C281 Lunchbox

Laura had just finished reviewing another jewelry design when her phone vibrated gently on the desk. She picked it up absentmindedly. The moment she opened the message, her eyes widened slightly. "Hello, Mrs. Gomez. This is Mrs. Chambers. I'd like to invite you and your husband to join us for a Saturday outing. We'll be meeting at Celtic Mall at 11:00 a.m. Please make sure you come together with your husband."

Laura read the message twice before smiling to herself. "Mrs. Chambers..." She whispered softly. "Is Chris married already?" She paused thoughtfully before another possibility crossed her mind. "Or..." "Could this be his mother?" She couldn't help laughing at herself. "I'll find out on Saturday." Holding her phone, she leaned back in her chair.

A warm smile slowly appeared on her face. "Well..." "I've finally earned their friendship." Her eyes softened. "This time..." "I'll make sure I never ruin it again." With that thought, she happily typed a short reply. Thank you for the invitation. My husband and I will be there. Looking forward to seeing everyone. After pressing Send, she placed her phone aside and returned to work, her mood noticeably lighter than it had been in a long time.

Meanwhile... At Lucia Goods Headquarters, the morning quickly slipped away. Soon, it was lunchtime. Inside the Human Resources Department, Faith quietly looked at the lunch box resting on her desk. She had woken up much earlier than usual that morning. Instead of buying lunch like she normally did... She had decided to cook. for herself... And for the company's Director as well. She gently held the lunch box with both hands.

Her heart beat faster and faster. "What if Director doesn't like it?" "What if it tastes terrible?" "What if she thinks I'm trying too hard?" The thoughts continued running through her mind. Finally, she closed her eyes. "Lord..." She whispered quietly. "Please give me courage." Taking a deep breath, she stood up and walked toward the Director's office. Every step felt heavier than the last. When she finally reached the office door, she hesitated.

Her hand hovered in the air for several seconds before she gently knocked. Knock... knock... Inside the office, Alicia was still busy reading through several documents. Without looking up, she answered, "Come in." Faith swallowed nervously. She slowly pushed the door open. "Good afternoon, Director." Alicia looked up and smiled. "Good afternoon, Faith." "What can I do for you?"

Faith carefully walked closer before placing the lunch box on Alicia's desk. "I..." "I cooked something this morning." She nervously rubbed her fingers together. "I thought..." "If you don't mind..." "You could have it for lunch." Alicia blinked in surprise. "You cooked... for me?" Faith nodded quickly. "Y.. Yes." "If you don't like it..." "You can throw it away." She hurriedly opened the lunch box. Then, almost as if she had remembered something important, she quickly picked up a spoon. Scooping a small mouthful, she ate it herself.

After swallowing, she looked at Alicia with an embarrassed smile. "I just wanted to prove..." "I didn't poison it." Alicia couldn't help laughing. Before she could even respond, Faith bowed respectfully. "I hope you enjoy it, Director." Then she quickly turned around. "Wait..." Alicia called after her. "Aren't we going to eat together?" Faith stopped at the doorway but didn't turn around. A shy smile appeared on her face. "No..." "I don't think I can." "If you don't like it..." "I don't want to see your reaction."

Before Alicia could persuade her further... Faith hurriedly opened the door and disappeared outside. The office suddenly became quiet again. Alicia looked down at the lunch box. A helpless smile slowly appeared on her face. "What a kind girl..." A few minutes later... I arrived outside Alicia's office carrying the lunch I had just ordered from a nearby restaurant. After knocking once, I walked inside.

The first thing I noticed was Alicia quietly staring at a lunch box on her desk. I frowned. "Wife..." "I don't remember you making lunch this morning." Without looking up, Alicia smiled mischievously. "That's because..." "You were still sleeping." I immediately protested. "Sleeping?" "I woke up before you." Alicia burst into laughter. "Oh?" "When I did it..." "You were snoring so peacefully." I looked at her in disbelief. "I snore?" She nodded with a teasing smile. "Very loudly."

I scratched my head awkwardly. "I refuse to believe that." She laughed even harder. Instead of continuing the argument, she pointed at the chair opposite her. "Come." "Let's eat together." I placed my takeaway meal on the desk before sitting down. Alicia slowly opened Faith's lunch box once again. A pleasant aroma immediately filled the office. Inside was a warm serving of Scotch Broth, the traditional Scottish soup made with lamb, barley, root vegetables, and herbs.

The rich fragrance alone was enough to make anyone hungry. Alicia picked up the spoon. She tasted it carefully. Her eyes widened slightly. She took another spoonful. Then another. After three quick bites, she smiled brightly. "It's delicious." I leaned forward curiously. "Really?" Before she could answer... Alicia's expression suddenly changed. She quickly covered her mouth. Without saying a word, she stood up and hurried toward the bathroom.

A moment later... I heard the sound of vomiting. I immediately became worried. "Wife?" "Are you alright?" "I'm fine..." Her voice came from inside. "It's just the baby again." While she remained inside, I looked at the lunch box. Curiosity got the better of me. I picked up the spoon and tasted the soup. The rich, comforting flavor immediately spread through my mouth. I couldn't help nodding repeatedly. "Wow..." "This is really good."

I took another spoonful. Then another. By the time Alicia returned, I was still happily eating. She looked at me before laughing. "So..." "You like it?" I nodded without hesitation. "I really do." "It's honestly delicious." I looked at her with a smile. "But..." "I'm one hundred percent certain..." "It wasn't you who cooked this." Alicia rested her chin in her hand and smiled. "Even so..." "It's delicious, isn't it?" I nodded again. "It definitely is."

Then I noticed that she hadn't touched another bite. Looking at her worriedly, I asked, "But if your sickness won't let you eat this..." "What are you going to have for lunch?" She pointed towards the food I had ordered. "Take aways." I exclaimed. "What about this lunch and who exactly made it." Alicia laughrd "I know your cooking skills are far beyond normal..." "This one is cooked well just that it is still not in your level."