“A proposal?”
Now it was Vlora who was shocked. Without exaggerating the situation, a proposal would always be the sweetest dream of any woman in general. The man of her dreams comes and invites her to take the path of marriage. Unfortunately, not a proposal of this kind!
Vlora tried to remain calm and composed. She took a breath and shivered slightly as she realized the masculine scent of Andreas enveloping her senses.
“I don't see any valid reason why you would intend to propose to me. Likewise, I don't see any reason why I should accept your proposal,” Vlora said in a flat tone. “I don't see any reason why I should accept your proposal.”
Andreas grimaced in frustration once again. “Oh, come on. Don't be so formal with me, Vlo. I'm not your boss. How can I propose to you if you consider me as someone like Lucas? Let me say it again. I'm not your boss, okay?”
“It's true that you're not, but you are a friend and business partner of Mr. Hernandez. That means you hold a similar position to his.”
“Damn it!”
Whether consciously or not, Andreas cursed out that word in frustration. It seemed that he lost control a bit when Vlora actually equated him with her friend, Lucas Hernandez—the boss and CEO of the IT-based company.
Meanwhile, Vlora glanced at the numbers scrolling on the elevator display. The situation was pushing her impatience.
Why is this elevator slower than usual?
“Fine.”
Andreas' voice sounded again. Vlora's attention returned to him just as he asked a question.
“Do you need a reason?”
Vlora narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I'll give you a reason,” Andreas said, nodding firmly. “I want to marry you because you are the only woman I desire.”
Now, Vlora's eyes widened. Her mouth opened, but Andreas' index finger acted faster. It landed on the red-painted lips to silence any argument that Vlora could utter.
Oh, my goodness!
Andreas cursed again. This time, he truly realized the foolishness of his actions.
Regardless of Vlora's seemingly aloof nature and her always maintaining a professional attitude towards Andreas, she was still a woman. Her work outfit, a combination of long basic pants and a feminine suit, made her look confident. The impression of intelligence and calmness she exuded made Andreas realize something—Vlora was a unique woman.
Attractiveness through beauty and coquettishness? That was commonplace. But attracting through intelligence and composure?
Andreas grinned. His eyes roamed Vlora's face, and it was not difficult to draw a conclusion.
This is a real woman!
A faint crease appeared on Vlora's smooth forehead. A reflexive reaction emerged due to the surprise brought on by Andreas' words.
“What?”
Vlora would not allow herself to be intimidated. Neither Andreas' masculinity nor the confident aura emanating from his body could stop her from taking action. Slowly, but surely, she moved his finger away from her lips.
“I'm sure you can find someone else instead of compromising your dignity for a woman, right? Especially considering that you are a respected and educated man.”
Wow! That hit the mark!
Vlora's response sounded so calm, yet it struck precisely where it was intended. She believed it would be enough to push Andreas back. However, who could predict what was going on in the man's mind?
See? This is what I want. Arguing and exchanging words. A woman who doesn't want to lose. A woman who remains confident even in difficult situations.
The crease on Vlora's forehead deepened. She noticed the unexpected turn of events. It started with the reappearance of the crooked grin and was followed by the raising of one of Andreas' hands.
Before she could anticipate it, Andreas moved quickly and grabbed Vlora's waist. He pulled her close, their bodies pressing against each other.
“Sir!”
Vlora raised both hands. She intended to push Andreas away, but instead, another pull targeted her nape. Any possible protests from Vlora were instantly silenced. They all disappeared in one kiss.
Her eyes widened. Vlora tried to push Andreas with all her might, but no gap was created.
Andreas moved. Pushing. Pressing.
Vlora found herself cornered and helpless. She was trapped between the cold elevator wall and Andreas' warm chest.
Andreas' hand firmly held the back of Vlora's neck, keeping her in place. He would not waste the only opportunity he had to silence all of Vlora's words.
Andreas' lips moved. It started with a gentle motion, as if softly massaging Vlora's lips.
