ter
rson's Pe
ar
etched in my mind like a splinter I couldn't remove. As I walked into the office, I promised myself I woul
conversations hummed in the background. I made my way to my desk and immediately got to work. Sorting through document
ourier walked into the office, carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The arrangement
he courier announced, h
had to be a mistake. "Are you sure thos
eling a little awkward, I set the bouquet on my desk. A small card tucked i
n your day. Looking forward
ran
He had been so kind, so warm-so unlike Mr. Lazarus, who seemed to revel
enjoy the moment. For once, something nice had h
s," a voice dr
azarus standing there. His eyes flicked
id hesitantly, unsure o
vering. "Don't you think personal delive
ure. "It was just a small gesture fro
eated, his tone la
I said firmly,
lyzing me. Finally, he shrugged and turned away. "Make sure it do
nk he was? First, he canceled our meeting without notice, then h
work. I wasn't going to let him ru
ed myself in tasks, doing my best to avoid Mr. Lazarus altogether. Than
ace never lasted l
room, talking to one of the senior managers. His eyes flicked toward me briefly before retur
n finishing the report. I wo
. I looked up to see Brandon walking
reeted, stopp
uinely surprised. "Wha
des, I wanted to make sure you got the flowers,"
autiful. Thank you
hem," he said. "Have
I was just about to h
out instead? My t
oice cut in. "Miss Marie, m
s standing a few feet away
y before looking back at me.
said quickly. "Just
d aside as I followed Mr.
r behind me. Mr. Lazarus walked to his desk but didn't s
I asked, trying to
ead, he looked at me with an inte
your personal life into the
. Brandon just stopp
The lunch invita
" I said firmly. "They have
straction," h
per in check. "With all due respect, Mr. Lazar
nstead, he walked around his desk and sat d
go," he s
s, dictating how I lived my life? I had every right to spend time with
desk, Brandon was waiti
?" he
" I said, gr
arus thought. For once, I
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