Between 2 Hearts – Episode 27

    Later in the cool evening, the engagement party kicked off, with a sumptuous spread of meals prepared for the occasion. The both families gathered in the dining room, celebrating the engagement between Nathan and Diva. Diva beamed with excitement, flanked by Elora, who shared her joy.

However, Nathan’s expression told a different story. He looked trapped, his eyes betraying his lack of enthusiasm for the occasion. Alex, who stood nearby, seemed to understand his friend’s feelings, his face sympathetic.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mia walked in, looking exhausted. Her mother immediately enveloped her in a warm hug.

  “You’re back! How was it?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

“I got the job, Mom!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

 “Finally! I’m so happy for you, sweetie.” She hug tightened, and she pulled Mia into another warm embrace.

“Thanks, Mom,” She  replied, her voice muffled against her mother’s shoulder.

 “What about Naomi? Did she get the job?”

“We both got the jobs, but at different companies. We happened to take the same bus to each company’s location.”

“That’s perfect! I’m so proud of my girls.”

She smiled, her eyes scanning the dining room. “Mom, what’s happening?” she asked. Her mother gestured towards the dining room. 

 “Oh, they’re celebrating. Princess Diva and her fiancé, the senator’s son, just got engaged, and that’s why they’re celebrating.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” She said, and Just then, Nathan raised his face, and their eyes met briefly. Mia quickly turned her face away, feeling a sudden jolt of awareness. “Um, let me go in and freshen up. I’m so tired,” she said, her voice a little too quickly.

 “Okay, dear. Your meal is in your room. Once you’re done freshening up, you can eat.”

Mia smiled weakly and headed away, her heart racing with unexpected emotions.

   After some minutes, Mia emerged from her room, looking refreshed and revitalized after freshening up and eating. As she headed back to the kitchen, a voice stopped her in her tracks..She turned, surprised to see Nathan emerging from the garden.

  “Um, sir Nathan,” she sputtered nervously.

 “Hey, I thought we agreed not to use the word ‘sir’.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as he teased,

“Um, sorry.”

“It’s okay. So, how did it go?”

 “Did what go?” She asked confusedly.

 “Your job interview. Well, I happen to hear your mom telling some of the workers in the palace that you went for a job interview, you and your sister.”

 “Oh, yes, it went well. We got the jobs.”

 “That’s nice. Congratulations to you two.”

 “Thank you.”

 “I’m happy for you two. Now you won’t be working in the palace anymore.”

 “Yes, thanks again.”

They stood there for a moment, the silence between them awkward.

 “Um, congratulations to you too.”Mia broke the silence, her voice a little too bright.

“For what?”

 “For your engagement. My mom told me you and Princess Diva got engaged. I’m so happy for you two. You guys make a perfect couple.”

“Thanks.” He said.

“Um, let me go now. I have something to do in the kitchen.”

As she walked away, Nathan’s eyes followed her, his expression thoughtful.

Just then, Anna appeared from behind him, a knowing grin spreading across her face. 

 “Who is she?” she asked, her voice low and teasing.

Nathan turned to her, his eyes narrowing slightly.

     “What are you doing out here?” he asked, his voice low.

“Well, your fiancée is looking for you, and I was told to find you.”

“Anna, Diva is not my fiancée. We’re just engaged due to Dad’s campaign.”

 “I know, but she looks so excited, like it’s real. She really likes you.” Nathan rolled his eyes, his look exasperated. “So, who was that lady you were talking to?” she asked, her voice probing.

 “None of your business.” He said, his response curt.

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Anna to smile after him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She followed him, her footsteps light.

Meanwhile, in a cozy kitchen, Naomi was celebrating with her father. She was preparing a delicious meal to mark her new job, and the aroma wafting from the stove was tantalizing. Mr.daniels’  eyes widened in appreciation as he took a bite. 

“Wow, I haven’t eaten this in ages,” he said, his voice filled with delight.

 “And now we are,” she said, her eyes sparkling with joy.

 “I’m so happy for you, finally you’ve landed your dream job.”

“Exactly, Dad. It’s still like a dream to me.”

 “Well, it’s not a dream. I’m super proud of you girls.”

 “Thanks, Dad.”

They sat down to eat, their faces filled with happiness and contentment.

   

    After the mouth-watering meal, Naomi retreated to her room, her thoughts lingering on Alex. She moved to her drawing board and sat down in front of it, her eyes fixed on his portrait.

“It’s so sad I won’t be able to see you again,” she sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wish you a successful, happy home with your betrothed.” Her gaze lingered on the portrait,  “How I wish I could tell you that I got the job and I won’t be able to work in the palace again… Please be well and take good care of yourself. Hope we can meet again in good terms.”

As she spoke, the stars twinkled outside her window, casting a magical glow over the room.

Meanwhile, at the palace, Alex stood at his balcony, lost in thought as he gazed up at the stars. The fresh breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and he breathed it in deeply, feeling the cool air fill his lungs.

In her own room, Mia sat on her bed, her mind occupied with sad thoughts. She stared out the window, watching the stars shine brightly in the night sky, and let out a soft sigh.

Nathan, too, stood at his balcony, his eyes fixed on the stars above. His mind was lost in deep thought, and he felt the natural air caress his skin as he stood there, motionless. The stars seemed to twinkle in sync with his heartbeat, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him.

★

★

★

   A new week dawned, and Naomi and Mia plunged into their new roles at their respective companies. They were given cozy offices and laptops to work with, and as they settled in, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and pride.

As they took in the surroundings of their offices, they couldn’t hide their joy. Naomi picked up the phone and dialed Mia’s number, eager to share her experience.

“How is it going?” Naomi asked, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Mia’s voice was just as excited on the other end of the line. “Going great! I was given an amazing and cozy office.”

 “Me too! It’s such a shame we don’t use normal phones. I would have taken a photo of my office and sent it to you.”

Mia chuckled. “Same here. But not to worry, with time, we’ll get a better phone.”

“Sure, wish you luck.”

 “Me too, break a leg.” She response was immediate.

With that, they hung up, both feeling energized and motivated for the new week ahead.

  Some hours later, Naomi was deeply engrossed in her work, determined to make a flawless impression on her first day. Just as she was focusing on a critical task, a knock on the door interrupted her concentration.

The door opened, and an elegant lady with a warm smile entered.

 “Good day, ma’am,” she greeted politely.

Naomi looked up, taking in the lady’s casual yet stylish attire and the glasses perched on her nose.

 “Um, good day,” she replied, her tone friendly.

“Ma’am, I just wanted to remind you that it’s lunchtime.”

 “Oh, it’s lunch already?”

 “Yes, ma’am. Is there anything you’d like me to get for you, or would you prefer to go to the canteen yourself? There’s a canteen downstairs where workers can buy food.”

 “Um, no thanks. I’ll go myself. You don’t have to worry. You can go ahead and have your lunch.”

 “Okay, ma’am.”The lady nodded and bowed slightly.

As she turned to leave, Naomi called out to her. “Wait.” The lady turned back, “May I know your name, please?”  She asked.

“Yes, ma’am. My name is Olivia. I’m the secretary assigned to you.” 

 “Oh, you’re my secretary?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

 “Wow, that’s nice. My name is Naomi. You can address me as Ms. Naomi. I prefer it to the ‘ma’am’ you’ve been using.”

 “Okay, Ms. Naomi.” She smiled.

 “Alright, you’re welcome.”

With a final bow, Olivia left the room, leaving Naomi to ponder the luxury of having her own secretary.

TBC