Climbing the ladder (2)

When Andrew left Astrid, he was informed that his mother was around, which made him annoyed because he knew that Mira had told her everything and he doesn't have a good relationship with his mother so he avoids her every chance he gets.He sighed when e received the news and went to his office before deciding to return home. "Welcome," he said coldly, knowing what was next.

"You are back, go and shower, let's have a meal," Mrs Elena Thompson said. When Andrew went to the bathroom, he dialed John's number.

"Hello,"

"Yes sir," John replied.

"I want you to transfer Astrid and all of her belongings to a hotel. I don't want any traces of her belongings there, and you will tell Claudia to clean the whole house, pack her things, and go back to base. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," John said, and Andrew ended the call, had his shower, and went down for breakfast.

At dinner, Mrs Elena asked,

"What's your relationship with Mira's younger sister?"

"There is nothing going on between us," Andrew replied.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, I am," he said, looking into his mother's eyes, which made his mother convinced.

"When are you going back?" Andrew asked.

"I will go whenever I feel like. You are not chasing me away," Mrs Thompson said. "And Mira is moving in here tomorrow."she added.

"What does that mean?" Andrew asked in disgust, dropping his cutlery.

"You are growing old, don't you want to be engaged forever? Both of you need to know each other and get married and ...."

'We are not compatible," Andrew cut her short.

"Hey!" Mrs Elena said, slamming her hand on the table, making the dishes shake. "I'm growing old, I need to see my grandkids before I die. The ladies in the nursing home already have theirs. Why am I different?" she asked but got no reply. She reduced her voice, took a deep breath, and tried to calm down. "Do you want to work till you die?" She asked calmly. Don't you want to have a beautiful wife and kids?" Andrew still didn't say anything, just eating quietly.

"In two months' time, I will start planning your wedding," Mrs Elena said. That was the last straw. Andrew dropped his cutlery and looked at her with a hard glare

"I will get married when I feel like," he said, standing up and leaving, making Mrs Elena furious because he walked out on her and he wasn't ready to continue the family's legacy. She got angry, and the family maid brought pills to calm her down.

"Does Andrew bring ladies here?" She asked the maid as she took the pills

"No, he's not like that," the maid replied.

"People change "Mrs Thompson said.

"Well your son hasn't " the maid replied with a smile.

"But have you seen any lady, any woman here recently?" She asked with concern.

"No, ma'am," she replied. Mrs Elena took a deep breath, wondering if Mira was lying to her or if she was serious. Mrs Elena called Mira to come over the next day, which made Mira extra happy because she was close to her goal- Marrying Andrew Thompson. She put her luggage and got into the car sent by Mrs Elena to pick her up.

After exchanging pleasantries, Missus Thompson asked, "Are you sure that Andrew is having an affair with your younger sister?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Mira replied.

"But she doesn't stay here; she stays in his other house."

"Alright, then, let's go there," Mrs Elena replied. They got in and told the chauffeur their destination. They got there, and Mira was shocked. The environment was empty; normally, she would see at least three men dressed in black in strategic places, but surprisingly, today, no one was present.

They went inside and searched the whole house but didn't find Astrid.

"I thought you said she would be here," Mrs Thompson asked.

"I could swear I saw her here making out with Andrew. Maybe he moved her elsewhere," Mira suggested.

"Let's check," Mrs Thompson agreed. After a long search,

"Mira, I am tired, let's go home. We have gone to almost five houses. I can't do this anymore. I need to rest," Mrs Thompson said.

"But trust me, I wasn't lying."

" Don't worry, tomorrow I will call your sister and ask her to come over, and I will ask her about it," Mrs Thompson said.

"I hope she will say the truth," Mira said, rolling her eyes. She was frustrated with everything because they outsmarted her.

Mira showered and waited for Andrew, but he didn't come home. She asked MrsThompson, who said he might be running late due to work. Mira waited, but eventually fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Andrew spent the night with Astrid at a hotel. Astrid choose not to ask why he stayed although it was unlike him to spend the night.

The next morning, Mira called Astrid, asking if Andrew was with her. Astrid ended the call, and Mira kept calling, but Astrid didn't answer.

Then, Astrid received a call from an unknown number - Mrs Elena Thompson, Andrew's mother. She wanted to meet Astrid to discuss something. Astrid agreed, and Mrs Thompson ended the call.

Andrew woke up and asked "who was that."

"It's your mom, she wants to talk to me about something."Astrid replied.

"She wants to ask about our relationship so if you love the peaceful life that you have now, deny everything associated to me."

"Why should I lie who knows maybe she might be my ticket to freedom "Astrid said as she sat on the bed.

"Do you want me to marry Mira Walton?" Andrew asked making Astrid dive into her thoughts.

"No,but don't think I'd like someone as annoying and disturbing as you are"she said as she poked his bare chest.

"You think I'm annoying?"Andrew asked as he climbed over Astrid.

"Get off me "Astrid said as she tried to wiggle herself out of his grip but it didn't work .

"Behave yourself," Andrew said, and there was a knock on the door. Andrew released Astrid to check who was there. Andrew's phone rang while Astrid went to answer the door.

"Hello?" he said coldly, answering the phone.

"Andrew, where are you?" his mother asked.

"What is it?" he replied coldly.

"I said, where are you?" Mrs Thompson asked harshly over the phone.

"I'm at home," Andrew lied, and ended the call.

Astrid came inside with a bag. "Your assistant came to deliver your clothes," she said and then went to shower and get dressed.