Medicine really does wonders. After using the spray, the burning sensation in my mouth eased significantly., By lunchtime, even drinking water wasn't as torturous. But I still didn't dare to eat anything solid. After all, food seasoned with salt and spices would surely aggravate the pain.,

"Hey, Felicia, let's just have some bread. We can pair it with something simple like scrambled eggs,

" Deborah suggested, looking out for me., I knew she was a carnivore at heart.

"I'll stick to soup. You order whatever you fancy.

", Deborah was about to protest when Ernest chimed in,

"Any chance I can join you guys for lunch?

", It was odd hearing such a tough guy ask to share a meal in such a soft manner. I was about to decline, mainly because the whole spray incident with him left me feeling awkward, even though he seemed totally cool about it. But before I could say anything, Deborah, ever the fangirl, immediately nodded.

"Of course, Mr. Collins. What would you like?

",

"I...

" Ernest glanced my way, replying,

"I'll have the same as Ms. Hudson, just soup.

", Deborah's eyes widened,

"Just soup? No sides?

",

"Something light. Low salt, low oil,

" Ernest said, gesturing to his mouth.

"I've been cutting down on drinking water too.

", He wasn't lying.,

"Mr. Collins got the heat too, huh,

" Deborah mused, then muttered under her breath,

"Guess I'm the only lucky one here. Does that make me seem lazy?

", Eventually, we ordered some potato soup, sautéed cucumbers, and minced meat with vermicelli.,

"Mr. Collins, are you sure that's enough? Don't want you to go hungry,

" Deborah inquired after placing our order.,

"That's plenty,

" Ernest replied curtly. He was a man of few words, mostly action, especially during the days we worked together.,

"Felicia, should we add a couple more dishes? Mr. Collins looks like he can eat a lot more than this,

" Deborah sought my opinion again., My mouth was already bothering me, so I didn't want to talk much, opting for a straightforward approach.

"He's built of muscle, not appetite.

", As soon as I said that, I remembered seeing Ernest in a tank top once, washing his hair. Those muscles...,

"Felicia, I also think Mr. Collins is all muscle; just never had the chance to see for myself,

" Deborah said with a longing look that practically undressed Ernest. Facing such a blatant admirer, I felt helpless.

"Opportunities are seized, not given. Why don't you go ahead and ask him to strip? Then you can have a good look.

",

"Felicia...

" Deborah blushed., I thought she'd let it go, but then she went ahead and brought it up.

"Felicia, I think Mr. Collins might be into you.

", I choked on her remark.,

"Felicia, really. The way he looks at you... and he's always so hands-on,

" Deborah said, mimicking Ernest's gesture of wanting to pinch my chin., I swatted her hand away.

"You looking to lose your bonus?

",

"It's lunch break,

" Deborah retorted confidently.,

"Felicia, why don't you give it a shot with Mr. Collins? It could also serve as a wake-up call for Mr. Wagner, let him know you're in demand,

" Deborah was full of ideas., I laughed.

"Thought you had your eyes on Ernest?

",

"But he's not into me,

" Deborah admitted candidly.

"Felicia, Mr. Collins has got everything but the 'tycoon' tag when compared to Mr. Wagner.

", She did have a point.,

"Felicia, if you're too shy, I can help you out,

" Deborah's boldness knew no bounds., I couldn't help but laugh. I recalled how my former landlord, Ethel, tried to play matchmaker between Ernest and me. Now Deborah was on the same track. Was there really something between Ernest and me that everyone but us could see?,

"Felicia, I'm gonna ask him right now,

" Deborah was all set for action., I grabbed her arm.

"Sit down. That's enough. Ernest and I, it's not happening.

",

"Why not?

" Deborah was puzzled.

"Felicia, you can't be that superficial. Mr. Collins is only a bit less wealthy than Mr. Wagner.

", To stop Deborah from causing more trouble and to avoid further awkwardness between Ernest and me, I just hummed in agreement.,

"Since when are you so shallow, Felicia? Mr. Collins might not have Wagner's wealth, but he's got everything else,

" Deborah continued her attempt to persuade me., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.