Luna

Chapter 3

The sun was already high in the sky when Iris stood up from her chair and stretched her stiff and aching back.

Truthfully speaking, nothing in this world came for free.

For a pretentious person like Iris, she needed to work extra harder than other people.

Ever since she was a child, Iris was already well known for being a hardworking girl. She could study from the moment she opened her eyes until she fell asleep from exhaustion. She could even run for three hours straight whenever she drank her favorite milk tea - just to maintain her figure.

Thus, working non-stop, without even coffee break, from eight o'clock in the morning until twelve o'clock noon was an easy matter for Iris.

"Let's go and get some lunch." A female voice was heard on the side of her cubicle.

Without even looking, Iris knew who uttered those words.

Bellona White. A rather beautiful but stern lady who entered the company at the same time as Iris. On her first day of work, Bella, as Iris would fondly call her, approached the latter and asked her to eat together. Everyday, from that moment on, she would ask Iris to eat together without fail. Bella would even occasionally bring expensive food and drinks and make Iris eat them.

People would say that the way to a person's heart was through her stomach. Therefore, there was no question that Bella became Iris' friend.

In the end, she even asked if she could be roommates with Iris. Iris liked her a lot, so the two of them ended up renting a house a few blocks away from the company.

"Bella, I'm not hungry." Iris cutely whined. Bella furrowed her eyebrows slightly and asked her "What's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

Iris came closer to Bella and whispered to her "I have a little bit of cramps. It's the time of the month."

Bella gave her a slight frown and seriously nodded. "I see. But you still have to eat something." She insisted before holding her hand and dragging her to the building's cafe.

.........

As expected of the top company in the whole Europe, Liliana Corp.'s building was one of the grandest buildings in the city. Even its cafe looked like a high class restaurant. Thus, everyday you would see employees taking photographs while enjoying their lunch.

As a woman who pretended to be disinterested to fame, Iris never took a photo of her food while in the cafe. And that applied even today, when the cafe gave out free macaroons to its employees. Because of the macaroons, Iris, who had no appetite just a few minutes ago, was now sitting properly and heartily munching her apples and macaroons.

"I'm glad you dragged me to the cafe today, Bella! It's such a coincidence that the cafe would give us these yummy macaroons." Iris excitedly said while thinking that she would have to run a few laps later to burn the excess calories.

"Yes.. What a coincidence.. indeed" Bella replied with her serious face.

Iris was already used to Bella's lack of facial expression. At first she was worried that Bella didn't like her. However, the latter stayed with her throughout the year and even made sure she was taken care of. So Iris merely chuckled at her lack of expression.

"May I sit with you, ladies?" A suave voice said.

Iris looked up and saw a tall blonde guy with a megawatt smile.

Ben Dyer. The manager of the advertising department where Iris and Bella were assigned. He was handsome and successful at such a young age. Needless to say, he was included in the 'Most Eligible Bachelor' list in the company. Many females admired him and were chasing him. However, his particular attention given to Iris was not a secret to the company.

"No." Bella flatly refused before Iris could reply. It was evident in the tone of her voice that she really didn't want to sit with the guy who just arrived.

Ben, however, ignored her and sat beside Iris.

"The weather is good today. Do you have any plans tonight?" He asked Iris confidently. Sure enough, the surrounding chatters died down. Some employees even shamelessly stared at their table.

Well, I have to finish the remaining chapters of my favorite manga.. Hao will finally realize he is in love with his senior brother..I must not miss it tonight! Iris thought.

Hence, she gave Ben a troubled face and replied "Yes. I have to finish the proposal since it's a holiday tomorrow." While thinking Hehehe actually I already finished the proposal earlier. I'm really so smart.

Suddenly, a voice of surprise was heard along with the clattering of cup and saucer. Then, a hot liquid was splashed in the direction of Iris. Despite sitting on the opposite side of the table, Bella was able to throw her scarf to shield Iris from the hot liquid.

"Oh no.. I'm so sorry. I accidentally tripped." A squeaky voice said.

Melinda Banks, Ben's secretary, was known for having a major crush on her boss.

Iris looked down on her clothes and saw her white blazer was sprinkled with pink tea. This stinker. Your acting is so bad even flies won't believe you. Iris thought while maintaining her surprised look.

Almost everyone in the cafe looked at Iris. However, instead of being angry or embarrassed, they saw her lightly biting her lower lips and softly sighing. Instantly, everyone thought Poor Iris. Melinda must have done it on purpose.

Then, they saw Iris slowly stand up and take off her once immaculate white blazer to reveal a sleeveless pink dress that she was wearing. Iris' white, fit, and soft arms along with her alluring collar bones immediately captured everyone's attention.

"It's okay, Melinda. I.. don't blame you. Excuse me." Iris softly stated while she walked out of the cafe with Bella.

Everyone saw the dejected and beautiful back of Iris and most of them felt bad for her. Some of the employees even gave Melinda weird and unfriendly looks.

On the other hand, Iris cheerfully walked to the restroom while thinking Thanks, girl! I get to show off my dress because of you. You're such a good person.