It was almost perfect, and Andreas did not forget to add the finishing touch: hidden cameras placed at strategic points. Their precise positions would undoubtedly record everything that happened in her office.
Andreas felt satisfied. It seemed that no detail had been overlooked. In reality, however, Vlora's words had left him curious.
“Everyone has their price.”
A feeling of incomprehension filled Andreas' mind. He had no idea what Vlora meant. Something was bothering him, and he did not know what was going through her mind until he decided to visit Progun the next day.
Andreas sighed deeply and stared at the towering building in front of him. Grand and prestigious, Progun was like a monument to the world's fantasies of untold riches.
But that was not the main reason why Andreas wanted to reclaim it. He did not care about its value; he cared about his pride.
That was the only thing Andreas would fight for. He was willing
Jonas growled, trying not to slam everything on the desk. His face was flushed and sweat splashed on his forehead. The boiling emotions were hard to control.The air around him felt heated, the temperature rising, burning all of Jonas' memories. It wasn't just the dinner invitation; reports of declining sales followed shortly after. Then came unpleasant rumors that were escalating among the shareholders.It must be Andreas.Jonas clenched his fists tightly and punched the desk with a conviction that swirled in his head.Surely. Andreas must be the mastermind behind all this.Jonas' fingers turned white. He looked furious, his breath roaring in uncontrollable anger.“Sir.”Alan's voice was heard. Jonas turned around, completely unaware of his arrival.“Everyone's gathered in the conference room.”Jonas growled, adjusting his slightly disheveled suit. His appearance was obvious and would not escape Alan's observant gaze.In less than thirty minutes, Andreas set foot in Progun. He also f
For a moment, in an uncertain span of time, Andreas could only remain silent. Vlora's questions pierced, penetrated, and permeated. They penetrated Andreas' chest and squeezed the pulsations within.The air escaped. Andreas felt suffocated.Everything was out of his control. No matter how clever Andreas was in assessing his interlocutor. It didn't matter how clever Vlora was in controlling herself to become an unreadable person. In reality, they were still ordinary people with their own wounds.Andreas and Vlora were like mirrors and their reflections. They stared at each other and found duplicates, though for different reasons. Both were children from families that were not whole.There had been betrayal, there had been tragedy. Both had deep wounds in their hearts.Now, after Vlora had said it, Andreas' memories came back. He realized that throughout his life, there had never been a welcome awaiting his return.There was only Amanda. Never Bryan.Oh, not that Andreas wasn't grateful
Monday, long awaited. A general meeting was to be held, and Andreas spent the remaining two hours relaxing in Lucas' office. A cup of black coffee accompanied Andreas. It tasted just right, and ah! Lucas' look made him laugh—almost choking.“You want to say something?” Lucas grumbled. “You looked so relaxed.”“That's life. It should be enjoyed in peace,” Andreas said before taking another sip of coffee. Eyes closed, he sighed with pleasure. “Especially when accompanied by a cup of coffee.”This time Lucas couldn't resist. He left his work for a moment and looked at Andreas, who was sitting on the sofa with a furrowed brow.“Don't tell me you came to see me just to tell Vlora to make you coffee.”Lucas' accusation made Andreas quickly put the coffee cup back on the coaster. His stomach tickled and his body shook with laughter.“Why? Did you not have any coffee?”Andreas laughed until his eyes watered. “Oh, dear. You didn't have to mock me like that.”“As you wish.”Lucas decided to get
Andreas looked at Vlora. The answer implied something. It meant that Jonas not only wanted to meet him, but also Vlora.The elevator stopped. Andreas and Vlora got out and were led to the preparation room not far from the meeting room.An employee greeted Andreas and Vlora. He looked at the guard and nodded once. Andreas, watching, could only shake his head. It was like a symbolic handover, from the guard to the employee.“Where is Jonas?” Andreas asked, not wanting to waste any time. He looked at his watch and the meeting would start in twenty minutes. “I don't have much time for his games.”The clerk smiled. “Mr. Jonas is inside. Let me show you, sir.”The door opened. Andreas and Vlora entered and immediately noticed Jonas' presence.“Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Vlora are here, sir.”Jonas looked at Andreas and said, “You may go.”“Alright, sir.”A moment after the clerk left, Andreas invited Vlora to sit at Jonas's desk. Only then did he realize that Jonas wasn't alone. Alex was there, a
“I really don't understand why a woman like you would marry Andreas. You're too smart and noble for a man like him.”Vlora looked sideways. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Jonas watching her as they walked down the corridor with measured steps.“Believe me. You're not the only one who doesn't understand. In fact, I don't understand why I married Andreas either.”Vlora's words made Jonas smile. They turned and walked to a small room.There were three security guards on duty. One of them was a woman.“Still, as you said before,” Vlora continued, bringing Jonas' momentarily shifted focus back to her. “I am a smart woman, and predicting the future is one of my abilities.”Vlora's steps stopped. She turned around and gave Jonas a faint smile.“So, you don't have to worry.”Worry? Jonas froze. There was an unusual tone in Vlora's words and expression, something he had never encountered before.Vlora allowed Jonas to sink into his thoughts. She approached the security officer and
