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Charles Augustus Milverton gave a miserable look at the dessert in front of him. It was a strawberry cake, decorated widely with whipped cream. Strawberry cake was Milverton’s favourite food and it was made by his secretary, Ruskin, which was a guarantee that it was the best cake in the world. Neither too sweet, nor too dry, perfectly fit to his taste. There was no problem with the cake itself, this was not what concernes him.
The problem was with Milverton.
In the morning, while he was dressing up, he needed to realize that his shirt maybe felt a little bit tighter than it used to be and it was harder to do the buttons on his stomach. When he took a closer look at himself, he saw with terror that he ended up gaining some weight in the last months and the fat was even visible on his belly. Milverton first blamed it on not doing any workout during the day - why would he do work hard to be in shape if he could afford bodyguards who could protect him? - but he needed to come to terms with it that it was not just that. He spent all his days in his study sitting in the chair and plotting his evil plans while eating a big amount of Ruskin's strawberry cake every afternoon.
Milverton definitely didn't want to get obese. He thought highly of his appearance and there was always a malicious smile on his face whenever he saw on balls that despite that he was not born into the high class, the noble ladies were still looking for his company instead of the aristocrats who gained too much weight because of their privileged life and the heavy dinners they throw all the time among themselves. He felt ashamed for allowing himself letting his guard down too much - if someone, he knew that he needed control to keep his current position as a media mogul. And this control should also control apply to himself. It was easier to get into people's trust and manipulate them if he was handsome and his body was perfect - which Milverton had a great use of as the King of Blackmail - so he was aware that he can't let himself fall even lower. He wanted to get in shape again which meant that he needed to be more picky about what he ate and Ruskin's strawberry cake unfortunately meant even more calories.
But it was so hard to resist that beautiful, perfect creation! He felt like the whipped-cream covered strawberries called for him. He already felt the taste in his mouth. How could he even say no?
"Is there a problem with the cake, sir? It doesn't fit your liking?"
Milverton looked up as his secretary's voice dragged him out of his thoughts. Ruskin watched him with a curious look in his eyes and Milverton saw that he started to get worried by his employer's strange behaviour - like he suddenly got sick and this is why he has no appetite.
"No, your cake is fine and I am fine as well." Milverton quickly reassured his secretary and stopped to clear his throat. "It is just..." he tried to continue but he had no idea what to say. If he declines the cake without a significant reason, Ruskin will be disappointed and probably hurt as well, thinking that it was truly his fault that Milverton didn't like the cake. Milverton, despite proudly stating that he was the incarnation of pure evil, never wanted to hurt his secretary. He quickly tried to think through what he should tell the other man and during this, his gaze eventually fell to his own stomach.
"So this is the reason why." Ruskin said quietly, being able to read even from his employer's one glance perfectly. "You gained some weight and now you don't know whether you should eat cake or not."
Milverton turned red by the remark. So Ruskin noticed that he gained weight as well. But what could he think? He was a proud person, but Ruskin’s opinion always mattered to him. Before he could ask, his secretary continued.
"Oh, sir. There is nothing wrong with your appearance. You will always be the most beautiful no matter how much weight you will gain. Believe me." He told him softly and with a gentle movement, he brushed Milverton's arm. "And there is absolutely no problem with your current weight either. In fact, I used to be worried that you were too fragile and would fall sick easily. Now it is less likely to happen." He added. Milverton stared at his secretary while he felt that he turned even redder. The feeling of shame and irritation disappeared, and only Ruskin's caring words remained as warmth in his heart. "But if your weight really bothers you, we can take walks in the garden together. It is true that you sit too much, sir. You better do more exercise."
"I see." Milverton was only able to reply this, he was too embarrassed to say more. What Ruskin suggested to him was sensible - and it was actually not against his liking to take walks with his secretary. The only one, who, no matter what will happen to him, will always see him perfect.
His gaze wandered back to the strawberry cake. He still wanted to eat it - and despite Ruskin's speech, he still had doubts regarding it. But he didn't need to make decisions on his own anymore. After all, Ruskin was there to give him an advice.
He took care of his health the best.
"And what about the cake then?" He asked somewhat shyly. Ruskin also looked back at it, thinking for a long moment. Then he took up the knife and sliced the piece in half.
"If you want to lose weight, I advise you to eat this amount." He said and a smile appeared on his face. "There is no reason to rob yourself of all the enjoyment."
Milverton could only agree with that.
"You are right, Ruskin." He noted and he finally picked up the fork and started eating. He added in his mind.
You are always right.