𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒

Chapter 4

The clock ticks, it is already twelve in the afternoon, most of the workers are now headed to the cafeteria to eat for lunch. Most of the cabin areas are now empty, replacing a distant chatter coming from the cafeteria.

Seraphina didn't gave any attention to the noises. She just ignored all of the chaos and chose her own peace. She has still some work to do. There are some lot of piles of papers and some documents to sign carefully. In addition, her whole schedule was full of meeting starting at one in the afternoon.

Seraphina breathe heavily and rubbed her temples. More and pressure and tension is what she was feeling right now. Pending paperwork are not yet done, but some of those are due in the evening.

She can't afford to waste her time eating, for her time is gold. Without any time to waste, she immediately continue to type something on her keyboard and write something on the paper. She was still halfway through the processing of datas.

While she was working, she heard a knock coming from the outside of her door. Then, it slowly opened by her secretary, holding something.

"What is it?" Seraphina asked while her eyes are still glued to the computer. "Ma'am. Watsons, sir Ashford dropped you a lunchbox for your lunch, Ma'am." Her secretary said formally while placing carefully and gently the lunch boxes to her table.

Seraphina immediately stopped her movements, she scanned the lunch that Zachariah gave to her. She signaled at her secretary to go out, and her secretary immediately obeyed her, leaving her all alone.

"What was he thinking again?" Seraphina mumbled through herself, while slowly opening the clothing that was wrapped to protect the boxes. As soon as she finally finished unwrapping, she saw a pink colored note, there were some words that has written.

Seraphina, I'm sure that you didn't have eaten yet. Your mom said that you always skipped your lunch so that you can work, and it's bad for your health. I cooked something for you, I hope you will like these foods. And, I don't want that my fiancé is starving all day.
Remember always to take a break.

Zachariah.

Seraphina looked and read the notes for a hundred of time, still comprehending on what she had feeling and witnessing right now. It's the first time that someone has given her a lunch. It felt strange for her.

She opened the lid and immediately got welcomed by a delicious aroma of the meat and steak with some fried rice and fruits! It's been awhile since she had last seen a home-cooked meal, because she doesn't have a time to cook for herself, so she just order something or eat in a restaurant.

The long stacks of paperwork are long forgotten. Her eyes are now focused by the food that was infront of her. She took the utensils that were placed along the containers and took a bite. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. She doesn't know that Zachariah was a good cook.

After finishing the whole container, Seraphina was now feeling content. It's been awhile since she got satisfied with the food, she is not a picky eater but she has some preferences and judgments about foods that she has eaten, surely Zachariah's cooking skills are on fire. 

Seraphina thought that was the only time Zachariah sent her food, but it was clearly the opposite. Every lunch, Zachariah always sends her some food by giving it to her secretary. Along with some notes too.

Seraphina paid no mind. It became a daily routine for her, and in return she ate it. She is a cold person, but not heartless. She appreciates some effort, but it'll stay just like that.

She released a yawn and looked at the glass from the outside. The bright surroundings are now gone, replacing the night with some lights from the other buildings and a busy street.

She is so focused on getting done with her work, not realizing that the sun was already set and the moon has begun to rise to shine against the darkness by the absence of the sun.

She stretched her worn out body and stood up and put her blazer on. She looked at the clock and saw the time that it was now eleven in the evening. She didn't mind at all, she is used to overworking and sometimes she always goes home in the dawn.

She turned off all the devices and lights and went out. The whole building was dead and empty, but throughout the silence, she found refuge. She went to her own parking lot and went to her car.

As soon as she sat down, her phone buzzed, alarming that someone just messaged her. She doesn't even know who messaged her at this time, it's close to midnight. Usually, she would get some messages in the daylight, not near to midnight.

She opened her phone and was greeted by a message on her lock screen.

Unknown Number:
It's me, Zachariah. Did you get home safe?

Seraphina furrowed her eyebrows. She didn't remember that she gave Zachariah her own personal number. Normally, it was only her parents knewㅡ oh right, maybe her mom just exposed her privacy.

She pinches the bridge of her nose and type in response feeling a little bit annoyed by the invasion of her privacy and disturbing her.

Me:
I'm tired. Don't talk to me right now.

Zachariah:
I'm sorry for my careless behavior. I swear I'll be careful next time and be attentive to the time. Don't forget to take a rest and sleep very well.
Seen

Without any further help, Seraphina immediately turned on her car and drove. She rolled her windows down to feel the gentle breeze in the late of the night, wishing to take all her tiredness away.

She didn't reply to the man. She didn't want to. She didn't have too. And, she doesn't need too. For her, Zachariah was a responsibility and obligation to her in the future.

She is not dumb or oblivious. She is not a fool, she is aware of Zachariah's feelings. But, she paid no mind and she doesn't care. She doesn't have to take responsibility for that man's feelings. Because, that was Zachariah's choice. There was always an option. And she knew, his feelings were just an infantuation.

And sometimes, people always choose the hard option by the lack of critical thinking.