Clarissa almost chocked on her own saliva at Matthew’s words.
Ellie tried to take the cellphone from Clarissa’s hand, but the latter grasped it without letting go. Suppressing her cough, she waved at the former while saying to the person on the other end of the call, “I got it, Uncle Matthew. I’ll hang up first.”
“Don’t forget about the appointment at the Zen Highlands. I’ll send someone to pick you up.”
“There’s no need. I won’t forget.”
“That’d be the best.”
Matthew’s warning was playing in her mind repeatedly after the call ended.
Obviously, she dared not disobey him.
“What’s up? What did Uncle Matt say?”
Clarissa raised the corner of her lips to force a smile. “Nothing in particular. He told me not to be shy in asking Mr. Graham for help if I need anything.”
“Huh? Didn’t Mr. Graham say the exact thing earlier? Why is Uncle Matt so naggy? Is his age catching up with him?” Ellie grumbled and shook her head.
With that, Clarissa did not utter a word out of her mouth as she was afraid of letting the cat out of the bag.
“Alright, let’s head to your apartment. Clare, seeing that I did you a favor today, why don’t you prepare a meal for me? How does that sound?”
Clarissa grinned. “Sure. Let’s get some groceries and ingredients first. There isn’t much stuff in my place.”
“Not a problem. Let’s splurge some money. It’s shopping time…”
After lunch, Ellie rested leisurely at Clarissa’s apartment.
The former leaned against the couch lazily while the latter lay on the carpet, not caring about their image at all.
“I don’t feel like leaving tonight. Besides, I have what I want for dinner in mind already—”
“I have plans later,” interrupted Clarissa, who immediately came up with an excuse. “I’ve to meet with my co-workers tonight.”
“Why are you still contacting people like them? Stop letting them take advantage of you, okay? Should I go with you?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just a small matter. There’s no harm in meeting them, anyway.”
“Okay. But please call me first if something happens, alright?”
At her words, Clarissa nodded with a smile. After a while, Ellie got up to pack the leftover pork ribs with smoky barbecue sauce and baked chicken wings into containers.
Then, she noted, “Since you’re not gonna have dinner here tonight, I’ll not let the dishes go to waste. So, I’ve decided to finish them at home.
“Is this necessary?”
Of course! I’ll never say no to delicious food! If I were a man, I would marry you and make you prepare different cuisines for me every day!”
“If you were a man, I would not marry you! I’m not your personal chef! Furthermore, I need to look for someone to prepare me good food all day! Gosh, cooking is such a hassle! I’m too lazy for that!”
Ellie agreed with her statement. That’s kinda true. She does not do anything other than typing. As for meals, she would order deliveries. It is especially worse when it comes to her isolation period. During those times, she would shut herself at home for a month. And that’s not an exaggeration. It’s a one-in-a-million chance for her to prepare a meal! What a rare occasion!
In the afternoon, Clarissa began to worry after she sent Ellie off.
She knew going to the Zen Highlands was unavoidable, so she changed into a long dress. Feeling insecure, she took it off and clothed in a pair of jeans and long sleeve shirt. Looking formal and proper, she headed out in satisfaction.
Matthew had already sent Clarissa the location of the Zen Highlands. So, the latter showed it to the taxi driver, who couldn’t help to glance at her several times. She felt odious as he sized her up.
Clarissa purposely avoided the massive traffic jam during peak hours. Still, it took her forty minutes to arrive at her destination.
The security guard at the gate was expecting her arrival, so he let her in upon seeing the taxi she was in. At that time, Mrs. Lawson was about to prepare dinner.
“Miss, you’re here. Mr. Tyson told me you’ll be cooking tonight. I’m not sure what cuisine you plan to make, so I prepared most of the ingredients you might need. They’re all Mr. Tyson’s favorite. Please tell me the menu, I’ll lend you a hand.”
At her words, Clarissa bit her lips. So, that’s the first thing he ask me to do? Am I his personal chef now?
In the face of Julia’s smile, Clarissa did not show her true feelings but played a smile on her face and headed toward the kitchen. Frankly, being able to cook in a huge kitchen with the latest cooking equipment was something enjoyable to her.
The moment Matthew came in, he saw Clarissa stood before the stove, lowering her head as she concentrated on the work at hand.
Following that, he took off his jacket and closed in on her. Julia smiled secretly and went off after seeing that, while Clarissa remained unaware.
Matthew could be seen across a layer of transparent glass as he leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets, looking stylish and unrestrained.
He stared at Clarissa with a gentle gaze unlike his usual cold and sharp gaze.
As she was staring attentively at the pot of fish stew, she was startled by the arms that wrapped around her waist from behind, without warning.
Instinctively, she turned her head back to glare at the person behind her with surprise and anger.
“You have scared me.”
With a vicious smirk, Matthew pinched her chin as he lowered his head, then planted a kiss on his lips, as if partaking a luscious meal.
