Andreas invited Vlora to sit at the round table specifically reserved for family members. A server approached and served drinks for both.
They did not wait long. Bryan, as the head of the household, made the most of his time. He uttered a few words that fell on Andreas’ ears, sounding like useless pleasantries.
However, laughter ensued. The guests responded, once again, because they were in the mood to praise the father. Andreas knew well that Bryan loved to be praised.
The event session shifted. The moment Andreas had been waiting for had arrived. He reached for Vlora’s hand.
Attention shifted. The guests, who had started enjoying the party and engaging in various conversations, were diverted by the presence of the two individuals who stood out among the crowd.
Both Andreas and Vlora walked confidently with orderly steps. Their aura was extraordinary, like a powerful magnet drawing everyone’s attention.
“Who is Andreas accompanied by?”
“I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve seen her.”
“Her face looks somewhat familiar, but I’m not sure where I’ve seen her before.”
Andreas resisted the urge to laugh. If there were one or two people who were familiar with Vlora’s face, it was undoubtedly because of Lucas.
Their steps came to a halt. They had reached their destination. Bryan and Amanda, who appeared friendly with the guests, were in sight.
“Papa. Mama.”
The guests started to move, and Andreas immediately approached Bryan to shake his hand-an act of formality in public. However, he genuinely embraced Amanda.
Amanda glanced at Vlora. She wanted to ask, but Andreas spoke first.
“The woman I mentioned earlier, Ma. Her name is Vlora Anderson.”
Vlora smiled and shook hands with Amanda. Her polite demeanor was meaningful to Amanda. It was a different story with Bryan.
“Who is she?”
Andreas turned to his father. “My future wife, Pa. A few days ago, I proposed to her, and we agreed to get married soon.”
Ah! One thing had slipped Vlora’s mind. She did not know about the plan to get married soon. However, she wisely maintained her composure.
“Your future wife?” Bryan asked incredulously. His eyes widened as if he had forgotten the occasion. “Did you forget that you were already betrothed to Nadine?”
Amanda held her breath. She reached for her husband’s hand, trying to calm her emotions.
“Perhaps you forgot that I already refused that betrothal.”
“Refused, yet you clearly had a relationship with Nadine all this time? You are supposed to marry Nadine.”
Andreas grinned. “Tell me, Pa. Do you marry every woman he has a relationship with?”
Vlora reflexively turned her head. It seemed she did not expect Andreas to strike back so directly.
In Vlora’s mind, this was Bryan. Andreas’ biological father.
It seems my assumption was correct.
“In my opinion, a one-night stand doesn’t justify a marriage.”
Bryan’s face hardened. “You-”
“Ah! Can we make an agreement here? Even if I still have to marry Nadine, I hope you will also allow me to be with Vlora. Just like what you did. Hmm, I wonder what the Martinez family would do if I were to cheat on their daughter.”
Intentionally, Andreas laughed, albeit restrained. His expression was amused as he looked at Bryan, who was visibly irritated.
Bryan opened his mouth. Expletives were on the tip of his tongue, but Amanda held his hand and whispered, “There are many people here, dear.”
Bryan reluctantly held his tongue. All the curses and expletives had to be restrained, at least for now.
“So, we don’t need to consider that scenario. I don’t want to marry Nadine, but instead…”
Andreas turned and looked at Vlora. He smiled, as if showcasing a rare beauty in the world.
“… I am bringing an incredibly amazing future daughter-in-law.”
Amanda approached Andreas. “Reas, this doesn’t seem like the right time.” Then she turned to Vlora. “I hope you won’t be offended, but it seems we should talk another time. There are some matters that need to be clarified.”
Vlora wanted to express her lack of objection, but instead, Andreas spoke first.
“I think this is actually the perfect time for us to be happy, Ma.”
Amanda’s feelings shifted uncomfortably. “What do you mean, Reas?”
Andreas did not have a chance to answer the question when suddenly there was a strange commotion. The guests and family members turned their heads, all looking at an unexpected sight across the room. It was Frans, who had suddenly appeared with a group of cameramen.
Bryan and Amanda’s faces turned pale. Meanwhile, Paul, in a different place, couldn’t do anything. No one expected Andreas to go to such lengths.
“So, is the news about your relationship with Nadine ending true?”
“Does this mean the wedding of the Sanders Group heir will take place soon?”
Andreas smiled with joy. He confidently took hold of Vlora’s hand, pulling her to his side. In a glance, he noticed that unintentionally, the four of them were perfectly positioned to be the focus of the cameras.
Bryan was right beside Andreas. His son embraced him and turned slightly to give a meaningful smile.
“It seems so. We will get married soon. You know, right? Our parents have started complaining about grandchildren.”
Those who did not know would laugh, while those who did would swallow their saliva. In reality, more people swallowed their saliva than laughed.
“So, it’s true that you refused the betrothal with Nadine? Didn’t you have a relationship all this time?”
Andreas chuckled briefly. “We are just the past. Our relationship ended a long time ago, and then I met someone who made it impossible for me to look away.”
The focus shifted to Vlora. The cameras clicked, but she remained calm.
“Isn’t she enchanting?”
Andreas’ eyes sparkled. This time, he embraced Vlora’s body and held her close. A single thought made him feel as if he were flying.
This way, no one can oppose my marriage to Vlora.
*