LUCAS POV

When I arrived home, I noticed that the house was quiet and there was no one to greet me. I didn't understand why the kids were not there and what could have happened.

I went to the kitchen where I saw a note on the fridge that said "I took the kids out."

I was relieved to know that my family was safe, but still kinda pissed. I don't recall me ever telling her she could take my kids out. But I was just too hungry to react right now.

As I stood there, I could feel my stomach grumbling. My stomach is reminding me that I haven't eaten anything in hours. I hadn't eaten the whole day plus I drank on an empty stomach. It's time to get something to eat. There's no one in the kitchen. Where is the cook?

I opened the fridge and raised my brows questioningly. There was no food in there which was strange. Tanya always kept my food there.

I checked all the cabinets and still had no food. What the hell! I knew it was time to call her over. I have never seen her leave without putting something in the fridge.

"Tanya! Tanya!" I yelled but got no response. Where is she? And why is the house so freaking quiet.

"Tanya!" I called out again. The only response I got was silence.

Tanya was nowhere to be seen. I called out again, but still no answer. I walked around the house, looking for any sign of her.

I took out my phone and called her. She picked at the third ring. Before I could even pour out my anger, she was already talking, thanking me for giving her the day off.

Me? When did I give her the day off? I shouted at her down.

"When did I give you the day off?" I asked with clenched teeth.

"That was what Mrs Lucas said."

"Mrs Lucas? You mean Sophia?"

"Yes sir. She said you all were going out for a family picnic so that I could take the day off since you'd be coming late."

"Is that why there's no food in the house?"

"She said not to make anything sir. Is there a problem?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in through my nose, then exhaled slowly through my mouth. It didn't take long for me to calm down.

"Did she also give Dominic and Nancy the day off too?"

"Yes sir. Sir, is there a problem?"

"No, everything is fine. Enjoy the rest of your day." I said and hung up.

I groaned in frustration, almost smashing my phone on the floor and quickly grabbed it before it hit the ground.

This woman will be the death of me. How can someone be this wicked? I knew she did it intentionally. She knew I don't eat out and yet she gave my workers the day off and even asked Tanya not to cook.

I kicked the chair in front of me in anger, my stomach responded with a growl, and now I am at a loss. There is no food in the house and I can't cook anything. I have to find something to eat, and fast.

I could head to the store, but that will take too long. Maybe I should stop at a fast food restaurant? But I can't eat out, it never sits and I get a running stomach. But what am I going to eat?

I was hungry and I needed food. There was no food in the house and I couldn't cook anything. I was a bit frustrated but I knew there had to be a solution.

Yes! The internet. There's a way to do a lot of things online. I bet there's a meal I can make in twenty minutes.

I quickly searched for the easiest and quicker meal to cook. I clicked on the first video I saw.

"In a house with no food, the only solution is to go out and buy food. If you are not able to do this, you will need to take steps to prepare food. Start by boiling a pot of water and putting it on the stove. Then add salt and pepper and a few other spices to it. Once the water is boiling, put in some pasta and cook it according to the directions on the box. Now you can make a simple but filling meal with this pasta."

***

Few minutes later I was staring at a soggy plate of pasta. But where did I go wrong? I followed the recipe and instructions. How did it come out bad? Was it because I didn't add enough fresh herbs or the cooking water, or maybe I should have deglaze the pan after the pasta came out of the water. I did everything right. I read and reread the recipe and recipe instructions.

I followed all the instructions and I still ended up with bad pasta. My stomach growled again and I was feeling a bit disappointed. I knew that it wasn't the cooking process because I had tried to cook my pasta before. But I had followed all the instructions and it still came out bad. I knew that it was the water, so I tried using bottled water and it still didn't work.

My stomach is already starting to hurt from the hunger pangs. Should I just damn the consequences and eat out?

My noise from outside distracted me a little. That must be Sophia.

