Nadine stopped. She turned and looked at the newlyweds, who were smiling broadly at the right moment. No matter how hard she tried to deny the atmosphere that was emanating from them, the fact hit her just as hard.
Andreas had chosen Vlora, but it should have been me.
Nadine’s heart ached. As if there was a crushing grip that had shattered all her hopes all this time.
Thousands of days. Thousands of nights. Nadine had always imagined that she would always be at Andreas’ side. That she would be the one who would marry Andreas. That she would smile and laugh in Andreas’ embrace.
Sadly, all those fantasies were gone in an instant. She had to accept the reality that there was now a stranger accompanying Andreas. A woman who did not belong to their circle.
“Nadine.”
A voice called Nadine’s name as a glass of drink appeared in front of her face. She accepted the drink without turning around and took a sip, well aware of who was approaching her.
“Thank you.”
Jonas stood at Nadine’s side. Both of their eyes were fixed on the newlyweds, who smiled as they accepted the congratulations.
“Maybe you can see it now,” Jonas said and exhaled. “All this time Andreas only wanted to play with you.”
Nadine’s common sense agreed. And if she wanted to admit what she had observed, she realized that Andreas often changed his wives. Wasn’t it too naive to think that she was the only one in Andreas’ heart?
“I am sure that something is wrong with this marriage. It’s not in Andreas’ nature to commit to a relationship, especially a marriage. He must have a plan. Besides, Vlora isn’t Andreas’ type.”
Jonas looked at her. “I agree.”
Nadine fell silent and waited for Jonas to continue.
“This woman is Lucas’ secretary. His right hand.”
Nadine furrowed her brow, she had to confirm something. “Lucas Hernandez?”
“Correct,” Jonas nodded. “Out of all the women, he chose the one who is clearly a trusted person of the archenemy of me and Papa. Of course, that’s a bit surprising, isn’t it?”
“Do you think Andreas got married for another reason?”
Again, Jonas nodded. “He will never change. Of course, he wouldn’t get married if it wasn’t to his advantage. You know his nature.”
Nadine did not answer.
“Even if he couldn’t hold on to someone as perfect as you, how extraordinary does Vlora have to be to lure him into marriage?”
If she could be honest, Jonas seemed to be hanging on by a very thin thread. There was relief, but there was also pain. He was caught between the joy of seeing the woman he secretly loved freed from a rival and the trough of pain of learning that she was heartbroken for another man.
“Still, I beg you, Nadine.”
Jonas’ voice sounded different. Nadine turned to him and Jonas spoke in a soothing tone, as if he was conveying deep feelings.
“Stop hoping for him. He can only hurt you and you deserve to be happy with someone else.”
Nadine was not stupid. She understood where Jonas’ words were leading.
“I-”
Jonas grabbed one of Nadine’s hands. He held her gently, but with a strength that was hard to resist.
“I know you’re still hurt, but I can make you forget. Even more than that.”
A small furrow appeared on Nadine’s forehead. “What do you mean?”
“You want Andreas and Vlora to feel the pain and heartache you feel, don’t you?”
Nadine froze. She held her breath as Jonas finished his statement.
“I will make it happen.”
*
One of the reasons Andreas chose the Azure Hotel for his wedding was because he knew the hotel offered a wedding package that he would like. It might not compare to a honeymoon in Europe, but that did not mean it should be underestimated.
At least some parties here tried to please the groom’s feelings.
Actually, the wedding party was not over yet. But fearing that Vlora might get too tired, Andreas decided to leave early.
Andreas and Vlora went to an exclusive room that had been prepared. The hotel staff had arranged some things for the newlyweds and then left. Now only the two of them were in the bridal suite.
The door was closed. Andreas approached Vlora. He closed the distance and he could clearly feel that the atmosphere around them had changed drastically. It was tense and gave off an intimate, torturous scent.
The waiting was about to end. It would be over soon.
Vlora stood up, seemingly ignoring Andreas as he approached her. Andreas shook his head, but then grinned when Vlora asked.
“Could you help me take off this hairpin?”
Andreas followed Vlora, who was already sitting at the dressing table. Her reflection filled the mirror, and Andreas skillfully began to undo Vlora’s hair.
Vlora’s hair was freed. The delicate strands fell elegantly in beautiful waves.
“Thank you.”
Andreas did not react to the thanks; he remained silent. He narrowed his eyes when Vlora stood up again. For the second time, Vlora moved away.
“Are you avoiding me?”
Vlora’s footsteps stopped in the middle of the room. She turned around. “Not at all, but as you can see, this dress is starting to feel constricting.”
Ah! Andreas did not want to waste this opportunity.
“Would you like me to help you take it off? I’m sure I can help you.”
Avoidance was not Vlora’s nature. Still, she had to admit that her knees trembled slightly when Andreas approached her again.
Andreas stood behind Vlora. He reached for her hair and inhaled the scent for a moment. His eyes closed, the scent filled his lungs and made his blood boil.
A bit of common sense snapped Andreas back. He opened his eyes and pushed Vlora’s hair aside, which had fallen in front of her chest.
Andreas’ fingers moved. He traced the outline of Vlora’s shoulder blades, exposed by the strapless wedding gown she wore. It was an advantage Andreas could appreciate.
“May I?”
Andreas asked hoarsely. It was as if he wanted to show Vlora that he was a mature man capable of respecting a woman, especially his wife.
Vlora’s chest rose as she took a deep breath. Andreas’ warm exhalation felt like a caress on her naked skin. Her body responded, immediately tensing in anticipation. She braced herself for any action Andreas might take in the near future. Actions that…
Vlora closed her eyes for a moment. A soft and moist touch landed on her back – the touch of Andreas’ lips.
Andreas smiled in the kiss he gave her. He noticed that there was no resistance from Vlora. As a result, his fingers resumed their movement. He gently pulled the zipper of the dress down.
Slowly. As if to savor the moment. Then the dress fell to the floor.
*