Alice repeatedly checked the watch on her left wrist. It was already 12:00, but Ashton was still nowhere to be seen entering his office.

Maybe the meeting he was attending was running long, or perhaps her boss and husband was still deep in conversation with his guests. For now, Alice decided to wait patiently, even though it had been over thirty minutes.

Finally, at 12:15, a restless Alice decided to try contacting Ashton. Besides being very hungry, she feared he had forgotten their lunch appointment. Just great, she thought.

"Hopefully Ashton answers my call," Alice muttered while searching for Ashton's contact on her phone. She dialed his number, hoping he...