Mirabel, in a rare display of spontaneity, dismissed her employees earlier than usual on Friday. She ordered Dianne to inform the others to gather in the boardroom for a quick meeting.
Mirabel stood before her employees, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I know you all must be wondering why we're closing early today. It's just that we've been working so hard that we haven't had much time to spend on ourselves. Believe me, I would have given you all another three days' break, but we have to round off some of the ongoing projects. So, consider this as a compensation."
As she spoke, her eyes drifted to Vicky, who was seated beside Jimmy. His eyes locked onto hers, and Mirabel felt a flutter in her chest. She continued, trying to maintain her composure. "I also have a personal engagement this evening, and I don't want to be distracted."
When she mentioned her "personal engagement," Vicky's eyes intensified, his gaze burning with a soft inner fire. Mirabel's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, but couldn't resist sneaking another look. Vicky's eyes were still on hers, filled with a deep, unspoken understanding. It was as if they were having a silent conversation, their eyes dancing with a secret language.
Vicky's focus on Mirabel was disturbed by Jimmy's hard kick on his leg. Vicky groaned silently and whispered, "Bro, what's up with you?"
"What personal engagement is she talking about? Are you guys going on a date?" Jimmy asked in a low tone.
"Maybe, maybe not," Vicky replied.
"You're so quick, man. I'm impressed," Jimmy said.
Mirabel dismissed her employees and left the room almost immediately. The others did the same, with Vicky smiling as he stepped out.
Immediately, Vicky reached his apartment and headed to the Fashion Palace, which was located a few streets away from his place. The Fashion Palace sold a variety of clothing, ranging from gowns and skirts to gold and pearl jewelry, boots, shoes, suits, and more. It was very popular because it combined male and female clothing, unlike other stores that specialized in one or the other.
Vicky walked in through the doors of the building, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was welcomed by the sales associate, a young, fair, and tall man who led him to the men's section, precisely the suit area.
Vicky scanned the rack of suits, trying to find the perfect one. The sales associate approached him again and asked, "Can I help you find something, sir?"
Vicky explained that he was looking for a suit for a date and asked for recommendations. The associate nodded and started showing him different options. Vicky tried on a few suits, but none of them seemed quite right. He was about to give up when the associate showed him a sleek black suit with a crisp white shirt.
"Try this," he suggested.
Vicky hesitated for a moment but then decided to give it a shot. As soon as he put it on, he knew it was the one he had been searching for.
Filled with excitement, Vicky informed the sales associate that the suit was perfect. He purchased a black pointed shoe and headed straight to the checkout area, where the cashier checked his purchase and told him the total cost. Vicky paid the bill and left the building.
On getting home, Vicky and his mother shared a short conversation. Vicky informed her of his date later in the day. Caroline scolded him because he was only telling her now. Vicky apologized, and in a split second, Caroline kissed his forehead and wished him good luck. She also informed him of her wish to see the woman who had stolen her son's heart.
It was 6:30 on the clock, and Vicky was ready and prepared for his date with Mirabel. His hair was properly combed, his young beard was shaved, and he was dressed in a black suit and trousers, paired with a white shirt and black pointed shoes.
Vicky went to his mother's room and gave her a tight hug. Caroline couldn't hold back her tears as she blessed her son. Vicky left the house and booked a taxi, heading to Mirabel's house.
Meanwhile, Mirabel was seen in her room, standing in front of her mirror. She was on the phone with Annabelle while getting ready. The two discussed tonight's date.
Mirabel was dressed in a stunning red dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. The fitted bodice showcased her toned physique, while her flared skirt fell in soft folds around her knees. She paired the dress with a pair of strappy heels that added a touch of glamour to her overall look.
"Yes, Belle, I'm ready. I'm sure Vicky is on his way to my house," Mirabel said, looking intently at the mirror.
"Okay, girl, I'm sure your lips are ready for your first kiss with Vicky," Annabelle said, her voice teasing.
Mirabel blushed and said, "Come on, Belle."
"Oh, someone is blushing," Annabelle replied, her tone playful.
Mirabel paused, hearing the sound of the doorbell. "Belle, I think Vicky is here. I'll talk to you later," she said.
"Okay, good luck," Annabelle replied.
Mirabel took a deep breath, checked the mirror, and said, "I'm ready. Nanny, please open the door."
"Okay, dear," Nanny said, walking towards the door.
Nanny opened the door and saw Vicky holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Nanny smiled but immediately refrained from doing so, trying to act tough.
"Yes, how can I help you?" Nanny asked in a stern voice.
"Erm, good evening. I'm Vicky," he said, stretching out his hand for a handshake, which Nanny rejected.
"Oh, I see. You're the Vicky Mirabel has been talking about. She told me that you two are going out on a date," Nanny said.
"Yes, I am," Vicky replied.
"Come in," Nanny said, stepping aside.
Vicky entered the house and attempted to sit down, but Nanny shouted immediately, "Did I say you could sit?"
"Come on, Nanny, be cool. Stop acting strict," Mirabel said, gracing the sitting room with her presence.
Vicky's eyes were immediately directed towards Mirabel, and her beauty swept him off his feet. It was as if he fell in love with her all over again. Her appearance was simply breathtaking.
"Oh my goodness, Mirabel, you're looking so pretty," Nanny said, placing her hands on her cheeks.
Mirabel walked towards Vicky and held his hands. "Thank you. Believe me, she's only pretending. She's a sweetheart," Mirabel said.
"She's correct. It's nice meeting you. I must say you two are a match made in heaven," Nanny said.
"Thanks. It's nice meeting you too," Vicky replied.
"Okay, then. Shall we leave?" Mirabel asked.
"Sure, go ahead," Nanny said in a happy tone.
Vicky smiled and handed the bouquet of flowers to Mirabel. They left the house, and Vicky couldn't help but notice how stunning Mirabel looked.
"I must say you look amazing, darling," Vicky said, kissing Mirabel's hands.
"Thank you. You're not looking bad yourself," Mirabel replied.
Vicky smiled and said, "Okay, then. I'll book a taxi so we can be on our way."
"Why? The restaurant is only three blocks away. We can chat while we walk," Mirabel said.
"What kind of gentleman would I be if I let my date walk to a restaurant?" Vicky asked.
"Come on, Vicky. It's just five minutes past seven. We'll be there in a jiffy. Don't waste money," Mirabel said.
"But..."
"No, Vicky. It's my wish. Please," Mirabel said, beckoning unto him.
"Okay, then. Let's go," Vicky said.
Mirabel smiled and pecked him on the cheek. "Let's go," she said.
"Wow, do that again," Vicky said.
"Don't be too forward. Let's go," Mirabel said, dragging Vicky forward.