No one will need you! laughed groom at his bride. When he saw her at the party, he was shocked

Mimi was walking through the hallways of the building which belonged to a large architectural and construction company The Firm wasn't just a monopolist in its field it was a shark that devoured any competitors Mimi Scarlet slip-on shoes clicked a jaunty rhythm with each step try as she might she couldn't suppress the smile spreading across her face hello Mimi nodded to colleagues she met on her way good afternoon Mimi got in response happy New Year exclaimed one of those enthusiasts who started preparing for the holiday at the first sign of December or the first Snowflake and

to you too Mimi sang back the company's staff reminded her of an antill everyone either busy with something or pretending to be there were so many employees it was impossible to know them all yet there was a delightful atmosphere within the team everyone felt like family and this was the chief's doing Mr reker devoted considerable attention to his employees regularly organizing holidays corporate parties and team building events Mimi hadn't participated in any events yet having joined the company only 3 months ago in the advertising Department that's why she was especially looking forward to the New

Year's corporate world where had it these celebrations were always spectacular this year Mr reker had rented the city's finest restaurant and organized a masquerade ball Mimi had already chosen her dress and mask however her fiance James donut wasn't particularly thrilled about this development he had initially objected Mimi this is simply unprofessional unethical how can we work in the same company what do you mean how had snorted mockingly you've kept me waiting for 3 years if we had been married then you wouldn't have had such stupid thoughts are you waiting for my first wrinkles then I'll

be unwanted what are you talking about James had replied sheepishly hugging her I only want you but working in the same building isn't right what will people say have you seen your building I thought they'd give me a map and Compass when I got high Mimi had rolled her eyes it takes a week of running from Wing to Wing beating a drum just to meet someone you know it's so massive I wouldn't be surprised if there's a bunker underneath besides our departments are on different floors I'm on the first you're on the third but James

hadn't given up right away he had grumbled that there were plenty of advertising jobs in the world and Mimi shouldn't have chosen his company EV eventually though his resistance faded he accepted it besides Mimi had been so busy at first that she barely had time to see James even now in December their Department was swamped with work today however Mimi made time to find her lover it was James's birthday she wanted to give him his gift at the office James was an engineer with his own small office something he took great pride in noticing their

romance had cooled some what at work Mimi decided to rekindle the flame and tease James a little yesterday she had had her hair cut and colored exactly as she wanted though she'd paid the hairdresser handsomely only to barely notice any difference in the mirror her manicure was fresh too decorated with December inspired snowflakes but what really made Mimi smile slightly was what lay beneath her formal suit a luxurious set of lace lingerie she had received from James for her birthday she'd never had the chance to wear it before Mimi felt like a movie heroine as

she anticipated James's reaction no she wasn't planning anything to adventurous in his office she wasn't that bold she planned to give him his gift then playfully open her jacket to tell him she'd be waiting at a hotel that evening she'd already booked a room and ordered champagne on Ice she'd passed the empty desk of the boss's secretary young blonde Kelly whom she'd always jokingly considered competition for James's attention taking a deep breath she knocked briefly and opened the door Mr donut she sang playfully I have a special delivery for you Mimi froze in the doorway

her smile turned to a mask before crumbling completely her eyebrows shooting upwards what the Mimi whispered disbelieving her eyes what is going on here James jumped away from the secretary like a sced cat Kelly tugged at her skirt one stocking with its lace band had slipped down Kelly blushed clutching her skirt to hide the black lace bodice Mimi swallowed struck by an absurd realization she and the secretary were wearing ing identical lingery The Jerk hadn't even shown imagination in his choice of gifts Mimi how did you get here on foot tell me James are you

an idiot you didn't even lock the door who cheats like that Mimi snapped slamming the office door behind her the man stood dumbfounded Kelly blinked her huge eyelashes ridiculously like a doll Mimi had a simple reason to close the door before anyone saw those ugly scenes being betrayed was one thing but having it become office gossip was another she didn't want to face pitying looks and become the subject of workplace drama Mimi James called out fixing his hair and taking a step toward her let's talk calmly okay Mimi wrinkled her nose turning away button your

fly you idiot she snorted Mimi was in pain it hurt so much that breathing became harder with each moment still she wouldn't show her feelings no she wouldn't give the traitor such satisfaction on the contrary let him think she didn't care so that's why you didn't want me to work here Mimi said thoughtfully didn't want to keep all your eggs in one basket Kelly hummed and suddenly found her voice she crossed her arms over her chest her blonde hair must from James's hands the girl was admittedly spectacular legs that went on forever plump lips even

