Chapter 9 A Shared Lunch
Standing before the group, Lauren felt somewhat out of her depth compared to the newly arrived servants. Thanks to Quentin, she became the titular Mrs. Robinson, the butt of many jokes, and definitely didn't put on any airs as Mrs. Robinson.
Seeing that Lauren was easy-going, the servants were reassured. Before arriving, they had been worried that the Madam of Robinson Conglomerate would be difficult to serve, but it seemed that Lauren was indeed a paper tiger, just as the rumors suggested.
After being ‘served’ by everyone, Lauren enjoyed another lavish lunch, and then she returned to her room to continue studying the books she had bought the night before.
Since Quentin left the villa, Lauren had heard nothing from him. Of course, she didn't go out of her way to track his whereabouts; she just wanted to recover and take care of the new life growing inside her.
However, on the fourth day, Quentin unexpectedly returned to the villa.
Lauren was left speechless.
This made no sense!
It was so unreasonable!
Why was this man back again?
Based on Quentin's visiting frequency over the past two years, he wouldn't come back without good reason. Last time, it was because he had business at the Robinson Estate, but what about this time?
Lauren watched as Quentin casually sipped water in the living room, her eyebrows twitching uncontrollably; this man was truly beyond her understanding.
Known for her robust health, Lauren had recovered from her illness in just four days, once again full of vigor and vitality.
Although it was expected for the servants to do the laundry and cook, Lauren just couldn't settle into such a life. As a result, after only ‘enjoying’ two days of being waited on, she took the initiative to put an end to that lifestyle.
After becoming pregnant, Lauren found herself eating less yet feeling hungry more quickly. Moreover, she developed peculiar cravings. Therefore, she often took it upon herself to whip up something to eat in the kitchen.
Glancing at her cellphone, Lauren noted that it was merely ten in the morning. Although she had eaten breakfast, her stomach was still growling. After hesitating several times, she decided to head to the kitchen to prepare something to eat.
The servants tactfully stayed outside as Quentin was quite particular about his environment; he didn't like others milling around when he was resting. The butler had repeatedly instructed the servants not to disturb Quentin and Lauren's ‘private time.’
Lauren tiptoed toward the kitchen, passing by Quentin's area. She couldn't help but give him an extra glance or two. "Normal people wouldn't be hungry at this time, right?" she mumbled to herself, resolving not to embarrass herself by asking if he wanted something to eat as well.
Upon reaching the kitchen and opening the fridge, she decided to make soup.
Having researched online, Lauren knew that spicy food should be avoided during pregnancy. This meant no contact with stimulating foods like chili peppers—a significant change for someone who used to relish heat in her meals.
Quentin, seemingly casual but actually attentive, watched Lauren bustling about in the kitchen. His interest in her grew by the minute. Cooking herself? What other surprises did she hold?
Wafting from the kitchen, the aroma of the soup was enough to trigger Quentin's appetite. Over the years, he had attended countless soirees at shopping malls, yet now, this simple homemade fare seemed like an extravagant treat.
Lauren placed the fresh soup on the small kitchen table, deciding to dine there. Just as she took a seat on a small stool, she heard footsteps approaching.
Before she could react, a pair of men's shoes stepped into the kitchen. Without a word and with no hint of politeness, Quentin lifted the bowl of soup from the table and carried it to the dining table in the great room. Lauren's eyes widened in confusion, watching his actions, unsure of what to make of them, she sat frozen in place.
Quentin seemed pleased with Lauren's response, and the enticing smell of the soup had drawn him in, putting him in an unusually good mood. He almost seemed smug, a sensation he hadn't felt in a long while.
Settling down at the table, Quentin saw Lauren still dazed in the kitchen and called out in a cool tone, "Serve the soup and bring it here."
Only then did Lauren come back to her senses, following someone's command to dutifully scoop a bowl of soup and return to the living room's dining table.
Quentin took the soup with one hand and contentedly began to eat the soup Lauren had prepared. She was struck by his brazenness; he didn't hold back at all... But then again, the entire villa belonged to him, so what's one meal more or less?
Silently serving herself another bowl of soup, Lauren sat down beside him. They ate in an odd silence, the atmosphere tinged with a certain ambiguity because Lauren felt an unexpected warmth—it might have been the first time Quentin had ever kept her company for a meal.
Though it wasn't their usual mealtime, both Lauren and Quentin found their appetites whetted, quickly finishing the bowl of soup.
After eating, Quentin stood up and left the table as if it were the most natural thing, while Lauren, as usual, cleaned up the dishes. This time, however, there was an additional set to take care of, which wasn’t such a bad feeling.
Quentin noticed Lauren's actions, a flicker of something unusual crossing his expression, but it quickly vanished. Lauren, oblivious to his gaze, washed the dishes and returned to her room on the Second Floor with a sense of satisfaction.
Back in her room, she covered her wildly beating heart, the sensation akin to being in love—yes, that was it, she was infatuated again. No wonder, despite his cold and merciless demeanor, it would have been difficult for her not to feel something.
Though they did not speak throughout the meal, Lauren couldn’t help her blushing and racing heart, relieved that her acting skills had prevented her from revealing her feelings in front of Quentin. Otherwise, he would surely have mocked her.
“Lauren, snap out of it. At this point, how can you still fantasize about such unrealistic things? It's time to wake up from that dream; don't forget he's someone you'll never be able to get close to.”
Lauren softly reminded herself, fearful of falling into the illusion that Quentin could one day love her.
In her room, she was never worried about Quentin suddenly entering. He took no interest in her room; rather, it should be called their bridal suite.
In two years, Quentin had not spent a night in the bridal suite. Even when staying at the villa, he preferred the guest room. Thus, Lauren decided to continue to dwell in her own little space—perhaps that was the only place where she could enjoy some freedom.
True to form, Quentin didn't enter her room that evening. Stepping out, Lauren learned from the butler that Quentin had left the villa around noon.
Feeling a sense of loss, Lauren had resolved not to cling to him any longer, but she still couldn't control her heart where Quentin was concerned.
