"Vicky hold on… " says Mirabel as she holds Vicky's hands, Vicky stops and turns back looking straight into Mirabel's eyes, " yes…, " says Vicky. " i..love you too Vicky, I really love you, I feel a deep connection anytime we're together, it just like we are soul mates, a match made in heaven.."," I feel the same way Mirabel, I love you and anytime I look into your beautiful eyes I get lost, it tells a story, a story of love, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me… ", " Vicky, kiss me .. " says Mirabel, " are you serious…"says Vicky inquires. " does it look like I am joking, kiss me ….., I just confessed my love to you and I have been longing to kiss that pink lips of yours.. " says Mirabel , " same here darling, what are we waiting for come closer…."says Vicky as he draws Mirabel close to him. They look at each other for a while and as they are about to kiss, Vicky's hears a loud vibration and he wondered where it was coming from, the vibration continued and suddenly Mirabel disappears. A sleepy and annoyed Vicky wakes up and picks up his phone to answer his call. " good morning handsome .. " says Lucy," yeah who's this … " Vicky inquires in a low tone { he still felt like sleeping, he wanted to get back to his blissful dream }. " what do you mean, didn't you check the caller before you picked up, anyways it's Lucy " " ok, so why did you call me this early…."says Vicky, " it's Monday and it's 9am, are you not coming for the launch party… "" what party… " Vicky inquires. " you must be joking, the launch party for the souvenir's new product at the pioneer place ….., I hope you are on your way because it's starting by 10 ", Vicky closes his eyes and tries to assimilate what Lucy has just said. He suddenly opens his eyes and shouts "oh my God!!! , I totally forgot"." what!!!, please tell me this is a joke … " " no.., Lucy I'll see you at the party I have to get ready " says Vicky and he immediately ends the call. Vicky stands up from his bed and shouts " Damn!! , another dream about Mirabel, I am really late, she's gonna kill me... "." Vicky is that you…. "Caroline inquires, shouting from her room." yes mum ", "what are you still doing at home…, I thought the launch party is starting by 10. ". " I forgot something, I'll start going once I find it..." "okay but be fast…, do not go late " says Caroline, " okay mum…"says Vicky. He rushes to the bathroom to take his bath, he comes out 15 minutes later wears his shorts and jeans, creams his body and then wears the t-shirt that Mirabel gave all her employees. He puts on his sneakers, combs his hair and then sprays perfume, he checks the time and says " sh*t, It's 9:50, I have to reach the hotel within ten minutes ". He looks at the mirror, takes his phone and then leaves his home.
The grandeur of the pioneer place, with it's soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers and expansive windows overlooking the city's skyline, provided a sophisticated backdrop for the evening's festivities, it's opulent atmosphere electric with the anticipation as the who's who of the industry gathered for the highly-anticipated launch party. The pioneer place was famous for hosting launch events, major deals and social business gatherings. Many important personalities started arriving, different company representatives started coming,the souvenir's launch was set to reach a maximum amount of people, the press were also available and Mirabel wasn't the only one who prepared matching t shirts for her employees. It was 10:05, everything was set and the party was to begin in twelve minutes and there was still no sign of Vicky. Mirabel was worried angry and a bit sad that Vicky has not yet arrived, she asked her employees and none of them gave her an appeasing answer. She tapped her feet impatiently on the floor. Her emerald eyes scanning the crowded room for what felt like an eternity, Mirabel's radiant smile flattered, betraying a hint of frustration and unease beneath her poised exterior. As she continued her search for Vicky she bumps into Anabelle who notices her frustration, " Mira, nice to see you " says Anabelle as she hugs Mirabel. " I'm so glad you made it, thank you.. ", " don't mention it, there was absolutely no way I would miss my friend's big day "says Anabelle, " yeah " Mirabel replies but her attention was not on her friend who was standing in front of her with the curiosity as to what made her friend so restless. " are you looking for someone " Anabelle inquires, " not really" Mirabel replies but this time looking at her friend, " I'm 100 percent sure that you are telling a lie, your expression tells a different story ", " fine, Vicky has not arrived and it's truly making me restless" says Mirabel. " Vicky ?, your new employee the one who made you feel overwhelmed....", " yes" Mirabel replies. " so why is this making you feel restless, he's surely going to come or are you restless because you want to see him because you are in l… " " don't start Belle, do not piss me off " says Mirabel with a broad frown on her face. "I'm sorry, he's going to come, I honestly can't wait to see Vicky, he seems like an interesting character ", " I know but he's late and the event will start in four minutes, I am so frustrated ". Just as Mirabel was confiding in her best friend, Anabelle, about her growing annoyance at the mysterious no-show, a sudden hush fell over the surrounding crowd and the felt an unmistakable presence behind her, signaling the arrival of the guest she'd been waiting for and worrying about all morning. She turned back and notices Vicky entering the building with his eyes on his phone, he raises his head and sees Mirabel who gives him a stern look, he places his hands on his ears and slowing approached her, noticing her friends sudden calmness, Anabelle stepped forward and also sees man approaching Mirabel, she looked at her friend and realizes that Vicky was the one approaching them. As their eyes met , Mirabel's irritation melted into a mixture of relief and curiosity, and she found herself drawn into a low conversation with the late comer, their words tumbling out in a passionate whispered exchange that left onlookers wondering what secrets they shared. " I'm really sorry, I had an emergency ", " what emergency, you are half an hour late " says Mirabel, " but I am still on time, they have not started.. ", " oh really, you don't even feel any form of remorse "," I just apologized .. ", " I