in Winter the blonde maintained a tan which always sparked a hint of Envy in Mimi she herself couldn't achieve a chocolate tan even in summer turning pink like a suckling pig instead her skin was too delicate as an adult Mimi had accepted this fact and given up tanning all together you know what it's good it turned out this way the secretary said heartily James has loved me for ages and wanted to break up with you but he pied you because of your sick father but you can't keep a man through pity forever James turned pale

who's sick dad Mimi burst out laughing listen James if you knew my father was Ill why didn't you tell me not that I care after after all he abandoned me and my mom when I was eight to run off with his mistress but you could have mentioned it the blonde pouted it was obvious that an unfamiliar activity was occurring in her head thinking she shook her head dismissively who cares did you know James and I have been vacationing together all along it started at last year's New Year's corporate party this year would have been our

Ann and then you show up right before the party Kelly shut your mouth James growled his face purple fists clenched Mimi licked her lips thinking frantically she remembered his behavior after last year's corporate party he had vanished for 24 hours then reappeared at his flat and treated her extra sweetly just guilt from cheating but not enough guilt to end his affair with with his boss's secretary Mimi the man moved too close trying to grab the woman's hands Mimi recoiled as if he were plag ridden don't touch me I'm not fully vaccinated she hissed James looked

at her reproachfully which only fueled Mimi's anger you know what your blond's right it's good this happened because I couldn't keep quiet any longer Mimi fired words like bullets barely thinking I'm dating another man I met him here at work fell in love instantly finally understood what real feelings are but I felt sorry for you we'd been together 3 years I didn't want to break up before the holidays I'm not completely heartless James's face contorted he looked like a child whose favorite toy had been snatched away you're lying he shrieked who else would you want

but me m raised an eyebrow well apparently someone does you couldn't have found anyone James argued sensing deception did you think you were Irreplaceable Mimi gave a sad smile I pity you James it's hard falling from Heaven to Earth but you're a mediocre fiance besides didn't you notice something was wrong I've been avoiding you for 3 months couldn't even look you in the eye Mimi was lying she'd just been busy with work but James took the bait remembering how she'd cancelled dates claiming work meetings however the ex-fiance didn't give up easily so you found someone

new he narrowed his eyes fine you'll bring him to the New Year's party right he works here doesn't he that's what you said Mimi looked away embarrassed oh no her tongue let her down she'd blurted out the first thing that came to mind and now she'd have to deal with it do I need to prove anything to you Mimi stepped backward you said yourself that workplace relationships are trendy I won't parade my feelings around just to spite you our compan is quite open to romance we're one big happy family James grinned studying mim's face so

feel free to walk hand inh hand with your new fiance nobody will mind Mimi grew nervous the man sensed it and smiled wider regaining his composure Mimi he shook his head stop this nonsense okay I can tell you're making this up let's talk this through calmly I care about you you know all this physical stuff means nothing nothing we're adults we should forgive each other's moments of weakness Kelly let out an indignant shriek but James didn't Flinch Mimi however got Furious moments of weakness she repeated savoring the words she clapped her hands twice then stepped

close to her X standing in heels she was almost at eye level with James which boled her confidence but I have news that might upset you James I wasn't lying since you're so eager to see who I traded you for without a second thought I won't come alone and you two enjoy yourselves well how was the date Holly asked noticing her friend Mimi gave her a frown I have only one word for you adultery she muttered Holly shrieked spewed out questions what with whom he then noticing other people's interested looks she grabbed her colleague by

the elbow and dragged her away come on you need to smoke but I don't smoke Mimi frowned then you smoke passively next to me here I haven't had a drink yet take a coffee I understand that now you'd be happier with something stronger but we have what we have she shoved the drink into into her friend's hands Mimi nodded gratefully and took a big sip the coffee was very milky and sweet usually Mimi preferred strong drinks but she had no choice tell me everything about it her friend demanded flicking the lighter Mimi briefly explained her

predicament now I have to find a boyfriend for the corporate party Mimi groaned in despair squirming in the Winter Wind the young women had run out of the building without jackets well that's not much of a problem we have plenty of men we're a construction company Holly consoled her inhaling from her cigarette and letting a cloud of smoke drift into the air Holly's cigarettes smelled of cherries and sometimes chocolate Mimi was against such bad habits life was already Fragile with enough things trying to kill you she wouldn't deliberately poison herself every day but now Mimi's

hands itched to hold a cigarette and smoke gracefully like in the movies she imagined a thin cigarette between her fingers and the smell of cherry tobacco giving her confidence oh do you want me to lend you my Sam for the corporate party Holly brightened what Mimi burst out laughing almost choking on another sip of sweet cappuccino your fiance why not he handsome put him in a jacket and he looks like Johnny Depp before he married Amber herd and your James and my Sam have never crossed paths Holly nodded Mimi smiled wider tilting her head Holly

