Lunchtime finally arrived. The office slowly became noisy with the sound of employees leaving their rooms, some walking to the pantry, others heading to the lobby to go out for lunch.
Aurora was just about to leave when a message notification popped up on her phone. It was a short message from Rafael."Meet me in the lobby. Let's have lunch together!"Aurora froze for a moment. She glanced at the screen, then turned to Lia, who was busy opening a food ordering app on her phone."Aurora, what do you want to order today?" Lia asked without looking up.Aurora hesitated before answering, "Sorry, Lia, I won't be eating here. Someone invited me to lunch."Lia turned quickly, raising her eyebrows. "Who? Don't tell me-"But Aurora only smiled faintly, then stood up from her seat. "I'll tell you later. I'm leaving now."Without waiting for a further reaction, Aurora quickly walked away, hiding her nervousness that was slowly fading.In the lobby, Rafael waRafael's car slowly stopped in front of a classic-style restaurant located on a corner of the city. The dim yellow lights from inside the restaurant created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rafael turned to Aurora, who was sitting in the passenger seat, still wearing her work clothes. Her face looked tired, but a small smile remained on her lips."I know you must be exhausted after a whole day of site visits and going back to the office," Rafael said in a serious yet caring tone. "That's why I thought I'd take you out for dinner tonight. No need to cook, no need to do dishes."Aurora turned to him, raising her eyebrows slightly in surprise. "I don't mind cooking, Rafael. I still have the energy for that."Rafael chuckled softly and patted Aurora's hand resting on her lap. "I don't doubt your capability or endurance, Aurora. But let me take over tonight. Consider it a token of appreciation for going through such a long day."Aurora looked at Rafael
Aurora's steps were hurried as she entered the office. The clock showed half past five in the evening, but the darkening sky made the office atmosphere feel deserted. When Aurora arrived at her desk, she found her coworker, Lia, closing her laptop and getting ready to go home."Hey, just got back?" Lia greeted her with a smile.Aurora pulled out her chair and quickly sat down, placing her bag beside the desk. "Yeah. Just got back from an off-site assignment. I thought I'd still have time to finish my work before the end of the day."Lia raised her eyebrows, then leaned back comfortably with her arms crossed. "Wait, you didn't know?"Aurora turned with a puzzled expression. "Know what?""Your pending tasks today were reassigned to another team," Lia replied calmly, then added teasingly, "Because you've been moved to the project team."Aurora's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? Who moved me? I wasn't informed at all."Lia ch
After nearly an hour, Kevin closed his equipment and said, "Done. We can go back to the car and rest for a bit before heading to the second location."Aurora nodded slightly. "Alright. Thanks for explaining everything."Kevin looked at her with a brief smile. "No problem. You worked hard today too, even though you just intended to accompany me."Aurora gave a small smile, then walked back toward the car with Kevin.After placing the measuring tools back into the trunk, Kevin glanced at his watch and then turned to Aurora, who was busy checking her notes."Shall we head to the second location now?" Aurora asked, looking at him calmly.Kevin gave a short nod. "Yes, but... how about we have lunch first? It'd be good before we hit the road again."Aurora immediately shook her head. "No need, I already ate this morning."Kevin smiled, half convinced. "Are you sure? What time did you have breakfast?"Aurora g
The morning meeting was held in the main conference room on the seventh floor. Executives from Rafael's company and Elmore Group sat around the large table, discussing the agenda for their joint project, which was currently in the site survey stage.Aurora walked in quietly, carrying a tray of drinks. Her polite smile swept across the room as she placed cups of coffee and tea in front of the meeting participants. As she reached Kevin, Valery glanced sharply at her and suddenly spoke up loudly."Hmm... Aurora, I heard you were in the same major as Kevin back in college, right?" Valery asked casually, though her tone carried an underlying intent.Aurora paused, not expecting to be brought up in the middle of a meeting. All eyes turned to her, even Rafael looked up."Yes... we were in the same major," Aurora replied cautiously, trying to maintain a polite smile.Valery smirked slightly. "Wow, then you two must be a perfect match to do the si
Aurora smiled as Kevin handed her phone back."Thank you, Kevin. I didn't even realize I left my phone in your car." Aurora said as she took the device from his hand.Kevin leaned against the car door and looked at Aurora gently."You've got too much on your mind, Aurora. To the point that you forgot something as important as your phone. Is everything okay?"Aurora took a deep breath, trying to hide the turmoil behind her calm face."Yes, just a little tired."Kevin nodded slowly, but he didn't look convinced. His eyes studied Aurora's expression carefully, as if trying to read deeper than the words she was saying."In that case, let me drive you to the office. It's nearly lunchtime anyway. I could use a bit of fresh air too, it's good for the mind," he offered lightly.But Aurora quickly shook her head with a faint smile."Thank you, Kevin. But I can take a taxi. Besides, you've already gone out of your way for me.""It's no trouble, Aurora. I'm happy to help.""Even so, I feel more
That morning at Elmore's office, the meeting room began to empty after the marketing division's weekly meeting ended. A few staff members exited one by one, carrying folders and notes, chatting lightly about the next campaign plan. At the end of the table, Kevin was still seated, eyes fixed on his still-on laptop. He appeared deeply focused, checking something seriously.Not long after, Valery stood from her chair and approached Kevin. Her steps were slow, but her gaze was full of curiosity."You looked very busy last night, Kevin," Valery said casually, though her tone carried a certain implication. "Did you have fun with Aurora?"Kevin paused his activity for a moment, slowly closed his laptop, and looked at Valery with a cold stare."I don't feel the need to discuss my personal matters at the office."Valery leaned against the table casually, looking at Kevin with a tilted smile."You know, I could help you get Aurora if you want. Besides... we both know I