Make A Deal 1

The air caught in Vlora's chest. It seemed that welcoming Lucas was the first trial she encountered that morning.

The elevator doors opened. Vlora put on a polite demeanor and prepared herself. Lucas stepped out, and the presence of someone accompanying him wiped the smile off Vlora's face instantly.

Vlora quickly regained her composure. She took Lucas' briefcase and greeted them, “Good morning, sir.”

Lucas replied with a short nod. He walked next to Andreas, indirectly giving Vlora a moment to catch her breath before they continued.

It really was not a pleasant start to the morning for Vlora. How could fate test her patience so early?

Because it was Andreas. His attitude and actions, whether intended or not, were sure to wear down her patience. Vlora was sure of it.

Vlora opened the door and invited her in. While she went to Lucas' desk to put the briefcase away, her boss and Andreas decided to take a seat on the sofa.

“Do you mind if I ask your secretary to make us some coffee?”

Andreas inquired, putting Vlora's self-control to the test once again. She had to take a deep breath before she could answer politely.

“Would you like some coffee, sir?”

Lucas glanced at Andreas and then nodded. “Sure, Vlo.”

“I would too,” Andreas added with a smile aimed at Vlora. “As usual, Vlo, not too much sugar. You make sugar feel inferior.”

See? This was a small example of what Vlora had mentioned earlier. Andreas was shamelessly delivering his cheesy pick-up lines. Worse, he was doing it right in front of Vlora's boss.

Lucas closed his eyes dramatically, as if too embarrassed to face the world, and decided to wait until Vlora left. The sound of the door was his cue.

“Oh my, Reas. Are you serious? Did you even use a little bit of your brain when you said such a trivial flirt earlier?”

Andreas chuckled. He leaned back and found a comfortable position.

“A trivial flirt is still a flirt. There's nothing wrong with flirting, is there? Besides, isn't Vlora sweet? Isn't she?”

Lucas snorted. “I want to see how Vlora can make coffee taste sweet without using sugar.”

Andreas' laughter grew louder. Unfortunately, Lucas remembered something important at that moment. When Andreas was in a state where he could not use his brain, it was Lucas' duty to remind him.

“One thing, Reas. I'm afraid you might forget. Vlora is my confidante now. I hope you won't mess with my people.”

Andreas' shoulders lifted briefly. He knew Lucas' character. More than that, he knew what he would do.

“I'm sure Vlora is a professional secretary. You've already proven that. So, you don't need to worry. I can assure you that our relationship won't affect her performance.”

“Our relationship?” Lucas was at a loss for words.

“Besides, I'm interested in her,” Andreas continued, his eyes narrowing.

Lucas squinted. “Interested? You've got to be kidding, Reas. How can you be interested in Vlora when your wedding is right in front of you?”

“That wedding hasn't happened yet, and you know very well that it's not my plan for marriage. It's just a hierarchical family wedding.”

There was a knock on the door. Lucas glanced briefly, and Vlora entered with a tray containing two cups of coffee.

“Mama doesn't want to see Jonas get married before me,” Andreas continued. “You could consider it as a wife versus a mistress rivalry.”

Vlora approached. She placed the first cup of coffee in front of Lucas, then went to the second cup she was supposed to give to Andreas.

“I think there's a special rivalry between them. The whole world knows that they've never been on good terms. They always compete in everything, just like Jonas and me.”

Vlora's hand shook. The coffee cup almost slipped, but luckily Andreas was quick. However, the hot black liquid rippled. It spilled a little and wet Andreas' hand.

“Oh my, sir!”

Vlora was startled. She quickly pulled out two handkerchiefs and wiped Andreas' hand.

“I'm sorry, sir. I really didn't mean it.”

Andreas held Vlora's hand. He took the tissues and wiped it himself, shaking his head.

“It's okay, Vlo. Just coffee. Nothing serious.”

Vlora nodded with an apologetic look on her face. She took the tray and quickly excused herself.

The short pause that followed was not enough to stop the important conversation that had already begun. Vlora's departure gave Lucas the opportunity to continue.

“Even if you want to cancel your wedding, that doesn't mean you can flirt with Vlora. Haven't you noticed? Lately Vlora looks more and more uncomfortable when you're here. Sorry, but I'm not exaggerating. Now Vlora sees you like a ghost.”

“Are you sure that Vlora sees me like a ghost? I don't think so,” Andreas said with a smile. “She looks at me with bright eyes. She's fascinated by me.”

Lucas was sure that Andreas was beyond help now. There was nothing he could do.

Andreas enjoyed his first drink. He let out a satisfied sigh as the bitter taste of the coffee hit his taste buds.

“Besides, it looks like you're wrong about one thing, Luc,” Andreas said casually. He didn't mind reminding Lucas of that. “I have no intention of flirting with Vlora.”

Lucas scoffed with a hint of disdain. “With what you've been doing all this time? I hope you're not trying to deceive me. It's clear that you're always trying to flirt with her at every opportunity with those suggestive looks and smiles.”

Andreas burst into laughter. He raised his head and laughed heartily.

“It seems my approach is too obvious to everyone.”

“Sorry, what did you say earlier?” Lucas asked in disbelief. “Approach?”

Andreas decided to stop laughing. His expression changed. The mischievous glint in his eyes was replaced by a seriousness that Lucas could not overlook.

“For now, you can tell me not to disturb your trusted person, Luc. Unfortunately, in the near future, I will be the one telling you the same.”

“What?”

“Don't trouble my woman too much.”

Lucas's eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“Just as you thought. I don't want to flirt with Vlora; I want to make her my wife.”

“You're insane.”

Andreas grinned widely. “I'm sure you're right about that one.”

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