***Ashton's thoughts***
Seeing that braised pork brought a lot of memories. Memories of one woman. Soft and warm memories. Memories that I have tried to bury but was unsuccessful.
I miss her. The pain of losing her was a part of me. Sometimes dull like all of it were an illusion but at times searing like everything happened yesterday.
I should have never left. I wish I could turn back everything. I wish I could see her smile at me the way she used to when we were together.
So much has happened. I don't know where to start to get her back.
***Jefferson's thoughts***
It has been about five years since I have tasted a home cooked meal. Ever since my parents died, no one cooked for me anymore.
Helena does not know how happy she made me today. For her, it is just a simple repayment of the meal she owed. But for me, it was feeling home again. A feeling that I only felt once when Edison comforted me because I was drunk and grieving.
I looked at the woman beside me. How can a small woman like her bring out so much emotion from me? It was as if I was destined to meet her. She is starting to fill the empty spaces I felt when I lost my family.
I will do everything in my power to make sure that she stays safe and happy. I promise.
***Edison's thoughts***
A packed lunch.
This is the first time somebody packed me some lunch. A lot of people may think that I grew up having everything that I want. Well, they thought wrong.
I was left with butlers and nanny and servants all my life while my parents are busy with their careers. I came from a family of doctors. From my great-grandparents down to my own parents. They wanted me in med school too. I put my foot down. I do not want another doctor in the family so I decided to pursue my passion which is writing.
I have never had a home cooked meal ever since I became a teenager. I had enough money in my bank account to afford dining out every meal. Its not that the servant are not cooking anything. I guess it was my way of rebelling against my parents.
The last time that we all sat together was also the last time that I ate at home.
Helena's cooking brought so much warmth and happiness to me. I want to enjoy her cooking everyday. But I do not want others to eat her food. And I know exactly what to do.
***Ericka's thoughts***
Why do I feel like there was more to what Mr. Kempt wanted us to believe. Why do I feel like he knows Helena?
Maybe the do know each other! They just do not want others to know. Hmmmp! Hypocrites! Coming up with a no relationship rule inside the company when they are doing just the opposite.
I'll make sure they will regret making a fool out of us all.
I lost all my youth and sold myself to the devil just to be given the chance to rise up. I will not loose to someone who pretends to be innocent. I will do my best to make her stay here in the company a living hell.
Helena Smith, you are one scheming b****. Just you wait and see. You will definitely regret your decision of working here. Even Hunt and Park won't be able to protect you with what I have planned for you.
***Helena's thoughts***
I was suddenly flooded with happy but painful memories of my younger self.
I was so naive and innocent. I believed in the goodness of people's heart. Growing up with nothing, I am easily satisfied. A few whispered words of love, reassurance and I would go to the end of the world for him.
He promised that he will always love me. That he will always be there for me. I held on to those promises. Held on even when everything and everyone was telling me to let go. That I was a fool to believe his words.
I soon realized that they were right. How could he love me when I was broken to begin with. I have not received love even from the people who conceived me. I shouldn't have expected so much. I thought that I finally met someone who would be there for me and love for who I am. Like how Bryanna was there for me and how she has loved me.
I gave him everything that I had. All the best years of my life. Even the best part of me, I gave it to him. But I got nothing but pain. My first love turned out to be my greatest heartbreak. My greatest disappointment. I have not even move on.
The sad truth is, I don't know where or how to move on.
***At the pantry***
"I wonder what's eating him?" Jeff said. "He looked like he is ready to kill someone over some packed lunch."
"Who knows?" I said.
"Do you really not know each other, Lena?" Jeff asked.
"We were from the same school." I said. "We worked on some school project, nothing more." I said hoping that it would dispel their suspicions.
"Alright." Jeff said. Dropping the subject. " By the way, Lena, thanks for the lunch. It was superb. Let us know if you feel like cooking again, we will be happy to eat all of it for you."
I smiled happily and started cleaning up our mess. Edison helped me in cleaning up. I stood since I intend to clean myself up before the going back to work.
" I will just go to the rest room and freshen up." I said.
Both men stood up but before I could talk another step, Edison grabbed me by the arm and said, " Why don't you use the powder room at the conference room? Much more convenient."
I know he was doing this because of what I told him. I really appreciate how seriously he has taken me. I happily went back with them.