The Billionaire and the Baker

Chapter 8

3 days later…

"You're good to go Mavis. The wound should be completely healed by next week. Just avoid any activities that would strain your neck. We don't want those stitches coming lose." He stifled a laugh

"Alright doctor, thanks." I smiled

"And here is your discharge slip. Just sign right here." He said pointing to an empty space at the bottom of two papers. I signed on them and he handed me the second copy before leaving the room.

Mia was with me. She helped me change into a light blue summer gown and a pot of sandals that she had brought with her and we both left for the reception area. There was a lady sitting behind the huge counter as I approached.

"Good morning." I greeted

"Morning, how may I help you?" She asked with a smile on her face.

"I was just discharged. I'd like to know how much my bill is?"

"Alright, name please?" She asked

"Mavis Parker." I replied.

She scrolled through her computer for a while, the sound of her keyboard clicking heard occasionally. About a minute had gone by when she looked back at me.

"It has been paid ma'am, yesterday." She smiled

Paid?

"You must... be mistaken. I haven't paid. I was just discharged today." I replied showing her the discharge papers the doctor had given me.

"That's what it says here ma'am."

I leaned over a bit to look at her screen and the bills had indeed been paid. I looked at Mia who looked just as dazed as I was. I did have an idea of who could've paid the bills but deep down, I silently prayed he wasn't the one.

"You must have a copy of the receipt. Can I know who it was?"

"I'm sorry ma'am, but they had asked to keep their identity a secret." She replied.

"Okay but how much is the bill?" I asked again. She looked at her computer screen before looking back at me.

"Two thousand one hundred dollars."

I nodded slowly, taking in the information.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Have a nice day." She said and I left with Mia. We walked out of the hospital and hailed a taxi to take us home. Once we were in the taxi I decided to ask her a question.

"Mia." I called, getting her attention.

"Yeah..."

"At the hospital, besides Mr. Grumpy, who else was there?" I asked

She looked lost in thought for a while before replying. "His friend. The one with him at the shop that day." She replied confirming my suspicion. After that, the ride home was silent. I didn't say a word and neither did Mia. She was probably tired from sleeping on the uncomfortable couch at the hospital for three days. I understood her, I had my fair share of discomfort. But what bothered me the most was why he decided to pay my hospital bills. He didn't like me and he never failed to make it clear whenever we met, so why this sudden act of generosity?

I was still lost in thought when I felt the taxi come to a halt. I looked outside the window to see we were directly outside our apartment. I got off with Mia and asked the driver to wait a few minutes . I unlocked the door to the apartment and we settled in. Mia immediately fell asleep in her room and I left a quick note on the table, telling her I had to run some errands, before leaving the house. I got into the taxi and gave him the address to my next destination.

There was a bit of traffic on the road. Although I was impatient, it gave me a few more minutes to think about what I'd say.

"Thank you for generosity, but here’s your money.”

“No..um.. I know you paid my hospital bills but you didn’t have to.” Then I hand him the money and leave.

Nah.. too nice.. Or I could just hand him the money and leave without a word. That could also work.

Soon, the driver pulled over before the gates of the house. I stepped out and paid him double before going to the gates where a security guard approached me.

"Good afternoon." I smiled briefly at him.

He nodded before responding. "How may I help you?"

What do I tell him? I'm not here to deliver a cake and I can’t just tell him the reason why I'd like to see his boss.

I was still at loss for words when a car pulling out of the driveway and out of the gates caught both our attention. On getting outside, the car stopped and the windows on the drivers side was brought down to reveal Miss Gabriella.

"Mavis, what are you doing here?" She asked, a smile spread widely across her face. I walked over to her car to speak to her.

"Actually I..came to see Mr. Martin." I stated and her smile dropped. She was now curious.

Why?" She asked.

"Actually I have something of his... and I'd like to return it." I replied.

"What a shame. Martin's not around... he's at the office."

How was I supposed to return his money if I can’t meet him. He definitely wouldn’t show up at my shop. I wouldn’t even let him.

You wouldn’t even let him!

"I could give you a ride there if you want?" She offered pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Thank you but it's fine. I'll take a taxi."

"I insist, and besides I am heading in that direction so please... join me." She replied. I thought about it for a while. I didn't even know the way to his office so if anything I'd be better off taking her offer.

I smiled back at her with a curt nod. She unlocked the door to the passengers side and I got in and she we were off.

*********************