CHAPTER 3

RIDICULOUS ROMANCE 

Savannah could not help but wonder how she got there. From a nursing student to a passenger princess in a silver Benz next to a breathtakingly handsome man.

This was so surreal. She could not help but steal some glances every once in a while. How on earth had he not passed down those genes yet?

Even with a straight face, focused on driving, his features settled perfectly, his long dark lashes flattered slowly as his eyelids covered his sparkling blue eyes every once in a while.

“So you’re just going to keep on sneakily looking at me?” Saying this, he turned and looked at her, a smirk on his face.

 “Wondering why I have no lady of mine yet, Nurse?” He now had that smile on his face, a smile she was convinced was reserved for her.

“Make that ladies and babies, not that you have to have them, it’s just that…” He let out a chuckle that disrupted her.

“I thought being attractive was not enough, and decided to first get the fortune that would keep the lady, then fell in love with the fortune instead.” He was focused on the road.

“You mean became a workaholic?” She was looking out the window while saying this and did not notice how surprised he was.

The rest of the ride saw them enjoy each other’s silence. It was a peaceful day outside, might as well have a peaceful ride. So peaceful, she fell asleep.

Savannah woke up to a whisper telling her they had arrived. It was at this moment that she never asked about their destination.

Just a glance at the scenery and she was mesmerized. Had it not been for Mr. Andrew reminding her that it was only right that he opened the door, she was about to run out into the green grass field.

The timing was perfect, and the sunset was different here, with the many buildings in sight.

They savored the beauty of that evening, eating the sweet treats he brought while they talked about anything and everything.

“You should seriously give romance a try; any girl would be head over heels spending the evening like this.” She said this as he helped wipe some frosting off her cheeks.

He knew any girl would be lucky to see this side of him, and he wanted that girl to be her. In those days, watching the sunset beside her probably healed him more than any medication.

This was the first time he had left the in tray in his office with some documents, all because he craved her company.

He wanted to listen to her go on and on about everything, he wanted to answer all her questions, he simply wanted her. But of course, he was in denial he had promised himself long ago never to want someone again.

“Why don’t we give it a try then?” The words left his mouth before he could even process them.

She was understandably shocked by his answer and simply looked into his eyes as her cheeks slowly turned pink. His eyes did not leave hers, and his hand now held onto her chin.

 She could feel her breath getting out of control. Then, out of nowhere, she collected herself and placed the back of her hand on his forehead.

“I’m not sick, you’re the one who looks sick right now.” He let go of her chin and brought out a juice pack.

“Since we’re being romantic, here you go, my lady,” He handed it to her and kissed her on the forehead.

She avoided looking at him directly for a while before she decided to play along. They played young lovers through the evening.

****

Mia was setting the table for dinner when Mr. Andrew walked in with a sleeping Savannah in his arms.

She was quick to help him settle her in her room. Mia quickly noticed the delicate way he placed her on the bed, careful to wake her up as he tucked her in bed.

The evening had gone smoothly, and they spent the better part of the car ride back singing along to Frank Ocean. What started as subtle yawns in between giggles ended in deep slumber.

 He stopped the car to adjust the seat, making sure she was comfortable, and drove slowly for the rest of the ride.

No sooner had he left his room than he saw a dreadful name pop up on his phone’s screen.

Back then, when they had suddenly gone silent, he would have quickly answered the call, but not now. He was certain he did not need to hear a word they wanted to say.

“Where is Mama’s healthy boy? Come, greet your mother, Javyn.” It was all that echoed through the house. He somehow managed to forget she arrived today.

Standing at the doorway was a gorgeous Celia Andrew, looking as poised as ever. Her presence alone changed the atmosphere, which was filled with her pricy scent.

She pushed back her blonde hair to embrace the son who had her eyes. She was happy to see him in good health again.

“Get a room, lovebirds.” In came Celia’s twin, Jada Rose was the spitting image of her mother, save for her father’s green eyes.

Mr. Andrew broke from his mother’s embrace and led them to the living room. Celia treasured her children more than anything else.

Javyn had only been eighteen when her husband passed away. She wished to guard him from the company so he could pursue his dreams, but lacked the power to do so, being only a housewife.

Since then, her son has worked tirelessly, pushing the company to greater heights than what her late husband probably dreamed of.

All at the cost of his health, something they had to keep a secret lest his rivals use it against him. She was not going to leave his side again; they were here to stay.

****

Savannah slept soundly and would have continued had it not been for Gayle’s frantic call.

Her father had been to the University, then to the hospital where she had worked. He was shamelessly using his status as a politician to demand answers as to where his daughter was.

