IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER, VOLUME 2 - Season 11 Episode 2

It wasn’t until 12:30 pm that Austin signed the last document he had. With a stretch, he closed the file. As he raised his head, he glimpsed at Violet who was sleeping reclined on a couch.

A smile beamed at the corner of his mouth. ‘She is still like a little girl, ‘ he thought.

Afraid that Violet might catch a cold, he went to the lounge and came back with a blanket. He tiptoed to the sofa and put it on Violet lightly. With a satisfied smile, he sat on the couch, opened the food container and enjoyed the bountiful meal prepared by her.

The smell of the food made Austin feel more hungry. He wasted no time and ate the food with relish.

The smell of the food awakened Violet. Fluttering her eyes and opening them slowly, she found that Austin was almost done with his lunch and there was little food left in the container.

“Oh my god, you ate up all the food?” Violet asked as she quickly sat up straight.

“That’s none of your business, I believe. Didn’t you cook it all for me?” Austin responded as he continued finishing his meal.

“But you should have woken me up when you ate,” Violet said with a helpless expression. She was feeling bad that she did not get a chance to join him for lunch.

“Cook more food next time. It’s not enough for me to sastify my appetitie,” Austin demanded. He didn’t want to admit to Violet that the food she made was deicious. ‘She is a good cook. I’d like to eat the food that she cooks next time, ‘ he thought.

“What do you think of the food? Did you like it?” Violet asked as she cast an expectant look towards Austin. She was expecting to hear some praiseworthy words from him.

“Not bad,” he commented after some time.

His remark irked Violet. Angrily, she grabbed the blanket, crumpled it and threw it towards Austin.

“If it was not yummy, why did you eat it up so quickly?” Violet asked acidly.

“I was starving. In such situations, I am not very particular about food,” Austin replied. He finished his last bite and gave the empty container to Violet.

“Ungrateful guy! I even didn’t take lunch for Greg today. I thought you have worked so hard and no one is there to take care of you. That’s why I came here. But you are so mean that you cannot even praise me. Is my cooking that bad? “Violet grumbled with a irritated look on her face. ‘I thought he would praise and say that I have a good knack for cooking, ‘ she sighed inside.

“Come on, Violet, I was just joking. You are the best cook I have ever met.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t have asked you to bring lunch next time also and cook more quantity,” Austin comforted. ‘I thought she wouldn’t cook for me because she has always given priority to Greg. But to my surprise, she has brought me lunch and not for her husband. Now, I can brag about this in front of Greg, ‘ he reflected, feeling slightly touched.

When she heard this, a merry smile spread on her face.

“Today, I got up early to cook breakfast for Greg. After he had left for work, I started to prepare lunch for you. I had so much to do this morning because of you. Now, I am worn out,” Violet whined.

“Come on, Violet. I will give you a massage,” Austin responded instantly, as he drew nearer and massaged her shoulders softly.

Violet sat still, closed her eyes and enjoyed the free shoulder massage. ‘I deserve this. Now that he has volunteered to do this, I will accept it with delight, ‘ she thought.

“How is everything in the company? Are you able to handle all work with ease?” Violet asked with concern.

“Superb. There is nothing to worry about. Don’t you have faith in me? Now I am an executive president, I can exercise my power anywhere. So it is easy for me to deal with things,” Austin replied confidently.

“I feel happy to hear that,” Violet said with some satisfaction. Having witnessed how earnestly Austin was going through the files, she knew that he could handle his work properly. “But remember to take good care of yourself. Keep a balance between work and rest,” she urged with concern.

“Don’t worry about me, Violet. I have you to bring lunch for me every day. Besides, I can go to Uncle’s Jackson’s house and eat the food Aunt Cherry cooks. That’s more than enough,” Austin returned. He could always enjoy a feast in the Chu family villa. That was one reason he loved visiting the Chu family regularly. “Austin,” Violet called as she cast a meaningful glance at him.

“Yes?” Austin responded. As he met Violet’s gaze he felt scared that she was going to ask something very difficult. “How about I ask Mom and Aunt Amy to help you find a girlfriend?” Violet proposed with a naughty smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

“I don’t think it’s a great idea. Aunt Cherry must hope that I make a girlfriend myself. She should not force me to meet girls on blind dates especially those who can be of some help for my business. As for Aunt Amy, I don’t think she has any time to find a girlfriend for me. She has a full schedule and has to teach kids piano too,” Austin declined casually. He was not in a hurry to find a girlfriend.

“Perhaps I and Alice can be of some help in that case,” Violet continued.

“I don’t think so. Alice has high standards. She probably judges girls by their clothing. Since she is so particular about fashion, I don’t think it’s easy for her to find me a suitable girlfriend,” Austin refused again.

“This way, when will you most likely settle down?” Violet asked anxiously.

“I will consider it only after Lawrence’s wedding with Aria. I am not so eager to get married,” Austin answered leisurely, shrugging his shoulders.

“You don’t want to get married, do you? You know what? From now on, I wash my hands of you,” Violet said resignedly.

“That’s what I want,” Austin returned gaily.

“You should always address me as Miss Violet, for I am much older than you, Austin,” Violet demanded.

“That’s not gonna happen. I will call you what I want to. Violet, Violet…” Austin snapped in return.

…

Austin had booked all the tables on the third floor of the Lavender Cafe. He and Dan had a business appointment there and he did not want any disturbances there.

When Dan and Polly reached the third floor, Austin was already seated by the window.

When he spotted Dan and his assistant coming his way, he stood up out of courtesy.

“Hello, Mr. Dan!” Austin greeted, offering his hand for a friendly handshake.