Mira's disappearance

Mira's mind was racing. The thought of losing everything she'd ever dreamed of, becoming a laughingstock, and facing public ridicule was driving her to the brink of madness. "What did I do wrong?" she asked herself, frustration etched on her face.

She couldn't bear to go online, where posts mocked her and her followers ridiculed her. Even her friends had turned against her. The engagement to Andrew, once the epitome of her success, was now crumbling. The embarrassing online tantrums, the tagged pictures – all for nothing.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she thought about the cruel irony. Her sister, Astrid, was marrying Andrew next week, while Mira's own engagement was being called off this week.

Desperate for answers, Mira dialed George's number. But he ended the call abruptly. She tried again, only to be met with the same dismissive response.

"What's going on?" Mira wondered, annoyance growing within her. George had always prioritized her calls and texts, responding promptly. This sudden change unsettled her.

Tired of staring at her screen, Mira realized that inaction wouldn't get her what she wanted. She needed to take control, fight for what was rightfully hers – Andrew, the status, the life she'd always coveted.

With newfound determination, Mira vowed to reclaim what was slipping away.

Deep down, she knew she had to quit this company. The thought lingered, a constant reminder of the uncertain future ahead.

After all, in the end, the company would still be hers. She was the eldest daughter of the family, and her father couldn't possibly give it to an outsider. They would only betray him, and he knew it.

Her father's options were limited. He couldn't donate his life's work to charity; they wouldn't run it properly. Selling the company wasn't viable either.

The best option was clear: hand it over to her. She already knew the ins and outs of the business. Her father had taught her well.

But did he trust her enough? She wondered.

Her father's initial intention was for her to join the company, learn its operations, and eventually take over. Now that she knew how everything worked, she was confident in her ability to run it solo.

Still, doubt crept in. What if her father didn't believe in her? What if he thought her incapable?

She pushed the thoughts aside and focused on her goal. She would be the woman she had always dreamed of becoming if she had Andrew she'd be powerful, influential, and respected.

Other ladies would look up to her as a role model. People from far and wide would clamor to see her, to hear her speak.

And Andrew... Their marriage would be the stuff of legends, a union of power and prestige.

She stood up, determination coursing through her veins. "I'm tired of all this," she whispered to herself.

With newfound resolve, she walked to her father's office. The time for change had come.

She entered his office, sat down, and waited. Her father, engrossed in files, didn't acknowledge her presence.

She cleared her throat, the sound breaking the silence.

Her father looked up, his eyes locking onto hers.

The moment of truth had arrived.

Mira pulled up to George's home, her mind racing with questions. What was going on? Why hadn't he been answering her calls or texts?

She stepped into the kitchen, where George was pouring a glass of juice. His calm demeanor only fueled her frustration.

"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Mira asked, her voice laced with concern and annoyance. "You're not picking my calls or answering my texts."

George's smile, usually reserved for photo shoots or good news, caught her off guard. "Keep it down, Mira."

Mira's hand slapped the counter, her patience wearing thin. "What's going on, George?"

He leaned against the counter, cradling his glass. "My mother is here."

Mira's eyes widened. George's mother? The famous " Miss Havoc"? She had heard stories of George's mother she always caused trouble,she was always going to court but was always bailed out.

A pause hung in the air as Mira processed this revelation.

"You know I've never met her," Mira said, her tone cautious.

George nodded, his expression unreadable.

Mira's thoughts drifted to the scandals, the court battles, and the public arguments that had defined the Smith family.

"I'll come back later," Mira said finally, "when she's had time to rest."

As she turned to leave, Mira felt a sense of unease. Tomorrow, her engagement would be cancelled, and everything would change.

She walked to her car, lost in thought.

******************

Everything was set in the hall. People started arriving, their murmurs and laughter filling the air. Andrew, dressed impeccably, smiled and mingled with the guests.

Astrid had decided not to attend, knowing Mira wouldn't be there. Their family rule stated that an engagement couldn't be broken without both parties present. Astrid didn't want to be questioned about Mira's absence.

As time passed, the Waltons' absence became conspicuous. The Thompsons expected it, knowing Mira wouldn't go down without a fight.

Mrs Thompson took the microphone, her voice commanding attention. "I express my sincere apologies to everyone who came from far and wide to witness this occasion."

She paused, surveying the room. "As you can see, nobody from the Walton family is here, so we can't proceed with the engagement break as planned."

A moment of silence followed.

Mrs Thompson continued, "However, I have witnesses who can testify that we did our part, while they failed theirs woefully. On this note, I declare the engagement between Andrew Thompson and Mira Walton null and void."

The audience applauded, a mixture of relief and curiosity.

After the party, Andrew spotted a face he never wanted to see – a face he hated. His expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed his emotions.

Later, Astrid watched the event online, trying to understand why Andrew seemed gloomy. She asked him, but he remained tight-lipped.

That night, Astrid slept in the guest room, her mind racing. The next morning, she prepared for work, but Mrs Thompson stopped her.

"Where are you going?" Mrs Thompson asked, sipping her coffee.

"Work," Astrid replied honestly.

Mrs Thompson's expression turned stern. "No woman married into the Thompson's family is permitted to work."

Astrid's eyes widened, taken aback.