“So, everything’s taken care of, right?”
Dinner was just finished. Andreas had just closed his fork and knife next to his plate. However, it seemed that Vlora’s statement did not refer to the end of the meal.
Andreas lifted his face when Vlora cleared her throat with a few sips of water. Then he took a tissue to wipe away the faint moisture that remained on her red lips.
“Our date is over, and I can already tell that we shouldn’t get married,” Vlora continued without hesitation. She looked at Andreas with a calm gaze. “I decline your proposal of marriage. We’re not compatible.”
Andreas took a deep breath and finished his drink. Then he looked at Vlora.
“It’s not time to draw conclusions yet, Vlora, my dear.”
The term of endearment made Vlora fall silent. Maybe she was feeling insecure or preparing herself for the possible consequences. It could be both.
After putting his empty plate aside, Andreas settled into a more comfortable position. A mischievous smile appeared on his face, along with a sudden twinkle in his eyes.
“I’m just getting started. What happened before was …”
There was a hint of annoyance on Vlora’s face that Andreas would enjoy. Think of it as an appetizer.
“… just the beginning,” Andreas went on.
Vlora took a deep breath. She adjusted her posture while maintaining her composure, not showing her frustration openly.
“In that case,” Vlora replied with a smile, “please continue, sir.”
The time given by Vlora brought a grin to Andreas’ face. In his mind he thought,
Maybe I’m the only man in the world who proposes to his bride like a diplomat lobbying for a deal like this.
But Andreas had no objections. On the contrary, Vlora’s attitude strengthened his determination to get a real “yes”.
“First of all, how old are you now?”
A slight frown appeared on Vlora’s forehead, but she answered anyway, “I’ll be twenty-nine soon. Is that a problem?”
“No problem at all, on the contrary. Do you not think about marriage at your age?”
Vlora burst out laughing. Andreas smiled because he had already anticipated her answer.
“Really? If the sympathy trick didn’t work, now I’m using the fear tactic?” Vlora chuckled.
Andreas shook his head rhythmically. “I don’t want to scare you, Vlo. Besides, I know you’re not afraid of such things. Trust me, my dear. I know exactly what kind of woman you are.”
Vlora’s laughter faded. She replaced it with a challenging smile.
“Explain to me, sir. What kind of woman am I?”
“You, Vlora, are a strong woman who refuses to submit to anyone.”
Vlora remained silent. Andreas smiled meaningfully. It seemed that his beginning had a better effect than he had expected.
“You don’t want to lose, you always want to retaliate, and you put logic before emotion,” Andreas continued, still smiling. A sparkle appeared in his eyes. “You really are a perfect woman.”
For a brief moment, Vlora felt that there was nothing wrong with what Andreas was saying. Besides, there was something in his way of speaking that made Vlora decide to wait. She looked forward to Andreas’ next words, and they came five seconds later.
“You really are a perfect woman. Intelligent, charismatic and strong. And you have to believe in one more important thing. Women like you dim their light when they are with the wrong man.”
Vlora narrowed her eyes. “According to you, are you the right man for me?”
“I know you’re smart, Vlo. So I’m going to ask you a question,” Andreas said. First he took a deep breath. “In your opinion, if another man were in my position right now, would he still talk to you so casually? After all you’ve done to me. Not only your behavior today, but also the days that have passed.”
Vlora waited again.
“You ignored me. You spoke harshly to me. You even argued with me. Believe me, my dear. Not all men appreciate intelligent women. You’re perfect, but it’s dangerous for a man’s ego.”
“For your ego?” Vlora asked.
“Exception,” Andreas replied quickly. “You can consider me a rare man in this country.”
Andreas quickly raised his hand, warning Vlora not to interrupt him.
“You can see for yourself what most men here are like. Narrow-minded, putting their ego first, and …” Andreas’ eyes narrowed. For a moment there was no mischievous or teasing glimmer. “… consider women beneath them.”
Andreas reached for Vlora’s glass, which still held a little water, and drank without hesitation.
“In my opinion, Vlo, it would be better for you to marry me than another man who couldn’t accept your perfection. I would even like to listen to your opinions and debate with you. Not just about movies, of course.”
The glass landed on the table again. Andreas looked even more relaxed and enjoyed every word.
“I don’t deny that you could choose to stay single for the rest of your life, but I tell you again, trust me, Vlo. For a night or two, you need someone who’s willing to engage you in thought-provoking conversation. You need something to keep your life exciting. Because women like you always crave for something dynamic.”
This time, Andreas decided to wait. He wanted to see Vlora’s reaction to all the preamble he had just spoken.
“In the category of marriage proposals, sir,” Vlora spoke a few moments later. She nodded repeatedly, feigning an impressed expression. “I must admit that you are quite different from most men. Instead of using mere flattery, you’re more like a CEO lobbying for a business partnership.”
Now it was Andreas’ turn to laugh. “As I said, Vlo, you’re different from most women. I’m sure a single rose wouldn’t melt your heart. Although I was thinking of giving you a whole rose garden. Interested?”
“Is that some kind of dowry?” Vlora asked.
*