Portia's face went pale suddenly, seeing the director coming in from behind the secretaries.

"Director, you're here," said Helena. She was not as unfazed as the others because she perfectly knew the director as his secret cousin. That company had more secrets than many others; in fact, many of those were for a specific reason.

"So what's the real matter here?" asked the director. No one dared talk, but his voice cut through the silence. Ioan was overwhelmed by the sudden glacial cold, as he was suddenly in the Arctic. He was just an ordinary employee; he did not have the power to stand in that situation.

"We are sorry to disturb you, but sir Paul couldn't come, and sir Ioan was sent instead," said Helena before turning toward the manager. But the manager doesn't want him." Then she stopped and sighed, "In "HER" office," and continued getting back to the director. Everyone noticed The power dynamic in that room.

"Portia, explain." She had no room to escape that situation. She took a silent breath and walked toward him confidently.

"This man is not for this role," said her without remorse.

"Explain..." continued the director, not letting her off with anything. She felt suffocated.

"Paul was the one who..." started her to expose herself, but the director's sigh interrupted her again.

"Sir...? " he said, turning toward the new face he saw among them. "I'm Ioan; I was sent instead of Paul." Simple and concise, Ioan was already sweating.

"All right, so explain what the matter is. Portia," asked her, the director rubbing his forehead.

"Well, it's not the person we..." the director interrupted her again. "So what?" That was the real question he asked from the start.

"Excuse me sir?" asked her back.

The director was getting mad, not because of a conflict but because he was summoned back to the office to settle a problem created by an idiot.

"Portia, I will say this just once," said the director, stroking his forehead again. This is not your place to talk." That meant that she should work and shut up.

"But this is my office, and my team," tried her to coax.

"So? Do I have to remind you that you are a mere manager here?" That sentence put her back on her line, and she dared not talk back.

The director sighed and turned back to the office employee. "Everyone listen," he said, all eyes turning toward him.

"From today, for a full month, sir Ioan will work with us as the exchange contract was set. Was I clear?"

"Yes Director," answered all in choir. Hearing that, he just nodded and went back.

The secretaries followed him out while Portia snorted her nose and returned to her desk.

"Director how is Maria?" asked Helena.

"She seem to have a light fever." both women were concerned about her.

"So.. it is all settled or there are other problems?" the director looked tired.

"We will handle everything else sir" answered Louise while Helena was nodding her head near her.

"All right, I will let it to you. Thanks." The director was reassured by having them work with her.

As the time passed, it was already lunchtime. Maria was standing on the couch with a blanket, waiting for Kilee, but she failed in her attempt and fell asleep.

The day was gone, the sun had already set down, and the moon took its place when Maria awakened.

She got up and looked around the room illuminated dimly. She noticed the moonlight streaming through the windows.

The blank had slipped softly off her shoulders. The living room was quiet except for Kilee pressing the keys while sitting quietly on the kitchen island.

Realizing how much time had passed, Maria stretched before exiting the couch and walking over to her.

Kilee looked up and smiled while finishing tapping.

"You're up!" said Kilee, looking at her.

Maria nodded in reply. "What are you working on?" she asked. Kilee shrugged. "I'm just reviewing some stuff," she replied.

She turned toward Maria, caressing her forehead to see if she still had a fever. Maria shook her head, and Kilee smiled. "Do you feel better now?" she asked. Maria nodded in response. Her heart was pounding, and her cheeks were flushing. She quickly looked away, embarrassed.

Kilee laughed and ruffed Maria's hair. "I'm happy you're better," she said. "There's no need to be embarrassed. "

"Are you hungry?" I buy some food for you.

Maria sat down while Kilee handed her a bowl of rice, chicken, and veggies with a glass of green tea. As she took her first bite, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for Kilee's kindness.

She felt good knowing that she earned a friend and a kind one.

The warmth had nothing to do with the food but the special moments they shared.

Kilee was satisfied; she felt a sense of fulfillment. She tried her best to get noticed by Maria because she deeply cared for her.

That cozy room, filled with soft, golden light from a nearby lamp casting a gentle shadow on the walls, gave Kilee something she had never experienced: love.

The night passed, and a new day started for them.

Chaos reigned in the office. Portia was making things difficult for everyone, and Ioan had trouble dealing with her.

"Can't you just do your things?" said her.

"This is a project that needs a check before handing it to the client," explained him. 

"So what, go get checked by the director. I do not have time, Ioan! " She was a capricious woman, playing with fine.

"Enough!" Ioan exclaimed firmly, signaling his frustration. He left the office with the file and went to the secretary's department to ask for the director.

"Hello, Ioan how can I help you?" asked Helena, who was passing by.

"I need to ask the director for a check on this new project, " Helena needed clarification on Ioan sentence.

"But it is the manager who does that," she said.

"I understand, but... she sent me to the director." Helena was speckless. "Alright, come with me," she said, asking him to follow her.

They took the elevator and went straight to the ninth floor. They checked the secretary's desk, but it was empty, and they heard someone talk inside.

She knocked at the door and waited for the director to open.

"Come in," said the director.

Maria was at the desk before him, reviewing some files before sending them to the secretary's office.

"Good morning, Director!" said Helena. "He has a bit of a problem with the team marketing. " Hearing that, the director stroked his forehead.

"What is it this time?" asked irritated.

She explained in detail what was happening in the marketing office and how she had to deal with many Portia tantrums.

"I understand," said the director, sighing and ruffling between documents.

"I have this to check and sent it to them. Ask for a bureau stamp; it is an important thing," he said to the woman before him, who did not turn back to them but continued to work undisturbed. Ioan looked at her intensely; he felt that he knew who that woman was.

"Alright, I'll have it ready." Hearing that voice, Ioan was right and shocked.

"Maria," he said, his eyes widening, waiting for her to turn around so that he could be sure. Hearing that voice behind her, Maria froze instantly. She slowly turned around, and confident enough, she knew precisely who was beside her; that voice was unmistakable.

And she was right, in front of her, behind Helena, was him, Ioan!