Astrid took her luggage and went inside the car. She decided to drive far away from there, as far as she could. She wanted to leave everything behind - start a new life, get a job, work hard to make a living, and live a good life somewhere else.
Astrid started driving when suddenly she was cornered by four black cars. She wondered what was happening, what she had done, who she had offended, but she couldn't think of anyone. Suddenly, a man in a black suit opened the door and took her out of the car and put her in his car. Astrid's voice was nowhere to be heard; she couldn't even scream. She just stayed still.
Unknown to her, Andrew had sent someone to keep an eye on her from the minute she left the hotel and report everything that happened to him. The man in black suits drove forward; it felt like eternity. Astrid was woken up by a light tap on her shoulder. When she got down, she was shocked by their destination. The destination she expected was a warehouse where she'd be beaten to death by them. Instead, she followed them inside a house where she met the mastermind behind everything: Mr. Andrew Thompson.
She wondered why she didn't know it was his doing. "Sit down," he said, pointing to a seat in front of her. But instead, Astrid cleared her throat as she folded her arms. "What's the meaning of all this?" she asked.
"Well, you wanted to run away. Look, the day isn't over. I wanted to get money from a friend of mine," she lied.
"Where does that friend of yours live?" he asked.
"I won't tell you," she said, parting her lips.
"I'm beginning to think that friend of yours is imaginary," he said, taking a sip of the whiskey beside him.
Astrid turned to go out, but was stopped by the guards that put her in. "Where exactly are you going to?" Andrew asked and that question struck a chord in her because she herself didn't know where she was going to or what her next move was.
Andrew stood up and put his hand in his pocket as he strolled casually. "You know, I know about everything that happened in your family," he said, giving a nod, and one of the guards played the recorder.
"You were following me. Don't you have better things to do?" Astrid asked with a solid expression.
"I do," Andrew replied.
"Then why do you want to meddle in my affairs?"Astrid asked
"I'm not meddling. I was just listening."
" Look, the day is not over yet. I still have time," Astrid said trying to buy herself more time .
"What exactly do you want to do? I can get a loan from a bank," Astrid replied.
"What will be your collateral?" Andrew asked confidently, and Astrid was short of words as she knew she had nothing.
"Be my mistress for a year, and I'll cover up all your debts and daily expenses," he said as he stroked her cheek
"I can't waste a year of my life," Astrid said.
"So what would you rather do? This is a fresh start for you. You're free to live your life, pursue your passions, work, and earn your own money, which you won't have to spend for a whole year because I'll pay for everything you need. So, after a year, you would probably have a lot of money. It's a healthy start at this point in your life. Don't you think? Or do you want to sleep in your car, roam the streets, and eat from the streets? The choice is yours," Andrew said.
Astrid clenched her face because she hates being at a disadvantage, but she has no better choice than the one offered to her,she didn't have someone she'd run to and won't complain of her being a leech
"Fine, I'll do it," Astrid said after a huge debate in her head.
"That's better," Andrew said, smiling as he picked up the contract and gave it to her. "Sign this."
"I'm Party A, you're Party B. You can stay here. There's a maid who'll handle the cleaning, and there's someone who'll handle your meals. Whatever you want to eat, she'll prepare it. I'll come back tomorrow to get the documents" he said as he walked out. One of the guards picked up his documents that were scattered on the table.
Astrid sat down after they left and wondered how her life became like this.
Astrid wished her life had a positive direction. It didn't move this way. She didn't want it to move this way. She wished she had someone to run to, someone who would help her in times like this. She decided to abandon her wishful thinking and face reality, although it was harsh, but she had no other choice.
She picked up the contract and decided to go through it, but the conditions she saw were absurd. Point number one: Party B must be home before 8 PM. "Wait, is that curfew or else I'll be punished?" she thought.
Number two: Party B must cut all ties with her fiancé, lover, boyfriend, etc. "Wait, I'll cut all ties while he keeps his? This is even more absurd."
Number three: Party B must not talk or interact with the opposite gender. Interact only with your own gender. "What the...? This isn't making any sense to her."
She decided to read on, maybe she would find something useful or something that is fair to her.
Party B must take her contraceptives regularly. "I'm okay with that. It's not like I wanted to carry his child," she said to herself.
Party B is restricted from attending parties, clubs, etc. She closed the contract and couldn't read anymore because the conditions were terrible. They didn't seem fair. The more she read, the angrier she became. She's restricted from having fun, which isn't fair.
She decided to go and take a shower and talk about the useless contract whenever she comes. As she stood up, a young lady in a maid uniform came to greet her. "Good afternoon, miss. I'm Claudia," the lady said.
"Are you a maid?" Astrid asked.