With no time to process her childhood best friend, Chiri, called just as she was about to get out of bed. She now felt guilty. Knowing she most likely got the information from Tyson and not her.

“Vee, are you seriously sleeping through the fire you set ablaze? Your father came by a while back, questioning me about why you eloped with some dude to the States.” She waited for a response and got none.

She continued, her voice sounding hurt and worried “Meanwhile, Ty won’t shut up about coming to get you. I am hearing everything from everyone but my bestie.”

Savannah immediately let her in on all that had happened and why the changes were made.

She tried to conceal the fact that she could not reject the offer because of how much she wanted to be by his side, but Chiri saw through it.

 She always wanted Savannah to find happiness somewhere far away from her controlling father and possessive boyfriend.

That was why she promised to try her best and talk to Tyson. She would keep her updated on any plans she heard of. Just like that, Savannah felt more relieved; she knew her best friend wanted the best for her.

She could only afford to be sad for a short while. Mia came to inform her of Mrs. Andrew and her daughter’s arrival; she was to join them for dinner. Looking in the mirror at her tear-stained, sleepy face, she knew a bath was due.

It was while she was neatly tying her braids into a bun that she heard a knock on the door. With her permission, Mr. Andrew walked in.

 How could he always look so stunning? His literal existence calmed her down.

Mr. Andrew took his time admiring how different she looked. For someone who wore baggy pants and sweatshirts, she had an amazingly curvy body.

He was mesmerized and did not try to hide it. He also did not hide his disappointment when she wore a cardigan over the red slip dress.

They walked to the table hand in hand, where he proceeded to pull a chair out for her. Mother and daughter were welcoming, and by the end of the meal, they seemed convinced she was perfect for the role.

She was certain they had no clue what Mr. Andrew had gone through to get her there. Talk was smooth across the table, but even with all that banter, she could tell something was bothering him. His mind seemed elsewhere.

Jada was the first to excuse herself, followed by her mother. They were exhausted after travelling there from California.

That left the two of them alone, each in their thoughts. Even in silence, their worries seemed loud.

As he looked at her, he wished he could let her in on her worries and listen to hers as well. Sadly, they were forced to keep their worries to themselves.

 He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. It was his way of telling her everything would be alright.

Savannah could feel her cheeks flushing red. She avoided his charming eyes as she felt her palms get sweaty.

Wasting no time, she thanked him for what he had done earlier that day and excused herself. Even then, his eyes followed her every move.

****

The day started with Mia serving Savannah breakfast in her room. Mr. Andrew needed her to be ready within the next two hours for some undisclosed errand.

In less than two hours, she was waiting for him in the living room. The huge house had been silent for a while before she began hearing whimpers from a distance. Was someone in danger?

She could and probably should have minded her own business, but chose not to. She keenly followed the sounds to the kitchen. For a moment, she could believe her eyes.

What she saw was Mia on the countertop with her legs spread open, in between them was a man she had never seen before, thrusting into her at her fast pace.

Mia had lost all composure, hence why she could hear it from the living room. His blue jeans were down to his ankles, and his white T-shirt was held onto tightly by Mia as though she might rip it apart.

Savannah could not stop staring. Their emotions probably caused their bodies to be in perfect sync as they each tried to pull the other closer.

They were both fully absorbed in each other and took no notice of her staring. She slowly walked away, trying her best to erase the shock written on her face.

Soon, a well-suited Javyn Andrew walked into the living room looking as fly as ever. The errand in question was to visit the university she was to join.

He was unperturbed even after warnings about her stubborn father from Australia. He was ready to face just about anyone if it involved Savannah.

So many scenarios were brewing up in his head when her nervous voice disrupted him. He could tell she was already out of it.

“Um…Mr. Andrew? What exactly are we going to do at the university? I am starting to think I am not dressed for the part.” She was looking at his formal outfit.

“No one will question your dressing.” He said this matter-of-factly.

He told her she didn't need to go to the interview. Knowing he would have to pull more strings, she insisted on going.

They got there in a few minutes, and Savannah was yet to calm down. She unbuckled her seatbelt but could not bring herself to step outside the car.

Mr. Andrew hated seeing her in this dilemma. He stepped out of the car and opened the door for her.

Savannah seemed to calm down after he handed her his handkerchief as well as kissed her forehead. He walked with her to the interview room and promised to wait for her outside.

He was now the one nervous on her behalf; he believed in her but could not trust her anxiety to let her do her best. Even then, he was forced to wait for the feedback before jumping to conclusions.