Andreas continued to enjoy his daily routine of dropping off and picking up Vlora. For example, on this particular morning, just like every other morning, their journey was accompanied by varied conversations, with different topics each day.
Andreas vividly remembered a few days ago when they were discussing the planet Pluto. They were discussing the reasons for its exclusion from the solar system’s roster of planets and the considerations for its possible reinstatement. It was a trivial argument, and the result would not be useful for anything.
But that was the beauty of it. Andreas enjoyed such discussions, and fortunately Vlora responded in a similar manner. In fact, at another point, their conversation seamlessly shifted to Lady Gaga, who happened to be playing on the radio station Vlora had selected. The discussion flowed so naturally that before they realized it, the topic had shifted to designer Tex Saverio.
It may seem silly, but discussing a variety of topics was exactly the kind of variety Andreas was craving. It felt joyful and refreshing when they could talk about many things, especially since Vlora really matched his intellect.
True to Andreas’ hopes and predictions, Vlora’s intelligence in her role as secretary was unquestionable. But her wit and cleverness also captivated Andreas. He never tired of talking to her.
They could talk about work, the weather, celebrities, or even sports. Then, on other occasions, they might discuss politics, social issues, or simply the new restaurant that was in the public spotlight.
But it didn’t stop there. Andreas wasn’t content to praise Vlora for just one thing. In fact, there was something else that made a bigger impression on him.
Vlora always looked at him when they spoke. Vlora showed enthusiasm, which boosted Andreas’ ego. He felt appreciated and realized that Vlora was not a conceited woman.
Andreas’ initial quick judgment had been on guard, afraid that Vlora might be one of those intelligent women who tended to underestimate men. Fortunately, this was not the case. Vlora really knew how to position herself.
The car stopped in the parking lot of the Greatech office at the right time, ending Andreas and Vlora’s conversation about the possible outbreak of World War III. Andreas quickly unbuckled his seat belt, got out of the car, and then opened the door for Vlora.
Vlora exited gracefully; her movements completely effortless but remarkably effective in teasing Andreas. In response, Andreas planted a quick kiss on her temple.
“Are you going straight to the Azure Hotel?” Vlora asked, a question that was met with a nod from Andreas. Then he briefly held Vlora’s hand. “I wish you success.”
Andreas smiled as he gently stroked Vlora’s cheek. “Thank you.”
The Azure Hotel would always radiate positive vibes for Andreas, because that’s where his wedding took place. He believed that all the peace and tranquility that was slowly approaching him came from there.
It was only natural that Andreas felt unusually light on his feet when he returned. He responded warmly to the hotelier’s greeting and promptly made his way to a designated conference room.
Andreas’ presence had been eagerly anticipated by many, not just Noelle. At least three other majority shareholders were impatiently awaiting his arrival. In essence, the role of a hotel extends beyond being a temporary residence for travelers. Over time, hotels have expanded their scope to include facilitating various important events, such as weddings or retreats.
This fit right in with the day’s agenda. Noelle had invited the three majority shareholders, who could no longer contain their eagerness to get together. With Andreas at the center, the future of Progun was undoubtedly the topic of their discussion.
“I can’t wait any longer. Jonas is really driving me crazy with all the chaos he’s causing. He’s really incompetent.”
This complaint formed a thin smile on Andreas’ face as he observed Ivor Pendleton. The middle-aged man had shown his frustration during the shareholders’ meeting, and his patience was wearing thin.
Ivor’ gaze shifted to the other two majority shareholders, Pierce Anthony Whitman and Fallon Abernathy. They exchanged glances, their expressions speaking volumes. Apparently, Pierce and Fallon had grown tired of complaining about the same things, as it seemed to be pointless.
They didn’t want to complain anymore, they wanted a solution soon. That’s why they were pressuring Noelle to arrange a meeting, no doubt with Andreas in attendance.
“From the very beginning, when Jonas replaced Andreas three years ago,” Ivor continued, exhaling and leaning back in his chair, “I suspected that something like this would inevitably happen. After all, everyone knows Jonas’ background. It would affect his performance somewhat.”
Fallon nodded. “What can we do? We all know that Jonas is ….”
Fallon’s statement hung there. She looked at Andreas with an uncomfortable feeling, but he seemed unperturbed.
“Enough. There’s no point in regretting the decision of three years ago now.” Pierce joined the conversation and reached for a cup of tea. He took a moment to sip the plain beverage before continuing. “The important thing now is to act before things get worse. You can see it for yourself, right? Lostic products are gaining interest in the market, and we can’t just sit on our hands. We have to make a move and regain the market’s interest”.
“You are right. So, when can we schedule a general meeting? We need to make sure that our voices are unanimous in demanding Jonas’ replacement.”