~The day Andreas approached Jonas~There was nothing more amusing to Andreas than to find Jonas on high alert upon his arrival. Even before his footsteps had fully landed, Jonas had openly shown his displeasure.No wonder Andreas felt even more motivated to tease Jonas. He pulled out a chair and sat down in front of Jonas, adopting a relaxed posture as if he owned the room.He leaned back. The chair turned deliberately. Andreas observed his surroundings with a thoughtful expression.“I don't want to disturb you, but I just wanted to have a look around the room.”Andreas proved his words with his actions. He really examined the room, as if he had plans to redecorate some parts of it soon.The chair kept turning. Sometimes it would stop when Andreas focused his eyes on a particular object, be it a painting, a vase, or even a flower pot.Andreas smiled meaningfully. A mischievous gleam in his eyes. He showed an irritating attitude that always managed to make Jonas angry.That's what Andr
The ticklish urge was no longer controllable for Andreas. Fortunately, the calm and authoritative demeanor that had been required during the earlier meeting could now be discarded.Andreas burst out laughing as he and Vlora sat in the car. Vlora turned to him, her expression a playful mixture of curiosity and amusement.“You seem so happy,” she said.For a moment, Andreas didn't answer. He continued to laugh, and Vlora didn't interrupt, but rather seemed to enjoy the moment.Only when his breathing became labored and his eyes moist did Andreas stop laughing. He took in as much air as he could and then sighed.“Oh, God. This is really funny, Vlo.”Vlora smiled faintly, noticing the lingering traces of laughter in Andreas' voice. “I admit it, Reas. Your performance back there looked really natural.”“Really?”“Yes,” Vlora nodded as Andreas grinned with a teasing glint in his eyes. “When you scolded Jonas and acted surprised, as if you had just realized his intention to leave you alone i
There seemed to be a slight difference in Vlora when Andreas came to pick her up. She, a woman who was always calm and collected, showed an impatience for the first time that couldn't be hidden.Her steps were quicker than usual. Vlora seemed excited when she saw Andreas waving to her.Andreas greeted Vlora with open arms. This was not a metaphor, but an action with real meaning. He stretched out both arms and hugged Vlora without hesitation.Was Vlora surprised? Of course, she was. But did she dislike it? Oh, certainly not.In fact, Vlora closed her eyes when Andreas kissed her cheek briefly. She didn't seem to care that they were still in a public place, or that this might have something to do with the tension between them, which apparently hadn't diminished even though they'd been apart for a few hours.Both possibilities made sense, and fortunately the night streets were not as crowded as usual. They arrived home much sooner than expected, and for a moment they just looked at each
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
A soft knock echoed, and a moment later Desmon entered with a servant. They served breakfast while Vlora leaned back and tried to relax.“Did Andreas ask you to call the doctor?”Desmon nodded. “Yes, madam. The doctor will probably be here in an hour.”“I think there's no need to call the doctor. So please cancel it.”“No need to call the doctor?” Desmon repeated, trying to be reassuring. “Shouldn't you be examined? I think Master is concerned about your health.”“I'm fine, just a little tired. Everything will be fine after some rest.”Desmon looked hesitant, but he couldn't argue. He nodded and said, “Very well, madam. I'll excuse myself, and if you need anything, please call me.”“Thank you, and...” Vlora paused for a moment, turning her attention to the servant behind Desmon. “...I'd like you to stay here.”Desmon walked away, leaving the servant behind. Vlora waited until the bedroom door was completely closed before she spoke.“I want you to buy some testpacks.”The servant's eye
Unlike usual, Andreas found himself waking up earlier than Vlora, considering it was a workday. He saw Vlora still lying next to him when he opened his eyes. The intention to wake her was there, but he refrained. He decided to let Vlora sleep a little longer and wake her later, after he had finished his shower.But Andreas was not quite sure. He guessed that Vlora would be awake by the time he finished his shower, but he was wrong.Andreas finished his shower, and strangely enough, Vlora was still sleeping. So, he approached Vlora with a puzzled expression that made his forehead wrinkle. It seemed that this was the first time in their marriage that he had seen Vlora wake up late. Vlora and her disciplined nature had really impressed him.“Vlo.”Andreas sat down on the edge of the bed. He wanted to wake her, but instead he felt something strange in Vlora's body. Vlora's temperature was warmer than usual.A fever?Andreas touched Vlora's forehead and it seemed that he was not wrong. Vlo
Vlora lifted her body gently for a moment. She lingered on Andreas' chest, then looked into his eyes. She didn't say anything, but kissed Andreas' lips tenderly.Their eyes closed simultaneously. Both absorbed in the moment, and when the kiss ended, Vlora smiled.“Actually, earlier I was questioning the purpose of having a lazy chair here.”Andreas smiled too, his lips curling in amusement. He stroked Vlora's cheek and asked, “Now?”“Now I know that the lazy chair has another function besides just being lazy.”Andreas' amused smile turned into a laugh. Then he took Vlora in his arms when they decided to move from there. Vlora's legs encircled Andreas' waist, and her hands were draped around his neck. Together they walked to the inviting bed.*Not a day went by without restlessness for Jonas. Every morning, as soon as he woke up, he reached for his phone. He checked the stock quotes and the latest news, especially when it came to the names of the majority shareholders.Bryan had indee