Three days left till the ad launch. The office buzzed with last-minute preparations, everyone focused on making it a success. But Mirabel wore a heavy expression, one she tried to dismiss as stress. Deep down, she knew it was something more.
Vicky didn't know what to do. He couldn't find the words, and he lacked the courage to face Mirabel. He approached her office door, hesitated, then turned away. After a moment, he tried again, taking slow, careful steps toward her.
Just as he reached the door, Mirabel stepped out. Their eyes met briefly, but she quickly looked away and walked off in the opposite direction.
"Mirabel," Vicky called softly, trying to keep his voice steady.
She didn't stop.
"Can we talk?" he asked again, falling into step beside her.
She glanced at him for a moment, then turned her gaze away. "Vicky, please… we have a deadline. Nothing is more important than that right now."
His jaw clenched, but he didn't push further. He watched her walk away, the silence between them louder than any words.
Later, around 3 p.m., Mirabel's phone buzzed. The caller ID showed Annabelle. She hesitated before answering.
"Hey Mirabel, what's up?" Annabelle's voice was light.
Mirabel tried to sound casual. "I'm alright, Belle. How's Jake?"
Annabelle chuckled. "I see what you're trying to do. But we've been friends too long—I can tell when something's wrong. You sound off."
"No, really, it's just stress," Mirabel replied quickly.
"Stress? Or something between you and Vicky?" Annabelle pressed.
Mirabel sighed. "Must you always bring him up? Belle, I have a lot on my plate. Can we talk later?"
"Really?" Annabelle's tone softened.
"Yes, really. I'll call you another time."
"Alright. Just don't let your walls get too high. Some people are trying to reach you."
Mirabel swallowed hard. "What do you mean by that?"
"Nothing. You should get back to work." Annabelle ended the call.
Mirabel dropped her phone onto her desk and rested her head on her arms.
The rest of the day passed in heavy silence. As the office clock struck closing time, the hum of activity died down to a whisper. Mirabel finally gathered her things and stepped out of her office, the weight of the day etched on her face. The corridor was dim, the overhead lights flickering softly as she made her way to the exit.
Just as she approached the door, she spotted Vicky standing there, leaning against the frame with a hesitant expression. Their eyes met, heavy with unspoken words. Mirabel's heart quickened, but her face remained impassive as she brushed past him without a word, the silence between them thick and suffocating.
Before she could reach her car, Rose suddenly appeared beside Vicky, her voice soft but urgent. "Thank you for sticking with me last night… I don't know what I would've done without you."
" Erm…, it's alright.. it's no big deal.." Vicky replied.
Mirabel froze, overhearing the words, a flicker of anger flashing across her face. Without a word, she turned sharply, opened her car door, and sped away, the tires screeching against the pavement.
Later that night, Vicky sat quietly in his room, eyes locked on his phone. He knew he had messed up again, and his chances of winning Mirabel back were slipping through his fingers.
He slowly got up and made his way to Caroline's room. When he reached her door, he flopped down beside her, resting his head on her lap. Caroline gently adjusted her position and patted his head.
"What's wrong, son?" she asked softly.
Vicky sighed deeply, avoiding her gaze. "Mum… I don't know anymore. I keep messing things up with Mirabel… I'm scared I've lost her for good."
"Oh dear, not this again," Caroline said, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wonder why she still believes in you. You really seem like a lost cause."
Vicky frowned, hurt by her words. "I can't believe you just said that, Mum."
"Why not? I've lost count of how many times you've come to me with the same problem and that same worried look. But listen, Vicky — losing Mirabel would be the biggest mistake you could ever make."
"I know that," he said quietly. "I'm trying my best, but something always gets in the way."
"Then get rid of whatever's standing in your way," Caroline said firmly. "You've fought so hard to get this far. You can't give up now, not at the final stretch. Stop messing things up, Vicky."
"So… what do I do now?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
"That's for you to decide," she replied. "But if you and Mirabel don't make it work, then I'd rather see you stay single."
"Are you serious?" Vicky exclaimed, surprised.
"Dead serious. Now, please let me rest," Caroline said, waving him off gently.
Vicky shot her a stern look but stood up. "Goodnight, Mum."
She waved back without another word. As Vicky left the room, his mind raced with a thousand thoughts about what his next move should be.