The Royal Contract

She could not stay here forever. Of course, she would need a place of her own. But she would need help. But she would discuss that later when Imelda left.

She did not want her to overhear their conversation. As far as the cook was concerned, she was Mike’s cousin who was visiting him. She still could not trust anyone else with her secrets.

“I see that you are doing well with your cooking lesson. I can smell it all over the yard.” Mike moved toward the pot and sniffed the smoke coming from it. “The smell alone is already mouthwatering.”

“I only helped Imelda.” She said, but somehow, she knew she could recreate the dish. Maybe, in time, she could put some twist of her own to it.

“You still did most of the job,” Imelda said as she tapped her hand to praise her.

Then, the older woman started moving around the kitchen, putting things on the sink and wiping the mess they created. Mostly, she made. Then, she turned the stove off, saying the dish was complete.

“Thanks again for teaching me.” She knew some chefs would not show their secrets to other cooks, but Imelda was kind and accommodating, teaching her everything she knew.

“I am happy that you learned. Now, I will leave the two of you to finish your breakfast while I do some cleaning. Just leave the dishes, and I will clear them later.” Imelda told them as she walked away from them.

.....

Then, Imelda moved to the living room carrying her cleaning materials and supplies, leaving her to finish her muffin. She decided to offer him one since he looked like he needed it.

“I already had breakfast earlier, but I can have one more.” He said as he grabbed the piece from her hand. “Thanks.” Eventually, they fell into a comfortable silence as they munched on the sweet-tasting, fruity bread.

She knew she should be watching the calories and her sweet intake, but she could not stop herself. She was always hungry and enjoyed eating anything that looked appetizing.

“But you should be watching what you eat. I think I read something about that.” Mike reminded her as he watched her finish another muffin.

“I am trying to control it, but I am always hungry.” She complained.

However, she suddenly realized that maybe she was using food to compensate for her depression. She was diverting her attention from her thoughts by indulging herself with sweet delights.

Emotional eating was also a psychological issue she used to have when she was young. But she found a way to battle it out. Maybe she should try a healthier way to do it, for her baby’s sake.

“Maybe I can help you with that.” He suddenly grabbed the last piece and ate it. “Now, you have nothing else to eat.” He said with his mouth still full.

She guessed that was one way to help her. Then, she suddenly laughed at him when he gasped for air. He grabbed his almost empty water and chugged it down.

She could only conclude that the bread must have stuck in his esophagus when he spoke. She quickly grabbed another bottle from the fridge and handed it to him.

“That should teach you not to take a pregnant woman’s food.” She jokingly said as he also finally chuckled when he could breathe easily.

But she appreciated what he was doing. Somehow, he had made her stay in his house not as awkward as she had initially thought. He welcomed her with open arms and without judgment, not expecting much.

She could only wonder how she could repay his generosity. He might be a friend of Gerald. Still, she was not his obligation. He did not have to sacrifice his lifestyle for her.

“Anyway, I wish to talk to you later if you have time.” She finally told him. She did not know if he had plans later. Perhaps, a date or something else. “But I can wait if you are busy.” She hastily added, not wanting to sound demanding.

But he cleared his throat first and drank a few more gulps of water before turning to her. “Of course, we can talk later. I might go out for an hour or so, but I will be back soon.”

That was good enough for her. Her concern might be urgent, but it could wait a few hours or a day. But she would still need to settle her situation as soon as possible.

“Anyway, I arranged for a doctor to look at you tomorrow.” Mike interrupted her thoughts, making her look up at him with concern. “Don’t worry. She is a family friend.” He tried to reassure her.

“I only want to guarantee that you are taken care of while you are under my watch. Besides, we don’t know if the baby is affected by all the trauma that you went through.” He reminded her of the day she ran away from her father’s house.

It seemed that he did not only try to help her escape, but he ensured her escape. That night, instead of going to the park, he decided to go straight to her home.

But he hid his car away from their security. So when she left the house, he started following her, but he was behind the car of her father’s security. So, he also witnessed what had happened to her since he was there.

Then, he called one of his men to intercept the other car, stopping them from following her. That explained why she suddenly lost them. And why he was late to their meeting place.

But he did not want to take any chances, so he was in a hurry to take her away from that place because her car still had its GPS on, and the security could track it down.

“Thanks again. I know you don’t have to do this, but I appreciate it.” She had no choice but to accept his help.

Besides, she also wanted to reassure herself that her baby was still safe inside her womb. After her last check-up, the day she discovered Gerald’s death. She had not returned to her doctor for another follow-up check-up.

Therefore, having a doctor come here to see her would be a relief. It was still a long way to go, but she could not wait to see her child in her arms. But for now, she would settle for a healthy baby in her tummy.