Slowly. Gradually. Andreas added a touch that disturbed Vlora's breath. Followed by nibbles that successfully made Vlora even more disoriented.
A smug smile of victory appeared on Andreas' lips. It was exactly as he had anticipated. It looked forceful, but it also concealed a certain tenderness.
Vlora's lips responded, provoking Andreas even more. His primitive side was awakened, rising in the heat of the moment.
Andreas nibbled. Again and again. He interspersed the kisses with pecks at the corners of Vlora's lips, and then extended his tongue.
Andreas' tongue caressed both of Vlora's lips. Instincts were triggered, and Vlora shivered. Her hands, which were initially raised to push him away, now unconsciously gripped Andreas' suit.
Andreas concluded his warm tongue caress. He stopped right at the entrance between Vlora's lips and took his position. Then, he slipped in, entering that gap.
Vlora closed her eyes tightly. Again and again. She did not anticipate what Andreas would do. Apparently, the man was not only skilled in playing with words but also with his tongue.
Andreas' tongue entered. She felt the warmth inside and immediately felt it touching her own tongue. Like a guest gladly introducing themselves to the host, Andreas engaged in this intimate contact flawlessly.
Sweet. Wet. Boiling warmth. It all made Andreas unable to control himself.
Andreas sucked. Vlora's supple tongue became his target. He ravished it and ended with a small bite.
But it did not stop there. Because of Andreas' pull on her waist, Vlora felt something odd. Something hard and obstructive.
Vlora opened her eyes. Awareness returned just as Andreas released his tongue.
The kiss unraveled. The intimate pecks ended. Unfortunately, they were followed by wet traces on Vlora's neck.
Her sanity was threatened. Vlora's breath became even more labored. Her grip tightened, and she gathered her strength to put an end to it all.
“Stop,” Vlora whispered hoarsely and haltingly. She closed her eyes tightly, drawing in whatever strength she had left. It almost proved that she could barely control herself. “Andreas.”
Andreas' kisses halted right at the curve of Vlora's neck. He froze and slowly opened his eyes, breathing unevenly. When he pulled back, he found Vlora desperate in his embrace.
Her thick eyebrows closed. Her slender cheeks blushed. Her lips were swollen.
A triumphant grin appeared on Andreas' face. As Vlora opened her eyes, he asked with a victorious tone.
“So, I can make you say my name this way, right?”
Vlora froze, unable to move.
“By kissing you?”
*
Many say that the first year of marriage often brings trials. As a result, many choose to give up. But there are also those who make it through, including Andreas and Vlora. They have shown the world that nothing is impossible if you stay together and support each other. Days have passed. Countless rainy seasons have made them sick together, and countless droughts have made them thirsty together. In essence, they have gone through these seasons together. Like that night, exactly five minutes before the clock struck seven, a car drove through the gates of the Sanders' house. The car drove on and stopped in the driveway. The driver had a handsome face, and upon closer inspection, he might have been about twenty-four years old. His appearance was stylish, but his expression was irritated. He let out a long sigh. “Oh, really? Are you really serious, Gerrya?” A young and beautiful woman sat in the passenger seat. She nodded as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Of course, I'm serious, Nick.
