I stepped out of his office, my face burning red. Slowly, I made my way to the restroom to wash my face. Before I could get there, Amara stopped me.

  "Judging by your expression, he heard the conversation, didn't he?"

  "You're right," I replied quietly.

  "He won't let this slide,"I added.

  "I'm sorry," she apologized.

  "It's okay," I told her before walking away.

  When I reached the restroom, I splashed cold water on my face and leaned against the sink. Chakk's words echoed in my mind:

  "You smiled while talking about me."

  "I just smiled... or is even that against his rules?" I wondered.

  I quickly returned to my desk and started writing about chocolate.

  Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

  --30 minutes later --

  I noticed a message on my phone. Picking it up, I saw Chak's text:

  "Meet me at the car in five minutes."

  I had almost forgotten—I needed to cook lunch for him. What will he want? I wondered.

  Three minutes later, I stood up and headed to his car. When I arrived, he wasn't there yet. I waited briefly, and when he finally arrived, he simply gestured for me to get in.

  Nervously, I sat down and buckled my seatbelt. Chak started the engine, and we drove home in complete silence.

  When we arrived, he parked in the driveway. I followed him inside and hesitantly asked:

  "What would you like for lunch, sir?"

  He looked at me, and I quickly averted my gaze.

  "Look at me," he ordered coldly.

  Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet his deep brown ones.

  "Cook me Khao Moo Daeng," he said.

  "Oh no," I thought. I hope I can pull this off.

  "Is something wrong?" he asked in his usual cold tone.

  "No, not at all," I lied. If only he knew...

  I went to the kitchen and started preparing lunch. I opened the fridge and took out a piece of meat and some vegetables. Chak followed, sitting at the counter, watching my every move.

  "You have 30 minutes,"he stated.

  "O-okay," I stammered.

  I don't even know how to cook this! I only know how to make rice!

  Taking a deep breath, I continued.

  The meat gave me the most trouble—I wasn't sure how to cut it properly. In the end, I simply seared it on both sides.

  The heat from the pan was intense, but the pressure of Chak's gaze was even hotter.

  When the meat was ready, I carefully placed it on a plate. Now, it was time for the sauce.

  Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic… Did I forget something?

  I glanced at Chak, but he remained expressionless.

  I clenched my jaw and continued. Once the sauce had thickened, I poured it over the meat and garnished the dish with scallions.

  Taking a deep breath, I stepped back.

  "Sir, lunch is ready," I said quietly.

  Chak stood up, his face unreadable.

  My heart pounded. Will he accept it?

  He approached the plate and eyed it suspiciously.