Chapter 10 Hunger

• As Theodore made his way back to his own villa, he inevitably passed by Pine House.
• The moment he reached the entrance, a familiar scent filled the air, drawing him in without a second thought. His steps veered off course. Soon, he found himself standing in the courtyard of Pine House.
• A warm scene greeted him, with Summer, dressed in an apron, busily cooking in the small outdoor kitchen.
• A clay pot on the modest stove was bubbling away, steam rising from it, carrying the aroma that had lured him in.
• Theodore's mouth watered involuntarily. He suddenly felt a hunger he hadn't felt in a long time.
• Summer had placed the last decorative garnish she was preparing and let out a sigh of relief.
• As a chef, no matter where she was, she always made sure to eat well—and today was no exception.
• She casually looked up and saw the patient she had met the previous evening. He stood at the villa gate, his eyes fixed on the clay pot simmering the Boeuf Bourguignon.
• Was he here to see Archie again?
• "Hey there!" Summer waved cheerfully. "Back again?"
• Theodore stepped in, composed as ever. "Can I try some?"
• "Of course," Summer replied and gave a cheerful nod. She was eager to turn every patient into a regular guest.
• With swift, practiced movements, Summer plated the Boeuf Bourguignon, arranging it with care.
• With practiced ease, she ladled out the Boeuf Bourguignon and arranged it artfully on a plate. She quickly added a serving of risotto, setting it in front of Theodore. "You need to take it slow with that appetite issue of yours," Summer warned with a smile. "No overeating. Just two pieces of meat for now, and make sure to eat plenty of risotto."
• Despite her generosity with advice, she only gave him two pieces of meat, pairing them with some vegetables and fruits to balance the meal.
• Delicious!
• Theodore polished off everything on his plate in no time.
• "And here's some herbal tea to aid digestion," Summer added.
• The fragrance of the tea swept away any lingering greasiness, soothing his hunger-ravaged stomach.
• Theodore felt like he had come back to life.
• "I ate your dinner," Theodore frowned slightly, and he was about to offer to make up for it.
• laughed and waved it off. "No worries. I made plenty! Besides the Boeuf Bourguignon, there's more."
• Summer quickly took out a few more dishes.
• "Were you here to see Archie?" Summer asked, noticing that Theodore lingered. She reminded him kindly, "He mentioned he'd be away for a few days, so you probably won't catch him."
• Theodore snapped back to reality and nodded. His composed and self-disciplined demeanor returned. "I know."
• "Mind telling me your name?" Summer asked curiously.
• "You've been treating me this whole time and never bothered to ask?" Theodore raised an eyebrow.
• Summer shook her head and said, "I only treat you with the needle therapy, so I don't need names. I just remember your case."
• Oddly enough, Theodore was pleased with that.
• "My name is J … " Before he could finish, his phone rang. "One moment, I need to take this."
• He stepped out, answering his phone as he walked away.
• Watching him leave, Summer had a sudden realization.
• His surname started with J. He must be related to Archie, right?
• Even in such a wealthy family, there was always a relative down on their luck who needed treatment from the local doctor.
• Every family's got one, right?
• "Travis, there's an issue at the villa construction site in the Northlorn. You need to go handle it," Theodore commanded over the phone. "Starting tomorrow, have Samuel temporarily take over your work here."
• "Yes, boss," came Travis's weary reply. Travis had just returned from a business trip when he received a new assignment.
• When Theodore finished his call, he realized he hadn't answered Summer's earlier question.
• Oh well, he thought. She would probably figure it out. After all, only his grandfather, himself, and two cousins lived at the estate. Since the cousins were both abroad, she could piece it together.
• Theodore didn't return to Pine House. Instead, he headed straight back to his own villa.
• After a satisfying meal, he felt energized and ready to work through the night.
• Early the next morning, Samuel arrived.
• "W-where's my boss?" Samuel asked in confusion.
• "Mr. Theodore had breakfast over at Pine House," one of the servants from Juniper House replied.
• Samuel made his way to the Pine House.
• From a distance, he could already see Theodore enjoying his breakfast with obvious delight.
• Samuel was even more confused.
• Was this really the same boss who had struggled with anorexia for over twenty years?
• Why did he suddenly seem to be eating so well?
• He was away for a two-week business trip, but his boss looked like a completely different person.
• Theodore put down his utensils in satisfaction. He asked Summer, "Could I get a lunch to go?"
• "Of course, just give me a moment."
• Summer handed him the lunchbox with a smile. "Just microwave it for two minutes before eating."
• "Thank you," Theodore said, accepting it with the utmost seriousness. This wasn't just a lunchbox—it was his lifeline now.
• From that day on, he would live on Summer's carefully prepared meals.