"Yes, miss."
"Do you cook or clean?" she asked.
"Oh, I don't do this. I'm your personal maid. Am I a princess? I can take care of myself," Astrid said.
"Mr Thompson instructed me specific
ally to take care of you and attend to your daily needs," Claudia replied.
"Is this really necessary?" Astrid asked."Yes, it is. You are his jewels and..." Claudia started to say."I will need to correct that part. I am not his. I belong to no one but myself. Understand?" Astrid interrupted."Yes, miss. I'm sorry," Claudia apologized."Better. Are you hungry?" Claudia asked."I'll eat later. I want to shower," Astrid replied. "Let me go and get the water ready myself."" I can do it myself.""Mister Thompson won't forgive me if I let you do anything," Claudia said. "That is your business with him. I want to bathe, and I can prepare the water for myself."Claudia stepped in, blocking the road to the stair, and bowing her head politely. "Miss, I can't let you do it."Suddenly, the door opened, and Andrew stepped in. "It's good that you have met Claudia, and you are already getting along," Andrew said. Astrid's face became fierce, and she refused to say anything."Claudia, how is she treating you, Mister Thompson?" Andrew asked."She wouldn't let me prepare t
"There is no use crying over spilled milk," she consoled herself as she went to take her bath. "What is going on here?" she asked Claudia, shocked. "Since Mister Thompson is going to spend the night here, then I rearranged the room, and I was instructed that you are meant to take a beauty bath every evening before you go to bed," Claudia said with a smile. "You are disturbing and stressing yourself for no reason. He has gone back to where he came from," Claudia gasped. "Did you make Mister Thompson angry? You have to appease him when he comes next, or else you will be dead," Claudia said, scared. Astrid was shocked about how scared Claudia was and how Claudia feared the cycle so much. "Why are you afraid?" Astrid asked. Claudia replied, "Nothing, miss." "Not wanting to leak out information for the sake of her life," Astrid thought. "Talk to me and drop this formal behavior," Astrid said. "I was instructed to say nothing regarding my past," Claudia said. Astrid sighed because o
"I apologized already ,but there was nothing for me to post about for almost two months. There was nothing good happening in my life. I started losing followers, and it was really bad. Plus, that post made me gain the attention of the Brooks family. They love me now " "They don't love you; they're using you to get juicy gossip because that's what you're good at," Astrid said, offending Ashley with the last part "Excuse me?" Ashley said, feeling annoyed with the last sentence. I'm sorry, please just drive," Astrid apologized, even though she knew she had told the truth. She didn't want to be kicked out of the car because she was stranded. "Fine, where am I going to go? Corporate society? Why do you want to go there?" Ashley asked. "I'm going for an interview," Astrid replied. "What?" Ashley exclaimed with a smile. "Astrid wished she hadn't told her that. It explains why you're dressed like this. The young daughter of the Waltons needs a job," Ashley said with mocking laughter. "W
"What kind of price?" Astrid asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Andrew's fingers grazed her skin. "The kind that requires you to surrender to me completely," Andrew replied, his eyes burning with intensity. "Are you willing to pay it, Astrid?" Astrid's heart was racing as she hesitated, unsure of what to say. But as she looked into Andrew's eyes, she felt a spark of desire ignite within her. She nodded slowly, her voice caught in her throat. "Yes," she whispered finally, the word hanging in the air like a challenge. Andrew's face twisted into a fierce smile, and he leaned in closer, his lips inches from Astrid's. "Then let's seal the deal," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin.. Andrew's lips crashed down on Astrid's, his kiss fierce and demanding. Astrid's mouth opened beneath his, their tongues tangling in a dance of desire. As they kissed, Andrew's hands roamed over Astrid's body, his fingers tracing the curves of her wais
At Mrs. Mills' birthday party, they arrived and their entrance made heads turn and mouths whisper, but the person who was mostly whispered about was Astrid. "Isn't that Mrs. Astrid of the Waltons?" someone asked. "Wow, she's so pretty. ""Yeah, but why is she with Mr. Thompson?" That was the question that left people wondering. Reporters rushed to them to interview, but they were pushed away by the guards. "So who is she? Where is Mira? What happened to your engagement? Why is she with you?" The reporters fired the questions.Astrid understood the fact that the reporters didn't know her; she wasn't popular anyway. She was always left to be at home while Mira attended the occasions. She looked at Andrew; he was so confident. His eyes were cold. There was no smile on his face. "Would you like to drink?" he asked in a cold voice when he noticed that Astrid was looking at him. "Yes, please," she said with a smile and watched Andrew grab a drink, but was stopped by someone suddenly.A
