have to figure out how I would get away from Omar on new year's eve, but that was a problem for later. I immediately replied, confirming Hoor's availability for the entire night, for everything.
My heart pounded like a drum in my chest, the adrenaline rushing through my veins as I set the wheels in motion for my most daring secret venture yet.
---
New Year's Eve was just a week away and I still had not come up with a plan to get away for the night. But I didn't have to. Omar unwittingly came up with the solution to my predicament.
He said he was offered a last-minute work trip to Dubai for a New Year's Eve conference.
"I am thinking of turning it down, Tania... what do you think?" he asked over dinner.
"What is this conference about?" I asked, "I mean, New Year's Eve has always been our special time isn't it? It's the days before the anniversary of our nikah on Jan 2."
"I know, which is why I am thinking about turning it down." he said.
"What is this conference about? How big a deal is it for your career?" I asked.
"It's about technology and innovation in the construction sector," he explained. "It's a big deal, Tania. The who's who of the industry will be there. There's a competition for innovation in construction and my name was nominated. The winner stands a chance of getting fully funded technology. It's also an opportunity to network, to make a name for myself."
I nodded, understanding the weight of his decision. "And you're sure you want to turn it down because of us?"
He reached across the table and took my hand. "I want to be with you, Tania. I don't want to spend New Year's Eve away from you."
His words were genuine, and I felt a pang of guilt.
"If you were to go, when would you be back? Would you miss our anniversary too?" I asked.
"No, I would be back on the evening of Jan 1, a day before our anniversary." Omar said. "It's a day trip, just the conference and back. But I don't have to go if you don't want me to."
I squeezed his hand, my heart torn between the guilt of sending him away on a night we were supposed to spend together, and the thrill of the opportunity I had accepted as Hoor.
"No, Omar, you should go." I forced a smile. "This is a big opportunity for you. It's our anniversary that is important to me. There will be other new years eves for us to celebrate too. As long as you are sure you will be back on Jan 1, I want you to go."
He smiled back, looking relieved. "Are you sure?" Omar asked, his brow furrowed slightly. "I really can't stand the thought of being away from you on New Year's Eve."
I nodded, forcing a smile. "I'm sure. It's just one night, Omar. I'll miss you, but I want you to go. This could be huge for your career, for our career and for the future of the child we hope to bring into the world."
He leaned in and kissed me softly. "I love you, Tania. Thank you for understanding."
"I love you too," I whispered.