The next morning, Vince couldn’t take his eyes away from the lunch bag placed on the table the entire time while having breakfast. He is about to leave for work, and his curiosity is killing him whether the lunch bag is really for him.

Last night, he and Hailey only had a quick talk over a simple but wonderful dinner. He already told her she need not make him lunch. So now he wondered why she’s still making peace offers for him.

He couldn’t take the suspense. He asked Hailey, “Ahem. Why did you make a lunch box?”

Vince didn’t mention “me” to not sound like he was so sure it was for him… in case Hailey said it’s not for him, then he didn’t embarrass himself.

Waiting for Hailey’s reply, Vince watched the girl with anticipation. She was wrapping some sauces in small containers, securing them by putting them inside Ziploc bags before she placed them in the lunch bag.

“Here, it’s all done!” said Hailey. She then handed the bag to Vince.

Sighing with relief in silence, Vince thought, ‘Thank goodness.’ That the food was for him. But of course, he won’t show that it pleased him.

“You need not do this like what I said last night.” ‘I forgive you already.’ He added into his head.

“Ah, well… Like you’ve said, it will be difficult for me to drive around. So I will make it in the morning?” Hailey explained with a flushed cheek. Vince is gaping at her earnestly. She wants to tell him not to make a face like that because her heart flutters non-stop. However, she is shy to say something about it, of course. “Well, I couldn’t do it every day like tomorrow. I have to go somewhere early for our field demo,” she added.

“Okay, thanks!” Vince pursed a thin smile across his face. He is suppressing not to tear a big smile. The girl is talking cute. Her cheeks are flushing, and it amuses him. “Ahem. Well, I’m leaving now.”

“Hum! Have a safe drive!” Hailey watches Vince’s silhouettes disappear in the door. ‘Ah. He looks in a good mood now. Then, good job for you, Hailey!’ Now then, it’s time for her to prepare to go to university!

Meanwhile, Vince was now in the underground Parking Lot. He was walking toward his Maybach Exelero when he bumped into Kristian Keller, Vice President of a Pharmaceutical Company, one of his tenants.

The guy greeted him, eyes glued to the lunch bag he is carrying. With a huge smile, Kristian uttered, “Ah. I missed bringing homemade lunch.”

Vince was speechless about how to respond. Honestly, it’s the first time someone makes him lunch to bring for work. He pushed a thin smile, gladly, the guy didn’t notice he felt awkward talking about stuff such as marriage or whatsoever likes having someone living in. But the thought of Hailey prepared him lunch boxes, somehow, brings a warm feeling toward his chest.

Coming back to his senses, it was a good thing that he makes himself informed with the information he gathered for every tenant he has. Vince remembered that Kristian Keller is married and his wife is pregnant.

“How was your wife? She seemed to be due soon?” At least, he takes notes in case he encountered something like this, and he is ready to have a quick talk. Unfortunately, ‘marriage’ is on his Top List of being difficult for him to have a smooth conversation.

Gladly, once it was mentioned, Kristian Keller’s face brightens. It shows how excited he is to see his child soon. Nodding, Kristian replied, “Yes. We are expecting our daughter next month. My wife is having a little difficulty in her pregnancy, so she couldn’t make meals for me anymore.”

Vince could see the joy in Kristian’s eyes. He couldn’t determine if it was how a man would look like being in love and a happy husband, plus soon to be a father.

Now that they both reached their car, they nod at each other as a farewell. Vince opened the door in the back seat, he secured the lunch bag on the floor and his suitcase.

Vince made a smooth drive, exited the parking lot, and joined the traffic. He was following the cars in front of him; he drove slowly. Contemplating, it came to his mind the quick conversation he had with Kristian.

He got married three years ago but he and his wife never lived as a couple. Now that he wants the divorce they agreed before the wedding, his nominal wife is hiding from him. So to get her attention, he came up with the idea of having a mistress. And it works. The Lan family confronted him. When he questions them where Eva is, they remain silent and said they also didn’t know and a bunch of reasons that sound bullshit as goes on.

Now that he is living with his hired mistress, he somehow felt like living with a real wife… Except for that aspect of their relationship: they need not sleep together or stay in the same bed.

And today, when Hailey makes him lunch boxes, he can relate to what Kristian feels being taken care of by a wife. He would admit, he somewhat felt proud. However, sadness flashes in his eyes.

When this is over, he will go back to being alone and probably going back to live in the mansion and bear his nagging mother.

Arriving at his company parking area, Vince releases the air he hurls from his lungs before he steps out of his car and headed to the elevator, remains to ponder.

What should he expect? Everything is just an agreement after all. One day it will end. So he shouldn’t make himself attached to her.

Shaking his head, Vince put aside all the unnecessary things from his head. He must concentrate on his upcoming big project.

Burying himself with work, he didn’t notice that it was lunchtime, not until Tim reminded him.

“Boss, would you like me to have a take out?”

Creasing his forehead without glancing at Tim, he asked. “What for?”

“It’s lunchtime already. I’m asking if you want me to buy you lunch.” Tim actually waited for Hailey to text him she brought lunch for the boss. But it’s noon already, Hailey didn’t bring any lunch for the boss, so he wonders if they are still not good or already in peace? Then no free lunch for him? He mused while waiting patiently for his boss to respond.

Vince hummed. He glanced at his wristwatch. “Hm, I didn’t notice. Okay, you can have your lunch.”

Question marks popping on top of his head, Tim asked his boss. “How about you? Are you skipping your lunch?”

Vince lifted his gaze. He looked at his assistant with a perplexed look. “I brought lunch with me.”

Tim dropped his jaw. His boss brought a homemade lunch in the office? Wait, it’s the first time, is it?

‘Oh, then did Miss Hailey make him lunch this morning?’ What a lucky bastard! No wonder he is giving a proud face! Tim hid his disappointment. ‘Then no free lunch for me… Huhuhuh’

“Okay, boss! I’m taking my lunch now!” He makes a slow turn, might his boss change mind.

“Hum…” Nodding, Vince remained looking at his computer, working on his new project.

Tim twitched his mouth. To his disappointment, no free lunch for him. “Jeez. Look who’s happy now.”