The countdown had begun. With just three days left until Vicky and Mirabel's wedding, the atmosphere in Clearville was thick with excitement and anticipation. The streets buzzed with whispers about the upcoming ceremony—one that promised elegance, glamour, and a fairytale ending. Invitations had been delivered, vendors confirmed, dresses fitted, and the city was buzzing with preparations.
At The Journals, the office was barely holding its usual rhythm. Between hushed conversations, curious glances, and the occasional squeals of excitement from female staff, the buzz surrounding the wedding had spilled into every hallway and workspace.
Inside the boardroom, Vicky sat at the head of the table, surrounded by his male colleagues.
"So, how's the groom-to-be feeling?" Frank asked, grinning as he nudged Vicky with his elbow.
"I still can't believe it's happening," Vicky replied, his voice light but laced with nerves. "Feels like yesterday we were just starting that ad project, and now... I'm getting married."
"Man, marriage is a big deal," Tyrone chimed in, leaning back in his chair. "But if anyone's ready, it's you. You and Mirabel? Solid."
"I agree," Jimmy added. "You two have been through the fire and came out stronger. That's rare."
John folded his arms, smiling proudly. "We're happy for you, Vick. Just make sure you keep her smiling. That woman's a gem. I mean, I would have gone for her myself if it weren't for you."
Mason laughed. "Bro, it wouldn't even be possible in your dreams. Mirabel and you are like mixing chocolate with white pasta—the pasta would get stained."
The whole room was instantly filled with laughter.
"Damned, don't you think that's a bit too much?" Rick asked jokingly.
"He isn't wrong," Ethan added.
"Well, we are really happy for you, bro. It's so nice. I really feel like crying right now," Jimmy said.
"I'm feeling really emotional right now," Vicky said, chuckling.
"If Jessy were here, she would taunt you, you know that," Frank said.
"Why would I care less?" Jimmy asked.
"You know what guys, something just came to my mind now," John said.
"What's that?" Ethan asked.
"Well, I was thinking that after Vicky and Mirabel's wedding, why don't we get Jimmy and Jessica married too? They're a perfect match," John said. The others burst out laughing, except Jimmy, who glared angrily at him.
"Sometimes I wonder why you're on the production team. I'm sure you're just dead weight. Right, Rick?" Jimmy asked.
"Come on, Jimmy, it's just a joke," Rick replied.
"You know sometimes jokes do become reality," Jimmy said. "But it would be nice if you both got married after Vicky. Hashtag... JIMMICA," John said.
"Are you out of your mind, John?" Jimmy asked. "The hashtag is really nice," Frank added.
"Vicky, what do you think? Is it nice?" John asked. Vicky nodded, smiling faintly.But beneath the smiles, the shadow of that night's mistake lingered, quiet and unspoken.
Outside the boardroom, in a quiet corner near the staircase, Lucy pulled Rose aside. Her grip was firm, her voice sharp.
"Are you just going to stand by and watch them get married?" she snapped.
Rose stiffened. "Lucy, please—"
"No, don't 'please' me. You had one job that night. One chance. And you let him go back to her?"
"I didn't plan for any of that to happen," Rose replied, her voice strained. "What do you want me to do? Should I have raped him that night or what?"
Lucy narrowed her eyes, her voice low and threatening. "You're forgetting our deal. If he marries Mirabel, you lose everything—our partnership, this job, all of it."
Rose looked away. "I couldn't care less, Lucy. Stop this jealousy and hatred. Move on already."
"Shut it, Rose. You disgust me." With that, Lucy stormed off, leaving Rose staring blankly at the wall. She heaved a sigh of relief and walked away.