Roman was in his office, working quietly on his laptop, when a soft knock sounded at the door.

Looking up, he saw Venessa standing there, a faint smile on her face as she stepped inside.

“Good morning, Mr. Blackwood,” she greeted politely.

“Why are you here? You know you don’t have to come to work when you haven’t fully recovered,” he said.

Venessa smiled widely, realizing that Roman actually cared.

“Mom’s been all over me. It felt suffocating at home. I love this job, and without it, I feel empty. You don’t have to worry about me, Roman… Mr. Blackwood,” she stuttered.

An awkward silence filled the office for a...