Chapter 3

When they arrive at the Mansion after their awkward ride. Andreas went to open the door for Lia. The young girl blushed and murmured "thank you" to her  Husband.

 Andreas saw how timid and shy the girl is, precisely like him when he was her age. Andreas took the Lead, and Lia followed him from behind.

 Before Andreas could knock on the door, the door swung open. Andreas went to hug her but was ignored as his mother threw herself on Lia. Lia was taken aback but quickly recovered and hugged her back.

 Andreas decided to ignore the jealousy. "Oh Lia, you grew up so beautiful. You know I always talked to 

 Andrew(Andreas dad) that I want you to be my daughter in law. Seems like god heard my prayer." She cooed at Lia when she saw her blushed.

 "Darling, come on, let the girl breathe. Won't you at least invite them in? " Andrew asked.

 " Oh! I am so stupid. Baby come in. " she said to Lia as she took her hand and dragged her in. Again, ignoring Andreas completely. Andrew saw Andreas's pout and laughed at him.

 Andreas ignored his dad and looked at Lia. She was laughing at something his mother told her. 

 She is beautiful when she laughs.

 As soon as that thought came to his mind, he shakes it off.

 _______________________________________

 Emma (Andreas's mom )took Lia to show Andreas's room. She was talking excitedly about Andreas's childhood. Lia found herself listening to her sincerely.

 The lunch was delicious. Andrew and Andreas talked about the whole business time, whereas Emma was busy scanning Lia and saying that she should eat more.

 It was evening when Andreas told Lia that they should leave. The couple bid goodbye to Andreas's parent and promise they will visit again.

 Again the drive was awkward. Imagine being in the same house alone would be so uncomfortable. Andreas turned to look at Lia and found her sound asleep. He didn't bother waking her up, it was still an hour drive to reach Andreas's penthouse.

 Once arrived, Andreas gently shook the smaller girl awake. Lia blinked a few times before she was finally awake.

 "We arrived. Want me to carry you upstairs??" Andreas asked gently, to which Lia shook her head relatively fast.

 Andreas opens the car door for Lia and helped the girl to climb outside the car.

 They went inside the building and in the lift. Andreas pressed floor number, and the elevator started. Lia looked at Andreas and said, "Do you live here alone?"

 "Yes," Andreas replied.

 "Don't you feel lonely living alone at such a height? "Lia asked again.

 " Sometimes, yeah, but I have lived here for years, so I kinda got used to it. "He replied politely. To which Lia nodded.

 Lift stop at 54 floors. Lia went behind Andreas, who opened the door. Lia felt awestruck...

 The penthouse was too big, even for the people. It was so beautiful. The full-length glass reflected the city. Lia wanted to roam in this house, but she stayed rooted to her place, not want to upset her husband.

 "Lia, feel free to use whatever you want. That room upstairs is your room, and the one beside that is mine. 

 There is a library upstairs. If you want, there are plenty of books that would catch your interest. Most of the time, I would be at the office. So yeah you are free to go anywhere in this apartment. " Andreas explained. Lia just nodded.

 " I know, all of this is relatively new to you but believe me it's new to me too. I won't do anything to you without your consent, I can promise you that. "He continued. Lia nodded.

 " What is your food preference? "He asked suddenly. Lia looked at him, confused about his sudden question. 

 " I mean, what would you like for dinner? " He explained.

 " You choose. " His  Wife replied.

 " Is pizza okay with you? " He asked to which the girl nodded. 

 Andreas took out his phone and ordered two pizza.

 They sat on the couch, waiting for the pizza. As expected, the silence was awkward.

 The pizza man arrived, and they were eating the pizza when Andreas notice that Lia had stopped eating after finishing 2 slices.

 "Lia, eat something. Two slices are not enough for you" He said concern.

 "I am full. " Lia replied.

 Andreas put his finished box into trash bin and Lia's unfinished pizza in the box.

 Lia stood there awkwardly, waiting for her husband to command her or direct her to do something.

 Andreas noticed this." You should go to sleep. I am sure you are tried. "He said. Lia went to the room that Andreas previously said was her to use.

 

 The room was vast. Too big for her. She never slept alone at her home. Well, Their room was small back then with just one bed.

 Lia went to bed, crying at the memory of her dad. How her dad used to sing for her sometime , and make her sleep , he would tell her tails of his old times , He used to feed her and help her with studies. 

Slowly she started drifting to sleep.