Blurb：
Discover a compelling second chance romance where childhood sweethearts reunite under unexpected circumstances. Joey, now a successful manager, fails to recognize his first love when they meet in an elevator years later. As Chris’s devoted girlfriend brings homemade meals to the development department, she maintains a polite distance from Joey – her former boyfriend who once broke her heart by choosing her best friend.
This emotional workplace drama explores themes of forgiveness and moving on. Watch as Joey establishes himself as a respected, hardworking leader while Chris prepares for wedding leave. The story delicately balances past heartbreak with present contentment, asking whether some connections can ever truly be forgotten.
Perfect for readers searching for office romance, reunited lovers, and emotional contemporary fiction featuring complex characters like Joey, Chris, and a heroine navigating between past and present relationships.
Content：
Joey was my first love.
Years later, we met again in an elevator.
He didn’t recognize me. After pressing the button for the 26th floor, he noticed I hadn’t moved. Which floor? he asked.
Also the 26th, I replied softly.
He stared at me, studying me closely until I grew tense all over. Then he said, I don’t remember seeing you among the company employees.
My hand tightened around the lunchbox I was carrying. I’m family of an employee.
He nodded and said nothing more.
I stared at his tall, retreating back for a few lost seconds.
He didn’t remember me, but I could never forget him.
He was my boyfriend for three months. Then, while with me, he started getting close to my best friend, and they ended up together.
That sweltering, humid summer, I lost both my best friend and my love.
Joey and I stepped out of the elevator one after the other.
His long legs carried him forward in wide strides.
I followed at my own pace behind him.
He turned left into an office. I spotted the nameplate by the door.
So he was the new manager that Chris had mentioned a few days ago.
I turned right into the work area. The development department was still bustling at 9 p.m.
Most of Chris’s colleagues knew me. When they saw me carrying the lunchbox, they groaned with envy. Damn! How come Chris gets home-cooked meals delivered by his girlfriend, and we’re stuck with takeout??
Amid the good-natured teasing, Chris smiled shyly and pulled me toward the break room.
It was quieter there. Every time I brought him food, he’d take me there.
The lunchbox contained a rich clam chowder. I’d bought fresh clams from the market that afternoon. The aroma was incredible..
Smells amazing, Chris said, inhaling deeply with genuine gratitude. A man couldn’t ask for more.
Any idea when you’ll be done? I reached out and gently touched his hair. You look exhausted.
Can’t be helped. The new boss just started and handed down a new project. Everyone’s pushing to meet the deadline. He affectionately bumped his forehead against mine. Once I wrap up this project, I can take time off for the wedding leave.
Chris and I had met at a friend’s gathering.
He has a good income, I have a stable jobit seemed like a reliable, practical match.
After a few dates, we found each other easygoing and compatible, and things just progressed.
We started discussing the wedding date last month.
He treated me wonderfully. Even before marriage, he shares his income with me and voluntarily covers most of our shared expenses.
In return, knowing how hard he worked, I often brought him dinner after my work.
It feels like a secure, comfortable dynamic.
He didn’t mind that I was ordinary-looking, I didn’t mind that he was a bit reserved.
Two regular people supporting each other through life.
Chris had been working overtime for almost a month. I visited him every few days.
Even when I didn’t bring a meal, we’d meet at a restaurant near his office for a change of pace.
But every time I went, I ran into Joey.
He was a strict manager with high expectations for his team.
But according to Chris, Joey was fairwhile he pushed his team hard, he worked even harder himself.
Most importantly, Joey was genuinely skilled at his job, which earned him everyone’s respect.
I could hear the admiration in Chris’s voice when he talked about Joey, but I’d seen that kind of admiration too many times before. It didn’t surprise me.
At first, I was nervous, I worried about how I should react if Joey recognized me.
But as time passed, I stopped worrying. Even when Chris called my name right in front of Joey, Joey there was no flicker of recognition on Joey’s face.
He had truly forgotten me completely.
