Gilbert could not believe it. Even though she had looked scared in the morning, she still had not left the room. Furious, he said, "Rita, if you do not open the door, I promise no one can save you from me today."
Rita nervously opened the door and said, "What I said earlier still stands. I won't leave this room, and don't think you can scare me with that."
He grabbed her hand. She winced in pain as he squeezed her burned hand, then pushed her outside the room and slammed the door shut. She stood still in the hallway, not knowing what to do.
Jenny, who was on her way to the servant quarters, saw everything and struggled to contain her emotions. As soon as Gilbert closed the door, she took Rita to the guest room.
Resisting her tears, Rita said, "Thank you. You can go now."
She lay down on the bed, and tears streamed down her face.
Gilbert lay on his bed with both hands behind his head and thought, If this continues, she will ask for a divorce herself.
The next morning, he was having breakfast while checking his files before leaving for the office. He found two honeymoon tickets in his bag.
The chef approached him and asked, "Sir, what should I prepare for lunch today?"
Lost in thought, Gilbert handed him the tickets.
"Take these tickets and have fun with your family."
The chef hesitated. "Sir, how can I accept this?"
Gilbert forcefully placed the tickets in his hands.
"And don't worry about the expenses. I will take care of everything."
Rita woke up to Jenny knocking on the door.
"Madam, it's eleven o'clock. Should I bring your breakfast here?"
Rita's eyes were red from crying.
"No need."
Jenny understood her concern and said, "Madam, sir has already left. You are the only one remaining."
Rita got out of bed.
"No, I am coming."
Jenny set breakfast on the table for Rita.
Rita thanked her and asked, "Where is the chef? Why isn't he preparing lunch?"
Jenny looked at her sympathetically.
"The chef has gone to his hometown urgently. His daughter was in an accident."
Rita asked with concern, "Is it serious?"
Jenny quickly reassured her.
"Madam, no need to worry. The situation is under control."
"Then who will prepare the meals?" Rita asked curiously.
"In the chef's absence, the lady of the house usually takes charge until a new chef arrives," Jenny explained.
Rita looked at her innocently.
"And when will the new chef come?"
"Elder Madam handles all the recruitments," Jenny replied politely.
How can someone so naïve marry sir? Jenny thought.
I'm sorry, madam, but I am only doing this because of sir. I have no authority to interfere in a rich family's matters.
Jenny smiled politely and returned to her work, leaving Rita alone.
Rita found the situation strange, but she did not know whether to question it. Perhaps it had been arranged by her mother-in-law.
At the company, everyone was surprised to see Gilbert.
His secretary asked, "Sir, aren't you on vacation for two weeks?"
Gilbert took the files from him and checked whether anything important required his attention.
"This is my office. I am the boss. I can come whenever I want."
The secretary nodded.
"Yes, sir. Your schedule was kept free for two weeks since you were supposed to be away."
Gilbert interrupted him.
"Okay, got it. You may go now."
Gilbert worked passionately on a new project. He wanted to prove his worth to his family and avoid depending on Rita's family in the future.
While attending a client meeting, Marina called him.
"What are you doing at the office? You should be on your honeymoon!" Marina scolded him.
Gilbert, who had been pleased with his progress, was taken aback.
"I am working on something important."
Marina composed herself.
"Son, what could be more important than your honeymoon?"
Gilbert had expected this. Someone in the company was definitely reporting to his mother.
"Mom, Rita isn't feeling well, so she said she couldn't travel."
Gilbert knew that if Rita herself refused, his mother would not be able to force the matter.
"I should call her," Marina said.
Gilbert hurriedly stopped her.
"No, Mom. She might be resting. I'll call you this evening."
Marina agreed, not wanting to disturb Rita.
If Mom finds out that I sent the chef and his wife on a holiday using our honeymoon tickets, and that I used her name to make Rita do all the household work, she'll kill me. But if Rita's father finds out...
Gilbert sighed.
I need to think of something before that happens.