Gavin Knight: From Rags to Richest

Winning In Life

Gavin laughed at Veronica’s mishaps. He finds it cute that Veronica is being herself when they are together. But he also does not want to appear rude to her. “Alright, I will pretend that I did not hear that last bit.” He said casually.

Veronica felt discomfited that Gavin totally caught her. But she had to pick herself up to cover her embarrassment. “Why do I have a feeling that you are so used to that? Are there a lot of women confessing to you?” She interrogated Gavin who seemed too cool about it.

“Well, you can say that.” Admittedly, Gavin was used to women confessing to him. He looked at Veronica and smiled. “Well, I’m sure though that there are more men confessing to you.” He wanted to boost Veronica’s confidence.

“Hmm, to be honest. I haven’t had a single one.” She replied in her low voice.

Gavin felt bad that instead of boosting her ego, he actually deflated it more. “Eh, well, having one, it isn’t even that important. You are okay.” He said, trying to fill the void of the awkwardness he just caused. “Hmm, I got confessions, but most of them don’t even know me deeply enough. They only want my body.” He flexed his biceps as a joke. And again it turned out as a poor joke, thinking Veronica just let out a hint of confession.

Gavin saw the expression on Veronica’s face. “I f*cked up, again didn’t I?” He blurted out and covered his mouth. “I’m sorry.” Gavin added.

Veronica finally laughed was able to smile at Gavin for making that weird sorry face of his. “It’s fine dummy!” She answered. “Let’s just forget about that stuff, please.” Gavin jerked his head in agreement and smiled at Veronica.

The winning numbers are out, and Gavin’s computation is right. He won more because he targeted just three digit combinations.

“You won! You won a lot, Gavin!” Veronica said to Gavin as they both jumped in elation. “Gavin! You really are smart; I did not even look at it that way.” Veronica commented.

Gavin could not believe how his fortune turned around a complete turn in just a span of a few hours. It won’t be long and he could go back to Hudson for Aya.

***

Gavin and Veronica played the lottery in every state where it was available every day. And just like that, they won every single day, making his asset grow exponentially as he continuously day trade with Veronica.  

Gavin is getting more and more comfortable with Veronica. He felt like he gained a little sister in her. Though there are some things that they still cannot talk about, it is very apparent that their relationship has been better.

Gavin and Veronica are taking some laps in the pool. He made sure to swim with her every morning after their work. He could not win over Veronica’s swimming prowess. Gavin sat on the edge of the pool feeling tired from the four laps he just did. He watched Veronica still going for her sixth.

He was still panting when Veronica finished the sixth. “Dang girl! You have lungs of steel. Are you sure you have an illness or something?” He said to her. This is the first time he spoke about Veronica’s health condition.

“Huh, you know, sometimes I really wish I was just faking it.” She said as she sat beside Gavin. He instantly felt bad about his joke.

“Oh, sorry. I did not mean it that way.” He apologized.

Veronica scoffed and stared heavenward. “It’s okay, I understand what you meant.”

“Care to tell me about your health problems?” Gavin gathered his courage to finally bring it out into the open, hoping Veronica is willing to share.

“Acute Leukemia, end stage.” She answered briefly.

Gavin exhaled deeply. He isn’t prepared to dig deeper into this, but since he asked he might as well take another chance. “I don’t even know what that means, but why aren’t you doing something about it?” He asked Veronica.

“I am doing something about it. I am taking morphine for the unbearable pain I feel. All the rest I rely on my adrenaline.” She laughed after admitting it to Gavin.

“But shouldn’t you take like those therapies I see in the movies? It might help you.” Gavin said with a sincerely worried look on his face.

“I hope you see your face right now. You look like you are about to cry.” Veronica laughed at Gavin.

“I am. You are already like a sister to me. I care.” Gavin responded without even thinking about it.

“Ew, what are you talking about.” Veronica cringed at Gavin’s words.

Gavin just stared at her with completely serious face. Veronica continued with a serious answer. “Those types of therapy are good if I have a higher chance of living. But mine is lower than ten percent. So except from making me bald and weak during those sessions, it would not do a lot for me.” She shrugged her shoulders like it was not something important.

Gavin squeezed Veronica’s hand. “Let’s go get a second opinion. I’ll go with you.” He said to Veronica.

Veronica felt a pain in her heart. It was the first time someone was concerned about her like this. But seeing how Gavin is getting affected because of her, it is becoming all too real already. She kept everything to herself because she did not want anyone else to be affected by her situation; and now she is sitting beside a grown man teary eyed because of her.

 “Stop it. Enough of me, Gavin. I think you could use some tips from me and my stylist. You need to appear like a legit billionaire in front of others.” Veronica said.

“God, how can you make gold out of a copper like me?” He giggled while Veronica was scrutinizing him. He knew Veronica was just trying to avoid the topic. Gavin respects her decision until she is comfortable enough to talk about it.

“You are already a diamond. Stop pretending like you are gold, darling.” She replied, Gavin is used to hearing her calling him that name. “You could use a little polishing though.” Veronica confirmed to Gavin.

Gavin raised his hands as he knows a makeover to look the part as Veronica’s fiancé was inevitable by this time. Veronica called in her stylist to transform Gavin to be the dashing billionaire she is marrying.

Veronica stood up and went to get her towel. She glanced at her phone and smiled. “Let’s go!” He said to Gavin as she threw his towel to him. They both smiled and walked towards the house. It surprised Gavin when they reached the living room where the stylist was already waiting for them. He did not expect it too soon. Looks like Veronica expected him to agree, anyway. Just like before, she would figure out his actions even before she asks him.

“Wow.” The stylist could not help himself to express his amazement at Gavin.

“Hey, Felix, behave yourself. Gavin is my man.” Veronica winked at Gavin before she sat on the couch, leaving Gavin standing in the middle of the living room beside Felix.

“I’m sorry, Vero, but can I borrow him even just for a day?” He joked as he circled Gavin, assessing what work they still needed for him when he seems too perfect already.

“Oh, babe. You can’t afford this man.” Veronica boasted of Gavin’s riches to Felix. He felt good hearing that. It made Gavin feel like being with Sofia was not that far-fetched after all.

“Hmm, He is already perfect, what else does he need?” Felix asked Veronica directly, because he can’t see a flaw in Gavin so far.

“Perhaps, teach him the common etiquettes in parties and stuff.” She stood up and went towards Gavin. She whispered in his ears; “I’ll go first. I might go for that second opinion you asked for earlier. So please cooperate with Felix here.” She kissed Gavin’s cheeks before she left.