ter

rson's Pe

ar

etched in my mind like a splinter I couldn't remove. As I walked into the office, I promised myself I woul

conversations hummed in the background. I made my way to my desk and immediately got to work. Sorting through document

ourier walked into the office, carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The arrangement

he courier announced, h

had to be a mistake. "Are you sure thos

eling a little awkward, I set the bouquet on my desk. A small card tucked i

n your day. Looking forward

ran

He had been so kind, so warm-so unlike Mr. Lazarus, who seemed to revel

enjoy the moment. For once, something nice had h

s," a voice dr

azarus standing there. His eyes flicked

id hesitantly, unsure o

vering. "Don't you think personal delive

ure. "It was just a small gesture fro

eated, his tone la

I said firmly,

lyzing me. Finally, he shrugged and turned away. "Make sure it do

nk he was? First, he canceled our meeting without notice, then h

work. I wasn't going to let him ru

ed myself in tasks, doing my best to avoid Mr. Lazarus altogether. Than

ace never lasted l

room, talking to one of the senior managers. His eyes flicked toward me briefly before retur

n finishing the report. I wo

. I looked up to see Brandon walking

reeted, stopp

uinely surprised. "Wha

des, I wanted to make sure you got the flowers,"

autiful. Thank you

hem," he said. "Have

I was just about to h

out instead? My t

oice cut in. "Miss Marie, m

s standing a few feet away

y before looking back at me.

said quickly. "Just

d aside as I followed Mr.

r behind me. Mr. Lazarus walked to his desk but didn't s

I asked, trying to

ead, he looked at me with an inte

your personal life into the

. Brandon just stopp

The lunch invita

" I said firmly. "They have

straction," h

per in check. "With all due respect, Mr. Lazar

nstead, he walked around his desk and sat d

go," he s

s, dictating how I lived my life? I had every right to spend time with

desk, Brandon was waiti

?" he

" I said, gr

arus thought. For once, I