The following morning dawned with winter's chill in the air, a hint of drizzle in the forecast despite the absence of snow. Amid the cool humidity, the vibrant green leaves and trees in Mr. Singer's garden stood out in their lush beauty.
Andrea, clad in a windbreaker, sat beneath the central tree in the garden, gazing at the flower bed outside her window.
Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Singer had just woken up and caught sight of her from his window. Alarmed, he hastily threw on shorts and a shirt before making his way to the garden, oblivious to the weather.
As he approached her, Andrea, trembling from the cold, inquired, "Are you planning to abandon me?"
Startled, Mr. Singer froze momentarily, his brows furrowed, before responding, "Who gave you that idea?"
Andrea's eyes brimmed with tears as she recounted her dream to Mr. Singers. "I dreamt you were shot and killed in my dream. I'm afraid you'll leave me like my mother. Everybody always leaves me alone."
Mr. Singers stiffened, but he forced a smile and reassured her, "It was just a dream. Don't be scared. I will not leave you. I will always be here with you. Come, let me take you inside. You're getting wet and catching a cold."
Andrea didn't resist; she followed Mr. Singers into the mansion. When Housekeeper Win saw them looking wet from the weather, she gasped in horror. "Ma'am Andrea, you're catching a cold. I'll get the maids to change your shirt and make you a cup of coffee right away."
"I'll prepare the coffee for her. Help her change," Mr. Singers replied before walking into the kitchen.
After brewing a cup of coffee for Andrea, he returned and handed it to her. "I'll go prepare breakfast for both of us."
Housekeeper Win looked at Mr. Singers with surprise written all over her face and cautiously asked, "Mr. Singers, do you actually know how to cook?"
She had never witnessed him step foot in the kitchen since she had started working for him, so her skepticism was not unfounded.
"I do," Mr. Singers replied with a smile before heading back into the kitchen.
Andrea, intrigued as well, turned to Housekeeper Win and inquired, "Have you ever seen him cook before?"
Housekeeper Win, torn between amusement and bewilderment at Andrea's question, considered Mr. Singers' packed schedule. He was hardly ever at the mansion, always engrossed in meetings, hosting guests, speaking at events, and attending numerous banquets. When would he even have the time to be in the kitchen?
Shaking her head, Housekeeper Win watched Andrea's concern grow. She feared that if left alone in the kitchen, Mr. Singers might end up burning himself or even setting the whole place on fire.
Housekeeper Win, also filled with curiosity, refrained from reminding Andrea to change her windbreaker. Instead, she quietly trailed behind Andrea until they reached the kitchen door. Peeking inside stealthily, they both beheld a sight that left Andrea's eyes widened in utter shock.
The swift and precise movements of Mr. Singers as he expertly chopped vegetables and skillfully handled the pots and frying pan were reminiscent of a seasoned five-star chef.
"Mr. Singers truly is a master in the kitchen," Housekeeper Win sighed, feeling a twinge of injustice on behalf of other men. Mr. Singers seemed too perfect, causing her to sigh in admiration.
"Ma'am Andrea, let's find you a change of clothes," Housekeeper Win whispered, ensuring she didn't neglect her duties.
"Um..." Andrea murmured in response, tearing her gaze away from the mesmerizing scene in the kitchen. She was truly captivated by Mr. Singers' culinary prowess.
Her lips curved into a smile as she reminisced about the day Valentine had promised to cook for her on her birthday. Despite nearly setting the kitchen on fire and failing to create anything edible, the memory held a special place in her heart.
After changing into a cozy sweater, she returned to the living room to find Mr. Singers had prepared a delightful breakfast spread.
"Come and savor my exquisite culinary creations," Mr. Singers proclaimed proudly.
Housekeeper Win chuckled and assisted Andrea to the dining table. Tony stood leaning against the wall, observing Andrea and Mr. Singers enjoying their meal, his expression clouded with sorrow.
Unable to bear the sight any longer, he turned away, tears welling up in his eyes.
Following breakfast, Mr. Singers stayed with Andrea until nightfall. As bedtime approached, he guided her to her room and tucked her into bed.
"Sleep well, honey," Mr. Singers said as he kissed her forehead.
"Can you stay with me for a while?" Andrea's voice was tinged with fear as she made her request.
"Sure," Mr. Singers readily agreed and sat by her bedside.
Andrea gazed intently at Mr. Singers' face until her eyelids grew heavy. Despite feeling sleepy, she struggled to keep her eyes open until she finally drifted into a deep slumber.
Leaning over, Mr. Singers kissed her forehead and whispered, "I love you, honey. I always have."
Standing up straight, Mr. Singers watched Andrea sleeping peacefully for a moment. Feeling a wave of sadness, he turned to leave, but then he heard Andrea murmur, "Don't leave me, daddy."
His eyes welling up with tears, Mr. Singers walked back to her, kissed her forehead three more times, and placed a letter on her bed before quietly exiting the room.
If he had stayed a little longer, he might have changed his mind about leaving.
"Mr. Singers the preparations for your departure has been completed. Your three imposters have already taken action: one is currently representing you at Mr. Hart's banquet, another is on the way to the airport, and the third is heading to the seaport. We have one hour before all your imposters will be exposed," Tate informed.
"Is the drive to the neighboring city safe?" Mr. Singers inquired after hearing the update.
"It's 80% safe, taking all dangers into account," Tate responded.