Chapter 7 - Mia Found Out!

North was worried sick looking at his boss’ condition at present - pale face, beads of sweat formed on his forehead, fast and short breathing, and his body shaking badly.

Hearing his boss’ words, North moved fast.

He reached into his pocket, took off a small medicine bottle, and handed his boss two pills.

Gerard popped the pills into his mouth without even needing water, nearly dropping them in the process due to his shaking hand.

North was anxious, looking at his boss. He knew what his boss was thinking when he had his episode. The only thing that could set off his boss’ panic attack was the thought of Ivy’s death.

No one knew of Gerard’s condition except his psychologist, North, William, and no one else - not even his trusted bodyguards or Old Master Huxley.

William and North always carried a bottle of Gerard’s anti-panic medication in case he had an attack and needed it. They were always prepared to give him his medication anytime and anywhere as long as they were with him.

North wanted to say something to comfort his boss, but knowing whatever he said might only trigger another attack, he kept quiet while watching his boss through the rearview mirror with his own heart pounding.

He gradually heard his boss’ breathing even out, and the trembling of his body disappeared.

Gerard swiped his hands over his face and pinched and rubbed his temples. He finally opened his eyes, which had turned bloodshot, and opened a bottle of water.

“North, why did you leave her that day?” Gerard asked softly after he took a sip of the water.

Gerard always asked North this question whenever he thought about that dreadful day.

“I’m sorry, boss. I thought Mrs. Huxley would spend the night with you, given it was your wedding anniversary,” North replied with the same answer he gave every time the question popped up.

Gerard’s eyebrow furrowed, and his breathing grew shallow again. He knew it was his fault. Ivy must’ve been thrilled thinking of their anniversary, especially with the pregnancy report, but the surprise he gave her broke her heart.

The medication had kicked in so Gerard wouldn't have another panic attack.

“Home,” he said weakly.

North started the car immediately and drove his boss home.

The following day, Mia took extra care of her appearance. She made herself look even gentler and put some cosmetics in her bags for the employees.

She looked at the lunchbox she had prepared for Gerard and felt bitterness in her heart. Did he really give the lunches she had prepared to William? Or was it just a coincidence?

Since she started delivering lunch to Gerard, a driver always returned the lunchbox to her every night. There was never anything left in the lunchbox since she knew exactly what Gerard loved and hated to eat.

She thought Gerard loved her cooking so much since he always finished the food despite him telling her not to cook for her anymore. But was it just her delusion?

Today she was going to find out about it. If indeed Gerard gave her well-prepared lunchbox to William, then there was no point in cooking for him anymore. She didn't want anyone else tasting the food she had prepared meticulously for Gerard.

She took another look at her reflection. She knew she wasn't as beautiful as Ivy, not was she nearly as attractive as Ivy, but she could pretend to be pure, sweet, and meek. Wasn't that what men liked from a girl? It could arouse their desire to protect her, and she was sure Gerard was no exception to the rule.

Today she wore a soft-pink summer dress. She loved wearing summer dresses, they made her look gentle and feminine, and the color made her look sweet.

Satisfied with her appearance, she set off to Gerard’s office.

Gerard was signing some documents in his office when William spoke.

“Boss, don't forget we need to go to Modestria tomorrow morning,” William reminded him.

Gerard’s hand stilled for a split second before he nodded and resumed work.

William sighed in his heart. Everyone knew Modestria was a special country for Gerard. William would rather not mention the country's name if he could, but the Huxley Group had business deals with some companies there.

Furthermore, the meeting Gerard needed to attend was very important.

A knock sounded on the door. William checked his watch and let out a sigh again. He opened the door, and as expected, Mia appeared.

“Good afternoon, Gerard, William,” she greeted them in her usual gentle voice.

“Miss Gant,” William nodded in greeting while Gerard just gave her a quick glance and smiled slightly before looking at the documents in his hand again.

Mia was used to Gerard’s indifferent greeting. She thought he was like that to everyone, but at least he still smiled at her and even treated her gentler than he treated everyone else. That was why she had high hopes Gerard would be with her soon.

