Chapter Eight: Rumors, Rage, and a Lunchbox War

The early morning sun peeked through the windows, casting a warm glow over the modest kitchen. Liam stood by the counter, slowly spreading butter over a few slices of bread. His movements were calm but focused, the quiet hum of the fridge the only sound in the room.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Ava dashed down the stairs, tugging at her shirt as she buttoned it, her hair still slightly damp from a rushed shower. She had that familiar look of someone chasing time, and Liam immediately looked up, his face filled with concern.

“Morning,” he greeted softly, watching her fumble with her bag.

“Are you okay?” he asked again, his brows furrowing. The care in his voice was undeniable.

Ava paused briefly, rubbing her temples and letting out a breath.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little hungover,” she replied, clearly still feeling the effects of the previous night.

Liam gave a small nod of understanding.

“The alcohol made you late, huh? Can I grab your lunch for you?”

Ava barely responded before nodding, still trying to put on her shoes while zipping up her purse. She was clearly running behind schedule. Liam’s eyes shifted back to the kitchen table, and he noticed the contents of the lunchbox she had set out.

There, on the table, sat a sad, almost pitiful meal—just some plain slices of bread and a couple of small sausage links. That was it.

His eyes widened.

“Is this all you eat?” he asked, his voice full of disbelief and concern.

Ava rushed over, snatched her lunchbox, and quickly shut the lid like she was hiding something shameful. She tried to play it off with a smile.

“Well, yesterday I had a feast, so today I’m dieting,” she joked, though her voice carried a nervous undertone.

As she dug into her bag, her face suddenly lit up.

“Oh, I forgot!” she said, and pulled out a thick wad of cash.

“This is the hire bonus,” she said, handing the money over to Liam. “Please take it. You need it more than I do.”

Liam held the money in his hands, unmoving, as if unsure what to do. His expression turned unreadable, a mix of surprise, guilt, and denial.

“What about you?” he asked, his voice low, still looking at the money.

Ava gave him a warm smile and lightly patted his arm.

“I don’t spend that much. I’ll be fine till payday.”

Before he could say anything else, she rushed out the door. Liam stood there, staring at the closed door long after she’d gone. His heart felt heavy with emotion. After a moment, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

“James, from now on, all Warner Architects employees get free meals,” he said in a tone that allowed no argument.

He ended the call with a sigh, his mind still on Ava.

Meanwhile, at the office, things were already buzzing. One of Ava’s colleagues strolled out of the break room holding a lunchbox packed with colorful, delicious-looking food. The smell filled the hallway, catching the attention of Emily and Mike, who were chatting near the water cooler.

“Hey, did you hear about the free lunches?” Emily asked, her eyes practically sparkling.

Mike’s brows raised in surprise.

“No, what’s the deal?”

Emily grinned.

“It’s a policy straight from the top. And I hear the mistress of the house is gonna work here with us.”

Mike leaned in, intrigued.

“Seriously? Who is she? We should make a good impression, maybe be friends with her.”

Emily nodded.

“Yes, that’s a great idea. Let’s go get our lunch and see if we can catch a glimpse of her.”

The two made their way to the break room, whispering and giggling like schoolkids. Speculation was already spreading like wildfire. Everyone wanted to know who this “mistress of the house” was and why she mattered.

Inside the break room, Ava sat at a table, smiling brightly as she opened her lunchbox. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight.

“Wow, lobster! This is amazing,” she said to herself, barely believing what she was seeing.

She thought happily, “I hit the jackpot with this company. With the work meals, I get better nutrition and save on food expenses.”

Just as she was about to take her first bite, Emily and Mike burst into the room, their faces filled with curiosity.

“Ava, why do you have lobster in your lunchbox? We don’t have any,” one of them asked suspiciously.

Another colleague standing nearby chimed in, frowning.

“If we don’t have any lobsters, why do you get it but not us?”

Ava looked up, clearly confused.

“I’m not sure what’s going on,” she said, glancing around the room.

From the back of the room, someone whispered, “Could it be that the boss is giving her special treatment?”

Ava tried to ignore it and went back to eating. But as she chewed, she noticed Mr. Warner standing across the room. He gave her a friendly thumbs-up and a warm smile.

She smiled back but couldn’t help thinking, “Could he be one of Liam’s college classmates? That must be it. Otherwise, Liam couldn’t have been in his office. That’s why I’m getting special treatment.”

She waved politely, and Mr. Warner nodded before stepping out.

Outside, Mr. Warner took out his phone and made a call.

“Mister Hamilton, I’ve done as you instructed,” he said before hanging up.

Back in the break room, Ava continued eating, but the atmosphere had changed. Emily and Mike were now whispering furiously.

“Did you see that? Ava and Mister Warner seem to have something going on,” one said.

“Since Ava came, Mister Warner has been giving her special attention. She’s the only one with special treatment,” Emily added.

A third colleague stepped in, raising an eyebrow.

“Do you think there’s something going on between them?”

“Hmm, looking so innocent,” the first colleague said, her tone thick with sarcasm.

The third snorted.

“Secretly trying to hook up with the boss. This office is becoming messy. I’ll make sure she gets what she deserves,” Mike muttered.

Suddenly, Emily and Mike stormed over to Ava’s table. Their eyes burned with judgment.

Without warning, one of them grabbed Ava’s lunchbox.

“Grab her lunch box,” one ordered.

Ava looked up in shock, her fork halfway to her mouth.

“What are you doing?” she asked, alarmed.

One of them leaned down, their face close to hers.

“Hey, did you know Mister Warner was married?” she asked in a low, cold voice.

“You’re a home wrecker, and you’re trying to ruin someone’s life,” she accused sharply.

Ava scoffed, confused and startled.

“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Another colleague jumped in before she could finish.

“You haven’t? Then why is it you get the lobsters and none of us do?”

Ava tried to explain.

“It’s because my husband…”

But she was quickly cut off.

“Who doesn’t know your husband is a security guard? A nobody.”

The words hit Ava like a slap. She froze, mouth open, unable to speak.

“You’re a schemer, and you’re spreading lies here,” someone else added with venom.

Jade, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her eyes locked on Ava’s face. Her voice was calm, but her expression was anything but.

“I’m not going to make things easy for you,” she thought flatly, her eyes cold and unforgiving.