you're a miracle you're even ready to share my fiance Mimi wiped away a tear of laughter her heart filled with warmth Holly was a marketer and the first person who had taken newcomer Mimi under her and never let go a rumble came from the backyard Mimi and Holly flinched at the sound a truck pulled into the warehouse the loaders bustled like ants dragging boxes from the truck into the building one box slipped careful ads called a young man deafly jumping out from the van to the ground Mimi froze the tall brunette looked gorgeous even in

his dirty blue overalls the kind that looked like children's clothes he wore an unbuttoned work jacket over them his thick black hair was disheveled his eyes were bright blue like sapphires his jawline was sharp his cheekbones well defined a face that made an impression the loa's shoulders were broad his work having clearly developed his musles mim's imagination took flight she pictured herself radiant with Smiles entering the restaurant on this handsome man's arm he'd need a suit and perhaps a shower but those were Minor Details her James would surely go mad with jealousy seeing Mimi with

such a guy James himself was short already developing a pop belly and at 30 his hair was thinning at the nape he claimed it was hereditary and dreamed of hair transplants in Turkey following her friend's gaze Holly smiled catching Mimi's thoughts found yourself a date for the night he's quite something like he stepped out of a designer jeans ad and landed here didn't kill agree to the adventure Mimi licked her lips considering how to entice him the thought of lacy lingerie beneath her jacket crossed her mind but she quickly dismissed the shameful idea William will

we get a bonus we're working like Santa's elves here one worker called to the brunette the brunette smiled as he helped lower a crate handling it effortlessly I see he nodded there's plenty of work since all the clients decided to use their budgets so let's smile and keep at it guys the men laughed and continued working Mimi shivering like an aspen leaf and turning blue from cold kept watching her Target the man worked steadily pushing carts and moving loads when the other took a smoke break the brunette unfortunately for Mimi kept working energetically but she

couldn't wait any longer she risked turning into an ice statue or ending up in hospital instead of at the masquerade ball wish me luck she mumbled and stroe toward the loader there was just one problem her shoes weren't made for snowy paths and had no grip as Mimi neared her goal her foot hit a snow covered puddle ouch Mimi cried throwing up her hands oh I wish it wouldn't be a fracture flashed through her mind as she imagined coordinating her dress with a cast but she never hit the ground strong steady hands caught her the

woman opened one eye then the other her heart did a sweet flip she found herself in the brunette's arms are you all right he asked still holding her Mimi blushing leaned on his firm forearms and steadied herself yes thanks to you she smiled cotile or at least she hoped she looked coish her chattering teeth made it look more like signs of a stroke you should be more careful the man advised and turned to return to his abandoned cart but Mimi quick as a cheater grabbed his elbow actually she blurted actually I came to see you

the brunette turned around again looking intrigued Mimi swallowed tucked her honey red hair behind her ears then pulled it out again look my proposal will seem strange but please listen and help me if you can will this be a long conversation asked the man studying the petite girl thoughtfully Mimi blinked nervously well I know you're busy I'll try to keep it brief she rambled the brunette smile softened his sharp features that's not what I meant you're shaking it's painful to watch he Shrugged off his jacket and with one sweeping motion draped it over Mimi's shoulders

that's better now let's talk Mimi stood dazed automatically wrapping herself in the jacket that still held his warmth and cologne she unconsciously breathed in deeply catching notes of freshness and citrus so what's your name she asked resolutely William I'm Mimi tell me William do you have a girlfriend a fiance a wife no no and no he smiled wider making Mimi flush wonderful Mimi exclaimed then quickly backtracked at his surprised look I mean I wish you happiness in your personal life of course but I desperately need a bachelor just for one night she held up her

index finger gazing pleadingly into his handsome face one night you understand not really but I'm intrigued no girl has ever asked me to spend the night quite like this won't you at least take me on a first date buy me flowers treat me to dinner William asked with a boyish smirk you misunderstand Mimi glanced at the cart tell me how much do you earn as a loader for unloading goods for instance enough for bread and if I'm lucky butter too he replied Crossing his muscular arms what if I paid you more I'm not rich but

