Lucy woke up earlier than usual.
Not because she wanted to.
Because she couldn't stay relaxed.
"Lucy!" her mother called from the kitchen.
"I'm coming," she replied, dragging herself out of bed.
The house already smelled of food.
"Start with the vegetables," her mother said.
Lucy picked up a knife. "You've been planning this since morning, haven't you?"
Her mother smiled. "A guest is coming."
Ruben walked in, stretching. "Not just a guest… your guest."
Lucy rolled her eyes. "He's not my guest."
Ruben leaned closer. "So if he doesn't come, you won't be disappointed?"
Lucy didn't answer.
He smirked. "Thought so."
"Ruben, get out of my kitchen," their mother said.
"I'm going, I'm going," he laughed.
A knock came.
Lucy paused.
Her mother looked at her. "Go and open the door."
Lucy wiped her hands and walked to the door.
She opened it.
Jurbe stood there.
Simple.
Clean.
But still… too composed.
"You're late," she said.
He glanced at his wrist. "No. You're just early."
Lucy frowned slightly. "Come in."
He stepped inside and greeted her mother politely.
"Good afternoon, ma."
"Welcome, my son," her mother said warmly. "You're looking very fine."
"Thank you, ma."
Ruben appeared from behind.
He looked at Jurbe from head to toe.
Then nodded slowly.
"Hmm."
Lucy gave him a warning look.
They all sat down.
"So what do you do?" her mother asked.
Jurbe leaned back slightly. "I work."
Ruben chuckled. "We can see that. What kind of work?"
Lucy glanced at him quickly.
Jurbe's lips curved slightly. "Different kinds."
"Hmm," Ruben said again, not fully convinced.
Lucy cut in. "He likes giving half answers."
"And you like asking too many questions," Jurbe replied calmly.
Ruben laughed. "I like him already."
Lucy shook her head.
Food was served.
"Eat, eat," her mother said happily.
Jurbe tasted the food.
Paused.
Then nodded.
"This is very good."
Her mother beamed. "Lucy helped."
Jurbe looked at Lucy.
"Then I should thank you too."
Lucy shrugged. "Don't thank me. Just eat."
Ruben leaned in. "She doesn't cook like this every day."
Lucy kicked his leg under the table.
"Ruben."
He laughed. "I'm just saying the truth."
The atmosphere grew lighter.
For a moment—
It felt normal.
But every now and then—
Lucy would catch Jurbe looking at her.
Not smiling.
Just… watching.
And it made her uneasy.
After eating, they sat for a while.
Talking.
Small things.
Nothing too deep.
Then Jurbe stood up.
"I should get going."
"Already?" her mother said. "You just came."
"I'll come again," he replied.
They walked him to the door.
Ruben folded his arms. "Next time, I'll be the one asking questions."
Jurbe smiled slightly. "I'll be ready."
Lucy stood quietly.
As he stepped out, he turned to her.
"You should make something better next time," he said.
Lucy frowned. "That was good enough."
"I expect more on Sunday," he added.
"You're already planning another visit?"
He didn't answer.
Just smiled.
Then he left.
Lucy watched him go.
Ruben nudged her. "That guy… is not normal."
Lucy exhaled slowly.
"I know."
Monday
Lucy walked into the company.
The tension returned immediately.
Eyes followed her.
Whispers started again.
Clara rushed to her.
"You came."
Lucy nodded. "Of course."
Clara leaned closer. "He's back."
Lucy's chest tightened.
"…Who?"
Clara looked at her.
"The boss."
Lucy's hands went cold.
Before she could speak
A voice came from behind.
"Lucy."
She froze.
Slowly…..
She turned.
And saw him.
Standing there.
Calm.
Watching her.
This time—
He didn't walk away.
He stepped closer.
"Come with me," he said.
No explanation.
No emotion.
The whole place went silent.
Lucy stood still for a second.
She followed.