by Calista King
The first course arrived and it was a gazpacho soup. Laila was glad she had taken some etiquette lessons for a role in college, otherwise, she would've been lost among the cutlery and various spoons and forks. She wasn't too impressed with the cold soup and was trying not to make a face as she politely sipped it from her spoon when the interrogation began again.
"So Laila, how long have you worked at the hotel?" Lorena asked.
"About three years now," she answered.
"Laila's also an actress," Andreas added.
"Really! How interesting! What have you been in?"
"Nothing big, yet. I'm mostly just a struggling actress. The last role I got was in a play off Broadway called Loose Ends."
"I don't think I've heard of it," Lorena said thoughtfully.
"Not many people have," Laila said. "I think maybe 100 people total saw it."
Lorena and Albert politely laughed at Laila's self deprecating attempt at humor.
"You don't take yourself too seriously, eh?" Albert said. "That's good."
"Uh...thanks," Laila replied.
She was beginning to loosen up and enjoy herself. Andreas' aunt and uncle weren't as intimidating as she made out in her mind. She knew they would be scrutinizing her and would probably compare notes about her after she left, but that was to be expected. After all, they were probably looking out for Andreas' best interests. She would do the same if she was in their position.
The rest of the courses passed by in a blur. Laila was asked more questions about her background and family, which she answered with honesty and humor. She had a good feeling she had won them over. Several times she caught Lorena and Albert glance at Andreas and give him an approving nod.
Andreas was beaming beside her and she could tell he was bursting with pride. It made her feel good that she could meet his family and make him proud. Even though she didn't grow up with money, she wasn't a complete bumpkin who would embarrass him out in public. They were just finishing up dessert and coffee and Laila was licking the last morsel of her lemon mousse off her fork when Lorena leaned across the table to get her attention.
"I'm so pleased Andreas brought you over for dinner tonight," she said sincerely. "You've been very good for him, I can already tell just by looking at him. He's had a rough go of it recently, what with that horrid woman and the lies she spread. You can understand it put a considerable strain on the family, but please don't be scared off by the rest of them, especially his mother. She never likes anybody."
Laila felt Andreas stiffen beside her and she cocked her head up at him to see an inscrutable expression on his face. Sensing the tension, Albert cut in before Andreas could speak.
"That'll be enough, Lorena," he said, looking at his wife.
Lorena looked like she wanted to say more, but after glancing at her husband and then Andreas' stony expression, she thought better of it. She sat back against her seat and took a sip of her wine before casually remarking, "You'll find out for yourself soon enough. Have you made any plans to introduce her to your mother and father?" she asked addressing her question to Andreas.
"Not yet, no," Andreas answered in a clipped tone.
"I see," she said slowly, observing the both of them over the rim of her wine glass. "If you want my opinion, I think you should introduce them; the sooner the better. Carlotta hates to be the last to know anything."
"I'll keep that in mind," Andreas said. It was clear he wanted to end this line of conversation but Lorena plowed on.
"Say, your father's jubilee celebration is in two months time. Why don't you bring Laila back to Castonia then to celebrate?"
Laila looked at Andreas questioningly. She had no idea what Lorena was talking about--jubilee celebration? What was that? Some kind of birthday or something, like when someone turns 50? Laila could tell Andreas was getting angry and was trying very hard to keep a tight rein on his anger. Before he could unleash his tirade, Lorena seemed to realize she'd said something wrong and rushed to correct her mistake.
"Oh my dear, I'm so sorry," she began. "I completely forgot, but let's not talk about it anymore. You must forgive an old woman for losing her senses and speaking nonsense," she said turning towards Laila.
"Don't worry about it," Laila replied.
In her mind, Laila was mentally making note of all the strange statements Lorena and sometimes Albert let slip and she'd do her own interrogation of Andreas later on. It seemed like everyone knew something she didn't and they were all trying to keep it a secret from her. Maybe it had to do with Andreas' dark past? Andreas looked like he could spit fire, the way he glared at his aunt but he never uttered a word.
They left soon after dinner was over. Andreas seemed like he was itching to go and his aunt and uncle knew better than to hold him back. With a hug and a promise to meet again, Laila left their apartment in good spirits. She was happy the evening was finally over and she could breathe a sigh of relief. She hadn't completely embarrassed herself or Andreas, and it seemed like his aunt and uncle liked her.
"You were amazing tonight," Andreas said once they got on the elevator. "I really think they liked you."
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Laila teased.
"I'm not surprised. I told you they'd love you. You were the one doubting yourself," Andreas replied.
"Yeah well I guess I was wrong. No need to gloat," Laila said.
"I'm not gloating," Andreas said. The smug smile on his face belied his words. Laila gave him a playful punch on the arm and rolled her eyes.
"You're horrible at not gloating."
They walked out of the building towards the black town car. Once they both got inside, Andreas told the driver to head back to Laila's apartment.
"Will you be staying tonight?" she asked him.
"I'm sorry, I can't. I've got to meet with the decorator tomorrow morning."
