The remaining days of our short vacation were a bit of a blur, to be honest. We drank, got hungover, drank some more, and ended up unconscious most of the time, with the boys taking care of us.

Each morning, I'd wake up in different clothes, and I didn't have to guess who changed me this time. It felt like our pretend relationship was becoming more real, shedding its facade.

I wondered if I saw a glimmer of affection in Eugene's eyes for me, but it quickly faded. He was still a mystery, not opening up about his friends or family. Yet, I felt his presence everywhere I went.

When we were alone, Eugene showered me with affection, never missing a day without planting a kiss on my cheek. It started to feel normal to have him around all the time, whether we were playing with Matty, having dinner, or shopping.

It felt like Eugene filled a void in my life, something I didn't know was missing. On our last day, when we met with Mark before parting ways, I could see the sadness in Vivian's eyes as she spoke to him. I harbored the hope that someday Vivian would share the same feelings, but for now, I knew my secret was safe with her. When I confessed my feelings for Eugene, her reaction was not the overwhelming joy I had anticipated. Despite sensing something genuine in her response, I refrained from probing further. My thoughts are interrupted as the cab pulls onto a road with a view of Goldberg LTD in the distance. The towering glass structure, delicate and blue, comes into sight.

"Thanks," I say to the cab driver, handing him my cash before stepping out.

Before entering the building, I check my reflection in one of the mirror-like surfaces nearby. I'm dressed in a white shirt, tucked into black tight-fitting pants, paired with beige heels. With my files in one hand and sweat in the other, I prepare to enter. To say I'm nervous would be an understatement, although I shouldn't be since I was confident about securing the job; the meeting was merely a formality.

It seemed like everyone in the building knew about our relationship, which wasn't surprising. As I walked in, the sound of my heels clacking on the marble floor echoed, accompanied by whispers from all corners. I couldn't discern whether those whispers were positive or negative.

Stepping into the elevator, I pressed the 89th button and texted Eugene to let him know, but received no response. After enduring the symphony of elevator music during the long ascent, I arrived on the 89th floor. The door opened to a bustling scene of glass windows and cubicles, with employees busily typing away on laptops and fielding phone calls.

Spotting a passing man, I stopped him and asked, "Excuse me, could you direct me to Mr. Goldberg's office?"

"And may I ask who you are?" he inquires.

"I'm Jade Jones" I respond

"Follow me," he directs.

I comply with his instructions, and we return to the elevator. He presses the 95th button, and once again, we ascend. I must have mistaken the floor.

"So, what position are you here for?" he asks.

"I plan to manage the diner" I state.

"The new diner? Eugene is in need of experienced people. Do you have any experience?" he questions.

"No," I admit. We stand in silence until the elevator doors open once again, revealing a private office.

"Eugene?" The man calls out as he walks ahead of me.

I follow him at a leisurely pace, observing the office surroundings. A grand black marble desk dominates the space, with a door likely leading to the bathroom on the right and a couch with a TV, gaming consoles, and CDs on the left. The desk is cluttered with papers and wires, save for the pen holder, which lacks any pens. As expected.

The man strides towards the desk and arranges the papers neatly, stacking them on top of each other. He retrieves a pen from his shirt and places it in the holder. "Please, have a seat. He'll be with you shortly," he gestures towards the chair, and I comply.

"William, I need Sera's files. We need to terminate her employment," Eugene announces as he emerges from the bathroom, sleeves rolled up and adjusting his tie.

His gaze falls on me, prompting me to stand up.

"I mentioned formal attire," he reminds me, inspecting my outfit.

"This is formal," I explain looking at myself. He sighs and moves to his desk, donning his blazer and taking a seat in his chair.

"Why Sera?" William inquires.

"She hasn't submitted last week's reports yet, and she hasn't completed this week's report either. I can't afford to be more lenient with her. Let's terminate her immediately," Eugene explains.

"Consider it done," William responds promptly. Eugene nods and turns his attention to me.

"Is she here for the job at the diner?" William asks, sounding more like a confirmation.

"Did you bring the items I requested?" Eugene queries.

"Yes, here they are," I reply, handing my files to him. They contain just a few documents necessary for him to maintain a record of my presence in his office. He reviews them quickly before closing the folder and passing it back to William.

"I need you to begin early tomorrow," he states.

"Early in the morning?"

"Why? Do you have other commitments? Matty will be at school, right?"

"Yes, but—" I start to say, but he interrupts me. "Perfect, then we don't have any problems."

"Hold on, is she the girlfriend your mother talks about?" William interjects, and both Eugene and I turn to him.

Eugene sighs "This is William Hunt, my assistant,"

"Manager," William corrects.

"Manager" Eugene repeats playfully with a smile and I ponder upon the bond that William and Eugene share.

"Based on her files, she lacks the necessary experience for the diner," William asserts, but he halts when Eugene signals him to stop.

Turning to me, he says, "You won't be working at the diner. You'll work here, as an secretary."

"Here? But the diner is much closer to home," I protest. Ignoring my objection, Eugene proceeds to sign some papers with my name on them. He then hands them to William, instructing him to file them.

"We'll discuss this later at home," Eugene states, motioning for me and William to leave. Before we can depart, Eugene halts William and I walk out the office. I stop near the door, hearing my name from inside

"Secretary? Really?" William says

"Let it go, Will. What made you even get into this facade? I don't think it was this serious for you to get a pretend girlfriend". Hearing this I take it as a clue to step further away and after a while William emerges from the room, gesturing me to follow him.

As we step into the elevator, I ponder Eugene's inability to acknowledge me properly. Even this person, William, knows that this is an act. Despite understanding his dedication to his job, I wish he could treat me with more consideration.

"Eugene prioritizes his work over personal matters, and you, more than anyone, should realize that," William remarks, directing his gaze at me. "But then again how would you?" he sighs

I avert my eyes, wondering if I inadvertently voiced my thoughts aloud.

"Ensure that you are punctual everyday and I will start training you from tomorrow itself. You will also be handling the responsibilities that Sera does since she won't be here anymore. Any questions?"

I nod a no and he smiles, gesturing to me to exit the elevator as the doors open to the ground floor. Reflecting on the situation, I couldn't help but wonder why everyone around me seemed so difficult.