Unlike usual, Andreas found himself waking up earlier than Vlora, considering it was a workday. He saw Vlora still lying next to him when he opened his eyes. The intention to wake her was there, but he refrained. He decided to let Vlora sleep a little longer and wake her later, after he had finished his shower.
But Andreas was not quite sure. He guessed that Vlora would be awake by the time he finished his shower, but he was wrong.
Andreas finished his shower, and strangely enough, Vlora was still sleeping. So, he approached Vlora with a puzzled expression that made his forehead wrinkle. It seemed that this was the first time in their marriage that he had seen Vlora wake up late. Vlora and her disciplined nature had really impressed him.
“Vlo.”
Andreas sat down on the edge of the bed. He wanted to wake her, but instead he felt something strange in Vlora’s body. Vlora’s temperature was warmer than usual.
A fever?
Andreas touched Vlora’s forehead and it seemed that he was not wrong. Vlora did have a fever, and not because she had just taken a shower.
A soft moan from Vlora caught Andreas’ attention. Her eyes slowly opened, and the first thing she saw was Andreas.
“You’re sick.”
Vlora took a deep breath and did not deny Andreas’ words. She nodded.
“I’ve been feeling tired lately, and now it seems like I’m really sick.”
Andreas gently stroked Vlora’s hand, as if afraid his touch would make the fever worse. Genuine concern was evident in his eyes.
“In that case, you need to rest at home. Don’t go to the office until you feel better, and if you want to argue, don’t worry. I’ll contact Lucas.”
Vlora smiled warmly, and for a moment she blinked with a playful expression. “Thank you. Actually, that’s what I want, to rest. Fortunately, I have a husband who has a close relationship with the CEO of the company.”
Vlora’s answer made Andreas squint. He backed away slightly, as if he needed just enough distance to really see Vlora better.
“You’re not like yourself. I thought you would argue with me and insist on working.”
“Oh, Reas. You’re being ridiculous,” Vlora replied, laughing softly. “Besides, I won’t be able to argue while I’m sick. So, it’s better for me to recover first, and then we can argue again later.”
“You’re excited about getting better because you want to argue with me.”
Vlora laughed again and Andreas could only shake his head. At least Vlora’s attitude indicated that it was just a common fever, probably not dangerous, and she just needed some rest.
“Well then. I guess I have to get ready now.”
At that moment, Vlora noticed that Andreas had showered, but was not dressed yet. He was still wearing a towel, which made Vlora curious.
“Are you going out again?”
Andreas got up but didn’t move immediately. “Yes, there are a few things I have to take care of today. So, I’m sorry I can’t accompany you, probably not until later this afternoon.”
“That’s okay. In fact, it seems like a good thing. I can sleep all day undisturbed.”
“Exactly, and oh! I almost forgot something.”
Vlora caught a flash of change in Andreas’ eyes. “What is it?”
“It seems that your husband will get a job soon.”
The change successfully infected Vlora. She smiled and did not hesitate to express her joy, without forgetting her distinctive style.
“This is very good news. At last, my husband has a job.”
Andreas decided not to respond to Vlora’s banter. As much as he enjoyed playing word games with Vlora, he did not want to neglect the agenda that had been waiting for him all day. So, he got up to go to the dressing room and get ready.
A moment passed, and it did not take long for Andreas to emerge in a neat appearance. Dressed in formal clothes, he approached Vlora, who was still lying in bed. Earlier he had thought that Vlora would start her day by getting dressed after he left, perhaps by going to the bathroom to wash her face, but apparently not. Vlora was still lazing in bed without doing anything meaningful, and it reminded him that Vlora was still a normal person who needed time to relax from time to time.
“I’ll be leaving soon. I’ll ask Desmon to call the doctor and prepare your breakfast.”
Vlora nodded and closed her eyes briefly as Andreas spoke, then approached her face and kissed her forehead.
“Rest and get well soon. I’ll come home right after I finish my work today.”
Then Andreas left. Vlora was left alone in the room. She took a deep breath and stood staring at the closed door for a moment.
Vlora stood up. She pulled back the blanket, and as her feet touched the floor, something suddenly made her freeze. The intention to go to the bathroom vanished when something crossed her mind. So, she stared at the wall clock and wondered.
What date is it now?
*