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

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

“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

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

"I'm talking to you." the man said, interrupting her calming thoughts.Andra lost her cool."It is the passengers who have no sense of respect for the driver." she snapped and saw the shock on the man's face.He sat back against his seat and stayed silent. Andra realized from his demeanor that he could not wait to give her a bad rating. She immediately tried to win him over."I'm sorry about that..." she began."Don't talk to me." he snapped. "I don't associate myself with rude people."Shaken by his outburst, Andra stayed quiet. She could not wait to drop him off. Maybe he was just another bad customer. Why was she encountering bad customers on her first day of work? she wondered. What was going on?She was still thinking about her predicament when she reached his destination and parked the car. There, she tried to win him over again."Sir, please I'm sorry about our initial encounter but please do not give me a bad rating.""You should have thought about your rating when you were r