As usual, she placed the lunchbox in front of Gerard, but she didn't open it this time.

Instead, she asked, “Gerard, what did you think of the sweet and sour pork yesterday? It was my first time cooking it with a different recipe. I don't know whether you like it or not.”

Mia waited for Gerard’s answer with bathed breath. She didn't cook sweet and sour pork yesterday, and Gerard should know if he ate her lunchbox.

She wasn't the only one holding her breath. William standing by the door, thought there was no sweet and sour pork on yesterday’s menu. Did Mia find out?

“It was fine,” Gerard answered nonchalantly.

William thought the boss was doomed! Mia found out!

Mia’s heart was broken, and she became angry. She had learned to cook for Gerard and prepare each lunchbox carefully, yet he gave her hard work to a mere assistant.

She pretended to sigh in relief. “That’s good. I was scared you won't like it.” No matter how angry she was, she knew she needed to keep up the appearance of a gentle lady.

“Oh, Gerard,” Mia spoke as if she suddenly remembered something. “I won't be able to bring you lunch anymore starting tomorrow.”

Gerard looked up and saw her for a few seconds before he nodded. “It's best for you to do that. You need to focus on taking care of the Gant Group, don't you?”

Mia had expected his words, but they still hurt her when Gerard said them straight to her face.

“Yes, I’m going to focus on the Gant Group,” she agreed with Gerard. She hadn't prepared a reason for not bringing lunch anymore, but since Gerard said it, she might as well use it as an excuse.

Silence ensued in the room as Gerard kept doing his work. Mia knew it was time for her to go, but she was unwilling.

“Umm, Gerard. Can we have lunch together tomorrow? It has been a while since we go out together.” Mia said. She wanted everyone to see her together with Gerard.

“I can't tomorrow. I need to go to Modestria,” Gerard replied without even looking at her.

Modestria? Mia’s eyes lit up. She has always wanted to go there. She was jealous every time Gerard gave Ivy roses from Modestria. They were simply beautiful. Maybe this time, she could get some from Gerard?

“Can I go with you? I’ve always wanted to go there but have not had the time yet,” Mia asked with an innocent, hopeful expression.

This time, Gerard stopped his work and looked deeply at her, which made Mia’s heart pound like crazy. Gerard was just too handsome, and when he looked at her deeply with those dark eyes, she couldn't help but want to throw herself into his arms.

“Mia, I’m going there for work, not for fun. I won't be able to accompany you if you go with me,” he said in his deep husky voice.

“It’s fine,” Mia waved her hand as though she didn't care if Gerard accompanied her or not. “I’m a big girl. I can sightsee alone.”

Gerard didn't answer her for some time, making her nervous. She couldn't stand the silence and was about to say something to ensure Gerard brought her to Modestria, but Gerard spoke up first.

“It’s fine if you want to do it then. William will pick you up tomorrow morning,” Gerard said and went back to his work again.

Mia nearly jumped from happiness, but she needed to maintain her gentle image, so she just smiled and thanked Gerard softly.

“See you tomorrow, Gerard,” she bid her goodbye.

Gerard gave her a curt nod, and Mia left Gerard’s office. Once outside, Mia couldn't help the huge smile she had been repressing from appearing on her face. She went to the elevator and couldn't wait to let slip that she was going to Modestria with Gerard to the employees.

William, who received Gerard’s lunch and placed it on his desk, suddenly remembered what Mia had asked Gerard.

“Boss, I think Miss Gant knows that you never ate her lunchboxes,” William said carefully.

Gerard paused in the middle of eating his lunch. “How?”

“There was no sweet and sour pork yesterday,” William pointed out. “And I think that’s the real reason she’s not going to cook for you anymore.”

Gerard resumed eating his lunch as if the matter was nothing to him. But it really was nothing. He didn't want Mia to keep cooking for him; it’d be a waste of her time and effort. If finding out stopped her from bringing him lunch, then so be it. He didn't think too much of it.

The next morning, they boarded Gerard's private plane and flew to Modestria...