Andreas had a firm belief about marriage: choosing the right partner ensures a successful marriage. He felt this when he looked at Vlora's face. He entered the room and Vlora greeted him with a smile. Time had passed, and by now Andreas realized that it would be impossible for him to stand tall and fearless without Vlora by his side. The storms of sadness and rage that pressed upon him were too powerful to face alone. Andreas was lucky. He had Vlora, and he was confident that such luck would never come twice. Vlora cupped Andreas' cheeks. Without saying a word, they communicated through their intense gazes. They plunged into the depths of each other's hearts, and it felt incredibly beautiful. Andreas' hand rose. He caressed Vlora's hand on his cheek. He immersed himself in the feeling of love that flowed through every fiber of his being, convinced that this feeling would remain unchanged as time passed. Always the same, and even identical to that day when Vlora had comforted him in
Lydia was truly hysterical when she received the news that Jonas had been arrested by the police. She immediately contacted Bryan and it didn't take long for Bryan to arrive with a flushed face. “Bryan, Jonas.” Bryan and Lydia did not waste any time. They went straight to the police station, but Jonas was being interrogated, so they couldn't meet him. The lawyer was ready. He would be with Jonas throughout the trial. But it wouldn't be an easy task. “This is a complex case, sir.” Bryan tried to calm the shocked Lydia with the lawyer's words and then asked, “What do you mean?” “Mr. Andreas must have gathered all the evidence to implicate Mr. Jonas long ago. There are allegations of embezzlement of company funds, illegal collaboration, and the latest is an attempted rape of Mrs. Vlora.” Bryan could barely breathe and Lydia screamed hysterically. They both panicked at the possibility of terrible things happening to Jonas. “Bryan, please. Get Jonas out of here.” Bryan rubbed his f
Not a sound could be heard. Not even the light breeze made a traceable whisper. Everything was silent, but not in a cold way, but with a warmth that only Andreas and Vlora could feel. Minutes passed. Andreas lifted his hand and reached for Vlora's hand, which was tending to the wound on his face. He held Vlora's fingers with the utmost gentleness, and Vlora's gaze shifted to his eyes. Two pairs of eyes met. They stared at each other. For a moment they were silent. Then Andreas tried to swallow the bitterness and gathered his courage. “Vlo—” “It's going to be okay, Reas,” Vlora quickly interrupted before Andreas could finish. She smiled weakly. “We'll get through this.” Andreas took a deep breath. Heat surged through his chest and the air felt like it was on fire. But when he looked into Vlora's clear eyes, the fire was replaced by a crushing pain. His heart felt squeezed, painfully. “Thank you, Vlo.” Andreas realized how lucky he was to have Vlora. He couldn't imagine what would
Vlora fidgeted restlessly, tears and sighs alternating on her smooth face. She was uncomfortable, so Noelle, along with Amanda and Vian, quickly approached.“Vlo.”“Vlora.”Amanda held Vlora. She gently woke her daughter-in-law, and soon Vlora's eyes opened bright and alert.“Reas.”Amanda reassured Vlora. “Vlora.”Vlora turned her head. She saw all of them there, but she noticed that Andreas was not there.“Mama, where's Reas?”Vian approached and helped Vlora to stand up. Then he went to prepare a glass of water.“Andreas went home for a moment, but he'll be back soon.”Vian handed Vlora the drink. Only then did she notice how dry her throat was. It did not take her long to finish the glass.“You just rest, Vlo,” Noelle said with a reassuring expression. “I will wake you when Andreas arrives.”Confused, Vlora shook her head. Her eyes blinked like a confused person. “No. I will wait for Andreas.”They all took a deep breath. The three of them understood that Andreas was indeed the on
Andreas was on the verge of despair when he arrived home. He saw that Jonas' car was still parked, and without wasting any time, he quickly got out of the car, entered the house, and heard the terrible sounds.“Vlora!”The horrible sight shocked Andreas. Vlora was lying on the floor in a pitiful state, her clothes disheveled and her body covered in bruises.Andreas' panic turned to fear. His heart seemed to stop when he saw the blood running down Vlora's legs. His breath caught and he realized something—blood could never be a good sign.Something terrible had happened to Vlora, and Andreas knew exactly who was responsible. It was Jonas.Andreas looked up and saw Jonas frozen. When their eyes met, Jonas became aware of the situation.Jonas rushed down the stairs, ran and fled.Andreas resisted the urge to go after Jonas. Vlora's safety was more important, and luckily Frans arrived just in time.“Sir.”Andreas looked at Frans blankly. “Help me, Frans. Vlora. Sh-she.”His tongue was tied