Astrid must not spoil Mira's wedding.

"Are you hurt?" Andrew asked, his face etched with concern.

"I'm fine," Astrid replied.

"What were you looking for? Why did you leave my office?"

"Nothing," Astrid said. "Let's go back to my office. I'm done."

He held her hand, and they walked hand in hand to the car.

"Where are we going?" Astrid asked. "Shopping for baby clothes? Isn't it too early?" Astrid asked.

"We're going to buy whatever you want," Andrew said with a smile.

Astrid smiled, knowing Andrew's card would "beg for mercy." Astrid shopped endlessly throughout the day, went to the beach to spend quality time together, and visited the amusement park with him for the first time. She saw Andrew's childhood side, and he laughed, which was rare. She felt special for seeing this side of Andrew.

When they got home, they met Mrs Thompson in the sitting room. The TV was turned off, and the lights were off; everywhere was dim. Astrid wondered what was going on.

Andrew remembered how his mother was when he lost his father; she remained like this and got depressed before she had to go for therapy. He became worried about her since she hadn't eaten since last night.

"Andrew, we need to talk," Mrs Thompson said calmly.

Astrid went upstairs, giving them privacy.

"What is Astrid Walton doing here?" Mrs Thompson asked. "That's my wife; she's legally meant to be here."

"I don't believe the fact that you're married, and first of all, you're married to Astrid Walton, Andrew. I believe I thought you better,What exactly is wrong with Mira?" Mrs Thompson asked.

"There's nothing wrong with her," Andrew said.

"Astrid cannot live in this house," Mrs Thompson replied.

"Do you think I was joking? When I said the word, 'she's my wife', she's meant to stay wherever I stay," Andrew replied slightly annoyed.

"Divorce her" Mrs Thompson said calmly.

"I won't " Andrew replied.

"I thought that when you'd be ready to get married, you'd be reasonable to get married to someone who's presentable to the society. You are a great figure that people in the business are looking up to, you're someone who people are dying to sign a contract with. You're meant to go for the best and not settle for less, Astrid is not well known but Mira is. Being with someone like Mira would attract honour and respect,but you being with Astrid you'd be made fun of, you'd be ...."

Andrew interrupted, "Keep your views of Astrid to yourself."

He went upstairs, leaving his mom annoyed.

Mrs Thompson was filled with hatred. What exactly did Astrid do to her son to make him believe her completely? Astrid is going to leave this house, whether she likes it or not. Their so-called marriage is null and void because Andrew is still engaged to Mira Walton. He was never engaged to Astrid; he was engaged to Mira right from when he was little, and he's going to get married to Mira whether Andrew likes it or not."

"Tomorrow, I'm going to see Mr Walton, and we will start work. We will start making wedding preparations for Andrew and Mira. That's when Astrid would understand the fact that she's nothing but a plaything to Andrew. Andrew is just using her for the time being.

"What do you want to eat for dinner?" Andrew asked Astrid as he got into the room and met her unpacking.

"Nothing, I'm full. Thank you for today; I had so much fun," Astrid replied.

"It's okay, plus it's my duty to make you happy," Andrew said.

Astrid wondered what he meant by those words. "Is he actually committing to her? Does he actually mean it? Was it a mistake?" she asked herself.

Mrs. Thompson and Mira got up extra early, had breakfast, and left. Mrs. Lydia suspected something was wrong. She overheard their conversation during breakfast.

Mrs. Thompson discussed marriage with Mira Walton and how beautiful she would look. Her outfit was unusual - traditional attire that conveyed seriousness.

Mrs. Lydia understood the signs. She overheard phone calls about gifts, indicating marriage. But did Andrew know?

She decided not to say anything, considering her position as a family mate. She could be replaced if she overstepped boundaries.

Andrew and Astrid came down for breakfast, noticing something odd. "Breakfast was served only for them; Mira wasn't included," Andrew thought. The house was Mira-free, which was unusual.

Andrew asked about Mrs. Thompson and Mira. "Where did they go?" he wondered. He was informed they went out early, making him wonder where they went together.

***************

Mrs. Thompson sat in the Walton's living room while Mira served tea. They waited for Mr. Walton.

"Good morning, Mrs. Elena," Mr. Walton said cheerfully.

"Good morning to you too, Mr. Walton. I hope you had a good night's rest," Mrs. Thompson replied.

"Yes, I did. What brings you here today?" Mr. Walton asked, curious.

Mrs. Thompson clapped, and the door opened. Twelve men in black suits walked in, carrying gifts.

"I'd like us to take a step forward and get these two lovers married," Mrs. Thompson said.

"I apologize regarding Andrew's absence, but unfortunately, today he has a busy schedule," Mrs. Thompson added.

"It's okay," Mr. Walton said, looking at Mira, whose face beamed with smiles.

"So, what do you say about getting these two lovebirds married?" Mrs. Thompson asked.

"I certainly agree to that," Mr. Walton said, chuckling.

"Is Astrid Walton still engaged to the Smith?" Mrs. Thompson asked.

"Yes, she is," Mr. Walton replied.

"Is there any problem?" Mr. Walton asked after a brief silence.

"Yes, she is turning into an obstacle regarding Mira and Andrew's marriage," Mrs. Thompson said.

"I would like it if you call her to order," Mrs. Thompson requested.

"Surely, I would. I wouldn't want anything to destroy their marriage, especially not Astrid," Mr. Walton assured.

"Well, then I better start going. Mira needs to get her wedding dress today, and many arrangements need to be done," Mrs. Thompson said.

"When exactly is the wedding?" Mr. Walton asked.

"I haven't set a date, but surely they'll be getting married next week," Mrs. Thompson replied.

"It's so soon. Does Andrew know about this abrupt development?" Mr. Walton asked.

"Why do you ask that?" Mrs. Thompson replied.

"I'm just looking out for both of them," Mr. Walton said.

"Do you want your daughter, Mira Walton, to become Mrs. Mira Thompson?" Mrs. Thompson asked.

"Surely, I do. Who wouldn't want that?" Mr. Walton said, laughing.

"Then abide by whatever I say," Mrs. Thompson replied coldly, standing up.

Mira followed her, and the twelve men left, leaving the gifts behind.

Immediately, Mr. Walton took out his phone and dialed Ashley's number while admiring the gifts. He didn't want Astrid to spoil Mira's wedding to the Thompsons.

Becoming in-laws would be a huge deal for their family. The Thompsons could assist him in funding his project, they'd be prestigious families, they'd have the chance to meet and mingle with the higher-ups,so Astrid must not ruin this once in a lifetime opportunity.