"Oh, all right." Laila sounded disappointed. She had wanted Andreas to stay over, but he seemed to be preoccupied with other thoughts. There were still many questions she had to ask him, but for now she had to wait. They arrived at her apartment and Andreas walked her to the door and gave her a kiss on the lips.
"I really wish you could stay," Laila said, breathing raggedly as they broke apart.
"Me too, you have no idea, but the sooner I meet with the decorators and get the apartment taken care of, the sooner you can move in with me."
Laila's head snapped up to look at Andreas. "What did you just say?" she asked.
Andreas seemed to be momentarily caught off guard and looked a little sheepish as he answered. "I...uh...wasn't going to say anything just yet, but I was going to ask you to move in with me once the apartment is finished."
"Move in with you?" Laila asked, dumbstruck.
"Yes, if you want to. I don't want to pressure you, but I'll have enough space for the both of us and we can be together all the time."
"I'll have to think about it Andreas," Laila hesitated. "Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with you, but do you think we're moving too fast?"
"I know it's sudden but I feel like it's the natural next step for us. But like I said, I don't want you to feel pressured into it. Take all the time you need to think it over," he reassured her.
"Thank you Andreas," Laila said, rising on her toes and kissing his lips. She let herself into the building and watched from the doorway as Andreas got in the car and drove away.
CHAPTER 18
"You're sure this is her favorite?" Andreas asked.
"Yes, she loves lilies. Trust me," Corinne said, staring at a magnificent bouquet of stargazer lilies and purple and white roses.
"I just want everything to be perfect," Andreas said.
"It will be. She'll love it."
"I hope you're right."
Andreas paid for the bouquet and turned to thank Corinne for her help. He'd called up earlier that morning asking if she knew Laila's favorite flowers and she had been all too willing to help him pick out the perfect bouquet. Even though he hadn't
told her what he had planned tonight, Andreas had a feeling she knew. She seemed positively giddy, more so than usual.
Laila had accepted his offer to move in with him two months ago. She had been reluctant at first to give up her apartment, afraid that if things didn't work out, she'd be without a place to live. Corinne had come to the rescue again. She had sublet the apartment from Laila after she and her boyfriend broke up. Once Laila knew her apartment would go into good hands, she had whole heartedly agreed to live with him.
The past two months had been complete and utter bliss for Andreas. Never in a million years would he have imagined he could be so happy and so content with one woman. He found himself at work daydreaming about her and rushing to get home. He was happy just sitting around at home watching TV or helping her cook dinner. It was a domestic bliss that he'd never experienced before, either growing up at home with his family, or with any past girlfriend he'd ever had.
When he asked Laila to move in with him, Andreas was nervous. He was afraid she'd refuse, and he was afraid she'd say yes. A part of him knew she was the one for him. The other part, the old Andreas, told him to be careful.
He'd never had much luck with women and commitment. Sure, the problem had been on his end. He'd never found a woman he wanted to commit to. The only one that came close turned out to be a nightmare. But Laila was different. He'd never felt this way before about anyone. And even though they'd only been dating a short time, he knew she was the one.
Tonight he was planning on proposing to her. His insides were churning just thinking about it, but he knew it was the right decision. Laila had been so patient with him, ever since they first met. Even after the dinner at his uncle's, when she had confronted him about some of the things his aunt and uncle had said, he was worried the things he told her would scare her away but they didn't.
He told her the truth about everything she asked about--sort of. Andreas felt a pang of guilt because he hadn't been completely honest with her. He still held back the one secret he was afraid would either scare her away or change the way she saw him--that he was a prince.
If she accepted his proposal tonight, Andreas knew he would have to tell her. He didn't know how she'd react to the news. He hoped she'd be happy, but knowing her, he thought she'd more than likely be angry. Andreas just had to get the ring on her finger first and hope she was understanding enough to see why he kept that secret from her for so long.
Andreas made it back to work in time for his one o'clock meeting with his uncle. He was distracted throughout, constantly daydreaming about the evening ahead.
"Are you paying attention, Andreas?" his uncle asked impatiently.
"I'm sorry Uncle Albert. My mind was drifting," Andreas said apologetically.
"You can say that again. What's the matter?"
"Nothing's the matter. Everything's perfect," Andreas said.
"I need you to focus Andreas. You can daydream all about your lady love after work. This is important."
Andreas felt the tips of his ears heat up as his uncle called him out. He felt like such a young buck still blushing about a girl and felt embarrassed. "Of course, Uncle. What were you saying again?"
His uncle narrowed his eyes at him and after being satisfied that he had his full attention began again. "I was talking about Henriks and your plans to have him removed from the board."
Andreas perked up and leaned forward, his arms perched on his knees. "What have you heard?"
"Enough to be worried. I've been talking to Harwell and he seems to think Henriks has something planned."
"What could he have planned?" Andreas asked. "I've been gathering information about him secretively. He's been involved in some shady dealings and once my man can give me solid evidence, I'm positive we can convince the majority of the board to impeach him."
"Perhaps he's caught wind of your investigations?" his uncle asked.
"I doubt it. My man is very good."
"I hope you're right. Harwell informs me that Henriks has been snooping around your past lately. He's been in contact with Caroline Hess."
