The new job proposal was in full swing, and every member of the journal's team was seated in the boardroom, except Lucy, who for some weird reason had decided to arrive late. Their eyes were fixed on Mirabel as she stood confidently in front, a warm smile on her face.
"Good morning, guys," she began. "It's so nice to see your beautiful and handsome faces yet again..."
"The pleasure is all ours, ma'am," Dianne replied.
Sarah chimed in, "Well, we all know you're using this medium to compliment Vicky, am I right?"
Vicky looked at Sarah and said, "Come on..."
Mirabel lowered her face with a smile and said, "Well, erm... not really, you all look good."
Sarah raised an eyebrow and said, "Alright then, if you say so..."
The group burst into brief laughter, and Mirabel and Vicky exchanged loving glances. Mirabel called for order, clearing her throat to resume the information she intended to share.
"Alright, guys, let's get down to business," she said. "Last time we gathered here, I informed you all that we received a huge proposal from Ckearville Productions, one of the biggest production companies in the country. It's really a big honor... well, I would say we deserved it. We've put in hard work, and we've gotten a reward."
The team gave a round of applause as Mirabel paused. The applause died down, and just as Mirabel was about to continue, the door opened, and Lucy and Rose entered. Rose's eyes scanned the room for Vicky, and she glanced at him until Mirabel's voice brought her attention back.
"Lucy, why didn't you come in on time?" Mirabel asked. "And why is she here?"
"Good morning, ma'am," Lucy replied. "I just wanted to show her around the entire building so she'll get familiar with the surroundings."
"That's okay, but we're currently discussing an important issue, and I don't think this is the right time to do all that, Lucy," Mirabel said.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Lucy said.
"It's okay, please join us, and Rose," Mirabel said, her gaze quickly shifting to Rose, whose eyes were fixed on Vicky's. Vicky noticed her gaze and tried his best to avoid looking at her, but he couldn't help but sneak a glance to check if she had stopped staring.
Mirabel noticed this exchange of looks and grabbed Rose's arm. "Please excuse me, guys, I'll be right back," she said, pulling Rose out of the boardroom.
"Lucy, why did you bring her in here? What's your problem?" Aalaya asked.
"Nothing much, like I said earlier, I was showing her around," Lucy replied.
"But you know there was a meeting going on in here," Sarah said. "Why do it now?"
"I felt it was the right time to do so, so I did it," Lucy replied.
"I feel like you did it on purpose, for some reason," Jessica said. "I feel you want to cause a drift between Mirabel and Vicky. Don't you, Lucy?"
Lucy's expression changed, and her mind started racing for a response to Jessica's interrogative questions. "What? Do you really think I would do that? I don't have any reason to do that. I'm happy for both of them. Please, I don't like what you just said... I..."
"Lucy, please calm down," Vicky interrupted.
He then turned to Jessica and said, "There's nothing to worry about, and please don't blame anyone for anything. Nothing in this world will separate Mirabel and me. Let's not discuss this now, please."
"But what on earth did Mirabel pull her out for?" John asked.
"Who knows?" Rick replied.
Mirabel pulled Rose downstairs and then let go of her arm. "Look, I don't know what your plan is, but I'll warn you," Mirabel said. "I don't want you near Vicky. You're only here because Vicky insisted, and it won't take me less than a minute to terminate your stay here if you cross your limits."
"Mir—"
"Don't call me that," Mirabel interrupted. "I am your boss. It's more professional to address me as Miss Mirabel. There's a huge difference between us. Know your place."
Rose's anger kindled, but she withheld herself from reacting. "Sorry, ma'am, but I'm not planning anything. I'm just here to work, and that's all. I know I'm here as a cleaner and nothing else. I understand my place, and I'll keep my distance from Vicky."
"You better do," Mirabel said, heading back upstairs. "Now get started with work. I don't want you lazing around."
Rose clenched her fists and muttered under her breath, "Mirabel, I honestly can't wait to crush this ego and pride you have... I can't wait to see you crumble and shatter into pieces... I will have Vicky, and I will do anything to achieve this goal."
She paused for a moment, then said to herself, "Vicky, I really need to talk to you. You're the only one who can help me." She headed towards the boardroom.
As Mirabel was about to re-enter the boardroom, she bumped into Vicky. She smiled and said, "Vicky, it seems you have a habit of bumping into me."
"Sorry about that," Vicky replied. "What took you so long? Why did you pull Rose out like that?"
"Nothing, dear," Mirabel said. "We just had a little talk, that's all."
"Vicky, please trust me," Vicky said. "I promise nothing will jeopardize our bond. I promise I won't break your heart."
"Vicky come on don't say all that. I trust you completely. You were the one who mended my heart, and I know you won't break it. I just explained that to Rose, that's all. Please, let's get on with the meeting."
Mirabel and Vicky entered the boardroom, and the meeting began again. "Sorry for the interruption, guys," Mirabel said, looking at Lucy. "This room is the most important in the building, and we don't allow anybody to enter in here anyhow, especially when we have a meeting. So, please, Lucy, take note of that."
Lucy nodded in response.
" Alright, basically Ckearville Productions produces a variety of products, ranging from business solutions to home maintenance and more," Mirabel explained. "Their products are always exceptional, which is why this deal is crucial. Their new product is called the Dreamweaver – a smart sleeping mask that uses soothing sounds, calming scents, and gentle vibrations to help people fall asleep and sleep more soundly. That's all about the product. We need an ad that effectively explains this to consumers."
"Vicky, I'll need you and your team to start working on this idea as quickly as possible," Mirabel continued. "They'll be coming on Friday to hear the first pitch, so we have to be ready. John, you and your team should also start preparations. Everyone needs to be on their toes – we have to hit the mark."
"Alright, ma'am, we're all ready," Mason said.
"Alright then, let's get to work," Mirabel said, and with that, they all left the boardroom.
As Vicky and his team approached their office, Rose appeared in front of them. "Vicky, please, I really need to talk to you," Rose said, holding Vicky's hands.
"Rose, what's wrong with you? Let go of me," Vicky said, releasing his hands.
"Erm... Vicky, we'll be in the office," Jimmy said as he, Frank, and Jessica entered the office.
"Vicky, please, I really need your help," Rose said. "It's really important. I beg you, please help me."
"Rose, stop this nonsense," Vicky said. "What has gotten into you? I thought I made it clear to you that we're done. I don't want to be around you, Rose. Please just leave me alone."
"Vicky, I'm not discussing that issue with you," Rose said. "I don't want us to fix things. I just desperately need your help. Please, Vicky..."
"Vicky," Mirabel called out. Vicky turned back, and Mirabel noticed Rose's presence. An angry expression covered her face as she walked towards them.
"Vicky, why are you still outside?" Mirabel asked. "You should be working on the idea right now."
"Yeah, well... I..."
"You can go and start working on it," Mirabel said.
"But... are you..."
"I'm cool," Mirabel said. Vicky nodded and entered his office. Mirabel stared into Rose's eyes and said, "This is your last warning, Rose." Then she left her presence.
"No matter what, Vicky, we have to talk," Rose said to herself.