eeting colleagues along the way. Her eyes landed on

r out. Her admiration had blossomed into somethi

ybe today would be the day she

f the company's founder, he's been groomed to take over from a young age. Despite his youth, Jake has

t attention, particularly from wo

, the managing director, sits at the head of the table. Aliah, Emily, and Rach

upcoming project. Aliah, what's yo

ir, I think you're absolutely brillia

el exchange a

the boss input ha

, he has got a way of making

nks, Aliah. David, can you up

rd from Sophia? She's

ned something about... um... having a rare allergy to o

achel raise

air allergy? Th

iah, you reach out to the receptionist

ssion turns s

s her to work closely with Jake on projects, providing opportun

absence at work today. He tried to focus on the meeting, but his thoughts kept drifting

off. He made a mental note to reach out to Sophia, but a part of him hesitated. W

be Sophia. Instead, it was a message from Aliah, asking about the project's next ste

with an incoming mes

ng with some family stuff. Won't be

ver the screen before typ

ka

ered, and Jake wasn't sure how to bridge the g

of silence, Jake s

ou just dropped that m

not calling in today.

a

on? Is every

ph

t's been really

a

nt me to check on you after work? M

ph

nice, actuall

a

swing by your p

ph

ds great,

a

e to bring? Food, drin

ph

e .Whatever you thi

a

. How about I bring some soup or maybe some

ph

sounds grea

a

of rice and maybe some chicken o

ph

, that

a

em, see

but feel a flutter in his chest as he thought about seeing Sophi

s?" Jake muttered to him

ity, feeling a mix of emotio

e was no response. Assuming Jake was busy,

s flushed face. She hadn't expected to see her

," she said, her voice husky. "You look like you could use some..

yielding. "Aliah, I'll call you when I ne

voice taking on a sultry tone. "I'm happy to

iah, I mean it. I'll call you when I

up, her smile faltering. She nodded curtly

ied to focus on his work. He spent the next few

eal quick and it

o leave for the day. His assistant, Rachel, hurried over to help him coll

Mr. Jake," Rachel said,

ks, R

aiting by the car, holding open the door. Rachel handed Jake's

top at the mall" Jake said

ay