Chapter 6: The Lunch Box

Amber sighed in relief once most of her work is done. She carefully planned out this meal and made sure every flavor is perfect. Lunch time is almost near and she hurriedly went out of the house. 

His company isn't that far and just a good amount of walking distance. 

Amber plans to visit to give him his lunch. She prepared teriyaki glazed chicken, salad, sliced fruits and lemongrass tea to help aid his stomach's digestion. 

"I'm sorry miss. You need an appointment with Mr. Easton first. We can't let you in." the receptionist said. 

"B-But I need to deliver his lunch." Amber insisted. 

"Once again, please make an appointment with him first. He is available next week on Monday afternoon." 

"I'm not making an appointment. I'm his wife and I am sending him his lunch." 

"Wife?" the receptionist laughed. "Mr. Easton isn't married yet and you declared yourself as his wife? What a joke! Guards please escort her out!" 

Amber was disappointed. Max never announced his marriage to her, didn't he? That doesn't mean she will give up.

"Okay. I will leave, but make sure to deliver this to him." Amber placed the lunch box and thermos bottle on the receptionist's desk. 

The woman called for her but she already dashed out of the building. If only Amber got Max's number then she would be able to tell him she brought lunch. 

"Amber? Is that you?" she looked up and smiled at Evan. 

Evan helped her surpass her depression. He is a psychology doctor and a therapist. He saved her when no one stepped in to help her. She owes him a part of her life and will be paying the debt soon, once she is financially stable. 

"How are you, Evan?" Amber asked. He invited her for a coffee at a cafe. 

"I'm good. My patients appreciates all of my work. They are feeling better now after few therapy sessions. My parents are finally seeing my passion in mental health. The position as CEO has now been transferred to my younger brother. Johann is working hard for it." Evan answered.

"That's great!" Amber was a bit jealous of his success. He fought hard to get the career he wanted and got the support from his family. 

Which is something that Amber wanted for so long and never received it. 

"Oh, I have to go now Amber. If you experienced anything or your condition has returned don't hesitate to call me. By the way I missed your cookies. Tell me if you're making them again. I will buy it right away." 

"Will do, Evan." 

Amber waved him good bye. Cookies huh? It has been a while since she baked cookies. Baking is one of the things she cherished a lot. It reminds her of her mother back then where they baked sweets together. 

Amber dropped by the market and purchased the ingredients for the cookies. She was looking for the perfect chocolate to use, but then bumped into someone. 

She was about to apologize and she hesitated. That person was Gavin. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. 

"I'm really sorry, miss. Let me pick them up for you." Gavin offered and slowly picked up the ingredients that fell from the basket. 

While he was picking them up. Amber tried to control herself. The feelings of anger and pain are clashing with each other. 

"Thanks." she muttered. Avoiding eye contact. 

Just as she was about to turn around. He called out to her.

"Amber?" 

She hated. Hated how her name is rolling out from his mouth. 

Amber ignored him and walked away. She thought he'll leave her alone, but she was wrong. He chased after her and calling out her name from his digusting mouth. 

She changed directions towards the clothes section. She untied her hair swiftly braided it then grabbed a thick jacket with hoodie. 

Gavin stopped at the basket she once carried. She left it at the corner then slipped in through the clothing racks. She turned her back hoping that Gavin won't see her. 

She's not ready yet to face him. Scared that the betrayal will replay back into her mind. 

Once Gavin finally left the area she sighed in relief. 

"What are you doing?" 

Amber jumped in surprise. Max towered over her with his hand holding the lunch box, while the other in his pocket. He was still wearing corporate clothes. 

"Ah...I'm here to buy some things. Don't you have any meetings right now? Have you eaten lunch already?"

"I have a lunch meeting across the street." Max squinted his eyes. "Don't bring me lunch to the office. You make me look like a kid who needs to be fed," he roughly pushed the lunch bag in to her arms. 

Amber was devastated that he refused to eat the food she made. The time spent into cooking this food were wasted. 

"Don't try too hard to become a perfect wife. I never asked for a wife anyway." he added then walked away. 

"You should at least taste it!" Amber rushed to Max's side. "I woke up early and it took me a lot of time to plan out this meal. Max please accept this." 

"No. Your cooking is digusting and who knows you planned to put poison in this." Max said harshly. 

"Max..." Amber ignored his harsh words and still insisted that he eat it. 

She gritted her teeth. Controlling her emotions. Her mom loves her cooking and this is the first time someone said negatively about it. It hurts. Both cooking and baking are the only things that reminds her of her mom. 

Max pushed her to the side and she watched him walk out of the market. She clutched the lunch box tightly. 

"No matter how many times you refuse to eat the food I make. I will always cook meals for you everyday. Even if it turns cold." she muttered to herself.

Amber was not aware that Gavin found her. 

"Amber, I finally found you. Why did you run away from me?" 

Amber's body turned cold. She spun around and Gavin touched her arm. 

"Don't touch me!"