The Billionaire’s Private Chef

"Congratulations. You're pregnant,13 weeks along." Barbara Hart woke up groggily, the pungent smell of disinfectant assaulting her nose. Blinding white hospital lights filled her vision, and above her, a doctor was smiling down at her. "How did I get here?" Barbara asked. Barbara was still regaining her senses. All she could remember was her usual routine: waking up at four, preparing breakfast for the Gordon family and then rushing to the farmer's market for fresh winter bamboo shoots before she could even eat. Caitlin Gordon, Barbara's mother-in-law, specifically requested winter bamboo shoot and duck soup for lunch. It was a time-consuming dish, and Barbara had been busy since the early hours. She vaguely recalled feeling dizzy while walking, then everything went blank. "It's nothing serious. All your vitals are normal. It seems you're just exhausted, and pregnant women are more prone to low blood sugar. A couple of days of rest, and you'll be fine," the doctor said. "There are just a few things to keep in mind now that you're pregnant. Where's the child's father? He should listen in as well," the doctor continued. Barbara's initial joy was dampened by the doctor's question about the baby's father. A wave of bitterness washed over her. "He's busy. He doesn't have time. You can just tell me." "How could he not be with you? You're pregnant," the doctor muttered disapprovingly. Andrew Gordon was indeed busy, though it was unclear what exactly he was busy with. Barbara thought, 'Is he in the company, or is he with Daniela?' Daniela Wilson was a new reporter at Andrew's company. Rumor had it that she came from humble beginnings but was fiercely ambitious. At first, Andrew often complilented her, but soon, he started showing up with her at various events, leaving Barbara behind to manage the Gordon family's daily needs. Barbara had met Daniela once before, at Andrew's company's annual party. Barbara had been by his side, yet his gaze remained fixated on Daniela, who was bustling about, camera in hand, chatting and laughing with everyone. Barbara looked at Daniela in her white T-shirt and jeans and felt an uncanny sense of familiarity. It then dawned on her that she herself had dressed the same way in college. Back then, her life hadn't revolved solely around Andrew, and his had been all about her. Barbara had cried and argued with him, but Andrew always dismissed her, claiming it was all work-related, something she wouldn't understand, telling her to stay out of it. Gradually, his visits home became less and less frequent. Remembering the look in Andrew's eyes when he looked at Daniela, Barbara wondered if he would share her anticipation for their child. Barbara thought that with a child, maybe Andrew would come home more often. Gently, she caressed her belly. The sudden ringing of her phone startled her. It was Caitlin. Barbara's face stiffened. It was already noon, time for lunch at the Gordon family. "Barbara! Where are you? Off wandering about again?" Caitlin's shrill voice felt like it could pierce through Barbara's eardrum. Barbara attempted to explain, "Caitlin, I'm..." "Look at the time! You haven't even officially married into our Gordon family, and you're already neglecting your duties! If it weren't for your cooking and caretaking skills, our family wouldn't have chosen you. Now you can't even fulfill your basic obligations? Get back here immediately! Angel and I are starving!" Caitlin continued her tirade, her daughter, Angel Gordon, chiming in from the side, "Exactly! How could my brother marry such a lazy woman? She's far worse than Daniela..." "Mom, I'm at the hospital. My blood sugar is a bit low," Barbara explained feebly. She had long grown accustomed to Caitlin and Angel's disdain. "Honestly, you go to the hospital for every little thing, wasting money and time. Just hurry back, or you'll be in trouble!" Caitlin hung up. Barbara clutched the medical report in her hand. Over the years, she had endured countless grievances while being with Andrew. This was nothing in comparison. She thought it over and decided to return to the Gordon family. As long as she could be by Andrew's side, she was willing to bear anything. After finishing a full day of housework, it was already 10 p.m. Barbara sat alone in the living room—waiting for Andrew until 11 p.m. had become a habit for her. Even though Andrew had been coming home less and less over the past two years, Barbara still waited for him every day, wanting to serve him a hot meal as soon as he walked through the door. She gently caressed her stomach, still flat, and thought of the baby growing inside. A tender smile graced her face. This was her and Andrew's child, and she would make sure it became the happiest child in the world. At nearly eleven o'clock, she heard the sound of Andrew's keys at the door. She rose to her feet, her face lighting up. "Andrew, you're back. I'll go make you some oatmeal." Andrew's hair was damp with rain, falling softly over his forehead. Barbara loved him most like this. "No need, Barbara. I have to leave soon. Don't wake Mom and Angel. I came back to tell you something important." Andrew saw the joy on Barbara's face, and a flicker of guilt crossed his features. But then his gaze fell on the apron tied around her waist and the ladle in her hand, and he frowned slightly. "Andrew, I have something to tell you too," Barbara said with a smile, happiness radiating from her. "Barbara, Daniela is pregnant. You know about my childhood... I don't want my child to go through what I did, to be born illegitimate. So... I want to marry her..." Barbara's smile froze on her face. Andrew's heart ached when he saw this, but he steeled himself, thinking of Daniela and their child. "I'm sorry, Barbara. Let's call off the engagement. Thank you for everything these past years. I'll compensate you." Andrew expected Barbara to cry, just like the first time she found out about him and Daniela. But after a moment of stunned silence, a smile returned to her face. "I understand." Andrew released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "It's late. You should get some rest. We can discuss the details later." Barbara smiled as she watched Andrew leave. She didn't know why she was smiling. Maybe it was because Andrew had once told her he disliked women who were sullen and liked to make a fuss. So, over the years, she had made an effort to always wear a smile, no matter what she faced. Once he was gone, it was as if all the strength drained from her body. Barbara collapsed onto the sofa. Barbara knew that Caitlin wasn't his father's first wife. It was something that had always bothered him. He often spoke of his childhood, about how his mother had been forced to live in hiding with him, constantly on the move, until she successfully ousted his father's first wife and secured her position. Only then did Andrew become the esteemed young master of the Gordon family. That was why he said he didn't want his child to go through the same thing. "But, Andrew..." Barbara touched her belly, her red eyes welling up with tears. Finally, unable to hold them back any longer, Barbara shed tears. "What about our child? Should it be born fatherless?" Her phone rang again. It was her father, Alvin Hart. "Barbara, I've invited prominent figures from the industry and other esteemed people to your engagement banquet tomorrow. There will be journalists too. You and Andrew must dress to impress and be on time. Don't embarrass me. Is that clear?" Alvin's voice was as stern as ever. "But, Dad, tomorrow I..." Alvin cut her off forcefully, "There's no buts. You're a Hart. Remember who you are." Barbara gripped her phone tightly, her thoughts consumed by her unborn child. A look of determination slowly spread across her face. One after another, they all treated Barbara like she didn't matter. She was done keeping enduring everything without a fight! ***** In a grand, imposing office, a man sat behind a large desk, half his face shrouded in shadow. All that was visible was the sharp line of his jaw and his thin, seemingly unfeeling lips. In his hand, he toyed with an invitation for Barbara and Andrew's engagement banquet. His fingers brushed lightly against Barbara's picture. The air around him grew tense, the atmosphere oppressive. The few subordinates present didn't dare to breathe. "Make arrangements. We're returning to the country tomorrow," said the man.