The soft morning light filtered into the room. When Sohee stepped out of her bedroom, her eyes widened in surprise.
The dining table was neatly set, warm steam still rising from the dishes. Everything looked carefully arranged, as if made with quiet thought.
She didn't need to guess who had done it. Denial…
A smile tugged at her lips. The idea of him cooking for her, taking the time before leaving, made her chest feel strangely warm.
After freshening up, she sat down, savoring each bite. The flavours weren't perfect, but to her, they were more precious than anything she'd ever eaten.
When she was done, she headed to the office.
She knew Denial had told her to rest today — but staying home felt… empty. Without seeing him, the hours would only drag on.
By mid-morning, she was at her desk, working quietly.
The door to Denial's office opened. He stepped out, scanning the room, and his gaze landed on her.
Walking over, he frowned slightly.
"I thought I told you to take the day off. Why didn't you rest?"
Sohee shook her head with a small smile.
"Sir, I'll take leave when it's really necessary. There's no point taking time off without reason."
Unbeknownst to them, the female employee at the next desk had been listening closely, her eyes flicking between the two.
After Denial returned to his office, she leaned toward Sohee with a pointed tone.
"You and sir seem to talk a lot… He barely notices the rest of us, but with you, it's different."
The words hit Sohee unexpectedly, making her chest tighten.
"That's not true," she replied calmly. "We only talk about work."
Without waiting for a response, she turned her attention back to her computer, ignoring the other woman's smirk. But from the corner of her eye, she could see it — the twist of envy in her co-worker's expression.
Sohee took a steady breath. She wouldn't let petty jealousy cloud her mind… but deep down, she couldn't help wondering if maybe… the others were starting to notice something she herself had yet to fully understand.
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