At that, infuriation and embarrassment welled up in her to the point she felt like hitting him with the ladle in her hand. But she dared not do it. After a bit of struggling, she still could not break free from him. Eventually, she gave up the idea and paid him no heed. Then, she spun around to focus on the fish stew, pretending that he was not there.
Matthew curled his lips and bent forward to place his chin on her shoulder. His scorching breathing blew past her ear. Then, he took a deep breath.
“It smells good!”
She did not know whether he was talking about her or the fish stew.
Regardless of his intention, her face flushed as she felt unpleasant.
Immediately, she turned around and went to another area to prepare other dishes. So, Matthew had no choice but to let her go.
Although she was free from his reach, she could feel his menacing stare on her back.
In reality, Matthew was scrutinizing her with his darkened gaze.
She thought her dressing was rather modest that day. But little did she know that the jeans that wrapped around her legs actually made her looked twice as seductive as before.
The man was drooling as he ogled at her long legs, round butt, and small waist.
Matthew shot her an intense look. He could not hold his hand back from touching her waist, then slowly moving downward.
“Matthew Tyson!”
Clarissa snapped and turned back to shoot him a glare with a kitchen knife in her hand, clearly warning him to stop it.
This man is behaving like a horny b*stard! Argh!
Matthew merely let out a smile but did not retract his hand. Still, his hands stopped hovering around her but began caressing her waist gently.
He accused, “Clare, are you wearing these pants on purpose?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“You’re trying to seduce me.”
“Matthew, you perv! Which of your eyes saw me seducing you? My outfit is modest! How could you blame me for your lewd thoughts?” Clarissa was getting emotional and nearly swung the knife in her hand past him.
Matthew formed a deeper smile on his lips and commented, “Didn’t you know that it can be more seductive with your clothes on sometimes?”
“I… You…”
Clarissa became tongue-tied and glared at him intensely. She had a powerful urge to cut him down with the knife in her hand.
In the end, it was nothing but an attempt to browbeat. “Get out. I don’t want to see you or talk to you. Leave at once before I give you a piece of my mind.”
Upon hearing that, Matthew stretched his hand to grab her wrist to make her release the knife.
“Alright, I’ll leave now. Still, are you really gonna cut me with that? Won’t you feel sad for doing that?”
“Like hell I would!”
“You would? Hmm… not bad.”
Clarissa was totally speechless. On the other hand, Matthew let out a chuckle, then lowered his head to peck on her lips. Following that, he spun around and went upstairs after exiting the kitchen.
Clarissa was left alone, rooted to the ground. She felt like lashing out, but her heart was brimmed with annoyance and embarrassment.
She had no idea what was the reason she came here for.
Ugh! This is driving me nuts!
When Matthew came down, he changed into a navy blue casual tee. The dishes were already placed on the table but Clarissa did not sit at the dining table.
Instead, she sat on the sofa in the living room. It was as clear as daylight that she intended to set a distance between them.
Upon seeing that, Matthew headed straight to the living room and pulled her into his arms. With his hands around her waist, he leaned forward and said in a romantic tone, “Are you waiting for me?”
“I’m not. You are going to eat alone. Can I leave now?”
“Hoho… Do you think I will let you do that?”
Clarissa rolled her eyes to the back of their sockets. Since he would not let her leave, she would not keep herself hungry any longer. Immediately, she pushed him aside, went to the dining room, and sat down. Right then, she lowered her head and helped herself with the food she made without a care in the world. Since they were all prepared by her, she would at least reward herself with the product of her effort.
Matthew raised a smirk and sat down to dig in the food. He did not say a word after that.
If there was something to note, he ate more than the amount of food he usually had. And it was all thanks to Clarissa’s cooking.
Who would’ve thought that her slender fingers could make such a perfect meal other than writing? I’m well pleased. I should discover more talents she can use with those delicate hands of hers. As those thoughts crossed his mind, Matthew’s sharp gaze darkened.
Noticing his stare, Clarissa moved her hands behind her immediately. Why is he gaping at my hands as if he is about to gnaw at them? He looks as though he did not get his fill of the food.
Without delay, she broke the silence.
“Is there anything else do you want me to do other than cooking?”
“Yes!”
“And what is that?”
“To thank me!”
Clarissa bit her lips in response. After a while, she retorted, “Didn’t I thank you already? Making you a meal is the way I show my gratitude.”
With a subtle smile, Matthew remarked, “It is only for this time. What about those before these?”
“I’ll pay you back with cooking as well.” I’ll never offer him my body.
Matthew went silent for a while as he looked at Clarissa who looked nervous. Then, he agreed.
“Deal. But you have to prepare all my meals for one month.”
“One month?” Clarissa was dumbfounded. “Doesn’t one week makes more sense?”
“One month. Most importantly, you have to stay here.”
“No, I don’t want to! I can prepare meals for you but I’m not staying here!” I’m basically walking into a lion’s den if I stay here.
“Okay. Breakfast is at seven in the morning; lunch is at noon; dinner is at seven at night. You shall not delay even for a minute. I don’t care where you stay, but you must be punctual. Otherwise, you’ll be punished.”
