Chapter 5

-MAVIN-

After my bath, I stepped into my bedroom and dressed in a casual blue top and black trousers.

I walked toward the mirror to comb my short black hair, noticing sore, scratched marks on my neck. Thelma must have left them during our encounter. My memory of last night was returning in fragments—how I’d entered her warmth, how I hadn’t been able to stop myself. The recollection made my head throb.

"Damn it!" The effects of whatever Sir Adam had given me had worn off, but I still felt hot flashes and a lingering headache. I needed to warn him never to pull such a stunt again—or follow Grandpa’s orders—unless he wanted to lose his job and end up in jail.

Sir Adam was fifty-three, a loyal servant who had been with me for years. He always called me "boss," claiming it motivated me and reminded me of my status in City B.

I sighed and turned away from the mirror, finishing my cologne before heading downstairs to accompany Grandpa to the hospital, as promised.

---

Grandpa was beaming like a man who had just won a trophy. He was already dressed in a neat brown garment, seated in the dining room. I took my place across from him at the long golden table.

"Grandpa, I’m not happy about what you did last night," I said, my voice tight.

"Why, Mavin? What did I do wrong?" Grandpa’s smile didn’t falter. He knew exactly what he’d done.

"Didn’t you arrange with Sir Adam to send that woman to me? Why?" I was furious. I’d read Grandpa’s will: if I didn’t marry by the end of the year, he would donate his company and hotel to charity. It was already October 18—I had only two months left.

"Don’t ask me why, Mavin," Grandpa said, still smiling. "She wasn’t ugly, was she? If you want her back, we can find her. Or we can look for another woman for you."

"No, Grandpa," I snapped. "I don’t want her—or anyone else. Don’t ever do this again. I won’t take it lightly."

Grandpa hummed, "Hmm."

Angela, the head maid, stepped out of the kitchen with Grandpa’s herbal tea. "Good morning, boss. What would you like for breakfast?" she asked politely.

I sighed, avoiding Grandpa’s gaze, and looked at Angela’s warm, middle-aged face. Most of the female staff in my mansion were older, except for a few younger maids I wasn’t familiar with. The mansion was vast, with countless rooms.

"Just tea and bread. Make it quick—we’re running late," I said, glancing at the wall clock. It was already 9 AM.

I groaned internally. Grandpa’s appointment was at 10 AM. I waited impatiently for Angela to serve my breakfast.

---

After finishing my tea, I escorted Grandpa to the car. He settled into the backseat while I took the driver’s seat. I started the engine and drove toward Saint Peter Hospital in City B, parking in the lot before assisting Grandpa out.

My mind kept drifting back to Thelma—the way her soft body had responded to mine, the way my pulse skipped whenever I saw a blonde woman in the hospital’s OPD section, mistaking them for her.

"Oh..." I grimaced, and Grandpa studied my face.

"Still thinking about that young lady?" he asked.

"No, Grandpa," I replied coldly.

We took our seats in the OPD waiting room. I pulled out my phone and called Henry Black, my office assistant.

"Hello, boss," Henry answered promptly.

"Inform Mrs. Tonia Briggs that I won’t be in the office on time. Reschedule my top client meetings for noon. You can handle the rest," I instructed. Henry was my most trusted assistant, managing everything in my absence.

"Alright, boss. Anything else?"

"No. That’s all." I ended the call and waited for Grandpa’s turn.

---

Grandpa, seventy-five but still spry and mischievous, walked into Dr. Amari Hanks’ office without a cane.

"Good morning, Mr. White," Dr. Amari greeted us warmly. She was Grandpa’s favorite doctor—and a flirt.

"How are you feeling today, Grandpa Charlie?" she asked, her big brown eyes sparkling.

"I’m good," Grandpa replied with a grin.

I remained silent, my mind preoccupied with memories of Thelma—and the guilt gnawing at me. Sir Adam had admitted he hadn’t paid her. I needed to find her, to make things right.

"Are you feeling alright today, Mr. Mavin?" Dr. Amari turned to me, her gaze lingering.

"Yes, I’m fine," I replied curtly. "Attend to my grandpa first. I’m not a patient."

"You’re sweating, despite the air conditioning," she noted. "It’s good to get checked before your body collapses. I can run a quick exam if you’d like."

Dr. Amari was married, yet her flirtatious nature was impossible to ignore. Her seductive glances and playful tone irritated me, though I tolerated her for Grandpa’s sake—and because she was our family doctor.

"Grandpa, you seem happy today. What’s the good news?" she asked, her eyes still flickering toward me.

"I’m just happy to see you, Doc," Grandpa replied, his grin widening.

Dr. Amari blushed. "That’s good to hear. I’ve written your new prescription. The nurses will give it to you before you leave. Thank you for coming in today, Grandpa."

"Thanks," Grandpa said, standing.

I followed silently, relieved to leave her office. After collecting Grandpa’s medication from the pharmacy, we headed home. But my mind was still on Thelma—and the urgency to find her.