"My father wants me to move abroad," Kelly informed Andrew as she packed her luggage clearing her stuff in Andrew's house.
"What do you mean, babe?" he asked, gently stopping her from taking her clothes in the closet.
She explained, without looking at him, "A branch will be opened overseas. My father wants me to take charge."
Andrew hugged her from behind, pleading, "Please, don't do this."
"Let's be honest. You were never really serious about the divorce," she said, facing him and reading his emotions.
"I am serious! I have the papers ready. I just need a little more time," he begged.
"I'll be leaving in a week. Maybe we're just not meant to be in this lifetime," she said coldly, removing his hands from her waist.
"Let me talk to your father!" Andrew exclaimed. "I'll do anything to make you stay!"
She shook her head. "And then what? Will you tell my father that you're keeping me as a mistress?"
Andrew ran his fingers through his hair as he sat on the bed. "I'll leave with you," he said softly. "I'm ready to leave everything behind. Will you still love me even if I'm not the CEO of Vanguard Holdings?" He looked at her with confidence in their love.
Kelly averted her gaze from Andrew and questioned, "What about your grandpa? Are you going to leave him behind? He only has you."
Kelly's concern is valid. Andrew couldn't bear to abandon his grandpa. After all, his father had left them for another woman, and he didn't want history to repeat itself. Leaving his grandpa behind would inflict even greater pain on him.
"Please, allow me to marry your daughter!" Andrew exclaimed, begging on his knees in front of Kelly's father.
Mr. Levine continued to shoot the target, practicing his gun shooting. The sound of the rifle echoed in the surroundings. He hadn't spoken to Andrew since their arrival, clearly intimidating him.
"I have loved your daughter with all of my life. After my divorce, please allow me to marry her," Andrew said with a serious expression, prepared for the consequences of his actions.
Andrew's heart shattered into a million pieces as he watched in horror. Mr. Levine, with a cold and calculated demeanor, handed the rifle to his assistant before striding past Andrew. In an instant, his hand connected with a resounding slap against Kelly's cheek. The room fell into a deafening silence as the shock and pain reverberated through Andrew's entire being, leaving him utterly devastated by the sight of the woman he loved being subjected to such cruelty.
Mr. Levine's anger was evident as he continued his speech, expressing his deep disappointment and frustration. "I have only one daughter. She is young and beautiful. She could marry any man she likes. But how could she lower herself and become your mistress?" His voice boomed with a mix of anger and concern.
Andrew, feeling the weight of Mr. Levine's words, pleaded earnestly, "I have made an agreement with my grandpa, and he has allowed me to divorce my wife. Please give me a little time. I will marry Kelly next month. Please grant us your permission!"
"A man's true character is revealed through his actions, not just his words," Mr. Levine replied sternly before abruptly leaving the scene.
Andrew, filled with concern for Kelly and the pain she was experiencing, immediately stood up and embraced her, offering his support and reassurance.
"He's so handsome!" I overheard the girls giggling, and I couldn't help but be curious about who they were talking about. As I walked out of the meeting room, my eyes scanned the area until they landed on Chester, who was waiting for me outside. My colleague noticed my reaction and gave me a knowing look, teasing me as we made our way to lunch together.
Concerned about my well-being, Chester asked, "Did you feel any discomfort? I was worried about your morning sickness."
Feeling relieved, I reassured him, "I'm feeling better now, thank you."
Offering to treat me to lunch, he asked, "What do you want to eat? It's on me."
A wide smile spread across my face as I replied, "I'm craving seafood."
Playfully tapping my head, Chester and I headed to a local restaurant renowned for its delectable seafood cuisine in the area.
We arrived at a local restaurant near the area, known for its mouthwatering seafood cuisine. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked seafood wafted through the air, instantly making my stomach rumble with anticipation. The menu boasted an array of delectable options, from grilled fish to succulent shrimp and delectable crab dishes.
Chester and I eagerly perused the menu, discussing our favorite seafood dishes. After much deliberation, we decided to indulge in a seafood feast. We started with a platter of fresh oysters on the half shell, their briny flavor bursting with each bite. The tender and flaky grilled fish fillet, accompanied by a zesty lemon butter sauce, melted in our mouths.
To complement our seafood extravaganza, we ordered a side of garlic butter-infused scallops, seared to a golden perfection. The rich and creamy seafood chowder, filled with chunks of lobster and clams, warmed our souls with every spoonful. And of course, we couldn't resist indulging in a platter of buttery garlic crab legs, cracking them open to reveal the succulent meat within.
