When they got back, Claudia had already prepared lunch so Astrid showered and ate to her satisfaction while Andrew simply watched her. He waited until she was done before he spoke
"You have three hours to rest,I have an event by seven so you'd better be up before then." Andrew informed her "How does it relate to me? I'm not your fiancé" Astrid said. "You'd be my arm candy for the night " "What would people say,when I'm by your side instead of Mira" Astrid asked "That's not your problem is it?" Andrew asked "No but I can't make a public appearance when you have Mira " "I'm going to cancel my engagement with Mira"Andrew replied "She'd be really angry."Astrid said with a smile and Andrew shot her a glare "I mean she really wants to be Mrs Thompson and join the Elites club" Astrid replied "Someone would be here in three hours time to get you dressed. "He said as he stood up and was about to leave "Where am I going to? " Astrid asked "Is there a problem? "Andrew retorted "Don't I have the right to know where I'm going to? Or what I'm attending, don't you think I need to get a heads-up so I'll know what to expect" Astrid said "I am trying to treat you as a human, don't make me regret my decision " Andrew replied as he walked away leaving Astrid stunned because one minute he's normal and the next he's cold,she decided not to let it get into her head. Astrid woke up to a light tap on her shoulder and saw an unfamiliar face. "I'm Yvonne, and I'll be helping you get ready for Mrs. Mills' birthday party," the stranger said. Astrid rubbed her eyes, still sleepy. "Oh, that's the occasion," she said, recalling the purpose of her preparation. As she stood up, she saw Mr. Thompson at the end of the room, legs crossed, watching her intently. She groaned inwardly, feeling a mix of annoyance and unease. Claudia, the maid, helped her take a bath and led her to the changing room, where she tried on numerous dresses. However, Mr. Thompson rejected each one, and Astrid grew tired of the endless try-ons. "Why are you so picky?" Astrid asked, frustrated, after he dismissed the maroon dress she was wearing. "As long as you're with me, you're meant to look good," Andrew replied, his expression unyielding. Astrid decided to challenge him, saying, "Well, I'm not changing. We're going like this." Andrew smiled, taking out his phone. "I'd call someone to rip that dress off your body and put a new one on you." "Fine ,I'll go"she said because she knows the fact that Andrew doesn't bluff and she didn't want anyone to see her without a dress. Astrid chose a bold red dress with a sweetheart curve, which fit her perfectly. She thought to herself, "He'd be a jerk to reject this dress." When she walked out, Andrew stood up, seemingly pleased, but didn't compliment her. Instead, he said, "This is better. Move on to the next step." Astrid felt a pang of disappointment, wondering why he didn't acknowledge her beauty. The designer finished her makeup, styled her hair, and added matching accessories. Astrid admired herself in the mirror, feeling more beautiful than ever before. However, memories of her sister Mira's privileged treatment resurfaced, making her feel like she was living in Mira's shadow. Andrew handed the designer a credit card and walked away without a compliment, Astrid felt stunned and wondered if she should chase after him. A security personnel arrived, conveying a message from Andrew "Miss,Mr Thompson is waiting for you in the car" "Ohh,I'm coming"Astrid said but decided to savor her moment, walking gently to the car. Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson grew increasingly impatient, tapping his fingers loudly as he watched Astrid walk towards the car, flirting and laughing with his security personnel. "How dare she?" he thought, feeling annoyed. When Astrid finally settled in, he told the driver to start moving, and then confronted her about breaking their contract by flirting with his employee. "What did I do?" Astrid asked, feigning innocence. "You're not meant to flirt with anyone, including my employees," Andrew replied, his voice firm. "I wasn't flirting. Our little chat was harmless. You could ask him," Astrid said. "What did you talk about?" Andrew asked, his eyes narrowing. "That's our business, not yours," Astrid replied, meeting his gaze. Andrew's expression turned annoyed. "You know I can dump you right here and come back tomorrow for my money. I have footage of everything that happened in the hotel." Astrid's eyes widened. "Why do you have to bring this up? What's your problem, Andrew?" The chauffeur, sensing the tension, kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead, his expression neutral. The car ride continued in silence, the only sound being the soft hum of the engine and the occasional tap of Andrew's fingers on his leg. 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 girl approached Astrid. "Hi, I'm Hilda Mills," she said in a friendly tone. "Oh, I'm Astrid Walton," Astrid responded friendly. "Yeah, you know, I was over there when you walked in, and your dress caught my attention." She said with a smileAt 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
"Andrew, where are you?" Mira asked, her voice sounding anxious. "What is it, Andrew?" Andrew sat up "Your mother suddenly fainted. Hurry and come over, Andrew," Mira ended the call.Andrew left, leaving Astrid to wonder what actually happened. Andrew rushed home to find out it was all a prank—a trick to bring him home. He saw his mother sipping tea in her room and smiling with Mira.He was about to leave, but Mrs. Thompson went ahead of him and stood in front of the door. "You're not going anywhere." "I still have unfinished work" Andrew replied."Well, you'll finish them tomorrow," Mrs Thompson said."What's the meaning of all this?" Andrew asked, annoyed. "Ever since Mira came in, you have been away. What's wrong with you? What's wrong with Mira? "She moved in. What am I supposed to do about it?" Andrew replied, "You're not even showing any form of interest in Mira. All you do is work, work, work. You just need to spare her a little attention, and you will know who she is. Yo
