It was not a fancy restaurant that Andreas had in mind. Vlora’s assumptions were slightly off when Andreas actually took her to a renowned mall.
Located on Oregon 99, Prime Avenue Mall was their destination. It was a solid and classy building known for its variety of original imported brands.
“Did you know that dinner is usually at seven?” Andreas asked casually as he unbuckled his seat belt. “Right now, it’s only half past six.”
Vlora unbuckled her belt as well. “So?”
“So, I’ve booked two tickets. First, we’ll watch the movie and then we’ll eat,” Andreas continued, giving her a teasing look. “What do you think? A good idea, isn’t it?”
Watching wasn’t a good idea. They would be sitting side by side in dim light for quite some time. During that time, Andreas might test Vlora’s patience to the limit.
Oh, Lord. It would be very exhausting.
Unfortunately, there was nothing Vlora could do about it. The tickets were already booked and they had arrived.
So, Vlora did not say anything. Instead, she got out of the car immediately, followed by Andreas.
Andreas clearly remembered Vlora accusing him of trying to use a sympathetic trick. But that did not dampen his enthusiasm to make everything perfect.
Andreas chose Prime Avenue Premiere. The cinema not only promised comfort in enjoying the latest movies but also offered privacy.
The waiting area was specially designed so that visitors did not have to wait anxiously in a crowded space. With an exclusive vibe, the available cafe ensured that every menu could be enjoyed comfortably. If desired, orders could even be delivered to the studio.
The temperature was pleasantly cool, the seats were plush, and the atmosphere was serene. Andreas and Vlora sat side by side for about ten minutes before the movie began.
The studio lights dimmed. The film started, but unfortunately, Andreas was not interested in the ongoing investigation at all. He watched Vlora, who was fully engrossed in the film, while he himself focused on her face.
“Who do you think is the villain?” Andreas asked, moving a little closer to Vlora. His whisper caressed Vlora’s earlobe. “Is it really the suspect, or is it someone else? The police, or maybe the neighbor who called first?”
The next thing Vlora had to reluctantly admit was that her earlier suspicion was wrong. She had thought that Andreas would take advantage of the quiet studio environment to make his move, but that did not seem to be the case.
Andreas was concentrating on the movie. He almost did not breathe during some exciting scenes.
Vlora blinked once in the darkness. “At first, I thought the suspect was indeed the criminal, but it doesn’t seem that way. The semen found at the crime scene is concrete evidence. I don’t think this movie will be that simple, especially because the rapist and murderer have a high level of education. They wouldn’t just leave the crime scene like that.
One of the interesting things about watching thriller and mystery genre movies is that you can discuss the plot. Isn’t that fun?
So, of course, Vlora was surprised when she found out which movie Andreas had chosen. Not to belittle him, but she had thought that Andreas would invite her to watch a romantic movie-maybe a melancholic romantic movie.
After all, isn’t it common knowledge? Many men invite women to watch soft romantic movies to play the role of the ‘hero’. They would hug and offer a shoulder when the woman starts to cry.
But no, Andreas did not do that. Instead, he chose a movie whose opening scene showed blood everywhere, with the lifeless body of a naked woman.
“So, in my opinion, it’s not the defendant.”
A smile spread across Andreas’ face. He seemed fascinated by Vlora’s thoughts.
“Interesting. So, in your opinion, the criminal is someone else? Who?”
“Someone that nobody would suspect,” Vlora replied, turning her head. “It could be family. Someone who can easily manipulate the victim’s DNA identification.”
Andreas fell silent. With an admiring smile, he could not stop looking at Vlora.
“Why do you guess that the culprit is their own family? I thought you had the same thought process as the screenwriter.”
The film was over. Lights illuminated the studio again. At that moment, Vlora set aside her empty drink glass and answered.
“DNA identification tends to get blurry when it comes to familial relationships. So, it’s natural that nobody suspected their own sibling. The DNA results from the hair left behind would surely have similarities with the victim’s DNA.”
Andreas stared intently at Vlora. “Regardless of your thoughts, I admit that I agree with you on one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Sometimes, the perpetrator is indeed someone close,” Andreas answered, slightly raising his eyebrows. “Like family.”
Vlora sensed a different impression from Andreas’s words and tone of voice at that moment. However, she chose to ignore it and looked at her watch.
“It’s half past seven now. We’re half an hour late for dinner.”
Andreas stood up and reached for Vlora’s hand, helping her to stand.
“Where do you want to eat? Hmm, or maybe you want to try my cooking? If so, I think we can go to my place right now.”
Vlora pulled her hand away but did not move away. Instead, she took a step forward and slightly tilted her head. Seeking the right position near Andreas’s ear.
“Is that an invitation to end up in your room or something?”
Andreas grinned.
“Sorry, Sir. One thing you need to know,” Vlora continued. Briefly, she glanced. “I’m allergic to other people’s used mattresses.”
After saying that, Vlora walked away as if nothing had happened. She headed towards the exit, leaving Andreas momentarily shaking his head with one thought in mind.
I know. Woman like you will never succumb to flattery.
Andreas walked. One hand slipped into his pants pocket, and a meaningful smile slowly formed on his face.
The good news is, I know exactly what you want from a marriage.
*