A sparkle returned to Andreas’ eyes. His enthusiasm grew.
“Listen, Vlo. I really want to marry you, and I can assure you that you will never regret accepting my proposal.”
“Despite your brief description of my personality and the typical type of men in this country, I think it would be easier if you chose one of your lovers. Aren’t they proven to be to your taste?”
“Oh, come on, Vlo!” Andreas tapped lightly on the edge of the table, feigning annoyance. “You know, everyone eats rice, but everyone has their own favorite dish.”
Vlora’s eyes widened. To be honest, she had not expected this argument from Andreas.
“You must be aware of the reproductive cycle of men and women, right? There’s a phase where biological needs are demanded. Besides, if they were really my favorites, I would never let them be with another man. Don’t be offended, but I need to eat rice regularly until I find my favorite dish.”
Vlora did not need a mirror to see that her face was turning red. Heat surged through her and Andreas grinned broadly.
“But don’t worry. Trust me. I promise,” Andreas continued. He looked straight into Vlora’s eyes, his seriousness replacing his mischievous gleam. “Just like a marriage between two people, I can assure you that there will be no other women while we’re married. Even if our marriage lasts until one of us dies, you will be the only one during that time.”
Vlora snorted dismissively. “Can I trust the words of a gambler?”
“Take my word for it. I know more than anyone else about the trouble a third, fourth, or even fifth person can cause in a marriage.”
Something in Andreas’ words made Vlora momentarily forget the purpose of their dinner that night. Curiosity overwhelmed her.
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean is …”
Andreas took a deep breath. It seemed as if he lost control for a moment and said something prematurely.
“… this marriage will be advantageous for you. I won’t find you intimidating because of your intelligence. I will also treat you as special as possible. For you are truly invaluable.”
Vlora was silent for a moment. She clearly knew that Andreas was deflecting the conversation. Therefore, Vlora would not push any further.
“What about you then? Don’t you also want to benefit from this marriage?” she asked.
“Of course, I do. Marriage always involves two people. This relationship should be beneficial to both parties. So, I want you to always stand by my side,” Andreas nodded.
“Stand by you?” Vlora repeated.
Andreas nodded again. “I like your debating nature, so debate with me all the time. I have a lot of topics that can be debated between us. Besides, I won’t lie when I say that you really make my masculine soul roar.”
Vlora looked at her watch and realized that they had been in the restaurant for over an hour. That was surely a signal for Andreas to finish his preamble soon.
“I’ll say it again. You are beautiful and perfect. You are the embodiment of my dream woman.”
The preamble had concluded. Vlora let out a long sigh.
“I believe that if we get married, this marriage will be unparalleled in the world. There won’t be any romantic proposals, instead, it will be a process of lobbying,” Vlora said.
“Romantic proposals?” Andreas chuckled and shook his head. “If you want it, I can really kneel before you right now, but I agree with you. Our marriage will be unmatched in the world. It’s simple. We don’t need to proclaim love. As long as this marriage brings us both happiness, what else should be questioned?”
Shortly thereafter, Andreas straightened his back. His hands went up on the table. He closed the distance slightly to look at Vlora more closely.
“I’m not going to shower you with words of love, Vlo. The only thing I will give you is proof that this marriage won’t change you one bit.”
“Proof?” Vlora asked.
Andreas nodded firmly. He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance. His gaze became intense.
“I guarantee that this household will be a place where you will always be adored. You will be treated as a queen, not as a servant. You will be at my side, not behind me. You will be a woman who shines as brightly as her husband.”
Isn’t that enticing enough? And if it still feels lacking, that’s okay. Andreas happily concluded with one last sentence.
“You will have a household that no other man can offer you.”
The preamble had ended. Vlora let out a long sigh.
“I believe that when we get married, this marriage will be unique in the world. There won’t be any romantic proposals, it will be a process of lobbying,” Vlora said.
“Romantic proposals?” Andreas laughed and shook his head. “If you want, I can really get down on my knees right now, but I agree with you. Our marriage will be like no other in the world. It’s simple. We don’t have to declare our love. As long as this marriage brings us both happiness, what else should be questioned?”
Shortly after that, Andreas straightened his back. His hands went up on the table. He closed the distance a little to look at Vlora more closely.
“I’m not going to shower you with words of love, Vlo. The only thing I’m going to give you is proof that this marriage won’t change you one bit.”
“Proof?” Vlora asked.
Andreas nodded firmly. He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance. His gaze became intense.
“I guarantee that this household will be a place where you will always be adored. You will be treated like a queen, not a servant. You will be at my side, not behind me. You will be a woman who shines as brightly as her husband.”
Isn’t that enticing enough? And if it still feels lacking, that’s okay. Andreas happily concluded with one last sentence.
“You will have a home that no other man can offer you.”
*