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At Duke’s words, Dominic and Andra’s eyes met in surprise.“Yes,” Duke said emphatically, bringing their gazes back to his. “But frankly, with the whole scenario now playing out, I mean especially with the arrival of your parents, I have become overcome with guilt.”Once again, Andra and Dominic’s gaze locked in surprise, then immediately returned to Duke.“I am sorry I let my emotions drive me into starting this whole complicated story. It was my mistake and I believe that I had no right to do what I did.”“Dad?” Molly could not believe what she was hearing from her father. More so, she didn’t know why his words were causing her a heavy heart instead of elation. It was difficult to understand and somewhat alarming.Dominic listened to Duke, unbelieving. He examined his emotions, seeking relief but finding emptiness and disappointment. It was disturbing that he could not understand or determine his present emotions. One glance at Andra told him, she was suffering the same fate. Even
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Dominic was pleased with Andra’s verbal confirmation.“And your finances?”“I will survive.”“Good.” He said. “Now, let’s go and continue with the contract.”She nodded in agreement and seconds later, they were back to Duke with decided looks on their faces.“So, tell me, what have you both decided?” he asked.The couple exchanged glances before facing Duke with their response.“We are still in.” they chorused and watched Duke’s eyes expand.“What?” he exclaimed under his breath. He could not believe his ears and before he could speak further, Dominic was whisking his daughter away and slowly heading back to the church.“We are late, Mr. Duke. We have come too far to quit. And we cannot keep the people waiting. Neither can we drop a bombshell on them at this hour. But most importantly, we’re still in.”“Out of our own volition,” Andra added. “So, let’s finish what you started.”“Exactly,” Dominic added supportively as they went.Duke stood there, confused for a while. He finally snapp
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Andra stared at him, speechless and unable to believe what she was hearing. His determination scared her to silence. Her mind delved into a sea of anxiety as she wondered how to eat her cake and still have it.“You will no longer eat your cake and have it in this house.” He pronounced as though reading her mind. And with those words, he killed her hope.Andra considered her next move. Initially, she had wanted to go on the offensive, so he would just leave her alone but she had known him long enough to understand that it would not work. She had only wanted to try. Why, oh why did her father bump into him and choose him? She often regretted it, especially in times such as this.Andra let go of her regret as she thought of a fast solution to her immediate problem. This was not the time to regret. It was the time to think. She decided to protest his pronouncement. It was her last resort.“But…” she began.“I cannot keep eating out or buying take-homes.” He interrupted curtly, silencing h
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Andra considered Molly’s words for a few seconds. She could not exactly understand her point. “What kind of change?” she asked. “The change is that you are…becoming more responsible.” She chuckled and Andra hissed, unappreciative of the humor. “Please just tell me what to do. I need the allowance.” “Hmm. Didn’t you bet with him that you will fend for yourself?” Molly reminded her. “I guess I failed already. Besides I was not really serious. Just give me a solution to my current trouble and leave the past behind.” Molly shrugged. Andra was right. It was better to solve the current issue instead of wasting time talking. “I suggest we go to the market and get the necessary ingredients. Then I will show you how to make the food and store everything in the fridge. We’ll leave out the one you guys will have for dinner when he is back. The day is still young, so we can make it on time.” She smiled as she watched Andra’s countenance light up. “No way.” “Why not?” Andra flashed her lo
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“Did you do all this today?” he asked again, his voice behind her, warm with a hint of skepticism. It further raised her guilt and anxiety but she struggled to control it. She refused to let his imposing presence affect her. She was Andra Anderson. No one scared her.“Yes.” She responded, still surprised that her voice was barely above a whisper. What was happening to her? She cleared her throat. “Yes.” She repeated in a firmer voice that still sounded a bit faint to her ears, but since it sounded better, she would do with that.“Well done.” He said, his voice still mellow. “I’m impressed.”“Thank you.” She replied, satisfied with his response.“I didn't actually believe you’ll see it through.”“I had no choice, D.”He paused, saying nothing and she turned around to ascertain his expression. Then it hit her that she had just given him a nickname. Her face flushed with embarrassment.“D?” he said, his lips curved in amusement.“Your name is too long, so I shortened it.” She replied.“H
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Andra didn’t know why her heart began to beat faster. Her gaze fell to his chest so she would not face him. It was as if, a tense feeling that can only arise between people who were falling in love, was in the air. She had to change that immediately before she made a fool of herself before him. Her eyes lifted and met his warm gaze.“I need some cash.” She said reminding him of her recent request.He leaned back against the chair and folded his arms, his eyes observant on hers. She suddenly felt like an employee before a boss who was asking for a raise. It was awkward and raised her nerves.“For what purpose?” he asked, taking her back to where they were before he interrupted her.“The uh…, the month is ending. I usually spend the last three days of the month in a hotel so I can unwind.”“Not happening.”“Why not?” she questioned, her expression, laced with disappointment.“You should know why not.” He responded. He was used to her unreasonable attitude and didn’t bother to wonder abo
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She rose at his pronouncement that spoke of doom for her. She was determined to see things favor her.“What? You can’t do that.”He shook his head at her. “The only reason keeping me from taking out my anger on you is because I promised. Do not antagonize me further with your silly protests. Okay?”Andra considered his decision with alarm. It did not bode well for her. There was no way she was going to keep silent about it. She had to try.“Please, okay fine, I made a mistake. I thought you would not mind.”He stared at her for a while, during which she hoped he was giving ear to her words in a positive light. Although she could not read him properly. Eventually, he shook his head.“It’s over, Andra. He said with a note of finality. “Get a job.”Dominic started to walk away, returning to his room and leaving her alone. Andra watched him go and was about to start another series of pleas but she stopped herself. Enough was enough. She was an adult. It was time to earn her living.“You k
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Andra shook her head in denial. “Nothing to do with my time.” She lied. “I do this when I’m bored.”“Oh, I thought as much.” The girl replied and Andra was relieved that the girl had bought her story.“What a privilege to be driven around by the likes of you.” The girl remarked in a lively voice.Andra wished the girl would just zip her mouth and stay silent. It was already bad enough that she was lying to explain her current position. She just wanted silence in the vehicle.Andra noticed her passenger retrieving her phone and directing the camera toward her.“Hey, what are you doing?” Andra demanded“I am a blogger. I want to post you working as an Uber driver.”“I don’t need that, please,” Andra said dismissively.“It will inspire some other young people to work instead of sitting around and doing nothing.”“I don’t care,” Andra shouted.The girl clicked a shot with her phone, disregarding Andra’s stand. Noticing this, Andra stopped the car and exited it. Then she walked over to the
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