Gavin Knight: From Rags to Richest

Mystery Woman

Gavin placed the order carefully and secured the order inside his thermal bag. He wore his helmet and prayed for the best. He can’t figure it out exactly, but he feels uneasy at the thought of trying for this mystery woman.

She does not even put in her real name in her orders. This woman is shrouded in mystery. It actually surprised Gavin when he heard from Garry that she was beautiful, she barely showed herself to him. Most of the time, the woman was busy with her computer. She would not even turn her back on Gavin. And then she would just point at a table near her where she also left her payment. And what’s more surprising is her noticing that the delivery rider is a different person.

The mystery woman’s house is a bit far from the town, but it is located inside a high end village. This executive village is where the filthy rich lives. The rich alone cannot afford a lot in here you have to be ultra rich. Security measures are tough in this area; it is even tougher to enter this village than to enter top government facilities. It is however understandable since the ultra rich's safety and privacy are important. 

To enter the village, the mystery woman has to inform the guard in advance that a delivery for her is arriving. Then Gavin has to go through another layer of security to log in and leave an identification card at the second gate. Now imagine doing this three times a day, for her meals. It could have been easier for Gavin if the guards befriended him, but he has no luck with that. The guards are stricter and are even changed periodically to avoid familiarization.

The way towards the mystery woman's house is a steep climb. It is the only house in this area. The manicured lawn towards the main gate suggests that she probably owns the lots surrounding it, too. 

“Ding dong,”

Gavin pressed the doorbell at the gate. Like before, the gate automatically slides open, a cue for him to drive his motorcycle into the driveway. Gavin went down on his bike and carried the paper bag towards the humongous white wooden door. The biggest door he has ever seen in his life; six people going inside all at the same time would find no trouble entering it.

But unlike before, the woman opened the door for him, and Garry was right; she is easy on the eyes. She smiled at him and extended her hand. “My name is Veronica Wolfe.” 

Finally, the mystery woman has a name; Veronica. It is a nice name it actually reminds Gavin of the comics he read when he was younger; Archie, Betty and Veronica. And Veronica's resemblance to the comic is uncanny. Jet black wavy hair and thick shapely eyebrows, it perfectly aligns to Veronica Lodge. 

Gavin shook his head, trying to shake off all the bits of information that entered his imagination when all he got from her was her name. He hesitated a bit before he accepted Veronica’s hand.

“I’m a Wolfe, but don’t worry I won’t bite… unless you like.” She teased Gavin. Her attitude reminded him of Aya. The first time they met it was a different situation, but they are giving him similar vibes.

“My name is Gavin Knight.” He gave off a faint smile.

Veronica instantly noticed Gavin's hesitation. "What's with that face?" She teased Gavin. 

"Nothing, sorry." Gavin apologized. It is his fault for thinking overboard. 

Veronica invited Gavin into her home as she went inside her room to get her cash. Gavin just stood by the door and did not even think of going to the living room. His eyes wandered around the house. He has been here before, but it is the first time he appreciated it like this.

Before he was too focused on the delivery that he leaves the moment he gets the payment, it never occurred to him how luxurious this house is. The main colors are white, cream and gold. It would not surprise him much if the gold colors here are really gold plated and not painted. 

The house design is similar to mansions in the magazines he saw before; it has big pillars, big chandelier and enormous staircase. Everything about his mansion is big and extravagant. The foyer itself could fit his office back in Hudson. However, it seems like the only people with Veronica in this home are her house helpers. Realizing that fact, made Gavin feel sorry for Veronica. He felt the emptiness and coldness of the massive house one can barely call a home, very similar to how he feels when he parted ways with Aya.

A few minutes later, Veronica came down the staircase and handed Gavin a bundle of cash. Gavin’s eyes widened. “No, Madame, I’m sorry I cannot accept this. This is too much.” Gavin raised his hand not wanting to even touch the money.

“This is your tip.” She placed the cash in Gavin’s pocket.

Gavin reached for the money and extended his hand as he lowered his head in front of Veronica. She pouted her lips, not expecting Gavin to be this reluctant of her advances. She cupped her chin and asked Gavin. “If you won’t accept my tip, at least accept anything from me in return.” She negotiated with Gavin.

When he heard Veronica’s condition, it was like a light bulb moment for Gavin. “Okay, Madame. I want your honest review of our restaurant as an exchange.” Gavin said to Veronica.

“Well, I was giving you ten thousand and the value of what you are asking is way more valuable.” Veronica replied.

It puzzled Gavin. How could it be more valuable? It is just a review for their small shop. Veronica circled around Gavin while thinking about how to make the swap at the same level. “Okay, how about this? I will post an in-depth review for your shop but I will need your help.” She said to Gavin.

“Yes, Madame, anything you need.” Gavin answered confidently. All he could think about is the radiant face of Ali when she finally gets the review she wants.

“Instead of delivering my meals, you will cook here for a month. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, then take photos or videos of me so I can use those for my review.” Veronica said her part, but it left Gavin with no words.He needed some time to process what she just said.

“I’m sorry, you want me to cook here every day for how many days? Gavin wanted to rewind what Veronica just said if it was possible.

“Thirty days or one month.” She repeated her statement without even thinking twice. Veronica saw the look of disbelief on Gavin’s face. “Well, you can sleep here if you find it too tiring to go back and forth for a month.” She added. "Also, I can provide the ingredients, you only need to cook it." Veronica wanted it to be an easy choice for Gavin. 

“What? Me? Live here?” Her statement flabbergasted Gavin.

Veronica spoke in her tone of confidence. “I am easy to negotiate with Gavin. If you want to get it over with, you can simply just leave without the review and accept this cash.”