My Cruel Love.
(Previously?
Maya's big presentation nearly crashed—designs went missing, trust broken. But she surprised everyone with a secret that could save everything. Will it be enough?)
The tension in the room visibly eased the moment Mr. Daniel's face lit up with joy. Everyone let out a breath of relief—except Arman and Miss Disha.
Arman sat there, stone-faced as usual, showing no emotion. Meanwhile, Disha's bright, expectant smile slowly faded the moment she saw Mr. Daniel's glowing expression. It hit her like a thunderclap.
She couldn't quite process what was happening. Everything felt like it was spinning out of her control. Her carefully crafted plan had just fallen apart before her eyes—and she couldn't accept that. She lifted her chin, trying to glance at the displayed designs. It was the same set. But how? She couldn't wrap her head around it.
Watching her confusion, Arman finally spoke in his usual calm, low voice.
"Is everything alright, Miss Disha? Any problem?"
Forcing a smile, Disha replied, "N-No, sir. Everything's fine. I-I'll be right back."
Without waiting another second, she stood up and briskly left the meeting room. Her sudden exit raised a few eyebrows, but no one said anything. Arman, however, smirked. He quickly typed something on his phone and sent a message to Miraz.
Miraz, who was seated nearby, looked down at his phone when it pinged. Seeing it was from Arman, he glanced up. Arman was already looking at him. Miraz nodded, quietly excused himself, and followed Disha out.
Meanwhile, Mr. Daniel was fully immersed in reviewing the design files. When he finally finished one of the thick folders, he sighed, as if overwhelmed.
"Miss Maiya," he exclaimed, "These designs are... simply extraordinary. I'm speechless."
Abir chimed in, "Oh, there's more to come. You asked for a hundred designs, but Miss Maiya actually prepared two hundred. You should take a look at those too!"
"Two hundred?" Mr. Daniel's eyes widened.
"Yes," Abir said, pulling another folder forward. "But don't strain your hands trying to go through it. Let me show you something better."
He stepped forward and plugged in a memory card into the projector—Maiya's designs filled the massive TV screen one after another.
The lights dimmed. The curtains were drawn, the room bathed in soft ambient lighting, and a gentle, calming tune played in the background. The atmosphere was serene and stunning.
Everyone sat silently, captivated. One design after another illuminated the screen—each more breathtaking than the last. Time seemed to blur. The room was locked in a dreamlike trance.
When the final design faded, the room returned to itself—just in time for Mr. Daniel to jump to his feet and begin clapping enthusiastically. Everyone else quickly followed, rising to their feet in applause.
Arman stood as well. He had seen these designs before, but even he was quietly impressed. Still, he didn't clap—he simply stood tall, arms crossed, observing silently with his signature stoic look.
The room echoed with praise. Arman's father and uncle exchanged proud glances before stepping forward to shake Maiya's hand warmly, their faces glowing with affection and pride. Mr. Daniel couldn't stop gushing.
"These designs… I originally came for one hundred, but now I want all two hundred," he declared with gleaming eyes. "Mr. Harman, I'll take every single one."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Initially, when Mr. Daniel had proposed purchasing a thousand dresses using one hundred unique designs, it was considered the biggest deal in the company's history. Nothing had ever come close. But now—he had just doubled the order.
The shock gave way to subtle excitement. People exchanged glances, barely able to contain their joy. This wasn't just a large deal—it was the start of a new era for the company. Mr. Daniel's updated offer meant not just unprecedented profits, but an international breakthrough for the brand.
Just then, Miraz re-entered the room—his timing impeccable. Arman leaned toward him and spoke quietly, "Miraz, bring the deal papers."
With a nod, Miraz opened a sleek case and pulled out the files. The room was still, holding its breath. A moment later, the deal was signed.
Mr. Daniel didn't waste a second—he immediately issued an advance payment check. Everything was playing out like a perfectly orchestrated symphony.
People began congratulating Arman. Smiles spread. Eyes sparkled.
Abir couldn't hold back—he suddenly hugged Arman tightly.
The room erupted in cheers and laughter.
Then—
Pop!
A sudden bang echoed through the room, drawing everyone's eyes upward. From the ceiling, colorful paper confetti began to fall like rain—reds, golds, blues swirling through the air and drifting down.
Abir stood proudly holding a party popper, laughing as if he'd won the lottery. His grin was so wide it practically lit up the room.
The confetti swirled in the air like victory itself had taken form.
"Congratulations, bro!" Abir shouted.
Maiya clutched her chest, startled by the pop, breathing heavily. But after a beat of silence, laughter bubbled up once again, louder and more joyful than before.
Mr. Daniel spoke up with his distinct accent, "So, when do I get to try Maiya's cooking?"
Abir quickly walked over, all charm and excitement. "Oh, absolutely, Mr. Daniel! Did you know Miss Maiya woke up at dawn just to cook everything for you?"
At that, Arman glared at Abir with a piercing look. But Abir ignored it entirely.
Arman had caught on—Mr. Daniel, despite being in his thirties, was clearly smitten by Maiya. And for some reason, that drove Arman crazy. Why had Maiya gone to such lengths? She was a designer, not a chef. Was she planning to swap her sketchbook for an apron?
Arman knew he was only tolerating Mr. Daniel for the sake of this deal. Had it been anyone else—he'd have personally thrown him out of the office for ogling his employee like that. No matter what, Maiya was still his employee.
And he wasn't okay with this. Not one bit.
To be continued...