The weekly project meeting ran late, stretching well past the normal lunch hour. Zane made it back to his office, closed the door, and slumped over his desk, feeling wretched. His stomach condition had flared up midway through the meeting. His relentless work ethic wouldn't allow him to cancel a meeting for something as minor as stomach pain. He'd powered through until the end, a fine layer of cold sweat on his forehead. He reached for his water glass instinctively, only to find the glass was empty. He tried to stand up to fix himself some stomach medicine, but the pain doubled him over. He couldn't help but miss the days when Darcy was around. If Darcy were here, she would have noticed his discomfort during the meeting. And after it ended, she would have found an excuse to come into his office, ready with water and his medication. But Darcy wasn't here. Not only that, he realized with a start that another week had passed, and Darcy still hadn't contacted him. Darcy seemed different lately. Her mother's illness must be quite serious. Darcy is probably completely focused on her, with no time left for me. His phone sat on the desk. Zane felt a sudden urge to call Darcy. But the pain dragged him back to reality. The immediate priority was relief. He pressed the intercom. Rex knocked and entered. Seeing Zane pale and sweating, Rex was momentarily stunned. "Mr. Vance, are you okay? Should I take you to the hospital?" Zane, his lips bloodless, shook his head. "No. Just fix me a packet of the stomach medicine."He didn't need to tell Rex where the first aid kit was; Darcy had shown him. Rex found the medicine, mixed it with water, and handed it to Zane. The liquid slid down his throat and into his stomach, bringing a sense of comfort. Soon, the medication took effect, and the pain subsided. Zane then asked Rex to order him some delivery—something light. "Right away, Mr. Vance." Rex left the office, only to nearly collide with Zora, who was just about to knock. "Dr. Moss." Rex stopped and nodded. Zora's lips curved into a smile. "Is Zane in?" Zane... The familiarity of the address felt... ambiguous. Didn't she know Zane hated mixing personal and professional matters at the office? Before Rex could answer, Zane had already stood up behind him, leaning one hand on the desk for support, a strained smile on his face. "I'm here." "Good. I bought lunch and thought you probably hadn't eaten either, so I brought you a portion." Brushing past Rex, Zora placed the food containers she was carrying on the coffee table. "I went for something hearty—Buffalo Wings. They smell amazing. Come, try some." She guided Zane to sit opposite her and handed him a fork. Rex, still standing by the door, frowned deeply, hesitating. He was debating whether to tell Zora about Zane's recent stomach flare-up. From the sofa, Zane spoke calmly, "Rex, cancel my delivery order. You can go." Rex's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh. Okay." Back at his own desk, Rex grew more and more uneasy. He secretly sent a message to Darcy."Ms. Gale, Mr. Vance's stomach acted up again. He's taken his medicine now and is feeling better." He still felt that Darcy and Zane were the better match. But a long time passed, and Darcy didn't reply. In the past, Darcy would get anxious over the smallest thing concerning Zane. Now, there was no response. She must just be really busy. ... Inside the office, Zora was eating with gusto. She looked up and noticed Zane was eating very slowly. "Huh? Why are you eating so slowly? Don't you like it?" "No," Zane said, his face pale as he forced himself to appear normal. "I had a late breakfast. I'm not very hungry." He then took a bite so she wouldn't worry. The spicy, tangy flavor hit him immediately. Normally, it would be fine, but his stomach, just recovering from an attack, rebelled at the intense stimulation. But it was Zora's thoughtful gesture. And she was enjoying the food so much; how could he spoil the moment for her? Seeing him eat, Zora smiled, satisfied. She proactively scooped more food onto his plate. "Here, try another one. It's spicy, but so flavorful." Zane pressed his left hand against his stomach. That single, small bite had been enough. The pain, which had just begun to fade, now surged back with a vengeance. But how could he refuse Zora's kindness? "Yes, it's very good," Zane said, a slight frown between his brows, though a faint smile hovered on his lips. Zora, completely oblivious to his discomfort, kept serving him more food.When she was nearly finished, Zora set down her fork and wiped her mouth with a napkin. Her usually serene, intellectual face was flushed from the spice, giving her a charming, delicate appearance—a different kind of beauty from her usual self. Zane's heart, usually a still, deep pool, felt as if a pebble had been dropped into it, sending ripples across the surface. "Are you free on Saturday?" Zora asked. "Why do you ask?"