SOPHIA'S POV

I drove slowly as we headed home to avoid bumps on the road. I stole a glance at Claire and Aiden who were asleep at the back of the car. They had tired themselves out from playing all day in the park and beach.

They seemed to have fallen asleep fast and were snoring lightly. They were so cute that I couldn't help but smile and watch them peacefully.

I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with them. Their laughter was heartwarming, and their sense of humour made them so easy to entertain. The only bad thing was that we had to leave.

I looked at the time, it was 8pm .My thoughts flashed to Lucas who'd be home alone and starving to death. I felt bad for what I did to him but I wanted him to be unhappy too.

The years I spent away from my children were the hardest part of my life and I blame him for it.

I was halfway home and was already looking forward to a shower. I pulled up to our street and turned left to park in our garage.

I parked the car and let out a deep sigh. I had to disturb their sleep and take them to their room to get them into their pjs and into bed. I wondered how long it would take them to fall asleep again.

"Wake up sweethearts. Let's go into the house and get you tucked in bed."

They followed me sleepily, dragging their feet towards the house.

I saw Lucas sitting like a statue staring at a plate of pasta. He cooked? Wow!

I didn't bother saying anything to him. I led the kids upstairs to their room.

"Let me get your pj's and...

I heard light snoring. I turned to see that they had already laid on the bed asleep. I smiled.

I tucked them in and placed a small kiss on their forehead before heading downstairs.

I didn't want to disturb Lucas anymore nor did I want any disturbances from him so I left him alone to eat in peace.

I was met with a shocker when I saw him standing by my room door.

"I'd like to go in."

"Where the hell were you?" he asked, his voice coming out with rasp.

"I was out with the kids. I left you a note."

His eyes shot daggers at me. "You left me a note? You bastard! You just left me to go eat, and that's all you did?"

"It's ok Lucas. We had fun and I didn't want to disturb you."

He let out a shrill scream, he was so angry.

"Why did you send the workers away?"

"There was no need for them to stay."

"There was no need? I eat too. You know I can't cook nor do I eat out. The least you could have done was to let Tanya cook first."

"It's been three years. I didn't think you'd still be the same. Sorry." I said nonchalantly, rolling my eyes. I could see that he was slowly losing his cool.

He walked menacingly towards me till I was pinned to the wall bringing his mouth close to my ears. I felt weak in the knees.

"If only you knew how much I wanted to do to you right now, you'd stop this cocky attitude of yours."

His lips trailed down my neck. My defense came up and I pushed him back.

He groaned, holding onto his stomach like he was in pain. I suddenly forgot we were fighting.

"Are you hurt?" I asked feeling guilty for pushing him.

He didn't answer me, he looked me directly in the eye, still holding his stomach. Then I heard the growl. He groaned lightly and tightened his grip on his stomach.

Oh shoot! Hunger pangs. I completely forgot. My hands flew to my mouth as guilt overshadowed me.

"I....

He walked away.

Great! Just perfect! I can't even be mean.

But I thought he was eating when I entered. I went down to the dinning to take a look.

"Horrible!" I exclaimed.

He can't even cook pasta? I sighed, feeling sorry for him. Maybe I went too far. Knowing how busy he could get, he probably hasn't eaten anything since morning.. And I did get a hint of alcohol from him, he drank on an empty stomach.

I quickly rushed to the kitchen to make him something to eat. I couldn't make pasta, it was too light. He needs to eat something heavy.

Luckily, there were potatoes. I quickly made potato and meat sauce.

I was about setting it on the table but I figured he'd be too weak to even move at this point. I took the food upstairs to him.

I knocked for a really long time but didn't get any response. Seriously! I'm helping his life here.

"I know you're in there and you can hear me. I made potato and meat sauce. I'm just gonna leave it by the door...

"Take it away. I'd rather die."

"Suit yourself then."

I placed the plate in front of the door and went hide somewhere he won't see me. Just as expected, he came out a few minutes later, looked around to make sure I wasn't there before picking up the plate.