“You’re such a mischievous child, Reas.”
Andreas laughed heartily while Noelle slapped his hand playfully.
“Oh, you should have seen the faces of dad and everyone else. They all looked as if they hadn’t eaten in three days. Everyone was pale, especially Vian when I mentioned their engagement.”
Noelle chuckled. She wiped a tear from her eye before continuing.
“You’re an outrageous big brother, Reas. Just because you’re married now, you tease Vian.”
“I’m not just teasing Vian,” Andreas said in the midst of his fading laughter. “Isn’t that the reality? I’m already married, so Vian’s marriage is only a matter of time, right?”
Noelle’s laughter faded as well. She took a deep breath and nodded.
“You’re right.”
It seemed like the right time to change the subject. Let’s leave the amusing conversation about the dinner invitation behind. Now there was something more important.
“So, have you already chosen a candidate for Vian?”
Andreas asked carefully. He knew that arranged marriages and weddings were sensitive subjects, especially since Vian was the main character.
Vian was Noelle’s only granddaughter. She was like a precious jewel that had to be protected at all costs. Therefore, Noelle would choose her husband very carefully.
“Vian definitely won’t reject your choice, but I’m curious. May I know whom you have chosen?”
Andreas waited. He was sure that Noelle would choose the best for Vian, but he had to know. As an older brother, he had to know who would be his sister’s companion.
“I know what you’re thinking, Reas.”
Without answering Andreas’ question, Noelle turned away. She gave a smile that Andreas could not quite interpret.
“You needn’t worry. I believe this arranged marriage will make Vian happy,” Noelle said lightly. She seemed very confident. “So, I hope you don’t imagine that Vian’s marriage will end like your parents’. Besides, what happened to your mom and dad wasn’t just the fault of the arranged marriage. They used to be happy. They loved each other. Then everything changed.”
Indeed. Andreas had heard the story. According to the rumors, Amanda and Bryan had once been a loving couple. Just like Noelle had said, they used to be happy. They once loved each other. Then everything changed when temptation came.
“Your dad couldn’t resist temptation. So, blame your dad. He’s a shameless man.”
Remembering those times, the fire in Noelle’s chest seemed to burn again. How could it not? She had to face the wrath of Amanda’s family, and since it was a business marriage, the stakes were high.
“I don’t know if I should feel happy or the opposite. On the one hand, I’m angry that Amanda is still clinging to her marriage, but on the other hand, I’m grateful that they didn’t separate.
Andreas remained silent because, to be honest, he also wondered why Amanda had not decided to divorce. Despite the guilt she would undoubtedly carry for the rest of her life, a divorce would certainly rock the Sanders group. Amanda should have thought of herself more.
It felt suffocating to Andreas. Amanda had allowed herself to be trapped in a marriage that brought her no happiness. Was it worth it? Just because Amanda could not conceive, her life had become a living hell.
As they say, children are the key to a marriage. Andreas knew that Amanda’s happiness had ended when she could not give birth. If he had been born sooner, Bryan would not have been tempted by another woman.
“I know there’s a man who’s had Vian’s attention for a while.”
Noelle’s voice interrupted Andreas’ thoughts. He came back to reality and blinked once.
“What, Nana? Vian likes someone?” Andreas asked unsure. “I didn’t know that.”
Noelle sighed. “You’re too busy dating a lot of women. How would you know if Vian likes someone?”
Ah, that made sense. Andreas grinned.
“He fits the criteria, but I still have to be careful. You know, many want to match their sons with Vian.”
Andreas was not surprised. Vian was a true gem. The only granddaughter of the conglomerate family. Her life and social circle were well protected. So, who would not want to make her their daughter-in-law?
“That’s why I’ve already chosen three candidates. Vian will make the final decision, and at least in the eyes of the people it’s a fair step.”
Andreas shook his head when he saw Noelle’s mischievous smile. He felt sorry for the two candidates who were only pawns in the grand plan. After all, the choice had been made from the beginning.
“I know you will do anything for Vian.”
“Of course. She’s my only granddaughter,” Noelle said with a beaming face. “I’ll do anything for her. Including this man, if she really likes him.”
Andreas caught an interesting word in Noelle’s statement. “If?”
“If.”
Noelle took a breath. Her face seemed to change, if only for a moment. A moment later she spoke.
“We have the same eyes.”
It was a strange thing that Andreas had known for a long time. Everything Vian liked, Noelle liked as well. They saw things the same way and liked the same things.
“Don’t you like this man, Nana?”
Noelle shook her head. “It’s impossible that I don’t like him. He’s a good and educated man. I know him personally, but…”
Noelle’s hanging words signaled something to Andreas. There was doubt, but Noelle herself was not sure why she was hesitating.
“Let’s drop it. We can talk about Vian’s arranged marriage another time. Right now, it’s better if we talk about you and Vlora.”
“Me and Vlora?”
Noelle’s nod made Andreas pause for a moment. Then he took Noelle’s hand and asked.
“Speaking of me and Vlora, I’m curious about something, Nana. Why didn’t you find a match for me? Why did you let Papa arrange my marriage to Nadine?”
Even though Vian was the only granddaughter, it seemed strange that Noelle was not worried about finding a partner for Andreas. She really let go, allowing Bryan to freely arrange Andreas’ marriage to Nadine.
“To find a match for you? With your personality?”
Noelle’s teasing made Andreas burst out laughing.
“I won’t waste my time on something useless. You’re difficult to handle, even though you seem relaxed, and besides, I know you can find your own spouse,” Noelle continued, casting a glance at Andreas. Now her expression was calm. “I like Vlora.”
“Nana.”
Andreas hugged Noelle, then whispered, “Believe me, I like her even more.”
Noelle’s laughter erupted along with a playful pat on Andreas’ hand.
*