The Face - Off

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--Ayaan's POV--

Excitement pulses through me as I see the golden opportunity I've been dreaming of finally within reach. I pull out all the stops to woo those clients and seize this chance.

Summoning Karan to my office, I dive straight into action.

"Karan, we've got to dive into prepping for that presentation coming up in just four days. We need those clients on board, no matter what it takes," I assert with determination.

"Absolutely, sir. I'll get started right away," Karan responds promptly.

"No time to waste, Karan. We've got to pour our hearts and souls into this. Let's gather our materials and set up shop in my cabin. Every detail counts, so let's make sure we leave them no choice but to choose us," I urge, feeling the rush of adrenaline as we embark on this mission together.

With all the passion and determination, we start off with our work.

THE BATTLE BEGINS HERE.

--AYESHA POV--

As Amaira and I delve into our presentation preparations, the tension hangs thick in the air, with only two days remaining to determine the victory of this initial round. I know very well that this is not the end. It's not just about being in this industry; it's about competing against HIM.

My relentless dedication over the past couple of days has me burning the midnight oil, pushing myself to the limits and arriving home long after the world has gone to sleep.

This abrupt transformation feels like a seismic shift in my existence, turning my once leisurely late-night habits of binge-watching series and diving into books into distant memories.

Every sacrifice, every ounce of effort, now converges on these final two days, where the outcome hangs in the balance, a testament to whether my toil will bear fruit or fall by the wayside.

~ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ~

--AYESHA POV--

I arrive in the conference room. The moment I step in, I can feel the tension just by standing there. I feel nervous, like snakes squirming inside, making it hard to breathe. Many doubts and fears swirl in my mind, making it difficult to think straight. Every heartbeat sounds like thunder, as if it's getting out of my control. I can't control it, but still, in this chaos, there is a spark of determination that no matter what, I have to do my best and grab this opportunity.

I look around and see the competitors, their passion to convince the clients evident in their eyes. Making my way, I take my seat while taking a deep breath.

The moment I relax, I see him entering the room. And there goes all my peace. Our eyes meet, but this time it's more passionate and intimidating. Every time we come across each other, the room fills with tension and glares. It feels like we would take each other's lives for our own sake, and who knows if it might happen.

He takes a seat right next to me, and now all my doubts and fears vanish. I'm not nervous anymore; I just feel confident now that I am going to snatch this opportunity at any cost.

-- 𝘼𝙮𝙖𝙖𝙣'𝙨 𝙋𝙊𝙑 --

As soon as I take the seat, I feel the rage in her eyes while she sits beside me. Well, the results will make her more infuriated, and she will be left alone with her rage because this deal is mine.

To provoke her, I whisper through her ear while leaning toward her, "So, are you ready to witness your defeat?"

She whispers through my ear, "Obviously, I came here to see your defeat with my own eyes. So, don't worry, I am all ready to witness it." She smirks.

"I know it's not easy to accept it, but the way I took the deal from your father, the same way you will also face this defeat," I state with assurance.

"I know your ways, CHEATING. Right? That's the only way for you to win because you left all ethics and pride behind with your luck. So, the only way you can win is by unethical methods, and to be honest, that suits you," she says with a confident smile.

"Whatever you say, but God knows who is the best one to deserve it," I say as I can't respond further. I started this to provoke her but ended up being provoked.

"Yes, may the best person win," she replies with a smirk.

I can't stand her anymore. Her confidence is more than I measured. I can't understand how, without any achievement, she exudes this attitude and confidence.

When I'm all caught up in my thoughts, the investors enter the conference room. Everyone stands up to show respect toward them. After a moment, we all take our seats.

"I hope you are all ready with your presentations. Based on your presentations, we will make our final decision. I wish you all the very best. So, without further ado, let's kick start the presentations with Bold Builders," the clients announce.

Without delay, the presentations begin. One by one, everyone presents, each one better than the last. I can feel the competition among everyone to show their best—the determination to achieve it and the passion to create.

But every time I try to read the investors' expressions, they are hard to read. I can only make out that they are difficult to impress. The level of presentations everyone has done so far is honestly appreciable and discernible.

As moments tick away, it finally arrives—my moment. The time for me to shine has come. With a deep breath, I step forward, ready to unveil my prowess. As I begin my presentation, the words flow effortlessly from my lips, each syllable pronounced with precision.

As we near the conclusion, my heart pounds with anticipation. I scan the faces of the investors, hoping to catch a glimpse of satisfaction. Yet, what greets me is a smile of appreciation, not the fulfillment I hoped for. Despite this, I cling to a glimmer of hope as I take my seat, awaiting their response.

Now, it's her turn. Ayesha Singhania. She stands up with full confidence shining on her face. Just a moment ago, she was nervous as hell, and now she seems like someone who does this on a daily basis. She starts her presentation. Honestly, I am impressed.

Despite everything, she is indeed a good speaker who can catch anyone's attention. And the fear becomes real when I see a wide smile on the investors' faces—the smile I was expecting for myself, but... although their decision is yet to be declared. Not everything that shines is a diamond.

After a brief discussion, the clients prepare to declare the results. The tension is palpable as they get ready to reveal their decision. We are all on edge, like cats on hot bricks. Finally, the moment arrives.

"We are thrilled to announce that we are going to invest in Singhania's designs. We are pleased to invest in your company," the clients announce.

"Thank you so much, sir. We are really exhilarated to work with you," Ayesha says. Her heartfelt gratitude echoes in her enthusiastic response. Her joy is palpable, and it's clear she is over the moon.

Right at this moment, rage is the only thing coursing through me, burning like wildfire in my veins. I put my heart and soul into this, poured out every ounce of effort, sacrificed so much, but what do I have to show for it? Just this crushing sense of defeat. All I want is to unleash my fury, wreck this room, but I manage to rein myself in, not wanting to cause any damage. Yet, Ayesha's look only intensifies my anger. It's like she's mocking me, making a joke at my expense, and it's unbearable.

--Ayesha POV--
[Spoiler for next chapter]

A dazzling figure bursts into my office, carrying a stunning bouquet and dressed to the nines in a perfectly tailored suit.

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