Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 198

Silas hadn't expected Arthur to show up at this exact moment. Not a minute earlier, not a minute later, right after he had just made his excuse. The man's timing was impeccable.

He shot his assistant a dark look, his voice dropping an octave. "Didn't I tell you earlier that I wouldn't need that today? Eat it yourself. I'm going downstairs for lunch."

Arthur swore to God that his boss had never said such a thing. But as an executive assistant, reading the room was his most basic survival skill. Noticing Willow standing right there, he instantly caught on.

"My apologies, sir. You did mention that. It slipped my mind. Which restaurant are you and Director Horgan planning to visit? Should I make a reservation?"

"No need," Silas rejected immediately. Today was all about the experience. He wanted to see how she lived her everyday life.

"Understood. I won't disturb you and Director Horgan any further. Let me know if you need anything." With that, Arthur took the lunchbox and made a swift exit.

Watching him leave, Willow felt a twinge of regret. She honestly couldn't understand Silas. Did anyone really prefer eating at a crowded food court over enjoying a gourmet, perfectly plated meal?

If she had the choice, she would definitely pick the gourmet option. It saved time and tasted amazing. What a shame.

"Shall we?" Silas asked.

Snapping back to reality, Willow walked out of the office with him. "Sure."

They took the Executive Lift down. They were the only two inside. Willow stood near the control panel, while Silas leaned against the mirrored back wall.

"Which floor?" he asked.

"Basement level one," she replied.

As she reached out to press the button, she had no idea Silas was reaching for it at the exact same moment. Their fingertips brushed against each other as they both pressed the panel.

The elevator chimed, and they stepped out.

It was the peak lunch rush, and the hall was packed. Worried he wouldn't be used to the chaos, Willow deliberately walked on the outside to shield him. But in reality, Silas kept his arm subtly hovering behind her, silently blocking the brunt of the crowd from bumping into her.

"What would you like to eat?"

"What do you usually have?"

"I usually just grab whatever is quick." Rice bowls, pasta, sandwiches, soup—she just ate whatever was convenient without much thought. But she couldn't exactly do that with him today.

"Whatever you're in the mood for, we can get."