THE HIDDEN WIFE

"We are losing. We are losing, Ma'am. Mr. Roger is officially the owner of this orphanage land. We need to leave this place as soon as possible."

It is not easy for Najma to deliver this news to Aliyah, the orphanage owner. But what else can she do? This is a bitter reality they need to accept. However, she never expects the impact it will have. Aliyah's immense love for the orphanage makes her unable to bear the loss. As a result, the middle-aged woman collapses and loses consciousness.

---

BLACK EAGLE CORPORATION.

Najma looks up at the name with her head slightly tilted. Understandably, it is posted on top of a building where she now stands outside its gate.

After confirming that this is indeed Roger's company, she steps into the courtyard. She takes only a few steps past the gate when a security guard quickly approaches her.

"Hey, miss! Miss! Who are you here to see?"

The loud voice catches Najma's attention, making her turn around. She immediately stops when the guard comes closer.

"I want to meet Mr. Roger, sir." Najma responds innocently, stating her intention without finding out who Roger really is, as if she is meeting a friend.

The guard observes her from head to toe. Najma's appearance doesn't look convincing.

"Do you have an appointment with Mr. Roger?"

Najma shakes her head slightly. Her pretty face shows confusion. "No, sir. Do I need to make an appointment first to meet him?"

"Of course," the guard replies, looking perplexed at her cluelessness. "Mr. Roger doesn't meet just anyone. Only certain people can see him. Why do you want to meet him?"

"For an important matter, sir." Najma scratches her forehead, clearly thinking hard. "Yes, it's an important matter."

"Everyone says their matter is important when they want to see Mr. Roger. Even if it's not important, they make it sound like it is," the guard says sarcastically.

"But I'm serious, sir. I'm not lying." Najma's pleading tone shows her desperation, fearing the guard will drive her away.

The guard sighs. "Alright, go to the lobby. Tell the receptionist you want to meet Mr. Roger and explain your story like you did to me. But don't expect anything. I doubt he will see you. Even if he agrees, you'll need an appointment, and it won't be today."

"That's fine, sir. As long as I get a chance to try. I'll accept whatever happens after that."

"Alright then. Go on in!"

After thanking the guard, Najma walks toward the building and explains her purpose to the receptionist.

"I'll try contacting his personal assistant first," the receptionist says kindly. Her slender fingers lift the phone receiver, dialing some numbers. After a brief conversation, she hangs up. "I'm sorry, miss. Mr. Wilson says the land issue is settled. It legally belongs to Mr. Roger, who buys it from the owner and holds the title deed. There's nothing more to discuss."

Najma shakes her head, refusing to accept it. "That's not right, miss. The original owner gives that land to us, but his son betrays us by selling it to Mr. Roger. So now-"

"Miss, I know nothing about that," the receptionist interrupts. "Mr. Wilson speaks on Mr. Roger's behalf. If he says it's settled, it means Mr. Roger doesn't want to meet you."

Najma panics, struggling to swallow her saliva. "So what should I do, miss?"

The receptionist shrugs. "I don't know, miss. But clearly, Mr. Roger won't meet you. You might as well go home."

Even after being subtly dismissed, Najma stands firm. Her tired yet determined gaze shows she won't give up easily. "Here's what I'll do, miss. I'll come back tomorrow. Maybe Mr. Roger will change his mind."

The receptionist sighs. "It's pointless because-"

"Whatever you say, I'll still come tomorrow," Najma interrupts firmly. "If there's no result, I'll come again the next day. And the next. Until Mr. Roger agrees to see me."

Najma turns and leaves without waiting for a response.

---

Najma is known by many as a sweet and gentle girl, admired for her kindness.

But not many people know about her resilience.

True to her word, Najma returns to the company the next day, facing the same rejection. Day after day, she shows up, eventually tiring the receptionist.

"Sir, if that girl comes again, don't let her in. Just send her away," she instructs the gate security guard.

From that day on, Najma is stopped at the gate.

But she remains persistent, standing for hours at the gate despite harsh weather. She sits when tired and occasionally begs the guards to let her in, wearing them down with her pleas.

Her unwavering determination eventually reaches Wilson's ears. He reports it to Roger.

"Really?" Roger responds, intrigued by the story.

"Yes, sir," Wilson confirms.

"A rather interesting girl," Roger remarks with a meaningful smirk.

Wilson stays silent, waiting for further instructions.

"If she comes again tomorrow, let her in," Roger finally says.

Wilson nods swiftly. "Yes, sir."

---

Najma lets out a heavy sigh as she stares at herself in the mirror. The face of a girl with tired eyes looks back at her. She can already imagine how exhausting today will be - standing in front of the Black Eagle Corporation gate until noon before heading to her workplace.

She is truly worn out. But she won't give up until Roger gives her time to meet.

Half an hour later, she arrives there. Just like the previous days, every time she shows up, she offers her best smile to the security guards at the post. "Good morning, sir. May I come in now?"

All the security guards shake their heads quickly, then return to their duties without paying any more attention to Najma.

A few hours later, Najma glances at the watch wrapped around her wrist. It shows 11:19 AM. However, there is still no sign that the security guards will let her in.

Feeling tired from standing, Najma decides to sit on the edge of the sidewalk. She places a tissue on the ground beforehand to keep her crinkle-fabric pants clean.

Less than ten minutes after she sits down, a security guard approaches her. "Miss, your prayer is answered." His tone, however, sounds far from sincere.

Najma, not fully understanding, lifts her gaze to look at the guard. "What?"

"I just received an order to let you in because Mr. Roger wants to see you."

To be continued.