"Okay, we really need to be extra careful here," John said as he looked inside from the window, but there was no one. He tried opening the door, but it was locked."Do you know where Mr Thompson's room is?" John asked."No, I don't. I've never been here, aside from when I was called for that dumb interview." Astrid said."Look, you'd have to be as quiet as possible," he said as he opened the door and pulled Astrid inside.Astrid was amazed with the interior designs. The house looked glass-like and was really big. Her house wasn't compared to this. She was amazed, but you know she couldn't expect less from a billionaire.They were spotted by the family maid, Lydia, but John simply placed his finger on his lips, and she nodded because she understood what was going on.He snuck her until he got to the door to Andrew's room, but it was locked too. He quickly pulled out his keys, unlocked the door, and pushed Astrid inside, then locked the door.Just then, Mrs. Thompson appeared. "John, wh
Meanwhile Andrew woke up and caught Astrid tracing her fingers on his face "Good morning" she said with a smile and Andrew just stared at her which made her wonder why he was so moody she wondered if she did or said anything wrong maybe she overstayed. The smile on her face disappeared as she decided to have a shower get dressed and go back" where are you going to" Andrew asked asked lazily but Astrid didn't say anything and Andrew knew he had annoyed her he didn't notice when his cheeks curved into his smile because she looked cute that way,he turned to check his phone and he saw missed calls from work and John he likes to keep his phone on vibrate to avoid disturbance and to know when he has a call he dialed John's number "Good morning"" go get a dress ready for Astrid in twenty minutes"Andrew ordered "yes sir" John replied Surprisingly today he felt lazy he didn't want to go to work today he just wanted to spend the day at home in bed he concluded that he is feeling that way
Astrid checked into her room and met Andrew already there. 'What are you doing here?' she asked with a smile.'I came to see what you spent the money on,' Andrew said. 'I bought clothes and I will be resuming in three days' time,' Astrid said with a smile as she placed down the bags.'Work?' Andrew asked.'Yes. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I received an email last night from Seth Corporation,' Astrid said.'That's good. Get ready tonight. I will pick you up by nine,' Andrew said.'Where are we going?' Astrid asked.'Some reason, our partners chose the bar,' Andrew replied.'What are you doing here? What are you doing there? I want to sign a contract and finalize our agreement,' Andrew said.'Uh, I've been wondering... where is Claudia?' Astrid asked out of concern.'She is alive,' Andrew replied.'I mean, where is she?' Astrid asked again.'I don't know,' Andrew said as he walked away.Astrid spent the rest of her day happily withdrawing and spending Andrew's money.Astrid was done dre
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 you wa
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
Andrew searched the entire house, but there was no sign of Astrid. He pulled out his phone and dialed John's number. As he waited for John to answer, his mind began to wander to all the possible places Astrid could be."Hey, have you seen Astrid?" Andrew asked John when he picked up."She's by the pool," John replied.Andrew's heart skipped a beat. Why was Astrid by the pool? Does she want to commit suicide by drowning herself?He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. He quickly made his way to the pool, his senses on high alert.As he approached the pool, he saw Astrid standing by the water's edge. She was wearing a swimsuit, and her hair was tied up in a ponytail. She looked relaxed, but Andrew's mind was still racing with worst-case scenarios.Astrid turned around as Andrew approached. "Hey," she said with a smile. "What brings you here?"Andrew's eyes scanned her face, searching for any signs of distress. But all he saw was a calm and serene expression. "I was just
Astrid looked up at Andrew with a determined gaze."Let's make a baby," she said, not minding the fact that the lawyer, Mister Clark, could hear them.Andrew was taken aback. He wasn't expecting Astrid to say this.He paused, collecting his thoughts."What?" he asked, shock evident in his voice.Astrid's eyes locked onto Andrew's. "I don't want to lose you," she said, her voice filled with emotion.Andrew's expression softened. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Astrid's ear.He looked into her eyes, searching for answers."You're not going to lose me," he reassured her.Astrid's eyes searched Andrew's face, seeking comfort and reassurance.Andrew added, "And our bodies aren't strong enough. You haven't recovered yet."Astrid cradled Andrew's cheek, her touch gentle.Andrew smiled and wrapped his arms around her."You won't lose me. I'm still here. Now, let's go back to bed."Astrid knew that those words didn't mean forever, and she didn't plan on giving up.The
Andrew's eyes blazed with fury as he towered over Sir Galton's desk. "Don't play dumb!" he spat. "I know you're behind this. The video, the threats... Astrid's safety is at stake."Sir Galton's expression transformed from surprise to calculating calm. "Andrew, you're jumping to conclusions," he said smoothly.Andrew's voice dropped to a menacing growl. "I'll uncover the truth. You're going down, Sir Galton."Sir Galton snorted, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're so predictable, Andrew. You'll do anything to protect your precious Astrid."Andrew's fists clenched. "What do you know about her?"Sir Galton leaned back, steepling his fingers. "More than you think. She's... complicated. And you're just a pawn in her game."Andrew's grip on Sir Galton's neck relaxed slightly, allowing him to gasp for air. Sir Galton's face remained crimson, his eyes bulging."You're... playing... with fire, Andrew," Sir Galton choked out, his voice laced with malice. "I'm not afraid because if