"Astrid woke up due to the piercing rays of the sun. She lay there for a while, trying to get her emotions intact. Andrew wasn't beside her. The room had been cleaned. She sat up, and her eyes went to the lamp stand. She saw a glass of water and contraceptive pills. She quickly took them to avoid any string that would draw her to Andrew Thompson.She went to the dining. The maids were ogling about something. 'What is so juicy?' Astrid asked. 'It's nothing, ma'am' They all chorused. Astrid knew that they were talking about her. They were talking about last night because she spotted Claudia eavesdropping last night.'Good morning, Miss' Claudia greeted. 'Morning' Astrid answered. 'Did you see the tablet I placed by...''I've taken them already,' Astrid cut her short. 'What time did Mr Thompson leave?' she asked.''He left last night, ma'am,' she replied courteously."Meanwhile, at the Walton's home, when Mira got home, she cried throughout the night, and her father kept consoling
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," And
Astrid went to Mr Thompson's house and she was taken to the garden, where she waited for Mrs Thompson. When mrs Thompson arrived with Mira, Astrid wasn't surprised that Mira had gained Mrs Thompson's favor."Good afternoon, ma'am," Astrid said respectfully."I'd like to get straight to the point," Mrs Thompson said, ignoring Astrid's greeting."Okay then,why did you call me here.""Wait...." Mira said abruptly "is that a hickey on your neck?" Mira asked making Astrid touch her neck subconsciously"I hope I wasn't called here to answer questions about my personal life" Astrid replied with her eyes fixed on Mira."Who gave you the hickey?" Mrs Thompson asked."My lover" Astrid replied."I hope that lover isn't my son?" Mrs Thompson asked"Why would I be with an old man?" Astrid asked with the intention of provoking Mrs Thompson and it worked perfectly. Firstly she hates it when you answer her questions with a question, secondly Astrid called her son 'old'."What did you call him old?" M
Astrid asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern, prompting Sir Galton to let out a sigh before he spoke. "Andrew has a place here that he doesn't want to admit."Astrid arrived home, her anger simmering just below the surface. She had been waiting for Andrew, eager to confront him about the secrets she had uncovered. When she heard the sound of his arrival, she wasn't surprised to see Mira fussing over him, helping him with his jacket and inquiring about his day, trying to give him a massage. But Astrid's expression remained icy, her emotions in turmoil.Andrew's face lit up when he saw Astrid, a warm smile spreading across his face. He was relieved that she had come out to welcome him, hoping that they could put their differences aside and move forward. But instead of a warm greeting, he was met with a loud slap, which sent Mira scurrying for cover."This is the end of this marriage," Astrid declared, her voice trembling with rage as she took off Andrew's ring. "I'm
Mrs. Thompson's eyes pleaded with Mr. Galton as she knelt before him, her voice trembling. "Mr. Galton, I'm begging you... please, for old times' sake, help Andrew forget his stubbornness. He really needs your help right now."Mr. Galton's expression remained stoic, but a hint of nostalgia flickered in his eyes. He remembered the promise he made to Andrew's father on his deathbed – to protect and care for his family. The weight of that promise still lingered, and he couldn't bear the thought of Andrew losing everything his father had worked for.As he gazed at Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Galton's mind began to wander. He thought about the current state of the gang and the signs of betrayal that had been growing. Some members no longer followed his orders as they once had, and he knew that Andrew's leadership was necessary to maintain control.But Mr. Galton also knew that Andrew needed to assume his rightful position within the organization. With Sir Galton still alive, Andrew's place was prec
"Let's go and rest," Andrew said, hoping Astrid would agree. But instead, she shot him a glare."Are you stupid or am I stupid?" Astrid asked, her voice laced with anger. "You're asking me to go back with you after what happened in the parking lot? Do I even know you?"Astrid's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "I don't know the man I married. Is Andrew even your real name?"She pulled off her wedding ring and placed it on the table, pushing Andrew into a tight situation."Can we not do this?" Andrew asked, trying to placate her.But Astrid was having none of it. "How do you feel when you lie to me?" she asked, her voice cold. "Does it feel good? Does it make you feel happy?"Astrid's eyes flashed with anger. "Explain yourself, or else I'm gone."Andrew tried to calm her down, but Astrid was beyond reason. He pinned her to the bed, claiming her rosy lips. But Astrid protested, trying to push him away.Andrew refused to let her go, nibbling her ear. But Astrid's hands weren't willing t
Astrid's phone beeped with a message, breaking the silence. She picked it up, her eyes scanning the screen. The message was from George, and it read: "How is married life going?" with a smiling emoji.Astrid's anger flared up, her grip on the phone tightening. She felt a surge of emotions, unsure of what to do. But as she looked around, she realized that she was still outside the nightclub. The bouncers were still standing there, watching her.She decided to return home, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Even if she could sneak into the club, she risked getting lost or bullied by the thugs inside.As she drove back home, tears streamed down her face. She felt lost and alone, unsure of what to do.When she arrived home, she noticed that Mrs Thompson was there with Mira. Astrid wondered why she was there, but she didn't have the energy to ask.She wiped her tears and took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She put on a smile and walked into the house, but Mrs Tho