Fallon’s question was the climax Andreas had been waiting for. He tried his best to keep a calm expression on his face, to avoid appearing too eager to preserve his image.
“As soon as possible,” Ivor suggested firmly. “We can’t afford to delay any longer. Andreas must indeed take over Progun again, or else we’ll all suffer losses.”
The essence of the meeting had been reached. Andreas almost didn’t say anything important, except to assure them of his willingness to serve again. Everything ended just as he had hoped.
This is how it should be. I can handle everything from behind the scenes; let them be my true frontliners.
Andreas turned to find Noelle looking at him with a delighted expression. He smiled broadly, expressing his pride as the meeting ended after an important appointment.
“You really are the grandchild I was hoping for, Reas.”
It seemed that Andreas hadn’t seen Noelle for a long time, so he hugged her tightly for a moment. He didn’t let go of Noelle’s hand as they left the conference room, right after the others had left.
They walked down the hotel corridor together. Andreas never let go of Noelle for a moment, even though she looked strong and healthy for her age. Andreas handled her with great care.
“I’m getting a little tired of hearing that. You been saying it too much lately.”
Noelle turned around with a playful expression on her face. She pinched Andreas’ hand slightly while pretending to grumble.
“You ungrateful grandchild.”
Andreas chuckled. He stroked Noelle’s hand gently.
“So, what’s your next move?”
Andreas’ chuckle turned into a sigh for a moment. “I guess I’ll just wait. Everything is going according to plan and there’s no need to rush, Nana. Everything has its time.”
Noelle nodded, seemingly in agreement with Andreas. Just like Andreas’ words, everything unfolded as they had hoped. The important date was set. All they had to do now was wait.
“Still, I have another plan, Nana. A really good plan.”
Noelle seemed interested. “What is it?”
“How about we have lunch first, Nana? It seems like we haven’t had lunch together in a long time,” Andreas suggested, looking at his watch. “It’s almost noon.”
Noelle’s face lifted as she continued to walk. She looked at Andreas, unable to hide her pleased smile.
“You really know how to please a woman, especially an old woman like me.”
Andreas laughed spontaneously. “Oh, I thought you wasn’t too old. In my eyes, you are still as charming as a seventeen-year-old girl. Do you know what that means? It means you are still in your prime.”
Noelle couldn’t contain her amusement and rolled her eyes. She pinched Andreas’ hand again.
“Don’t try to flatter Vlora like that when you’re both old. I am sure she’ll hide your dentures after you say that.”
Joy continued to accompany Andreas and Noelle. They chose an outdoor table to enjoy the refreshing view. The garden, adorned with trees and beautiful flowers, provided additional comfort for their lunch.
The waiter arrived. He took Andreas and Noelle’s orders and then left. The atmosphere quieted down and Noelle took a deep breath.
“Isn’t your marriage to Vlora almost six months old?”
A sunny day. Andreas took a sip of water before nodding. “It seems so, Nana.”
Noelle nodded in agreement, but said nothing more. Andreas looked at her with narrowed eyes as he put his empty glass back on the table.
“Is it something to do with my marriage, Nana?”
Noelle didn’t answer immediately, but watched Andreas’ face for a moment with a gentle gaze. Instinctively, Andreas asked.
“Does this have something to do with the presence of a baby?”
“Forgive me,” Noelle pleaded helplessly. “I couldn’t find the right way to ask about it. I didn’t mean to be rude. I don’t want to push, but I am still curious.”
“I understand your intention.”
Noelle didn’t want to disturb the happiness and plans that Andreas and Vlora had no doubt made. Considering that Vlora is a career woman, a pregnancy would undoubtedly be something that would require careful consideration. Andreas’ situation also needs to be taken into consideration, as he is currently in a busy period.
“Actually, I was wondering the same thing.”
Of course, Noelle understood. “If you and Vlora have a child, it will no doubt be a wonderful child. They will be healthy and intelligent, just like their parents.”
Amazingly, Noelle’s words managed to make Andreas’ focus slowly fade into a daydream that was forming in his mind. Curiosity arose-what would her child be like?
The child could be like Andreas, always mischievous and fond of parties, requiring an early introduction to the meaning of responsibility. Or maybe the child would be like Vlora, serious, disciplined, and self-confident.
These thoughts formed a warmth that surged in Andreas’ chest. Gratefully, he realized that their marriage was going well, even exceeding his expectations compared to relationships based on feelings.
Hopefully nothing will change. Andreas hoped that his marriage would continue on the right path. Whether there was love between them or not, it didn’t matter. Haven’t many marriages based on love ended up hurting each other?
Well, Andreas didn’t need that. As long as he was with Vlora, he was confident that everything would work out as it should.
And what about love? Uh, love? Did it even exist? Andreas didn’t know. The only thing he knew was Vlora.
*