I relaxed. Eventually, after Joey had seen me often enough to become familiar, I could even offer him a polite smile.
Joey was the kind of boss who kept his distance. He didn’t socialize with employees, so whenever he saw me, he’d just give a polite nod.
That suited me fine. Since Chris worked under him, simpler was better.
On the day the overtime crunch finally ended, Chris called me excitedly to say he’d be home for dinner.
I left work early to buy groceries and headed to his place.
I loved cooking. I love seeing the look of happiness on the face of someone I care about when they enjoy a good meal.
Chris wasn’t much of a cook, so he always handled the cleanup.
I heard the sound of keys at the door. I walked out of the kitchen with spatula in hand, just as Chris walked in carrying some fruit.
Before I could say hello, I noticed Joey standing behind him.
My cheerful You’re back! stuck in my throat. I stood there frozen for a few seconds.
Chris didn’t notice my reaction. He bent down to fetch slippers for Joey. You can wear these, sir. They’re brand new, I haven’t worn them yet.
They were the couple slippers I’d bought last month. I was already wearing the women’s pair.
I curled my toes self-consciously.
But Chris had no idea. I couldn’t tell him I disliked him sharing our couple slippers with someone else.
After all, Joey was a guestand his boss. So of course he wanted to be hospitable.
Joey greeted me naturally. Hello. Sorry to intrude.
Chris grinned. I ran into Mr. Joey after clocking out. He asked if I wanted to grab dinner, so I invited him over.
I’m not exaggerating, sirGrace’s cooking is incredible! You’ll see.
Joey gave a faint smile. I don’t need to try it to believe it. Every time your girlfriend brings you food, I can smell it all the way in my office.
Any dietary restrictions, sir? I asked.
Nothing specific. Joey said.
He was lying.
He hates the taste of strong herbs like rosemary and oregano, and he can’t handle spicy food.
But Chris loved spicy food.
I could have pretended not to know, but Joey was Chris’s boss.
If the meal didn’t suit him tonight, would he make things harder for Chris later?
I hesitated for a moment, and changed the planned spicy grilled fish to a lemon-herb baked fish instead.
For the ribs, I only added a small pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth, making them more sweet and sour than spicy.
I stir-fried some green beans, made a simple cream of potato soup, and prepared a small, separate bowl of spicy buffalo-style dipping sauce.
It was enough for three.
As the food was served, Chris excitedly brought out a bottle of red wine he’d been saving, saying he wanted to thank Joey for his guidance lately.
I held my tongue.
Chris was a lightweightone glass and he’d be done.
But the wine was already uncorked. For me to object now would seem like I was spoiling the mood.
So I stayed quiet and focused on the meal.
Joey spoke little. Most of the conversation came from Chris.
Suddenly, the side of my foot was brushed against under the table. My whole body stiffened. I glanced down instinctively, but could only see the tablecloth.
Must have been an accidental bump…?
I quietly pulled my feet back.
Chris ended up drunk after all.
He slumped over the table, cheeks flushed.
I brought him a glass of honey water, coaxing him softly to drink it, then offered an apologetic smile to Joey.
When Joey wasn’t smiling, his eyes looked especially cool and detached. He took out a cigarette case and glanced at me as if asking permission.
I had to say I didn’t mind.
He sat there smoking, watching as I helped Chris to the sofa and tucked a blanket around him.
Then I started to clean the table.
Since Joey showed no intention of leaving, I couldn’t exactly kick him out. But with Chris asleep, the two of us just standing around felt increasingly awkward.
I scrambled to find things to do.
After washing dishes and wiping counters, I even sliced apples into little rabbit shapes for Joey.
Joey speared a piece with a fork, looked at it for a long moment, then suddenly spoke. Grace.
It was the first time he’d said my name since we’d met again.
Is this how you are with every boyfriend?
How?
Worrying, laboring, giving whatever they ask. He concluded coldly, Like a live-in maid.
He paused, then added, Nonot just boyfriends. You’re like a free servant for your friends too.
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