Mysterious CEO's Last Surrogate novel Chapter 32

Two days later.

At the mansion, Paul was staring at Herty's number on his phone. Anytime he dialled, he ended the call immediately without allowing it to connect. He couldn't think of a reasonable excuse to give her, even though the latter gave him her number. He wasn't ready to follow her to Friday's service and yet, he wanted to see her.

Worrying what the outcome may be, he decides to confide in Danica. Perhaps, Danica might give him some interesting information about her. In the kitchen, Danica was making dinner for everyone but Loney's was special. Today, she intended to eat dinner with him. At least, it would convey a message, right?

"Hey Danica, what are you cooking?" Paul was stretching his neck to look inside the pot, completely dug up by the aroma.

"Taco rice with grilled chicken and green chilli salsa," Danica's face lit, the spark evident in her voice. This was her mum's favourite and her dad's favourite was what she was preparing for Loney. Those days, she had to choose between eating with her mum or dad but mostly, she would settle on both in order not to offend any of them. She sometimes found herself overeating and had to find ways of getting the food out of her body. She felt warm liquid washing her cheek before realization hit her that she was shedding a tear. She quickly wiped it off. It was always ad if she was an only child because Daniella was never close to her.

"But I smell something else," Paul's inquisitive voice exposed. Danica was slightly shy as she revealed, "that is a surprise for Loney."

Paul's eyes magnified in shock. Loney didn't tell him that he was coming over so how did Danica know? "He's coming?" 

"Yep," Danica nodded.

"How did he hide it from me and how did you know?" Paul hid the displeasure in his tone. He enjoyed being the one to convey the good news.

"He gave me a phone the last time he came. Well, I can only call him and no one else but it's fine. I'm here because of him anyway," Danica continued with her cooking without sparing him a glance. She didn't know why she felt uneasy when she spoke about Loney.

Paul took in her features, a wrinkle appearing on his forehead. "You look pale. Anything the matter?" Paul was genuinely concerned, recalling Loney's warning. He also realized that Danica slept longer these days, with or without her intimate sessions.

"No, I just feel so tired. Weird, isn't it?" Danica was just casual about it. She had been thinking a lot about Loney but she doesn't think it was enough to make her pale. Aside from fatigue, she was perfectly fine.

However, Paul could not hide his worry. He felt that Danica was becoming stressed with all the cooking, even though he enjoyed the delicious meals she made. "Why don't you let Mabel cook then?"

"Don't worry, I'm halfway done and what brings you to the kitchen? It's quite unusual for you to be here chatting with me," Danica unearthed him.

Paul scratched his head uncomfortably. "It's not the first time I've been to the kitchen while you were cooking," he draws his hand to pick something on the counter but Danica shoves it away.

"Germs. You don't touch food with unclean hands. Anyway, you were hungry by then but I don't think you are now. I feel you are here for a different purpose," Danica pointed out while she diced some vegetables.

Paul knitted his brow, surprised to be caught. "I'm I that predictable?"

Danica cast a sharp glance at him, surprised to see him vulnerable. "Just today."

Paul paused for a while and let out, "your friend, does she have a boyfriend?" His eyes roamed expectantly. 

"I will give you an answer for an answer you know what I'm talking about," Danica continued cooking like she hadn't said anything. Paul was bewildered. He didn't see it coming. He sat on the chair beside the kitchen island. "Let me know the question first."

Danica shook her head, "you have to give your word first."

"That isn't fair. I can't give my word without knowing the content."

"My lips are sealed then," Danica wiped her hand with a napkin and said.

James knew she was going to ask about Loney and he wasn't ready to give any more information than she already knew but Danica wanted more and if she wasn't going to get it from Loney, this would be her bait. James wasn't ready to let go. He won't be able to sleep well without this piece of information. "I will answer the question if I know the answer for sure."

Danica smiled, "what does Loney do for a living? He seems to always be busy."

Paul thought for a while. Loney's business was legitimate and there was nothing to hide. "You see the house you live in, he designed and built it with his own hands. That's what he does for a living."