Chapter 59: The Proposal And The Wedding
Chapter 59: The Proposal And The Wedding
Andrea's expression darkened as she listened to Tony on the phone. The organization she had been hunting for four years had brazenly entered the country under Tony's watch, even daring to make a move against her.
"Do you need help?" Andrea inquired. In the years since she began her search, she had not been idle. She had established a private security company that appeared ordinary on the surface to avoid causing public alarm, but beneath the facade, it wielded the weaponry to counter some machinery groups.
"I am not their target, Andrea. You are. If anything were to happen to you, I could never forgive myself," Tony stated, his voice heavy with guilt stemming from Mr. Singer's death.
"Tony, I understand," Andrea responded calmly.
Andrea's expression was troubled as she stood apart from the well-wishers celebrating her engagement with Valentine Anderson. Sensing her unease, Valentine excused himself and approached her with a mix of concern and affection evident on his face.
"Andrea, is everything okay?" Valentine inquired in his deep voice, his eyes reflecting worry and care.
Not wanting to discuss their concerns in the bustling restaurant, Andrea suggested, "I'm fine, Val. Let's go for a walk."
Valentine agreed, and they left the restaurant together, hand in hand.
The night was pleasant, with a gentle breeze sweeping through the streets, soothing the remnants of the day's heat.
Walking together, Andrea suddenly halted in a quieter spot, her expression tense and anxious as she turned to face Valentine.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke, "Val, can we slow down a bit? I feel like we're rushing into things."
She was determined to shield Valentine Anderson from any harm while she confronted the organization.
Valentine Anderson remained composed, understanding that Andrea's concern stemmed from her wish to protect him. With a tender gesture, he reached out to brush aside a few strands of hair that had fallen across Andrea's face, taking a moment to admire her flawless beauty.
"Andrea, I know you're looking out for me, but I have no intention of calling off our engagement just because you're facing challenges. I want to stand by your side and support you in any way I can as we seek justice for your father's killers," Valentine Anderson spoke in a resolute tone.
Andrea gazed at Valentine with gratitude and replied, "Thank you."
Valentine enveloped her in a comforting embrace, finding solace in her presence as Andrea's worries faded away in his arms.
After a leisurely stroll together, they eventually made their way back to their respective cars and drove back to their homes.
Tony stepped off the plane early the next morning and, without a moment's hesitation, made his way to Andrea's house.
"The organization is extremely elusive," he confessed to Andrea, frustration lacing his voice. "I've deployed all my resources to track them down, but they're like phantoms. I can't pin down their operations, headquarters, or motives. I've never encountered such a formidable adversary. They're the best at staying hidden—if they're second best, no one dares claim first."
Andrea, far calmer than she had been the night before, responded with an even tone. "Don't worry, they can't stay in the shadows forever. I've started my own secret investigation into every single one of my employees and anyone else who comes into contact with me on a daily basis."
Relieved by her understanding of the grave situation, Tony let out a sigh. He picked up his coat, ready to leave, when Andrea called out to him softly, "Tony."
He paused and turned to face her, his eyes momentarily widening at the sight of the diamond ring on her finger before regaining his composed expression.
"I've accepted Valentine Anderson's proposal," she told him.
A strained smile crossed Tony's face as he offered his congratulations.
With their conversation at an end, he opened the door and departed.
No sooner had Tony left than Andrea's phone began to ring. Her face lit up with a smile upon seeing Housekeeper Win's name on the caller ID.
Answering the call, she was greeted by a childlike voice. "Mommy, Pete misses you so much. When are you coming to see Pete?"
Pete's voice was tinged with longing, a detail that would have tugged at Andrea's heartstrings had she been there to witness his pout.
"Baby, you're going to come see Mommy soon. You'll get to meet your father too," Andrea replied, her voice radiating warmth.
"Mommy, really? Do I have a daddy?" Pete's question carried a hint of skepticism; without ever having seen his father, he had started to doubt he had one, unlike the other kids.
Andrea felt a pang of regret, realizing her focus on the company had caused her to overlook Pete's feelings.
"Yes, my love, you have a daddy. The most handsome daddy in the world, and you'll meet him in just a few days," she assured him, her voice soft and reassuring.
On the other end of the line, Pete's spirits soared at the thought of finally meeting his father. After some more affectionate conversation, Andrea ended the call, her heart a little lighter.
Just the the door swung open, and there, framed by the doorway, stood Valentine Anderson, his grin wide and infectious. Andrea couldn't help but smile back. "Mr. Valentine Anderson, shouldn't you be at the office right now, amassing your millions?" she teased with a playful glint in her eyes.
Valentine's response came with the ease of long practice, a well-rehearsed line delivered with a beaming smile. "I don't think even the world could hold a candle to your radiance," he declared, his words smooth as silk.
At his compliment, Andrea's lips curved into a wider smile, her eyes sparkling with delight. Such adoration was hard to ignore, and Valentine knew the art of flattery well.
Without missing a beat, Valentine reached into his pocket and produced a wedding invitation, extending it towards Andrea. Her eyebrows arched in surprise as she took the card from his hand. The date, just three days away, made her catch her breath. The shock was evident on her face.
"Are we rushing things?" Andrea's voice was tinged with astonishment. Their engagement had only been the night before, and now he was already setting a date for their nuptials.
Valentine pressed his lips together, a contemplative silence hanging between them before he replied. "If anything, we're moving too slowly. If it were up to me, we'd be married this very evening."
Andrea studied Valentine's earnest expression, realizing he was completely serious. She let out a gentle sigh, the reality of the situation sinking in. "Well... let's stick with the plan for three days from now," she finally said.
Upon hearing her agreement, relief washed over Valentine. He had been unsure if she'd be willing to proceed with such haste, but now, with her consent, his happiness was palpable. Nodding in satisfaction, he mentally celebrated the small victory; they were to be wed in a mere three days' time.
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