A Personal Chef

Layla, still wearing her pajamas, nodded casually while focusing on folding the blanket. "Yes, Aunt. I always set an alarm to wake up early every day. Except on Sundays." Agatha smiled admiringly at the beautiful girl she would be taking care of. How lucky Jayden was to have such a diligent daughter. Agatha also helped tidy the blanket. "Wow, you're amazing. When I was your age, I never woke up this early. In fact, when I went to school, I often arrived late and got scolded by the teachers." Agatha chuckled, reminiscing about her mischievous past. Layla, who had finished, now turned to help Agatha. "Daddy taught me to wake up early. I don't want to be late for school either. Because I take a long time to shower and have breakfast, Aunt." Agatha turned, nodding in understanding. She didn't expect that trait to be inherited from her father. "But seriously, you're great. I'm really impressed by you." Layla hid her smile with shyness. It was the first time someone said that she was great. She had never considered herself like that because Layla was aware of her own shortcomings, which were not shared by most girls her age. "Thank you, Aunt Agatha. I feel more motivated after receiving praise from you. Usually, when I wake up early, I'm always alone. Now I'm happy because you're here." Layla looked down, playing with her fingers. Agatha turned around after finishing tidying up. She momentarily paused when she saw Layla's response, then slightly leaned down and lifted the girl's chin. Agatha gave a gentle smile. "I'm also happy if you're happy. What do you want for breakfast today? I'll start preparing it now." Agatha stroked Layla's hair. "I'll do it from now on." Layla's face instantly brightened. "Aunt wants to cook? Seriously?" Agatha nodded enthusiastically. "Of course. Isn't that what I do every morning?" "Dad can't cook." Layla pouted cutely. "Every day, we buy food for breakfast. Sometimes, if we don't have time, we only have bread and milk, Aunt." Agatha was taken aback. "Oh my goodness. What about lunch and dinner then?" "It's the same, Aunt. If Dad isn't busy, we usually eat at restaurants." Agatha covered her mouth with her hand. As a student living in rented accommodation, it was very surprising to her. She preferred to cook herself, even if it was simple, and had to think a thousand times before buying fast food. "Having three meals a day, how much does it cost? It's very extravagant." Agatha clicked her tongue irritably. "It's better to use the money for something more important or to save it." "Dad said it's okay, Aunt. Dad has a lot of money. He said it won't be depleted just by eating out every day," Layla replied innocently. Agatha was momentarily speechless and almost unable to speak. She took a long sigh. It turned out that the mindset of the wealthy was indeed different. "That's not the point, Layla. Even though you have abundant money, if you frequently use it for something that can be obtained without spending much, it's not good. It would be more economical to cook for yourself, or hire a cook if you can't cook." "I'm just following Dad's lead," Layla said softly, but then her eyes suddenly brightened. "But now, right, Aunt, you're here. Maybe Dad can change his mind? I really want to taste your cooking. It must be much tastier than restaurant food." Both of Agatha's lips instinctively twitched. "That's true, it's a good idea. In that case, starting from now, I will cook for you. I need to persuade Jayden to eat at home. Even though you're wealthy, it's better to save money. We don't know what the future holds." "Aunt, you don't need to convince him. Dad will definitely agree if it's my request," Layla replied confidently. Agatha paused for a moment before bursting into amused laughter. "Oh, right. I forgot. You mean everything to him. In that case, Layla, may I become your personal chef?" "Yeah! That's awesome! I want that!" Layla exclaimed with a wide smile. Agatha laughed briefly. The two of them finally headed to the kitchen to start their actions. Initially, Agatha asked Layla to wait and watch TV until the food was ready, but due to Layla's persuasive skills, Agatha couldn't do anything about it.   "What are you two doing?" Jayden walked into the kitchen upon hearing voices and the sound of utensils clashing. He frowned when he saw Layla and Agatha busy in there. "Good morning, Dad! I'm helping Aunt Agatha make breakfast! It's so much fun!" Layla chirped with excitement. "Helping?" Jayden teased as he approached Layla, who was sitting on a chair at the dining table. "Are you sure about that? You're probably just being a bother to her." Layla puckered her lips and huffed in annoyance. "No way! I'm stirring the eggs, see! Come and have a look, Dad! I'm not bothering Aunt Agatha, I promise!" Jayden glanced at Layla, who was pointing at a bowl in front of her. He nodded approvingly. "Oh, that's good. Just be careful not to spill it while stirring." "Yeah yeah! I know, Daddy!" Jayden held back a smile at Layla's response. It felt so good to see Layla so enthusiastic about helping Agatha. Jayden then walked over to Agatha, who seemed to be cutting vegetables and spices. "Why are you going through all the trouble of cooking? Did Layla ask you to?" Jayden remarked, standing next to Agatha and observing. Agatha glanced briefly and shook her head. "No. It was my own initiative. I thought from now on, you should start saving money." "Why?" Jayden asked. Agatha sneered inwardly because Jayden didn't seem to catch on. "You're buying food too often. Layla must be tired of the taste. Homemade meals are also better for your health compared to restaurant food." Jayden raised an eyebrow. As far as he remembered, he hadn't mentioned anything about food yet. "Did Layla say something? Did she say I can't cook?" "That's right, isn't it?" Agatha smirked slightly. "Besides, it's normal for men not to be able to cook. It's actually impressive if they are skilled at it." Jayden let out a barely audible chuckle, but he couldn't deny the fact. "What about you? Can you really cook? Or are you just doing it because it's your first day at work?" "Of course I can. Are you underestimating me?" Agatha retorted with a hint of a smirk. Jayden shrugged. For some reason, he wanted to make Agatha annoyed. "Who knows, maybe you can only cook fried rice, right?" "I can cook all kinds of dishes. From simple to modern ones," Agatha replied confidently. Agatha rolled her eyes and reached for the frying pan that was next to Jayden. She was quite annoyed with his response earlier. "Is that so?" Jayden continued watching what Agatha was doing. He hadn't expected, and was very surprised to learn, that Agatha could cook. He thought a young girl like Agatha would prefer to buy simple instant meals. "You don't believe me?" Agatha scoffed, glancing at Jayden momentarily as she placed the pan on the stove.