Loving Madeline

Charlotte's POV

Never in my entire life have I imagined I would do something against my will because of hunger. Jewelry, maybe; I remembered I asked my dad about something that I liked; it was a beautiful necklace with an intricate diamond pendant.

Dad asked me to attend that gala with him before he bought me anything, and even if I didn't want to go, I didn't have a choice but to obey, even if I was dying to get out and party with my friends.

I wanted to laugh at myself for being so pathetic; how could I allow Jack Morigan to get inside our house because he had some food? That is ridiculous, right? I was once a debutant of Archois City, a daughter of a wealthy man, yet here I am, waiting for some hunk to offer me his food.

I had never felt so hungry in my entire life. Yesterday was fine, but today, it felt like I was willing to eat wild animals because of my hunger.

"When was the last time you ate?" Jack asked after I showed him the dining area.

"Why are you asking me that question? Do you think I don't have food, Jack?" I asked, feeling irritated by his inquiry.

"Because I am a chef, and I know the look of a hungry person; I didn't say you don't have food," Jack responded.

"Do you know how to cook, Charlotte?" Jack asked, and his words made me frown; he got to be kidding me. I tried to change my facial expression into something more presentable, but my stomach betrayed me.

"See, I could tell you are hungry, Ms. Divenson," Jack added after he heard the loud grumbling of my stomach.

"I have maids and kitchen staff, so I don't need to learn to cook." I lied, and he looked at me as if he was trying to read my mind.

"Are you sure about that? Why did you open the door and talk with me instead of your butler? And why are you all alone here, Charlotte?" He asked.

"Here, you better eat this," he added as he handed me the food container from one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in the town capital while it took me a while to respond.

"I let them have their off today since I wanted to be alone," I replied as I took the food container from his hand, and he only nodded his head.

I don't care if I have to lie to him. Jack would be leaving anyway. He will be gone after eating his lunch. I don't want him to know what is going on with my fucking life; nobody should know I have a breakdown and am broke.

"Thank you," I added, and I tried to devour my food with poise like I used to, even if I wanted to eat faster to satisfy my hunger right away. I was conscious since Jack was sitting across from me and was staring at my face like I was some experiment.

"Are you going to stare at me, or will you eat your food?" I felt uncomfortable, and I became more irritated when he only chuckled.

"What? Do I have something in my face, Jack?" I asked when I raised my head and still found him looking at my face.

"Are you in trouble, Charlotte?" He asked, and I could see the seriousness in his voice, and I noticed he didn't even touch his food, and I hated that I wanted to eat his dumplings since I still felt hungry.

"Why do you think I am in trouble?" I asked as I looked at his handsome face.

"I just couldn't believe I would find you here, alone in a place far away from the city or town center, you love to party, and I know your social status in Archois." He responded, and I averted his gaze.

"I have my reasons for being here, Mr. Morigan, and correction; I am not alone. I already told you my staff was having a day off, and it is none of your business that I am spending my vacation here in Barcelonia." I declared.

"Now, you should eat your food before I drive you away," I added, and his face fell.

"Come on, Charlotte, please, let me stay here," he said.

"I already told you none of the rooms here are for rent; it was a mistake. I don't know who paid for that advertisement. I don't need a tenant, especially someone like you," I added, and he chuckled.

"I didn't do anything to you; why do you hate me, Charlotte?" He asked, and I hated that I found his voice so sexy, like his personality; it felt like I wanted him to take me to bed and be my first.

Oh! No! What am I thinking? Did I fantasize about Jack? Yeah, I could remember the first time I saw him, I felt something for him, but I felt so hurt when I learned he liked Madeline. I wanted to use him to make Hunter leave Maddie, but my brother's love for his wife was too strong that nothing could tear them apart.

"I have a million reasons to hate you, Jack, and one night would never be enough if you wanted to hear all of them," I sarcastically responded since I knew deep inside I had more reasons why he should stay.

"Can you at least hear my proposal?" He asked.

"I don't know, Jack, I don't have time for that; even if I was in vacation mode, I am a busy person," I replied.

"I can tell you about it while I am eating; all you have to do is listen to me; just give me five minutes." He insisted, and I let out a heavy sigh.

"No, you should tell me first why the hottest chef in Archois was in Barcelonia?" I asked, and his face fell, and I could tell Jack was brokenhearted.

"My girlfriend dumped me because she found someone new. I just wanted to mend my broken heart and forget everything." He said as he stared at his food, and I fell silent.

I don't know how to soothe Jack since I have never been in a relationship. I am too busy hating my elder brother and his wife that I didn't have time for myself. I have never been in love, and I hate to admit I have no experience in dating, and I am still a virgin.

Everyone thought I was a spoiled brat, and I could play boys with my fingers, but the truth is, I had to pretend dates to please my parents, but those boys were only my friends. I don't date, and I am a liar if I say I never fantasize about having what Hunter and Madeline have.

I dreamed of being loved by someone for who I am and not because of my family name, especially now that I had lost my status in the society I used to live in, and Jack was right. I am alone in this abandoned manor.

"I am sorry to hear that, Jack. Do you think you can forget her by being here in Barcelonia?" I asked.

"Well, for starters, I just want to be alone and find myself again," he responded.

"I think this is the perfect place for me, I am a renowned chef, and you know I am good at what I do. If you allow me to rent one of your rooms, I could be your chef cook, and I promised to prepare all your favorite cuisine, Charlotte," Jack added with a beautiful smile on his face while my face fell.

How could he cook for me when I didn't have money to buy the ingredients?

"I can be your driver, and I will drive you wherever you want to go; just let me stay, Charlotte." He begged, and as much I wanted to take him in, I didn't have money to buy gasoline either, the battery of my car broke, and I didn't have the money to order a new one.

"I am sorry, Jack, but I couldn't help you with your problem. I still want you to leave our property once you are finished eating your food." I responded, and his face saddened.

"Thank you for the food, Jack. I appreciate for sharing it with me," I added, and he smiled as he nodded his head, and I hated that his smile alone could make my legs tremble.

"Of course, I understand, Charlotte, but I needed to book another ride. Could you, at least, let me stay for the night? I promise you I will be gone by tomorrow." He responded, and since I owed him my food for the day, I slowly nodded, and his smile broadened, and I didn't realize Jack had perfectly white teeth.

What is wrong with me? I had never paid any attention to anyone's teeth before, but why I admired every part of Jack's hot body.

"Thank you so much, Charlotte," he added, and then he cleaned the table and went to the kitchen while I was following him.

"What are you doing?" I asked when he came closer to the gas stove.

"Well, I am a cook. Remember, I wanted to check if everything here is running perfectly, including the stove, the microwave, and other stuff," he replied, and I wanted to ask if my heart was included.

"You don't need to do that," I mumbled.

"You allow me to stay for the night; this is the least I can do for you; I will cook you some dinner." He replied with a wide grin.

"I am not letting you stay for free, Jack," I responded, and I could see the shock on his face, but I needed money to buy food; I have to grab this opportunity.

"This manor is only for the member of the Divenson family, and as you can see, this is a fortress, and it feels like you are staying in one of the five-star hotels in Archois. I will allow you to stay in the master's bedroom for an affordable price, and you only need to pay five hundred dollars." I declared, and his eyes widened.

"Whoa! Are you nuts? Five hundred dollars for one night?" Jack asked, and I could tell he was pissed with the amount I gave him.

"Take it or leave it, chef," I said with a playful smile on my lips, feeling so excited that I could finally buy some groceries.