Chapter Fifty: Asking Aurora for Help

Abboud sat in his modest apartment in Berlin, surrounded by tension and confusion. His problem was clear: he needed to gather $40,000 to bring Leila to Germany. He had tried everything, even asking for help from his friend Abbas, but he was still far from the amount needed. His only hope now was to request an advance from his job at the company.

But he knew that asking Aurora for money wouldn't be easy. She was strict, firm, and he didn't want to appear weak in front of her. Sitting on his bed, he thought about the best way to approach the matter, realizing he had no other choice.

Abboud (to himself): “I have nothing to lose; this is my only chance. I'll go and talk to her honestly. Maybe she'll understand my situation.”

The next day, Abboud called Aurora’s office requesting a private meeting. Aurora was busy with meetings, but when she heard Abboud wanted to see her, she agreed. The message reached Abboud as he sat in his small office, prompting him to rise quickly and head toward her office.

When he entered, Aurora was sitting behind her large desk, wearing reading glasses and reviewing some files. She looked at him with interest as he walked in.

Aurora (calm and serious): "Abboud, what brings you to request an urgent meeting? Is there a problem with work?"

Abboud sat in the chair opposite her, trying to catch his breath before speaking. The moment was filled with tension, but he knew he had to speak honestly.

Abboud (initially hesitant): "Actually, I need help... financial help."

Aurora raised her eyebrow slightly, surprised by the request. Abboud wasn’t someone who asked for help easily.

Aurora (curious): "Financial help? And why do you need this amount?"

Abboud realized this moment could be crucial. He didn’t want to show his vulnerability, but he knew he had to be honest with her. Taking a deep breath, he began to share his story about Leila.

Abboud (soft and sorrowful): "It’s not easy for me... There’s someone very important in my life, Leila. She’s the girl I’ve loved for many years, even before the war in Syria. We dreamed of a better life, and we were planning to get married. But the war tore us apart."

Aurora stopped reviewing the files, listening more intently. She sensed there was more to Abboud’s story.

Abboud (with a deep sigh): "After everything I went through... the war, the escape, the prison, crossing borders... I was always thinking of Leila. She’s the reason I kept going. But now, to bring her to Germany, I have to pay her dowry and travel expenses. Her father asked for $20,000 as a dowry, plus other expenses, and I can’t afford that right now."

He paused for a moment, then looked directly into Aurora’s eyes.

Abboud (sincerely): "I need an advance on my salary. I’ll work hard to repay it, but I can’t leave Leila there. She’s suffered enough."

Aurora listened to Abboud in silence. Although she was usually strict, she felt something different at that moment. His words were filled with sincerity, and there was no doubt about the deep love he had for Leila. But she didn’t let her emotions show easily.

Aurora (firm but not harsh): "Why didn’t you tell me about this before?"

Abboud hesitated for a moment but decided to be upfront.

Abboud (softly): "I didn’t want to seem weak. I’ve been through so much, and I thought I could handle it all on my own."

Aurora looked at him for a few seconds, then set her glasses aside. She felt a bit of empathy, though she didn’t show it openly. Abboud had worked hard at the company, and he wasn’t the type to ask for help lightly.

Aurora (with a light sigh): "I know life hasn’t been easy for you, Abboud. And I respect that you’ve carried this burden without asking for help. But needing help doesn’t make you weak. Everyone needs it at some point."

After a moment of contemplation, Aurora decided to help Abboud. She knew the amount he was asking for wasn’t large compared to the company’s capabilities, but she wanted to ensure he remained committed to his work.

Aurora (seriously): "I’ll give you an advance on your salary. But you must promise to stay dedicated and work just as hard as you always have. You’re a talented employee, and I don’t want these personal matters affecting your performance."

Abboud felt immense relief after hearing her words, but he also felt a great responsibility on his shoulders. He stood up and thanked her gratefully.

Abboud (filled with gratitude): "Thank you, Aurora. I won’t forget this, and I promise I’ll work hard to show you that you didn’t make a mistake in helping me."

Aurora nodded quietly.

Aurora (with a slight smile): "Keep your promise, Abboud."

Abboud left her office feeling a great sense of relief, but he knew the responsibility had now grown even larger.