am guessing it was a fake apology because your words after your so called apology was paradoxical ". Seeing the argument between the two, Annabelle couldn't prevent herself from laughing, " you two make a perfect pair…"says Anabelle, " Belle come on.. "," she's not wrong…." Says Vicky, " excuse me… " says Mirabel. " Mira won't you introduce me to Vicky.. ", " sorry belle, this Vicky but you can call him weird because he is strange and Vicky this is Anabelle my best friend ". " nice to meet you … " says Vicky as he shakes hands with Anabelle. Mirabel wanted to continue shouting at Vicky but the event started, one would jokingly say that they were waiting for the life of the party { Vicky } to arrive. " Belle I'll see you later, for now I have to move forward so I can be closer to the rest of my gang and most especially the souvenir's boss " says Mirabel, " no problem, I'll stick around … "says Annabelle. Immediately she says that, Mirabel holds Vicky's hands and drags him to the front. The event kick started with the opening prayer which was followed by the introduction speech and then a keynote speech by john Abel who was one of the prominent businessmen in the city. Julius Cleo who is the head of the souvenir's company or organization stepped onto the podium to give an overview of the app, highlighting it's features and also in the same vein playing the ad on the big screen for everyone to see, after the launch the ad will be showcased on billboard signs, on buses, on the television and will also be broadcasted on the radio. He also gave his appreciation to Mirabel and her company for making his project a successful one. He also gave a short speech on the rough start of his company and it's standard and position today. Mirabel was also called upon to highlight the app's benefits and it's commendable features. As she spoke Vicky smiled paying no attention to Lucy who was clinging onto Him. They went on to the question and answer session which took more than an hour because the consumers wanted to know more about the app they intend to use, the other company's also asked questions, some for personal reasons and the others for investment and sponsoring purposes. At around 4 0' clock, the company launched the product and cut the cake. The neighbouring company's mingled among themselves and far away company's also joined the conversation. The journals contact was given to almost all the companies present at the party, they surely had busy weeks ahead of them. Julius Cleo gave the closing remarks and thanked everyone for coming. After that the products were distributed among selected people and they proceeded to the entertainment session. At around 8, the whole event came to a close but the music continued playing. Everyone started leaving one by one including Anabelle who left after congratulating her friend. Vicky approached Mirabel and said " congrats, you've done it ", " I couldn't have done it without you" says Mirabel. " I can't hear you clearly, the music is too loud… ", " oh, let's head to the terrace, the music will not cause a disturbance " says Mirabel," ok… ". As they stepped out onto the rooftop terrace, the city lights twinkling below, Mirabel turned to him with a mix of curiosity and playfulness." So now that we are away from the loud music and prying eyes, tell me…, what was this emergency that kept you from me all evening?", Vicky smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and leaned in close ." well, I was busy having a conversation with you, you kept on enticing me with your words and I could not stop looking into your beautiful eyes.., but it would be better we don't spoil this moment, let's focus on us .. and why you look stunning tonight". Mirabel's cheeks flushed, but she pressed on " us? What do you mean? ".he took her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine, " I mean, I've been thinking….maybe it's time we….discuss about our growing bond..." says Vicky, " What bond ? " Mirabel inquires, her cheeks red as a rose. " Mirabel... ( he holds her hands ), I don't know why but ever since our first meeting I felt this sought of connection with you..., whenever I look into your eyes, I get lost. You're amazing, beautiful and ...., I can't even find the words to describe your personality...." says Vicky, he pauses for a while, awaiting Mirabel's response.
" Well..Vicky..I.." Mirabel paused, her thoughts holding her back, " what's wrong with me, what am I doing with him, am I in love with him, this can't be....". " Go on.., I am listening " Says Vicky, jolting her mind back into reality. Mirabel releases her hands from Vicky's, she shifts backward and Says " Look.., Vicky I think you might have a misconception about what we share, I am your boss, I consider you a friend and nothing else..."
" Please don't pretend, I know you feel something for me.... ".says Vicky, moving closer to Mirabel but she shifts backwards.
" No...I don't, I have no emotions for you..." says Mirabel.
" Then why were you so anxious that I didn't arrive early, why were you happy as i came in, why do you smile whenever I talk to you..."
" Stop Vicky..., just stop it, not another word, I only see you as s friend and nothing more, so you better do away with whatever feelings you have, it can't work...., I can't bring myself to love you...." says Mirabel.
Vicky's heart sank, his hands became cold and his eyes sinked in , " Why, is it because I am your employee, is it because I am not in the same standard as you....is ..."
" Stop it Vicky, just stop.." Mirabel interrupts, she attempts to leave but she slips and Vicky holds her in his arms, the two eyes connect for a while but Mirabel shakes it off. She regains herself, pushes Vicky backwards and leaves his presence.
Vicky fell to the ground, he felt shattered, " what just happened...." Vicky mutters to himself.
Just then, Lucy reaches the terrace, she sees Vicky on the floor and pulls him up.
" Vicky what's wrong...." Lucy inquires, Vicky remained speechless.
" I have been looking for you but you were nowhere to be seen...., look Vicky I was really worried about you.., I love you Vicky...I..." Vicky pushes her aside, he leaves the terrace and heads out of the building, he encounters Mirabel on the way but she ignored him.
Vicky felt dejected, his thoughts contradicting each other, what should he do ?, since she doesn't feel the same way, should he keep on pushing of just give up all together ?....