As we savored each bite, our taste buds danced with delight, relishing the flavors of the ocean. The lunchtime conversation flowed effortlessly, accompanied by the symphony of clinking cutlery and satisfied sighs of contentment. It was a seafood feast to remember, a delightful culinary experience shared between two friends.
After our satisfying meal, Chester looked at me and asked, "What are your plans?"
Taking a deep breath, I opened up and shared that my grandpa had asked me to bear a child, not just for myself but also for Andrew. He believed that it would give us a second chance to rebuild our marriage. As part of the agreement, he agreed to grant us a divorce, providing me with the time and opportunity to reconnect with my husband.
Chester nodded understandingly as he listened to my story. With genuine concern in his eyes, he reassured me, "If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, Drew. I'll always be here for you."
His words brought me a sense of comfort and support. It was reassuring to know that I had a friend like Chester by my side.
"How could you slap me so hard, Dad?" Kelly confronted her father as soon as Andrew left.
"I'm sorry, my precious daughter. It was all an act," he replied, placing his hands on her cheeks and gently rubbing them. "He wouldn't believe it if I were lenient, right?" A mischievous smile formed on his face.
Kelly continued to apply ice to her cheeks, trying to soothe the pain.
"Make sure you have him wrapped around your finger," Mr. Levine instructed with a sly grin. "It won't take long for us to own Vanguard Holdings." His laughter filled the room, a mix of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead.
"Sir, the bank called to inform us that the check bounced," his assistant informed him.
"Tell them we will make sure to pay next month," he commanded confidently. "After all, I will soon become Andrew Collins' father-in-law. Let them know that," Mr. Levine said with a hint of pride in his voice.
Chester accompanied me to the hospital after I experienced indigestion following our lunch. As we sat in the waiting area, Chester efficiently took care of the registration process and obtained a number for me. While waiting for my name to be called, a tinge of sadness washed over me as I observed other pregnant ladies being accompanied by their husbands. I couldn't help but notice the joy and excitement radiating from their faces, which evoked a sense of envy within me.
Breaking the silence, the woman sitting beside me commented, "You have such a sweet husband." I raised my eyebrows, trying to decipher her meaning. She glanced in Chester's direction, where he was diligently engrossed in paperwork. Suddenly, it dawned on me that she was referring to Chester as my husband. With a smile, I shook my head in response, acknowledging the misunderstanding.
"Congratulations! You are four weeks pregnant! ," the doctor exclaimed with a smile. I turned to Chester, my face glowing with genuine happiness and excitement.
The doctor then turned to Chester and instructed, "Make sure she takes these prescribed vitamins." My cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment, but Chester nodded confidently, assuring the doctor that he would take care of it.
As we settled into the car, a wave of embarrassment washed over me, threatening to engulf my composure. "I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice tinged with a mix of self-consciousness and vulnerability. The doctor and other patients had mistakenly assumed that Chester was my husband, and he hadn't corrected them. His actions spoke volumes, showcasing his genuine concern for my feelings and his understanding of the potential embarrassment I might feel without my actual husband by my side during the prenatal check-up.
Chester responded with a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with understanding. "No worries," he said, his words a balm to my wounded pride. In that moment, his unwavering support became a lifeline, offering solace amidst the discomfort. The weight of embarrassment began to lift as I realized that Chester's presence and acceptance were more important than any mistaken assumptions made by others.
With his understanding smile still etched on his face, we drive back to the hotel. Along the way, we chanced upon the sight of the sun beginning its descent, casting a breathtaking array of hues across the sky. Sensing our shared appreciation for such moments of beauty, Chester pulled over, allowing us to savor the spectacle together. As we watched the sun's golden rays paint a vivid canvas, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of gratitude for Chester's unwavering support, even in the face of embarrassing situations.
"Is everything going as planned?" Penelope Voss asked her assistant, a sly smile playing on her lips, as she browsed through the pictures displayed on her desk.
"Yes, Miss. The Levine Family has just made their move," he replied, his tone reflecting a sense of accomplishment.
"Good. Send these pictures to Kelly," Penelope said, her smile widening.
The three of us stood in front of each other, our eyes filled with shock, disappointment, and tension. I stood at the door of my hotel room, prepared to bid farewell to Chester, who had accompanied me back. As he reached for the doorknob and swung the door open, a gasp escaped my lips. Before us stood a figure, his presence sending a chill down my spine. It was a familiar face, one that I never expected to see in this place. The air grew heavy with anticipation as we awaited the words that would shatter the fragile peace we had managed to find.