A Welcome Distraction

The sitting room was aglow with soft music and the warm scent of their collective culinary efforts.

The flickering candlelight cast a golden glow on the comfortable furniture and the happy faces of the three friends.

Kalina, Logan, and Mireille had worked together in harmony, their laughter and banter filling the air as they prepared the meal.

The savory aromas of roasted vegetables, herbs, and spices along with roasted beef and sausage mingled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, creating a mouthwatering bouquet that filled the room.

Now, they sat down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, the table spread with a delectable array of dishes.

Mireille had contributed by cooking the main dishes alongside Kalina, Logan had grilled all variety of meat available in the space along with seafoods, and Kalina had whipped up the vegetables and the soup.

They chatted and laughed, savoring each bite, and effortlessly switched between topics.

As they finished their main course, Logan suggested they pick a movie to watch afterwards.

Mireille nodded enthusiastically, her eyes darting to her phone, scrolling with a subtle smile.

Kalina noticed but didn't comment, assuming it was work-related.

Her thumb paused occasionally, her eyes scanning the screens with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

The soft music and warm atmosphere made her feel cozy and relaxed, her worries momentarily forgotten.

Kalina and Logan continued their conversation, unaware of the thoughts brewing in Mireille's mind.

With the movie chosen, they dug into dessert, the sweetness and comfort of the evening creating a sense of tranquility.

It was then that Kalina took a deep breath and shared her concerns about her father's latest demands...

"Ugh, my father wants me in the company, giving me an ultimatum to choose what position I want," Kalina said, exasperation dripping from her voice.

Mireille snickered, putting her phone down. "Even though you barely escaped those marriage arrangements, you find yourself in another soup."

Logan chimed in, "Just accept your destiny, Kalina." He was met with a pout from Kalina, her fork hovering over her plate.

"I don't want any burden or responsibilities, you guys know that," Kalina said, her voice laced with frustration.

Mireille nodded sympathetically, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hmm, hmm, we know, you lucky champ." She took a bite of her food, her eyes locked on Kalina's pouting face.

Mireille nodded sympathetically. "But sometimes life has other plans."

"Like what?" Kalina asked, her eyes narrowing. "Being a CEO? No thanks."

Logan chimed in, "It's not all bad, Kalina. You could make a real difference in the company."

Kalina scoffed. "Yeah right. My father's company is all about profit and power. I don't want any part of it."

Mireille put her hand on Kalina's arm. "We understand how you feel, Kalina. But sometimes you have to take risks and face your fears."

Kalina pulled her arm away, her eyes flashing with anger. "You guys don't understand anything. You're not the ones being forced into a life you don't want."

Logan's face softened. "We may not be in your shoes, Kalina. But we're here for you, no matter what."

Kalina sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Thanks, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Mireille smiled. "That's what friends are for."

Kalina sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I wish I could just switch bodies with someone else. Anyone else."

Mireille's eyes lit up with mischief. "Should we look for a priest or shaman and ask them to switch our bodies?" She gestured for Kalina to come closer, her voice low and conspiratorial.

Kalina nodded, her pout deepening. "I'd gladly do that if it were possible."

Logan shook his head, separating their heads with his hand. "You guys are blocking my view, and it's hard to pick up food." He rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "And Kalina, you're such a lazy ass."

Kalina shot back, "I know, and I wish it could stay like that. Thinking about saving my precious sleeping time just to work is burdensome already."

Mireille and Logan scrunched up their faces in mock disgust. Mireille shook her head, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank God you have us in your life, or else I don't think you would have achieved anything in this life."

Kalina nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with appreciation. "I agree with you, and I'm grateful for the rare gems God gave me."

Logan puffed out his chest, patting Kalina's head. "Good girl."

Kalina sighed, her frustration evident. "I really don't know what to do to thwart this problem. I was just thanking God for Ophelia replacing me for the arranged marriage tradition, working my ass off to make that happen, not knowing this was on the way."

She brought her hand to the side of her face, grabbing her face and shaking it furiously, her voice rising in a subtle shout. "Ahhhhh!"

Logan and Mireille looked at Kalina with tired faces, thinking how a genius like her could let her talent go to waste, not implementing her skills and instead wanting to flee from responsibility.

Mireille broke into Kalina's misery, her face beaming with excitement. "Guys, I have some amazing news to share!"

Kalina's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Mireille teased them, "Guess!"

Logan deadpanned, "The company made another milestone achievement?"

Mireille shook her head, her smile unwavering. "Nope."

Kalina took a guess, "You guys made a huge deal?"

Mireille replied, "Almost, you're getting close!"

Logan threw up his hands. "Just spill the beans, Mireille!"

But Kalina jumped in with another guess, "You guys have entered the international market?"

Mireille raised an eyebrow, her gaze narrowing. "No, Kalina. Are you even following company news?"

Kalina's eyes went wide, and she forced a laugh. "Of course, I am! We just launched a new product line for drinks, and you..." she pointed at Mireille, "are doing a package campaign, right?"

Mireille and Logan exchanged skeptical glances. Logan asked, "Why didn't you know that LOMIKA has entered the international market?"

Kalina's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I thought only Fruit Shakers had gone international!"

She jumped up to hug Mireille, excitement radiating from her voice. "This is huge! I'm so proud of you, Mireille! We should celebrate... ow!" Kalina rubbed her forehead, wincing in pain.

"I know I deserve that," Kalina said, "but that is too hard. It feels like blood trickling down my nose, and I'm dizzy."

Turns out Mireille had flicked her, a playful but firm gesture.

Mireille ignored Kalina's whining, her smile still shining bright. "It involves one of the big three, by the way."

Kalina's eyes snapped back to Mireille's face, her voice barely above a whisper. "You got a deal with one of the big three?"

Mireille nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Rhys Castillon wants us to collaborate on a fashion event and exhibit in four months!"

Logan whistled. "That's huge!"

Kalina clapped her hands, her excitement contained. "That's amazing! Send me their proposal document and the remaining details tonight, Mireille."

Mireille nodded, unfazed by Kalina's sudden bossy tone. "Yes, ma'am."

As Kalina sat down, still rubbing her forehead, Mireille added, "And, Kalina, you might want to start keeping up with company news. You don't want to miss out on any more milestones, do you?"

Kalina shot her a mock-glare, but her eyes shone with gratitude. "Thanks, Mireille. You're a lifesaver."