let's make a baby

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 you kill me... you'll take my place... as leader... or face the consequences."

Andrew's eyes narrowed, weighing his options. He knew Sir Galton's words held truth. Killing him would catapult Andrew into the gang's leadership.

Sir Galton's assistant cautiously approached, phone in hand. "Sir, do you need help?"

Sir Galton waved his hand feebly and smiled "No,I want him to kill me,so I'll rest comfortably knowing that I have an heir and a witness."

Andrew's gaze locked onto Sir Galton's. "What do you gain from hurting Astrid?" he demanded.

Sir Galton's smile returned, his eyes glinting. "Astrid... is just leverage... against you."

Andrew's jaw clenched. "Why me?"

Sir Galton's chuckle turned into a cough. "You'll soon understand.

Andrew wondered why Astrid would be involved in this game,how and why is she using him as a pawn and Sir Galton won't say anything else. He was confused because Sir Galton might be playing games with his head.

Andrew's eyes bore into Sir Galton's, searching for answers. "Explain yourself," he growled.

Sir Galton's smile widened, despite his battered state. "You've always been so predictable, Andrew. Your loyalty, your sense of duty... it's admirable, really."

Andrew's grip tightened. "What do you want?"

Sir Galton coughed, wincing. "I want you to acknowledge your true place... as leader of this gang. Your father's legacy."

Andrew's expression darkened. "I won't lead your criminal empire."

Sir Galton's eyes sparkled. "You already are, Andrew. You're just too blind to see it."

Andrew's eyes lingered on Sir Galton, searching for any sign of deception. Releasing him, he demanded, "Who's behind this? You must have an idea."

Sir Galton chuckled, pouring himself a whiskey. "I don't know, but Astrid's next. Keep her safe, or you'll regret it."

Andrew's frustration boiled over as he turned to leave. Sir Galton's nonchalance infuriated him.

Outside, Andrew swiftly dialed the PR team. "Remove those videos from all social media platforms. Now."

His team leader, Rachel, confirmed, "Already on it, Mr Thompson. We're working tirelessly."

Andrew's mind raced. Who could be behind this? Sir Galton's words echoed: "Astrid's next."

He quickened his pace, determination fueling his steps. Protecting Astrid was paramount.

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

Astrid's heart skipped a beat as she read the cryptic message: "How's wedding life going?" accompanied by a laughing emoji. She felt a chill run down her spine.

She quickly dialed John's number, her hands shaking. "John, I need you to see this," she said urgently.

John arrived promptly, his expression serious. "What's wrong, Astrid?"

Astrid handed him her phone, pointing to the message. John's eyes narrowed.

"This is no joke," John muttered. "The sender's number is untraceable."

Astrid's voice trembled. "What do they want?"

John's jaw clenched. "I'll inform Andrew. We'll increase security."

Just then, Andrew walked in, concern etched on his face. "What's happening?"

John showed him the message. Andrew's expression darkened.

"We're dealing with someone calculated," Andrew said grimly.

Andrew decided to cancel all his appointments for the day.

He wanted to stay back with Astrid, to comfort her and reassure her that everything will be fine.

She needed his support now more than ever.

There was a knock on the door.

Astrid was still asleep.

She was exhausted from crying.

Her eyeballs were red and swollen.

When she wakes up, she will start feeling sad and cry again.

He didn't want her to fall sick.

He wanted her to be strong.

So he got up and walked to the door.

It was one of the security personnel who came to inform him of his important visitor.

The visitor was the family's lawyer, Mister Clark.

Andrew went down to meet him.

Mister Clark was already seated.

He wore his glasses and was going through his papers quietly.

He was also sipping his coffee.

Andrew already knew what his visit was about.

It was about the divorce.

He knew that his mother sent him.

Now he was confused.

He didn't know how Mira succeeded in manipulating his mother.

But one thing was clear:

He wouldn't divorce Astrid.

He would rather die while being married to Astrid than divorce Astrid and marry Mira.

Andrew fled his troops to get Mister Clark's attention.

"Good morning, Mister Clark," Andrew said.

Mister Clark looked up and smiled. "Oh, good morning Andrew."

He paused, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I'm sorry I had to disturb your sleep," Mister Clark said, "but I have to be wise and get a head's up by early."

Andrew waited patiently, wondering what Mister Clark had to say.

Mister Clark returned the papers to his briefcase.

Andrew asked, "So, why are you here?"

Mister Clark removed the divorce papers from his briefcase.

"Yeah, about that," he said.

He paused, looking at Andrew seriously.

"Missus Thompson explained everything to me," Mister Clark said, "and she said you filed for a divorce."

He paused again, studying Andrew's reaction.

"You planned to divorce Astrid," Mister Clark continued, "and she asked me to draft out the papers."

He handed Andrew the papers.

"So, here are the papers," Mister Clark said.

Andrew's expression turned firm.

"I never filed for a divorce," he said.

He paused, looking at Mister Clark intensely.

"She is the one who wants the divorce," Andrew said. "Take it back. Astrid and I aren't signing anything, Mister Clark."

Mister Clark's smile turned unfriendly.

"I'll appreciate it if you sign this right now," he said. "It's Missus Thompson's order."

Andrew stood up, his voice firm.

"She doesn't have the right to decide my happiness," he said.

He paused, looking at Mister Clark defiantly.

"Take these papers back to her," Andrew said.

As Andrew turned to go up the stairs, his eyes met Astrid's.

She stood by the stairs, watching them.

Looking at her made Andrew drop his cold look.

He rushed to her, concern etched on his face.

"Why did you get up?" he asked. "Come on, you need rest."

He checked her temperature, his eyes filled with worry.