Chapter 3 Three

Amy stood in front of the towering glass building, gripping the neatly packed lunch in her hands. The weight of Roman's words lingered in her mind

'Act like you're here without my knowledge' It was a simple task, yet her nerves made it feel like a performance she hadn't rehearsed.

Roman had told her that Mr. Harrison supervised all staff members personally every two weeks. That was her window to see him on the first floor.

All she had to do was make sure they met, had a conversation, and slipped in a few good words for Roman. He even promised her a trip to Florida. At least, in theory.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside the company. The lobby was grand with polished floors reflecting the soft glow of chandeliers. Employees passed by, barely sparing her a glance, but Amy felt like all eyes were on her. Maybe it was just her overthinking, or maybe they could already tell she didn't belong here.

She met the receptionist before making her way to Roman's office. She had never been here before, and despite the instructions Roman had given her, she wasn't entirely sure where to go. Her fingers curled tighter around the lunch bag as she walked, her gaze scanning the unfamiliar faces around her.

Then, as if fate had planned it, the door in front of her swung open, and out walked Mr. Harrison. Together with another man who seemed to be his assistant.

Amy's eyes widened as her heart began accelerating. Her feet shifted before her brain could catch up, and suddenly, she was closing the distance between them.

"M-Mr. Harrison?"

She hadn't even said three words, and she was already stuttering.

Liam, the assistant, was the first to turn, his eyes scanning her with mild curiosity, but it was Justin's sharp gaze that made her stomach twist. He arched a brow, his expression neutral.

"Yes?" She looked familiar, but he couldn't place it.

Amy swallowed hard. "I-I... uh ...hi. I mean, hello, sir." She forced a polite smile, gripping the lunch bag tighter.

Justin's gaze flickered down to her, observing her with quiet curiosity.

"I-I w-wanted t-to thank you for kind gesture at the party. Not everyone had that kind of heart,"

At that, something in Justin's expression shifted to a mix of mild interest and amusement flickering in his eyes. She looked different in casual homewear. Liam, however, gave no reaction, simply standing beside him with a neutral expression.

"You're welcome," Justin says simply, his eyes on the lunch bag she was holding tightly. Nervous. He noticed.

Seeing this, Amy hastily lifted the lunch bag with a forced another smile.

"I brought lunch for my husband," she said, her voice coming out softer than intended. "He's been so busy with work, you know? Hardworking and all..." She trailed off awkwardly, letting out a nervous laugh.

Justin raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. Her personalization didn't sit well with him. He wanted to walk away before Amy spoke up again.

"And, um... I just thought... well, I mean-he talks about his work all the time, and I know he takes it really seriously. He really puts in so much effort," She fumbled over her words, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag.

"Is that all?" He paused to ask, his tone calm but firm.

"Yes, sir. I wanted to also say it's an honor to meet you. You personally supervising the staff every two weeks is really inspiring. It shows how much you care about your employees."

Justin hummed, his gaze unwavering.

"And I wanted you to know that Roman is really dedicated to his job. It would mean a lot to him if he had more opportunities to prove himself." She murmured, emphasizing on the opportunities.

For the first time, Liam reacted by casting a brief glance at Justin before looking back at Amy.

Justin wasn't an idiot. It was obvious she had been sent here with a mission. And yet, the way she fidgeted, the way she avoided his eyes, it was like she wasn't doing this willingly.

And it hit him, he found her intriguing.

Why am I even thinking this? he thought, snapping himself out of his distraction. This was Roman's wife. The same Roman he had been itching to fire for months.

The air between them was thick, and Amy could feel the weight of the stares from nearby employees.

They hate me, she assumed. The way they were watching her, it wasn't friendly. She was Roman's wife. And if Roman was as awful as she had started to suspect, then their distaste for her made sense.

Before Justin could say anything else, a hand clamped over her shoulder.

"There you are," Roman's voice cut in, tight and forced.

Amy flinched, her body going rigid under his touch. Justin didn't miss it.

His jaw clenched, his gaze shifting between them.

Roman smiled, a fake tight-lipped one. "I see you've met my wife again, sir." Justin's expression turned professional, turned to Amy without glancing at Roman.

"I'll think about it," He said to Amy then finally gave Roman a curt nod before walking away with Liam.

Amy let out a slow breath, relieved that it was over.

But Justin wasn't done.

As he walked back to his office, he turned to Liam. "Get me every details you can find on Roman's wife."

"Sir?" Liam blinked in confusion.

Justin didn't elaborate. He wasn't sure why he wanted to know more about her, but something about that interaction unsettled him.

OUTSIDE the company, Amy and Roman walked in silence. Roman's expression was neutral as he finally spoke.

"I won't be coming home tonight." Amy turned to him surprised. Normally, he never told her where he was going. But she didn't question it. She didn't want to question it.

Her performance was starting to have positive effects. She smiled giddily, and simply said. "Okay."

Roman studied her reaction carefully. Does she know? The thought unsettled him.

His phone buzzed, and he glanced down.

A message from Sara.

They parted ways, and Amy let out a small breath before pulling out her phone.

She recorded a voice note with her voice carrying a hopeful lilt.

"Sara, I did it. I spoke to him. Roman might get a promotion, and everything will be better. I just know it."

She literally tells Sara everything about her marriage. Even though Sara doesn't do that, but she didn't have any other person she could gush her anxiety or happiness to.

A reply came almost instantly.

"We should celebrate. Let's meet at that hotel address I'll be sending to you,"

Amy hesitated for a moment. Since Roman wouldn't be home tonight so she agreed;

"Okay."

With a small smile, she put her phone away, unaware of the storm that was already brewing.