By the end of her first week, Lina had learned one important thing:
The executive floor was quiet… too quiet.
Which is why—
"Sir, have you eaten lunch?"
Adrian looked up from his laptop.
There she was again.
Standing at his office door like it was the most natural thing in the world to talk to him.
"…Not yet."
Lina frowned.
"That's not good."
"It's efficient."
"It's unhealthy."
A pause.
Adrian leaned back slightly, studying her.
"…You're very persistent."
She smiled. "Only when it matters."
Another pause.
Then—
"Sit."
Lina blinked. "Huh?"
"Eat here."
"…With you?"
"Yes."
She hesitated for exactly two seconds.
Then walked in and sat down like she belonged there.
"I brought my own food," she said, placing a small lunchbox on the table. "I hope you don't mind."
"I don't."
She opened it.
Simple food. Rice, eggs, a bit of vegetables.
Nothing fancy.
Adrian noticed.
"…You eat like this every day?"
"Mostly," she nodded. "It's cheap, but I like it."
He stared at his untouched catered meal.
Then, without saying anything—
He reached over.
And took a bite from her lunchbox.
Lina froze.
"…Sir?"
He chewed thoughtfully.
"It's good."
She stared at him like the world had just flipped upside down.
"That's my lunch," she said slowly.
"I'm aware."
"…You're really eating it."
"Yes."
She blinked.
Then—
She laughed.
"Okay," she said. "I guess we're sharing now."
For the first time in a long while—
Adrian didn't eat alone.