It should have been a peaceful breakfast as usual. Unfortunately, everything changed when someone’s footsteps slowly approached the dining room. Three faces lifted. Three pairs of eyes turned. They looked at a grown man who pulled out a chair with a broad smile.
He sat down without apology. He joined them for breakfast after a waiter promptly prepared a meal for him. Amanda and Vian exchanged a look. Then they both turned their attention to Bryan, whose face immediately tensed. Obviously, Andreas’ presence was not the breakfast menu he liked.
“Ah! Having a meal with the family is truly delightful.”
Andreas’ voice broke the silence. He smiled as he looked at his family members one by one.
It was not at all surprising that Andreas found it normal that Amanda and Vian acted cautiously. It was as if they were prepared for the tension that would arise between Andreas and Bryan.
Bryan clearly showed his displeasure with Andreas’ presence. A father’s attitude that was completely inappropriate. How could a father be unwilling to spend time with his own son? Unbelievable.
Andreas stifled a laugh. Despite the sadness of the situation, he could still see the humor in it. Was not Bryan’s behavior somewhat comical?
So, it was not surprising that Andreas’ mischievous nature showed itself. Unlike most people who would undoubtedly avoid confrontation, he was quite the opposite. He was challenged to make Bryan even more tense.
Well, that would certainly be enjoyable.
“Maybe I should stay here so that the four of us can always enjoy such pleasant breakfasts,” Andreas continued casually. “Especially since I brought some of my things here.”
Just as Andreas had suspected. Bryan’s face grew tense, and now it began to turn red. Andreas’ smile widened, even though a sad thought filled his mind.
Papa dislikes me so much.
Bryan might not like Andreas’ presence at home, but there was one exception. At least Vian was visibly pleased.
Vian blinked. “Oh, my goodness. Did you bring your things home? Then why didn’t you stay here for a few days? You know, right? I could die of loneliness at home without you.”
“Forgive me, Vian. There were some things I had to take care of outside.”
In reality, the main reason Andreas had refrained from actually staying in the house was because of the incident at the last party. Not because of the discussion about Vlora, but because of his encounter with Jonas.
Andreas was always haunted by the mistreatment he and Amanda had endured at the hands of Jonas and Lydia. It literally disgusted him, so much so that he did not want to see his own biological father. If he could, he definitely would not want to have any more contact with Bryan.
“Besides, I’m afraid my presence might cause discomfort.”
Bryan ignored the conversation between Andreas and Vian. He decided to continue his breakfast.
“Vlora and I have decided to get married in two months.”
Bryan’s breakfast was interrupted again. A vein on his forehead immediately bulged, especially when he realized how casually Andreas said it.
“Just because you brought Vlora with you and made tabloid journalists report such trashy news, doesn’t mean you can marry Vlora. I will never give my blessing for your marriage to her. No matter how you look at it, she’s not on the same level as this family.”
Andreas’ eyeballs kept rolling. “Calm down. You don’t have to be too sure. I hadn’t actually planned to ask for your blessing. Even without your blessing we can still get married.”
“Andreas.”
Andreas turned to Amanda. Amanda’s expression was shocked at what he said.
“Ma, you have heard the saying that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, right? Well, that’s what’s happening now. As far as I’ve heard from Nana, Papa never asked permission to marry Mama Lydia. So, Papa shouldn’t be surprised if I do the same. Besides …”
The tone of Andreas’ voice changed. So did his expression. He looked at Bryan with a mocking look.
“… isn’t it true that Mama Lydia wasn’t on the same level as this family at first either?”
Bryan took a deep breath, trying not to be provoked. “What are you really up to, Andreas? Are you playing like a child?”
“Oh, my goodness, Papa. How can a child play with something so important? Marriage? Seriously.”
Andreas chuckled briefly. Indeed! Bryan’s reddening face was a very satisfying breakfast item for him.
“The problem is, I don’t want to be dictated by your game forever. Marrying Nadine is just another chain to my feet,” Andreas said with a shrug. He shook his head once. “Mama has been my chain all this time. I don’t want to add another one.”
“Andreas, stop it. I’m begging you.”
“Do you remember, Ma? I also begged you to leave Papa, but you didn’t listen to me. What do you see in Papa? He can’t do anything without you.”
“Andreas!”
Bryan’s voice thundered. He could no longer contain his emotions. Andreas had really tested his patience this morning. As a result, knowingly or unknowingly, he slammed the dining room table.
“You don’t want to follow my words, right, Ma? So, I will do everything my way. I’m tired of the drama in this family. Do you think that if you endure this marriage, the child, who is always the reason for you, will be happy?”
This time, it was not just Bryan who was feeling a turmoil of emotions; Amanda was also suppressing her own upheaval. On the other hand, Vian could only lower his head.
“That’s why I’m determined to marry Vlora. At least I know she’ll kick me out if I ever do something as stupid as my parents did.”
No, that was not the only reason why Andreas wanted Vlora. In fact, she was the perfect woman in Andreas’ eyes. Because Andreas was sure of one thing.
“Besides, don’t expect Vlora to put pressure on me. She’s not a woman to be intimidated.”
*