The launch party's success translated into a flood of new opportunities for the journals. Mirabel and her employees found themselves inundated with requests from various production companies. The days after the party were jam-packed with work as they worked tirelessly to meet deadlines. Mirabel's focus wavered as she struggled to concentrate on their business plans. She couldn't deny the flutter in her chest whenever Vicky smiled or laughed. She had tried to brush it off as mere friendship, but the truth was undeniable – she was falling for him.
As they worked side by side, Mirabel found herself stealing glances at Vicky, admiring the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about their projects. She felt a pang of guilt, wondering if she had been harsh with Vicky the other night. Did she really love him? She kept reminding herself of her past heartbreaks and the vow she had made to herself.
Noticing Mirabel's behavior towards him, Vicky's eyes were clouded with confusion and hurt. He understood why she was pulling away, especially after the night at the terrace. "Why is she doing this to me? I just told her what I felt, and that doesn't mean she should ignore me," he thought. As the days passed, Vicky's feelings for Mirabel grew stronger, but her newfound coldness left him uncertain.
One evening, as Mirabel and Vicky worked late, Vicky's patience wore thin, and he decided to approach her. Mirabel sat in the reception area, going through a file. She raised her head and noticed Vicky coming towards her. She stood up and attempted to go to her office, but Vicky grabbed her hand.
"What's wrong? I've noticed that you've been avoiding me. What is my fault? All I did was try to express what I felt for you," Vicky said. Mirabel released her hand from Vicky's grip.
"Vicky, what's wrong with you? What has gotten into you? I told you to do away with whatever is in your heart. We can't be together, Vicky. I can't bring myself to love you. I just can't," Mirabel said, attempting to leave. But Vicky pulled her back.
"Why? Why can't you? I'm a human being. Why? I really want to know," Vicky inquired, his voice filled with desperation.
"I just can't, Vicky. My heart doesn't want to love anyone. I'm done with love. Please let your feelings go," Mirabel said, pushing Vicky away.
"Love's everything. Just give love a chance. Please, for my sake," Vicky pleaded.
"Stop this!" Mirabel shouted, pushing Vicky away. "What's wrong with you? Are you out of your senses?"
Vicky remained speechless. Mirabel continued, "I am your boss. Don't you ever forget that. If you try this again, you're certainly losing your job." Mirabel stormed out of the reception.
" What was I thinking..., I really thought I could love someone again but this is certainly a sign that it's not for me...". Vicky leaves for his office and returns two minutes later with a file and leaves the building. Mirabel also leaves the building five minutes after Vicky's departure.
The next morning, Mirabel woke up, her mind still reeling from the argument with Vicky. She felt overwhelmed and the thought of facing him at work was unbearable. She decided to take a mental health day and called Annabelle to share her thoughts and feelings.
"Hey girl, I really need to talk to you," Mirabel said, her voice shaking. Annabelle's concern was immediate. "What's wrong? You sound upset."
"Annabelle, I need you here with me. Can you come over?" Mirabel asked, feeling a strong desire for her friend's physical presence and support.
"Of course, I'm free today. I'm on my way," Annabelle replied.
When Annabelle arrived, Mirabel opened the door, and they hugged tightly. Annabelle could see the turmoil in Mirabel's eyes and knew she needed a listening ear and a comforting presence.
They went to the dining area, and Nanny brought three cups of coffee. Both Nanny and Annabelle were eager to hear what troubled Mirabel.
"Mira, come on, what's the problem? Why are you so down? Did anything go wrong at work?" Annabelle inquired, her voice filled with concern.
"I'm honestly not sure, Belle. I'm confused," Mirabel said.
"What's confusing you?" Nanny asked.
Mirabel sighed. "Belle, Nanny, do you remember when I took a vow never to love again?"
"Yes," Nanny and Annabelle replied in unison.
"Well, I'm finding it hard to keep that vow. I just don't know what to do," Mirabel said.
"Hold on, what do you mean? Have you fallen in love with someone?" Annabelle asked, her eyes widening with curiosity.
Mirabel remained speechless, uncertain how to respond. She took a deep breath and looked at her friend in the eyes. "Well, yes. But I
"Well, yes. But I don't want to love. I don't want love in my life. But whenever he's close to me, I feel at peace. I cherish every moment we spend together, but I don't want to feel this way. It's déjà vu," Mirabel said.
"Hmmm, first of all, who's he?" Annabelle asked. "Yeah, I really want to know his name," Nanny added.
"It's Vicky, my new employee," Mirabel replied.
"Vicky? That's amazing news! I knew right from the time I saw both of you together at the launch party that something was surely up," Annabelle said. "Wow, what's he like?" Nanny asked. "He's dashing, handsome..."
"Belle, come on! I need advice, and you're talking about Vicky's good qualities," Mirabel interrupted.
"Sorry, I just wanted to lighten up your mood. But I'm certain Vicky is a good guy," Annabelle said.
"I know, but I'm scared, Belle. I don't want to experience heartbreak again. It's traumatizing, it's a terrible feeling that still haunts me today," Mirabel said, her voice shaking.
"Let go of those events, holding on to the past won't enable you to see the good things that the future has for you," Nanny said.
"But one can't fully neglect the past. My experience with love hasn't favored me in the slightest, and I don't want to take another shot at it. I can't," Mirabel said, pausing. "Do you know, when I met Charles, I felt the exact same way. I didn't want to love anyone again, but I decided to try it out and hope for the best... and I did try it out, but I was betrayed yet again. I don't want that same experience, Belle. I don't want it," Mirabel said, breaking into tears.
Annabelle and Nanny drew their chairs close to her and comforted her. "Mirabel, you deserve love and happiness. Don't let your past define your future. Vicky might be the one to help you heal," Annabelle said.
Mirabel sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. She wiped her teary eyes and said, "I don't know, Annabelle. I'm scared."
"Dear, I haven't met Vicky, but with the way Annabelle is describing him, he seems like a really good guy. This might be the best opportunity to regain your past self. Vicky can relieve you from your trauma," Nanny said.
Annabelle placed her hands on Mirabel's shoulder and said with a gentle voice, "Fear is normal, but don't let it hold you back. Take your time, and when you're ready to talk to Vicky, be honest and express your feelings."
"Belle, he told me what he felt, but I shunned him off. I felt scared, and I really hurt his feelings," Mirabel said, covering her face with her hands.
"That's why you have to fix things. Think about it. I'm sure you don't want to miss this opportunity," Annabelle said in an assuring voice.
Mirabel sat straight, wiped her teary eyes, and said, "I will think about it. There's no way I can do away with the feelings I already have for him."
"Awwww, Vicky is a really lucky guy. He played a trump card and got his prize," Nanny said, making them all laugh.
"I hope you make the right decision and give Vicky a chance," Annabelle said.
" she will, for now I'm starving let's head to the kitchen and cook something, Mirabel you can stay behind … " says nanny, Annabelle laughs and says " yeah we definitely don't want miss messy in the kitchen.. ", " hey I did not say that, I want her to think and make her decision… " Nanny says and immediately goes to the kitchen. " very funny, belle I can't wait to taste what you're going to cook " says Mirabel, " unlike you I don't make a mess, prepare to get amazed by my cooking .." Anabelle says and leaves for the kitchen.
Mirabel smiled and said to herself, "Should I give love yet another chance? Or should I bury my feelings? Could Vicky really be the one?"