Divorced And Married To The Wrong Twin

Chapter 12 - Won

MIRA

“Good afternoon, everyone. My design is called The Unity Crest. The building has two wings connected by a glass dome, symbolizing unity between the government and the people. From above, the structure resembles an eagle with spread wings, representing strength and protection,” I explained, gesturing at the illustration projected on the screen. Everyone listened attentively, nodding and reacting with different expressions and body language. “I also included sky gardens and solar glass panels to make the building modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. This concludes Team C’s presentation.”

Applause rippled through the room before gradually growing louder. I walked back to where my team members were standing and winked at them. They flashed satisfied smiles and gave me thumbs-ups.

When the noise died down, Manager Alex said, “I think Team C has a unique way of executing this project. They are the only team that gave us a usual yet unusual approach to designing a government building.” He paused as he scanned everyone’s faces one after another. Tension filled the air. Everyone had poured their all into the presentation since it was an important project, and working on it would elevate one’s credentials. “So, the team in charge of the government house project is Team C,” he announced.

Shouts of victory erupted through the room. My team members hugged one another excitedly.

I was excited too, but I could only smile. Maybe it was the experience I had at the club four days ago, or something else. I hadn’t been as active as I used to be, and it worried me a lot.

“Congratulations, Ms. Mira. Congratulations, Team C,” Manager Alex said.

“Thank you, sir,” I replied, bowing slightly with my lips pursed and both hands behind me.

“This is the end of the presentation. Thank you all for participating. The others should focus on the tasks they are currently working on,” he added.

One after another, my colleagues congratulated my team members and me as they walked out of the meeting room, except for one person. She congratulated my teammates but ignored me. Instead, she threw me a dagger-like glare and stormed out of the room. Still, the smile on my lips didn’t falter.

As my team members and I walked out of the room, Manager Alex’s voice reverberated behind me. “Let me have a minute with you, Mira.”

Stopping in my tracks, I gestured I’ll meet you later to my teammates before turning around and strolling toward where he sat.

“Is there a problem, sir?”

He chuckled. “Nothing. I just want to specially congratulate you on the win,” he said. “I’ve always known you’d win this. You’ve always been fierce with your designs.”

I lowered my head, hiding the slight blush on my face. “You flatter me, sir. I don’t think I deserve your praise.”

“It would have been surprising if somebody else won this project. Your teammates are lucky to have you as their leader.”

“Thank you, Manager Alex.”

Then he stood up. “Only if you invested in your love life the same way you do in your work.”

My brows creased in surprise. “Pardon?”

I didn’t expect that from him. Manager Alex and I were somewhat acquainted. Maybe because I was good at my job, he wasn’t as strict with me as he was with most of the workers, but I still felt uncomfortable hearing such a statement from him. I didn’t think we were close enough to discuss my love life. And for someone who definitely knew nothing about me, it felt rude and disrespectful to poke his nose into my business.

“You know, Mira, try loosening up a bit and embracing the people around you,” he said. “No matter how good you are at your job, you still need a man to make you feel special.”

I chuckled awkwardly. “I don’t know where this is coming from, but I appreciate your concern.”

He picked up a paper from the table and stretched it toward me. One of my brows arched as I threw him a questioning glance.

“Take it,” he gestured with his chin. “It’s the details for your blind date,” he added.

“What?” I leaned forward, glaring at him in shock.

“I decided to take the initiative to help since you’re too busy to do that yourself,” he said. “Trust me, I picked the best out of all the men out there. You won’t regret—”

“Manager Alex, please,” I interrupted. “Don’t you think you’ve gone too far? You don’t even know if I’m in some sort of private relationship or something.”

He burst into laughter as soon as I finished speaking. For a second, I felt like an i***t. What was so funny about what I said?

“A woman who is in a relationship wouldn’t work overnight five times a week and still come to work on weekends,” he said after his laughter subsided. “You don’t need to be so stiff, Mira. Loosen up. Meet people. You don’t necessarily have to date them. Just go out and experience something different from designs and illustrations.”

He was correct. I literally spent ninety-nine percent of my life working. In fact, I was nicknamed the “Overworking Witch” among the employees in the company. But what could I do? This was the only way I could escape my reality, the only way I could pretend everything was fine and that I had finally gotten my life together. A second away from work would send me right back to that night when I met Roman again.

“Are you listening to me?” Alex’s voice drifted into my ears, pulling me out of my reverie.

“Yes, Manager Alex.”

He shoved the paper into my hand. “You can’t reject or cancel this blind date whether you like it or not. I already planned this, and you have to honor me by showing up there in your best dress.”

I didn’t argue back. It was useless. Manager Alex’s mind was already made up. I just had to pretend to agree to his request. Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t leave the four walls of my house.

“Okay, sir. Thank you for your concern.” I tucked the crumpled paper into my pocket and flashed him a smile. “I have to return to my desk now.”

“Oh… okay. You can go now,” he waved. “I’m done with you.”

I bowed slightly and left the meeting room.

However, just when I thought I was done with problems, I bumped into another one.