The decisive day had arrived, and although I tried to convince myself that I was mentally prepared, an underlying fear about my uncertain future lingered. My heart raced incessantly, and in retrospect, I realize that I was even willing to encounter an accident that morning. I contemplated postponing the inevitable for another day.

I didn't bother dressing impeccably that morning, but the thought of undressing to avoid going to work never crossed my mind. The anxiety for what lay ahead consumed me, and I struggled to articulate it to anyone other than David. I'm sure you would also judge me, perhaps thinking I was a fool driven by love or a woman's influence.

Yet, having accepted the challenge, my fate had been sealed long ago, and I had to weather through it. Although I appeared confident as I stepped into Ciara's office that day, the truth was far from it. Their expectant gazes bore into me, seemingly anticipating my downfall. Nonetheless, I defiantly took my seat, unperturbed by their intimidating presence.

"Good morning, handsome. I hope you're ready. Let's not waste time since it's a workday as well. Whom do you choose?" Ciara asked, wearing a mischievous smile.

A few minutes passed...

"You? How did you know?" Tiara blurted out, her surprise mirrored my own. I hadn't been aware of whom I had chosen, but a gut feeling struck me upon hearing Ciara's question. I suppose I won, but in some ways, I also lost.

I lost my job, but in return, gained something far greater. In the end, it seemed worth it. However, had the risk not paid off, I would have been devastated.

Here's how it all unfolded...

"I can't say for certain who it was, but I'm choosing you," I replied, pointing at Ciara. Their faces registered shock, and I wondered if my hunch was right.

Ciara then proceeded to explain that she was supposed to attend the gathering, but her sister Kiara took her place due to a prior commitment overseas. Apparently, they often swapped positions because of their striking resemblance.

"How do I fit into all of this?" I inquired. Ciara went on to reveal that ever since David had told her about me, she had developed feelings for me. Even though she had swapped with her sister for the gathering, David had informed her about my true emotions, prompting her to play this elaborate game.

That's when it hit me—Tiara was already married, Kiara wasn't interested in me, and it was Ciara who harbored feelings for me. What an unexpected twist! I had chosen her solely based on the fact that she had called me "handsome" when I walked in, and my intuition had guided me.

"Since you lost the bet, you're technically fired, but since I genuinely like you and you might become my boyfriend, I want you to head our branch in another country," Ciara concluded. I was both shocked and overjoyed by her words.

"You're married, right, Tiara?" I asked, turning towards Tiara.

So, here we are in the present moment...

During our date and with a few hints from my time with Ciara, I pieced together that Tiara was married. And to add to the irony, the man who interrupted my date with Ciara turned out to be Tiara's husband. Quite a comical situation, isn't it?

Well, now I've landed a better job and found myself a girlfriend—soon to be my wife.

The END!

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has joined me on this short journey. Your comments and encouragement have kept me going. Thank you all so much!

Stay tuned for more short stories coming soon!