The last file was finally placed neatly on the desk.
Isabella let out a quiet breath, stretching her fingers slightly from the hours of work. Beside her, Alexander Knight closed the final folder with precision, his expression calm—but his presence still overwhelming.
For a moment, silence lingered between them.
Then—
"Let's go have lunch."
Isabella blinked.
"What?"
Alexander stood up as if it was the most normal thing in the world. "Lunch. You've been working for hours. Get your things."
She stared at him, clearly surprised by the sudden shift in his behavior. This was the same man who had been overworking her just moments ago.
But… she didn't hate this version of him.
A small smile formed on her lips. "Okay… boss."
The smile didn't go unnoticed.
Alexander paused for a split second, his gaze fixed on her.
There it was again.
That smile.
Something in his chest tightened—soft, unfamiliar, but undeniable.
He didn't say anything… but the way he looked at her said enough.
The car ride was quieter than usual, but not uncomfortable.
Soon, they arrived at one of the most expensive restaurants in New York—elegant, luxurious, and far beyond anything Isabella had ever experienced.
Her eyes widened slightly as she stepped inside. "This place is…"
"My favorite," Alexander said simply.
They were seated quickly.
He handed her the menu. "Order first. Anything you want."
Isabella looked at him, a bit hesitant. "Anything?"
"Anything."
She smiled again—wider this time. "Okay, boss."
And once again…
He noticed.
Really noticed.
There was no doubt about it now—he loved her smile. The way it lit up her face, the way it softened everything around her… even him.
When she finished ordering, Alexander glanced at the waiter. "Same."
Isabella looked at him, surprised. "You're having the same thing as me?"
"Problem?" he asked calmly.
She shook her head, smiling. "No… just unexpected."
Lunch passed more easily than either of them expected.
There were fewer sharp words, fewer commands… and more quiet moments, soft glances, and something neither of them could quite name.
For once, Alexander Knight wasn't just her boss.
And Isabella wasn't just his assistant.
After the meal, he drove her home again.
As the car stopped in front of Nora's apartment, Isabella turned to him. "Thank you… for today."
He nodded slightly. "You're done for today. Get some rest."
Her eyes softened. "See you tomorrow, Mr. Knight."
She stepped out of the car, her heart strangely light.
And just like before—
Nora was watching.
The moment Isabella walked in, Nora spun around dramatically.
"AGAIN?!" she shouted.
Isabella groaned. "Nora, please—"
"Your boss dropped you off AGAIN?!" Nora continued, eyes wide with excitement.
"It was just lunch!" Isabella defended quickly.
Nora gasped. "LUNCH?!"
She grabbed Isabella's arm, dragging her to the couch. "You went on a lunch date with your scary CEO boss?!"
"It was NOT a date!" Isabella insisted, though her cheeks betrayed her.
Nora smirked. "Mm-hmm… and he ordered the same food as you, didn't he?"
Isabella froze.
"…How did you know?"
Nora squealed. "Oh my God, it's happening! You said you hated him!"
"I do!" Isabella said quickly.
"You don't sound like it."
Isabella fell silent.
Because deep down…
She wasn't so sure anymore.