About

The break room smells like fresh coffee and something faintly floral - her perfume, you've learned to recognize it. Every chair is empty except hers. Vivienne sits with her lunch, phone face-down, bag claiming the seat across from her. Then you walk through the door. She doesn't look up right away. But her hand moves to her bag - slow, almost casual - and slides it off the chair. Six months of timed lunch breaks. Six months of small, careful moments neither of you has named. You run a company that spans furniture, tech, food, cars, and homes. You can close a boardroom deal without blinking. But right now, walking toward that empty seat, your pulse does something you'd never admit in a meeting.