Strictly Business (Miguel O'Hara x Reader)

Chapter 9: Old Habits Die Hard

I stood amidst the flurry of preparations, ensuring every detail of the event was meticulously arranged. The weight of the company's reputation bore heavily on my shoulders, but I refused to let it show. This was my chance to prove myself, to demonstrate my capabilities as a leader. As I moved from one task to another, setting up decorations and checking the sound system, the venue began to fill with anticipation.

As Miguel arrived early to the event, he couldn't help but steal a glance at me. There I stood, radiant in my elegant attire, looking more beautiful than he had remembered. It had been so long since he had seen me like this, and the sight stirred up a mix of emotions within him. Despite everything that had transpired between us, he couldn't deny the lingering traces of love and admiration he still held for her deep down.

"You look beautiful," Miguel complimented, his voice carrying a touch of nostalgia. I tried to brush it off, not wanting to let his words affect me. "Thank you for coming early," I replied, my tone slightly chilly. Yet deep down, I appreciated his presence and the genuine effort he had made to help me. It was a stark contrast to our usual interactions.

I scrunched my nose as my eyes caught sight of a speck of dust on his suit, and his tie was slightly askew. Old habits die hard, and without thinking, I reached out to brush off the dust and fix his tie. Miguel's surprise was evident, and I quickly withdrew my hand, realizing the familiarity and the intimacy of the action. My heart raced, and I attempted to move on, pretending as if nothing had happened, though a hint of fluster crept into my demeanor.

As the event progressed, a series of unforeseen mishaps threatened to derail our efforts. The food ran out quicker than expected, and the bartender arrived late, leaving a less than favorable impression on the investors. Their view of me shifted, attributing the mishaps to my lack of preparation, casting doubt on my ability to run a successful business. It seemed as though the deal was on the verge of collapsing. The investors' disapproval cast a shadow over their perception of me, as if my every move confirmed their preconceived notions. Their patience wore thin, and frustration seeped into their words. I felt my heart sink, the weight of their judgment bearing down on me.

As the evening progressed, my unease grew. Everything was going wrong for me, for the company I worked so hard for. The room buzzed with conversations, laughter, and clinking glasses, but I felt detached from it all. My heart raced, and I struggled to control my breathing. I found myself engulfed in a suffocating panic attack, my breathing erratic, and my vision blurring as my thoughts swallowed me whole. I can't concentrate on anything going on around me. The crowd around me seemed to close in, amplifying my distress. Just when I felt utterly lost, Miguel appeared beside me, a steady anchor in the storm.

That's when Miguel, ever perceptive, noticed my distress. He gently pulled me aside, away from the prying eyes, and guided me to a quieter corner of the venue. He knew me well enough to understand what was happening.

"Focus on your breathing," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "In and out. Just like we used to practice."

I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself, as his familiar words and comforting touch helped me find my center. Miguel had always been the one who knew how to calm the storms within me, even now when we are no longer together.

"Breathe, take your time," he whispered. "You've worked so hard for this. Show them what you're made of. You're strong, and you can handle this. Show them the incredible woman you are."

His words washed over me, offering solace and encouragement. "And if that isn't enough," he reassured me, "then they're sure going to miss out on an extraordinary, hard working lady who knows how to run a business."

As my nerves subsided, I opened my eyes and looked at him, with gratitude and remnants of emotions I had buried deep. I felt conflicting emotions stirring within me—gratitude for his kindness and a flicker of lingering feelings because I could see bits of the man I had said 'I do' to. But I quickly pushed those feelings away, determined to maintain my emotionless façade. I couldn't let the past cloud my judgment or compromise my resolve. Not when I had worked so hard to rebuild my life without him once he showed me what a horrible monster he could turn into.

Eventually, I pulled away from Miguel, composing myself and wiping away the remnants of tears. I avoided his gaze, unwilling to reveal the flicker of residual feelings that threatened to resurface.

"I... I need to go back," I murmured, I said as I got up quickly as I left.

Miguel nodded, a faint sadness in his eyes. He understood the delicate balance we needed to maintain, even if it meant burying our personal history.

The event concluded, not as I had hoped. The investors made it clear that the deal would likely fall through. As they departed, disappointment spread on their faces, I gathered my team, who looked to me for answers.

"It didn't work out as planned," I admitted, my voice steady despite the disappointment that resonated within. "Thank you all for your efforts. We'll regroup and come back stronger. You can all head home now." I smiled warmly at each one as they left while they gave me their condolences. I tried my best to keep up the smile I'm using to reassure them that everything was going to be okay.

As I arrived home, my daughters were already fast asleep. I tried to go to sleep as soon as possible so I could ignore any of the pain I felt. But as I laid in my bed, I couldn't help but cry to myself silently. I put my everything into this and it didn't work out. The hard work, the sleepless nights, and the dedication had seemingly amounted to nothing.