Chapter 5) A dinner

8:25 PM – Sunflower Company

I stood in front of the door, my mind spinning. I hadn’t eaten anything all day, and my stomach growled loudly in protest. Two thoughts consumed me: Why had he called me so late at night? And would I be able to get home safely after whatever this was?

I knocked on the door.

Knock, knock!

“Come in,” came William’s voice from inside.

I entered and found the room exactly as I hadn’t expected — quiet, professional, and… normal. William sat alone, completely absorbed in his work.

I approached his desk. “Sir, you called for me?”

“Yes,” he said curtly without glancing up. “Bring me a glass of water.”

That was it?

I turned silently, fetched a glass, and placed it on his desk. “Sir, here it is.”

“Hmm,” he acknowledged, still not looking at me.

I stood there, waiting for further instruction. Nothing came. Confused and irritated, I finally asked, “Sir, may I know why you called me here?”

He didn’t look up. “Your work is done. You may leave.”

What?

I blinked. “Sir… that’s it?”

“Yes,” he said, closing his laptop. “Leave.”

I stood frozen, unable to believe what I’d just heard. I had spent money traveling here and would now have to pay for a cab back — all for a glass of water?

He finally looked up and met my gaze. “Are you going to stand there all night?”

Flustered, I turned and walked out. William followed me to the elevator. As we descended in silence, I cursed him inwardly for the absurdity of the whole thing.

Just then, my stomach let out a loud, angry growl.

Oh no. How embarrassing.

William turned to me. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes,” I admitted reluctantly. “I haven’t eaten properly.”

Ding!

The elevator doors opened.

I began scanning the road for a taxi when William’s car pulled up beside me, and he honked. I stepped aside, thinking he wanted to pass.

But he rolled down the window. “Get in,” he said.

Without thinking, I climbed into the back seat. A moment later, realizing how awkward this felt, I asked, “Sir, what’s this about?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he turned off the engine.

Confused, I leaned forward. “Sir?”

In the rearview mirror, I saw his eyes — sharp, unreadable, locked onto mine. The intensity made me nervous.

I quickly opened the back door and moved to the passenger seat in front. “Sorry, sir. Actually—”

He restarted the engine and began driving. I fell silent, unsure of where we were going.

He pulled up outside a luxurious restaurant. Elegant, grand — nothing like the places I usually went.

Without a word, he got out and walked to the entrance. I followed.

Wow.

He led me to Room 4 and opened the door. Inside were Justin, Natasha, and four others I didn’t recognize. They looked up as we entered.

“Hey William,” Justin greeted, then his eyes landed on me. “Who did you bring?”

His expression turned to one of shock. He looked completely out of place now, just as stunned as I was.

William addressed the room casually. “This is Lily. She works at my company. She worked hard today, so I brought her along.”

Then he took his seat, leaving me standing awkwardly. Both Natasha and Justin knew I had left the office early. So… why was I here now?

Dinner was delicious. I ate more than I should have. Hunger can make anything taste like heaven. At one point, I had to secretly unbutton my pants to breathe properly.

As dinner ended, people started leaving. William and Natasha walked out together. I turned to Justin, curiosity getting the best of me.

“Hey,” I asked, “what’s going on?”

Justin looked at me like I was a stranger. “What are you doing here?”

I crossed my arms. “I asked first.”

He sighed. “I’m not who you think I am.”

I raised a brow. “Really? What are you then — a billionaire?”

He said nothing.

“You’ve been living in our neighborhood for the past three or four years.”

He shrugged. “I was lonely. Even with all the money in the world, I felt empty. I saw middle-class people living with genuine joy, and I wanted to experience that. People like you made me feel… connected.”

His honesty stunned me. I didn’t know what to say.

He leaned closer. “So, what’s your story with William?”

I exhaled. “Didn’t you hear what he said?”

Justin smirked. “You think I’m a fool? I’ve known William for over two years. He doesn’t bring employees to private dinners unless there’s more to it. And I saw you two earlier today.”

I frowned. “If you don’t believe me, that’s your problem. But there’s nothing between us. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

Justin chuckled. “I never said there was something between you two. You just admitted it.”

Flustered, I blurted, “No! That’s not true. Say that again, and I’ll punch you!”

He grinned. “Oh really? Let’s see.” And with that, he snatched the tie from my hair and bolted. “Catch me if you can!”

I laughed and chased after him like a kid. We ran out of the restaurant into the cool night, laughter echoing in the parking lot.

Just as I was about to catch him, he stopped abruptly, and I stumbled right into his arms. He caught me smoothly, chuckling. “Oh madam, do run slower.”

I quickly stepped away, brushing myself off. “Give me my hair tie.”

He handed it over, still smiling. “Alright, fun’s over. How are you getting home?”

I smiled sheepishly. “Justin, could you drop me? We live nearby anyway. A cab feels unnecessary.”

He nodded. “Sure. That’s why I asked. Let’s go. Did you inform William?”

I shook my head. “No.”

I glanced back. William stood there, Natasha beside him, watching us.

Did he see everything? Should I care?

I walked up to him. “Sir, thank you for dinner. I’m leaving now. Justin will drop me.”

He stared at me, unreadable. Then, without warning, he growled, “GET LOST!”

I flinched. His words cut deeper than I expected.

Still, I forced a polite smile. “Alright then. Good night, sir.”

I walked away and got into Justin’s car.

I didn’t know who William had become. But he wasn’t the man I once knew.

People change. And sometimes, they become unrecognizable.