“I’ll just stop by for a moment, and for some time to come, maybe I won’t be able to see you.”
Lucas squinted his eyes upon hearing Andreas’ words. He placed the coffee cup back on the coaster with an incredulous question.
“Oh, really?”
Andreas nodded confidently. “My parents will be coming back soon. There are a few things I need to take care of. A little welcome and, well… to introduce them to Vlora. And maybe there are other things too.”
Regarding that first matter, Lucas still could not understand why Vlora accepted Andreas’ proposal. When his friend informed him about it a few days ago, he almost choked on his coffee.
At first, Lucas thought Andreas was joking. Unfortunately, the mischievous gleam of triumph in Andreas’ eyes could not be denied. His expression showed immense pride. Andreas’ proposal was indeed accepted.
Lucas let out a long sigh. “I still can’t believe that Vlora would accept your proposal after everything you’ve done to her. Don’t get offended, but you’re not the type of man she desires.”
“Who can guess,” Andreas replied nonchalantly. He rubbed his chin and continued speaking. “Actually, I also can’t believe that Velia accepted your proposal after all the tragedies that happened to her. Don’t get offended, but you’re not the type of man she desires.”
Lucas’ face sank. “Damn you!”
Andreas stood up with boisterous laughter. However, he spoke again before leaving.
“Oh! Don’t forget to come to my family’s party on Sunday night. Bring Velia.”
Rising as well, Lucas displayed a helpless expression. It seemed he could not promise that for one thing.
“I hope we can go. Sometimes Velia’s condition is unpredictable.”
Andreas’ laughter shifted slightly. It seemed teasing. “Pregnancy hormones. That’s something that can’t be controlled. Good luck.”
Lucas winced, holding back a grimace. He chose to return to his desk while Andreas walked towards the door.
Andreas left, and the first thing he looked for as soon as he stepped outside Lucas’ room was Vlora. He closed the door behind him, their gazes immediately locking. Without further ado, he approached Vlora and sat down.
“It seems we won’t be able to meet for the next few days, Vlo.”
A slight surprise for Vlora. However, her facial expression remained the same. It appeared flat as usual, devoid of any emotions.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind at all.”
Andreas leaned back, while one hand landed on the table, tapping lightly there.
“My parents will be returning to Ashford City. So, there are a few things I need to do to welcome them at the mansion.”
Vlora nodded. “I understand.”
“We will be hosting a welcome party for my parents on Sunday night,” Andreas continued, taking a quick breath. “I want you to come as my partner. I will introduce you to the entire family.”
Once again, Vlora nodded. “Okay. I’ll come. What time is the event?”
“Just get ready, and I’ll pick you up. Maybe around five in the evening.”
“Alright. I’ll be waiting for you at my unit.”
A slight smirk curled at the corner of Andreas’ lips. Was not the atmosphere of their conversation unusual? He and Vlora did not really look like an ordinary couple.
“Oh, I almost forgot. If possible, bring your parents along. I think it would be much better if our parents meet directly. Maybe we can discuss the wedding soon.”
A flicker of unfamiliar emotion shimmered in Vlora’s clear eyes. Andreas was taken aback, certain that he had not seen it wrong. However, everything seemed normal again a moment later.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Vlora smiled faintly, without expression. “I only have a younger sibling. Both of my parents are no longer here.”
Andreas realized he had not been mistaken. The foreign emotion truly existed in Vlora’s eyes earlier.
In an instant, Andreas tensed up. One piece of information straightened his spine.
The comfortable position vanished. The smiles and mischievous glances disappeared. They were all replaced by an expression of regret.
“I’m sorry, Vlo. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. Besides, it happened a few years ago. It’s been too long. Maybe about ten years.”
Andreas reached for Vlora’s hand, gently patting its back. “You can bring your sibling.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s possible either.”
Carefully, Andreas asked, “Why?”
“Thomas is still receiving intensive care at Tranquil Harmoni Mental Health Center. So, I think only I will come that night.”
This time, Andreas truly froze. The second piece of information he heard rendered him speechless.
Andreas’s hand moved unconsciously. He squeezed Vlora’s fingers and remained silent as he saw her face appearing normal, as if she did not feel anything.
Was she truly emotionless, or was she trying to hide all her emotions?
Then, something crossed Andreas’s mind. One thing that served as a tragic basis for all his admiration for Vlora.
It was understandable that she could be at this point while still being relatively young.
“No need to look at me like that, Reas.”
Andreas blinked. His brief daydream vanished, and he found a mischievous smile etched on Vlora’s face. Unfortunately, it did not make him feel more at ease; quite the opposite.
Have I ever seen her feel mischievous like this?
Nevertheless, Andreas decided to go along with the flow chosen by Vlora. He cleared his throat and tried to regain his composure.
“Don’t worry. It’s not like I feel sorry for you or anything. It’s just that I…”
“Besides, this is an enjoyable life,” Vlora quickly interrupted Andreas. “Uncle and Aunt have been taking care of me since my parents passed away, and now they’re more focused on looking after Thomas. So, you could say that this is an ideal life. I just need to work and enjoy each day. I just need to take care of my own life.”
Andreas seemed somewhat uncertain about Vlora’s words, but he nodded nonetheless.
“And a pitiful gaze really doesn’t suit you, Reas. You’re better off with that mischievous look of yours.”
It was an unexpected remark from Andreas. He spontaneously chuckled. Vlora succeeded in reviving the mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
“See?” Andreas asked without waiting for an answer. His face looked joyful. “We’ve gotten to know each other so quickly, it seems.”
*