Emily suddenly felt super self-conscious. “Fine, I’ll drink it. But after I’m done, go back to your office!” With that, she tilted her head back and gulped down the entire glass of lemon water in one go. She quickly shoved the empty glass back into Vincent's hands, saying, "There, all done!" Vincent's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Great. Come to my office at lunchtime," he said with a hint of mischief. Emily frantically tried to signal him with her eyes, mouthing, “People are watching!” Vincent seemed completely unfazed and continued, “It’s freezing outside, so don’t go out. I already asked Dylan to pick up lunch for us; he’ll bring it up, and we’ll eat together.” “...Okay.” He’s gotta be done now, right? Emily thought to herself, hoping he’d leave before the entire office saw this unfold live. “Oh, one more thing,” Vincent added nonchalantly, “Don’t rush off after work. We’ll swing by and pick up your uncle first, then head to my place for dinner with my dad and Meggie.” Emily blinked, a bit startled. “And... Mandy will be there too?” “She probably will be,” Vincent replied. “But don’t worry. I’ll be with you.” “...Alright then.” “Good. So, it’s settled. See you at lunch.” Emily felt her face heat up. “Okay, okay.” The moment Vincent opened the glass door, a small group of people who had been pressing their ears against it stumbled forward, nearly tripping over each other. The eavesdroppers—a mix of guys and girls in their twenties—quickly tried to act casual. Ken was the first to jump in, helping them up and gently ushering them out. “Hey, guys, you could’ve just knocked if you needed me! No need to crowd around the door like that. Come on, let’s talk outside.” “Ken.” Vincent called out, making him freeze in his tracks. “Yes, boss?” “Thank you.”Ken blinked, looking a bit dumbfounded. “...Uh, sure?” Vincent just smiled, gave a small nod, and walked off toward the elevator. With that, the office basically exploded with chatter. Some had heard the gossip that morning, but now everyone had witnessed firsthand how much Vincent was doting on Emily. He’d even invited her to have lunch with him. It was obvious to everyone—they were totally together! For the single guys in the office, it was heartbreak city. They’d just gotten to know the beautiful, talented new hire and were dying for a chance to talk to her—only to find out their boss had already made his move. Ken, sighing, gave in to his singlehood sympathies. “Well, folks, the boss is in love again!” “Ken, do you think he’ll dock our year-end bonuses for getting caught listening in on them?” asked one of the guys, worriedly. Ken rubbed his chin with a mischievous smile. “I’ll tell you what—judging from the boss’s good mood, I’d say our bonuses are safe. In fact, he might even bump them up a bit!” “Seriously? That’s amazing!” “Don’t celebrate too soon, though. Just because he won’t cut your bonus doesn’t mean you guys didn’t mess up. I let you get away with too much nonsense around here—now get back to work!” Ken barked, ushering them away. Later, during the lunch break, Emily practically felt like she was under a spotlight as she made her way up to the executive floor to Vincent’s office. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Before she could finish a second knock, Dylan opened it with a warm smile. “Ma’am, the boss has been waiting for you.” “Can you just call me Miranda around the office?” she asked in a hushed voice. “As you wish, ma’am.” Dylan replied, his grin unfazed. …Guess that’s not gonna change. “Emily,” came Vincent’s smooth, slightly raspy voice from inside. “Come on in.” Dylan quickly stepped aside to make way for her. “Right this way, ma’am.” “Uh… right. I’m coming,” she muttered, and walked in. She was greeted by the sight of Vincent’s desk covered in neatly arranged dishes and food containers. They were simple, homemade meals, but there were so many options, each looking more delicious than the last. Vincent pointed to a chair right across from his own. “Come sit. Let’s eat before it gets cold.” Emily took her seat across from him, noting how he’d set the chair at just the right height for her. Vincent picked up some greens and placed them on her plate. “Make sure you get enough veggies. All of this is fresh, just picked this morning. You’re a great cook yourself, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on the taste.” Emily gave him a sideways glance. “Why’d you come all the way over just to bring me lemon water this morning? Now everyone in the office is all over the gossip.” Vincent chuckled, looking at her with that relaxed confidence. “If I want to bring my wife a drink, who cares what anyone thinks?” Emily frowned. “I’m not your wife…yet.” “You are,” he said quietly, his voice laced with conviction. “For the past three years, you’ve been my wife.” Emily opened her mouth to argue, but Vincent continued, “Let’s eat first, then we’ll talk.” He placed a small piece of meat on her plate. “Here, have some protein too.” Meanwhile, downstairs, as Dylan made his way back to the break room, he was immediately intercepted by Daniel, who dragged him into the conference room and locked the door. Inside were Ken and a few other long-time staff members, all wearing expectant expressions as they closed in on Dylan. “Alright, Dylan,” Ken said, his hands on Dylan’s shoulders. “You’ve gotta tell us the truth. Is it real?” Daniel gently pushed Ken aside. “Let’s give him a break! Come on, Dylan, just tell us: is Miranda actually Emily?” The others nodded fervently, practically leaning in with anticipation. Dylan just smiled, keeping his lips sealed. Daniel, on the verge of a breakdown, said, “Please, just say something! Ken said that Miranda has all of Emily’s mannerisms, and come on, our boss isn’t the type to suddenly fall for someone new. I mean, him moving on is less believable than Emily somehow being… resurrected!” Unable to hold it in any longer, Dylan burst into laughter. “Just get ready to attend their wedding. It’s happening soon.”The room erupted with excitement. “NO WAY!!!!” Ken practically shouted. “So… it really is Emily, isn’t it?” Dylan grinned, slowly nodding. “Yep. It’s her.” “I KNEW IT!” Ken shouted, jumping up and down. “My instincts are always spot on!”