Andrew's voice was calm and firm as he instructed John to take Astrid to the car. "Take her to the car," he said, unlinking their elbows. Astrid's eyes widened in confusion as John escorted her to the vehicle. She tried to process what was happening, but everything seemed to be unfolding too quickly. As John locked her inside the car, Astrid peered out the window, trying to make sense of the scene before her. Brian's voice was raised, his words dripping with malice. "So, you're the Andrew Thompson," Brian sneered. "You don't even look competent." Andrew's expression remained calm, his eyes never leaving Brian's face. He stood tall, his shoulders relaxed, as he waited for Brian to make his next move. The air was thick with tension as the two men faced off. Astrid's heart pounded in her chest as she watched, her mind racing with questions. What was going on? Why was Brian so angry? And what did Andrew have to do with it? As she watched, Brian's smile grew twisted. "What do
Andrew's lips brushed against Astrid's, his words still lingering in the air. "I don't mind, I just want to taste those lips of yours." Astrid didn't resist, weary of their fights and craving peace instead. It touched her heart that Andrew had gone to such great lengths to make her happy – abandoning work, cooking an adorable breakfast, and making her feel special."Let's go eat," Andrew said with a smile as he broke the kiss,helping Astrid down from the kitchen counter. She smiled as he led her to the dining room.Just as they began eating, Kimberly burst in, "Mr. Thompson! Mr. Thompson!" She froze, her eyes wide with shock, as she took in the scene: Mr. Thompson having breakfast with Astrid, both of them beaming.To Kimberly, time seemed to stand still. It was unthinkable – Mr. Thompson, having breakfast with Astrid? Impossible. He must be using her; it was the only explanation.The silence was broken by Mr. Thompson's question, "Is something wrong at the company?"Kimberly forced a
Andrew's eyes were fixed on Astrid as she walked towards him, her red dress shimmering in the dim light. He couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion as he took in her beautiful appearance.The tears that had been welling up in his eyes began to fall as Astrid approached him. He felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to contain his emotions.Astrid's smile faltered for a moment as she saw the tears in Andrew's eyes. She quickly recovered, her expression softening with concern.As she reached Andrew's side, Astrid handed him a glass of wine. Andrew took it automatically, his eyes never leaving hers.Astrid's gaze was gentle as she looked at Andrew. "You must be stressed today," she said, her voice soft. "It's okay."She reached out and gently swiped the tears from Andrew's eyes. Her touch sent a shiver down his spine.Andrew felt a sense of gratitude and affection wash over him. He was touched by the effort Astrid had put into creating this romantic atmosphere.He looked at the
Kimberly's eyes locked onto Mira's, her mind racing with thoughts of Astrid and Andrew. She felt a surge of anger and determination, but she didn't know what to do.Mira seemed to sense Kimberly's uncertainty. She leaned forward, her eyes glinting with intensity. "Let me ask you this," she said, her voice low and persuasive. "Does Andrew retire from work this early?"Kimberly hesitated, unsure of where Mira was going. "No," she said finally. "He usually works late."Mira nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Exactly," she said. "And why is that?"Kimberly shrugged, feeling a sense of unease. "I don't know," she said. "Maybe he's just dedicated to his job."Mira's smile grew wider. "Or maybe it's because Astrid is working late too," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "Maybe she's the reason he's staying late."Kimberly's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications. She knew that Astrid was trying to seduce Andrew, but she hadn't realized that she was using their w
"Kimberly," Mira whispered to herself, a sly smile spreading across her face.She thought back to all the times Kimberly had clashed with Astrid, all the times Kimberly had made her disdain for Astrid clear. Mira's smile grew wider as she realized that Kimberly might be the perfect person to help her take down Astrid.Mira's mind began to spin with possibilities, thinking about all the ways Kimberly could help her. She imagined the two of them working together, coming up with a plan to destroy Astrid once and for all.As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, Mira felt a sense of excitement building inside of her. She knew that she had found the perfect ally in Kimberly, and she couldn't wait to put their plan into action.Mira's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she thought about reaching out to Kimberly. She imagined the conversation they would have, the way Kimberly's eyes would light up with excitement as Mira shared her plan.With newfound determination, Mira stood up and walked o