I have savings you'd play the role of my fiance preferably one whose head over heels in love with me just for one corporate party night Mimi suggested a simple business Arrangement nothing more the man visibly considered it m stepped closer noting that he towered over her by a head and a half tell me would extra money before New Year's Eve be unwelcome no it wouldn't he agreed failing to hide his smile Mimi brightened see you benefit and I get what I need but why do you need this he asked directly surely there are eligible bachelors

in our company Mimi hesitated momentarily then decided to tell all if she was taking this handsome man as an accomplice he should know what wrong they were writing today I caught my fiance with his mistress in his office and he knows how I feel about cheating my father cheated on my mother I caught him with his mistress when I was little I told my mother and for years I thought their divorce was my fault knowing all this James still did this to me she burst out in my anger I claimed everything with him was over

and that I'd fallen for someone else at work but James didn't believe me he expects me to bring this supposed colleague to the corporate party I want to prove him wrong and I want my companion to be so handsome that James thinks he is like a Greek god descended from Olympus Mimi trailed off not noticing her listener barely containing his laughter so I meet the criteria he asked slightly I had no idea I had Greek gods in my family tree was Mimi embarrassed yes was she backing down no you'd have to ask your parents I

definitely see something of Apollo in your features she offered the compliment are you flattering me the brunette eyed her suspiciously yes Mimi nodded matter of factly is it working 100% nodded William grinning all right Mimi truth is I wasn't planning to attend the corporate party I don't particularly enjoy noisy events or watching the accounting department get drunk but now I'm rather tempted so it's a deal Mimi jumped excitedly and nearly slipped again the man caught her swiftly pressing her against his firm chest it's a deal he nodded looking into her face but my services might

not come cheap I'll agree to anything except loans Mimi declared won't need those the brunette assured her the conspirators exchanged phone numbers with William promising to call that evening Mimi wanted to meet several times to discuss the details the first meeting took place in a cafe when Mimi arrived William was already waiting at the table clean and tidy in a black plain turtleneck we don't have much time said Mimi sitting across from him we have our whole life ahead of us William replied philosophically and signaled to the waitress I haven't ordered I don't know what

my fiance likes my deepest apologies that's precisely what I wanted to discuss Mimi began placing a thick folder on the table here I've compiled information about myself and about us too I want you to learn the history of our fake romance how we met how we hid our feelings William choked on his tea will there be an exam are cheat sheets allowed Mimi frowned can you be serious you want to earn money right I really do nodded the man taking the folder to her surprise William pushed the folder aside let's do it another way you

want to play it straight don't you so let's just pretend we're having an affair tonight is our first date and I'd like to get to know you better Mimi looked into his bottomless blue eyes and was stunned she had to pull herself together and remind herself that everything happening was a fce one she would pay for out of her own pocket however the more Mimi and William met the harder it became to convince her heart that there was nothing here for her Williams Company made her head spin he was Gallant cheerful and sincere he told

Mimi about himself though he preferred not to mention his family I work as a loader when the company has too many deliverers he confessed as they walked around the city after dinner I have another job but it's boring when I was a kid I dreamed of being a captain then I climbed on a ship at the playground you know those iron ones they used to have in Courtyards I fell off and broke my leg I even saw the bone that's when I decided I didn't want to be the new melan I'm fine on land William

lifted his trouser leg showing the scar that had turned white with time Mimi responded by showing him her battle wounds here on the knee look Mimi rolled up her trouser leg I got this scar crossing a river jumping on rocks in my grandmother's Village the Rocks were slippery and I fell and hit myself and this one I got falling on glass while jumping from garages you like to jump the man shook his head passers by looked curiously some with disapproval at the couple showing off their legs to each other but the man and woman seemed

oblivious to others around them I dreamed of becoming a figure skater when I was a child but we couldn't afford skates then and after my dad left my mom had little time for me Mimi remembered thoughtfully watching the snowflakes I never learned to skate William cast a thoughtful glance at her and smiled their next date was at the ice rink on The Shopping Center's roof Mimi kept falling down taking William with her but it didn't hurt it was pure fun after several delightful evenings together the night of the corporate party William picked Mimi up in

a luxury foreign car you look astonishing William said opening the door for her the woman hopped into the leather interior and giggled shaking off her legs it's all the mask cover half your face and you instantly become more handsome she joked where did you get a car like this you didn't steal it did you borrowed from a friend where IAM winked can't take the princess to the ball in a shopping trolley can I very cool Mimi admired then she looked at the driver and couldn't suppress an amazed sigh in the cabin light she saw a

transformed William in a luxurious suit he was no longer William from the warehouse he was Bond James Bond ready to take revenge on James he asked who Mimi asked then blushed deeply oh yes I am she turned to the window embarrassingly amid all their romantic meetings she'd completely forgotten their main goal she hadn't even thought about her ex while with William he had so captivated her with this romance that she'd almost started believing in it Mimi's mood fell she realized it would all end soon dissolve into the night like Cinderella losing her prince at the