At the mention of the name, Andreas froze. His surprise soon gave way to rage. How dare Henriks go digging into my past and contact that woman! Andreas thought angrily. He clenched his fingers into a fist as his vision clouded and all he could hear was a pounding in his ears.
"Calm down, son," his uncle said, worriedly.
"I am calm."
"No you're not and you'll give yourself a heart attack acting like that. You need to stay calm and focused if you're going to deal with Henriks. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. It's what he expects."
Andreas knew his uncle was right. He couldn't go running off, guns blazing, every time someone did something to anger him. That was the old Andreas. He had to remain calm if he wanted to outsmart Henriks. He'd been a thorn in his family's side for too many years. It was time to get rid of him once and for all.
"You're right again, Uncle. You can blame the De Berg genes for my terrible temper," Andreas said.
"Hey now, don't lump all De Bergs into that lot. It's just you and your father."
"Yes well, in this situation, I have ample provocation. I can't believe that bastard has the nerve to contact Caroline. What could he possible want with her?"
"Obviously it's something to do with you. Are there any other secrets you confided in her that she hasn't disclosed yet?" his uncle asked.
Andreas cringed at the memory of his betrayal. He had told Caroline everything about himself--all his dirty little secrets, hopes and dreams. At the time, he thought she was the one--he was prepared to marry her and was cleansing himself of all his sins before committing himself so that he would be worthy. Caroline had encouraged him to spill his guts, lending a sympathetic ear. Little did he know she was storing all the information up to sell to the press to humiliate him.
He still didn't understand why she would do that to him. He'd been nothing but kind to her, but she seemed to have had it out for him from day one. Andreas would never forget her face the day he confronted her about her betrayal. Her eyes had looked so empty and flat and as if he had meant nothing to her, which he probably didn't.
"No, I can't think of anything she hasn't already told the press," Andreas said.
"We'll just have to keep our ears open and our guard up, then. I regret not trying to get rid of Henriks earlier. He's been a disruptive force in this company for too long, but it was always easier just to ignore him or appease him--whichever seemed least troublesome. Now everything is coming home to roost."
"Don't blame yourself. Henriks will get what's coming to him. I promise you that," Andreas said.
His uncle left shortly after, leaving Andreas alone in his office. His mind was frantic, wondering what on earth Henriks was doing contacting Caroline. He had half a mind to call Henriks on the phone and confront him then and there but he knew that would be beyond foolish. He had to remain in control of his emotions like his uncle said.
Picking up his phone, he dialed the number of his man Ulrich. He answered on the first ring.
"I need you to look up something for me Ulrich," Andreas began without preamble.
"Yes, sir."
Andreas outlined the information he wanted Ulrich to investigate. He hung up the phone a moment later in a better mood than he was a few minutes earlier. Andreas knew he could trust Ulrich with his life, and could count on him to dig up the information in a fast and discreet manner. Ulrich had never failed him yet. Leaving the problem of Henriks and Caroline for now, Andreas turned his mind back on the coming evening and his proposal.
***
Once evening arrived, Andreas was at his apartment putting the finishing touches on dinner. He'd ordered takeout from Laila's favorite restaurant and got a bottle of her favorite red wine. He was just pouring a glass out when she opened the door to the apartment and walked in. Laila had just returned from an audition for a television show and her eyes widened in surprised as she looked around the apa
rtment. Andreas came forward holding out his hands to her.
"You're home early," he said before kissing her on the cheeks.
"Yeah...uh...it didn't take as long as I thought it would," she said distractedly. "What is all this?"
"It's just dinner," Andreas said.
"I don't remember any other dinners that included candles and flowers and soft music," she said.
"You don't? Well I'll have to remedy that," Andreas teased.
Laila smiled at him before shaking her head. "What's really going on, Andreas?" she asked.
"Can't I just do something special for you because I love you?"
She seemed to accept that answer as her shoulders relaxed and she gave him a crooked grin. "I guess that's all right," she said.
Andreas led her to their dining table and pulled out the seat for her. Laila leaned in to get a closer look at the flower arrangements and took a sniff. "Mm my favorite. How did you know I liked lilies and roses?" she asked.
"A little birdie told me."
"Would this little birdie happen to be Corinne?" Laila asked.
"Why yes, you would be correct," he said. "How did you know?"
"Because she called me today sounding all giddy and excited. Kept saying I had a surprise in store for me."
Andreas frowned at her, "I didn't realize she couldn't keep a secret."
"Oh she's the worst," Laila laughed. "She tries to, bless her heart, but sometimes her mouth runs away with her in her excitement."
"What else did she tell you?" Andreas asked.
"Nothing else. Just that I was in store for a surprise. I honestly didn't pay any mind to her. She sounded half crazy the way she kept giggling and sighing over the phone."
"Well I'm glad the surprise was not ruined then," Andreas said. He walked into the kitchen and came back out with two plates of food.
"You made hamburgers?" she asked eyeing the dishes. "And sweet potato fries?"
"I wouldn't do that to you," he said. "I've ordered these from Jake's."