final stroke of midnight and she no longer cared about James and his Kelly she wished the night would never end she felt his palm cover her folded hands in her lap she sighed and looked at him in Surprise what's wrong you're wrinkling your dress nervous he smiled gently barely squeezing her thin fingers no well a little Mimi pulled her hand away surprising William but pretended to adjust her mask we still haven't discussed your fee there's time for that let's enjoy ourselves first we'll discuss business later William hummed returning his attention to the road at the

restaurant Mimi checked her coat William put on a small black mask that concealed little he offered his elbow and smiled shall we she nodded meekly and heart pounding in her ears wrapped her arms around his Mimi had prepared herself for many things but not this for a moment even the music seemed to stop the room was already full of guests everyone who noticed the new arrivals began whispering to their companions drawing attention to the couple why is everyone staring Mimi asked nervously as they descended the stairs under countless gazes you have to ask because you're

stunning William whispered in her ear sending Pleasant shivers down her neck Mimi snorted flattered but not quite believing him there's your ex our engineer William said cheerfully let's go over to them time to put all my preparation to the test before Mimi could object William had taken her hand and was leading her through the crowd some guests parted nodding and almost bowing While others tried to stop him Mr reker an accountant with a flushed face blocked their path your first time at the party how wonderful will your father be joining us yes a bit later

William smiled politely staring around the dazed woman Mimi began connecting all the facts William had always avoided talking about his father only mentioning his mother an artist but before the thought could fully form in Mimi's mind James appeared before them Kelly stood next to him pouting offended she stared at William nearly dripping saliva on her dress James I heard you were eager to meet me although technically we already know each other William began I'm sorry but I won't shake hands and you probably won't be pleased either after all I confess I stole your woman what's

strange about that if you don't keep your eyes on the treasure someone is bound to steal it James turned pale he looked at his ex and at the chief director's son but couldn't accept what he saw by the way the man Drew Mimi to him perhaps I should thank you Mimi was worried she might hurt you but I see everything is fine on the personal front except that it's customary for us to work in offices and you seem to have forgotten that fact Mr reker the man was sweating I you've got it all wrong I

think I got it right well I'm sorry to spoil your party but the matter is urgent I'd like to leave all the bad things of the Year behind you know what are you talking about the man was frightened you're overstepping your Authority it's just that you've been using your office like a cheap hotel room for dates I've learned you requested money for additional expenses but it wasn't used for its intended purpose I hope on Monday you'll account for every penny if not then please leave our company he nodded at Kelly and take everything with you

but Mr reker my father knows everything William hissed and I will soon take over his duties you don't need to congratulate me on my promotion I'll do without then William turned to Mimi and smiled softly let's go have fun Mimi nodded casting a flee meting glance at James in farewell nothing in her chest twitched no gloating no pity nothing it seemed the vacant place in her heart had already been occupied by someone else William and Mimi had a wonderful time Mimi felt like a princess at the ball Holly was happy for her friend as was

Sam Soon Mimi learned the truth it turned out that William had simply helped to the men in the warehouse that day being well brought up he was no stranger to any work in the company having started from the bottom that said William didn't exactly frequent the offices so neither Mimi nor Holly had recognized him midnight was approaching William asked Mimi to dance they slowly circled around the hall people still watched them but not so intently Mimi breathing in the aroma of citrus perfume and feeling another man's heartbeat could not stand it and decided to learn

the truth about what had tormented her all night why did you agree to this you obviously don't want the money she said happiness isn't in money grinned William I just couldn't miss the most unusual date of my life but but the date wasn't real who said so he raised his eyebrows there was me there was you there was chemistry between us I think it was real mim's head was spinning but you said your services would be expensive you just tricked me but I didn't ask for money the man retorted I said your scam might cost

a lot but it's not about money what is it about Mimi didn't notice how they stopped William still had his hands on her waist not letting her move away from him M's heart was racing about the fact that I might enjoy playing the role of your fiance said William I wasn't sure about it then after all love at first sight isn't my story but you can't fool your heart the more I got to know you Mimi the more I was convinced I was right I don't understand mumbled Mimi stubbornly disbelieving what was happening I'm interested

in you you occupy all my thoughts you make my heart beat faster I like you William answered her patiently and sincerely with you I constantly want to smile to see you more and more often and I really hate parting I think I've fallen in love with you so now you're going to have to pay for your prank for a long time probably for the rest of your life if you don't mind of course Mimi didn't mind but she couldn't answer she didn't have the strength she simply pitched forward William leaned towards her their lips merged

in a long awaited kiss midnight struck however the magic didn't dissipate on the contrary it was just beginning