CHAPTER 149. You leftIt took a long time for Zack’s breathing to return to normal, but even after he fell asleep, he never stopped holding her in his arms. Andrea gently stroked his face and gave him a kiss. Recovering physically from everything that had happened to her was the first step. The second was to get Zack back once and for all, but to do that, she had to bring back the man she had once known. If he wouldn’t let her help him, then she would have to force him.The Keller siblings came by throughout the day. Mrs. Luana also stopped by to bring Adriana, and Andrea cuddled with her baby for a while, listening to the comforting words that only a woman with Luana’s age and experience could offer.“The doctor says I might be able to take you home tomorrow afternoon,” Zack murmured that night. “The rest of the treatment will be in pill form, so you’ll be more comfortable at home.”Andrea smiled softly. “I’ll be comfortable anywhere that has a mattress. I feel... weak,” she murmured
CHAPTER 150. Runner.“Just tell me what I need to do... anything. Please, Andrea, just tell me what I have to do to keep you from leaving...,” he begged, holding her hands and kissing them.“It’s just that I’m not going anywhere,” she stated, and Zack looked at her, confused. “Those are your suitcases, what’s left of your things... you’re the one who’s leaving.”Zack’s lips opened and closed several times as he tried to process the news.“Um... are you... are you kicking me out?” he asked, stunned.“I wouldn’t use that word, but yes, you’re not going to stay with Adriana and me anymore,” she said.Zack stood up and ran his hands over his head. His life was truly a cruel irony; just when he most wanted to stay, she was putting his bags at the door!“Andrea, I love you... At least you know that, right? That I love you?” he murmured desperately. “I don’t want this to end, Andrea. It’s true that I tend to run, but that’s because I feel it’s better than confronting someone I love... And I
CHAPTER 151. No more running awayNikola Keller listened intently to every word his son said, and when Zack finally finished, Nikola shook his head in disapproval."You're disinherited," he declared, and Zack rolled his eyes."Dad, you know I never cared about the money...""But I do, and since you've clearly shown how stupid you can be, your share of my inheritance goes entirely to my granddaughter. End of story!" he stated firmly, and his son could only smile because he knew that no matter what, Nikola would never accept that Adriana wasn't his granddaughter—blood relation or not. "I told you once, if you lost her, I’d make sure one of your brothers won her over, but Andrea and my granddaughter are staying in this family no matter what, so you'd better agree!"Zack laughed as he squeezed his father's hand affectionately and nodded. "Of course I agree, Dad. And I promise I’m going to win Andrea back... and if I can’t, I’ll just kidnap her, but one way or another, they're staying," he
CHAPTER 152. I Want to Kiss You"Good..." she sighed, trying not to show the relief she felt from that answer. "Your mom cooked a lot. Are you staying for dinner?""Only if there’s ice cream for dessert.""And you wash the dishes.""Deal," Zack smiled.They shook hands like it was a business transaction, but neither of them could deny the shiver that ran through them. That tension, that desire—it would never disappear between them, but Andrea needed more, and he had to be willing to give it.They had a peaceful, harmonious dinner, and as hard as it was for Zack, when the clock struck ten, he said goodbye with a kiss and headed for the door. It was torture sleeping without Andrea, but it was a necessary torture.The next morning, he got up early and went to the city center to buy her breakfast at her favorite café, when an ad caught his eye. He took the rental notice and stepped outside, looking for the building, and then called the number listed. A short time later, he sealed the best
CHAPTER 153. Back on the couchAt exactly nine in the morning, the two were ready. Zack opened the car door for them, and they quickly settled the baby into her car seat. They dropped her off with the grandparents, and Adriana's smile was epic as soon as she was in Nikola's arms.After saying their goodbyes, they began their tour of the city's daycares. Zack was adorably restless. He was still the tough businessman with his six-foot-three frame, but he practically had stars in his eyes every time he turned to her and asked, “Do you think Adriana will like this one?”At some point—she wasn’t sure when—Andrea found herself walking hand in hand with him as they went from place to place.When they arrived at the next daycare, their eyes lit up the moment they saw the place. There were endless bright colors, small gardens with playful animals running around everywhere, and even a cozy corner for reading stories to the little ones. It had exactly the kind of loving and nurturing environment
CHAPTER 154. A Hothead, a Dominatrix, and a DateAndrea nodded with a tired smile.“Well, we’ll have to make sure he gets it, one way or another.”“The hard way is usually better. Trust me on that,” Luana laughed, pointing to the group enjoying themselves on the terrace. “Look at them, aren’t they lovely? I raised five kids. And do you know which one was the hardest to teach?”“Which one?” Andrea asked curiously.“My mother-in-law’s son!” Luana replied, and they both burst into laughter. “It’s an indisputable fact: men, no matter how good they are, need training—no exceptions! Or do you think Nikola was always that wonderful man you know now?” she scoffed playfully. “Your dear father-in-law was unbearable, and it took me years to whip him into shape, but it can be done!”Andrea sighed as she laughed, and they chatted for a while until it was time for dessert.“Well, I have something to tell you all too,” Loan said during dessert. “In a week, I’m heading out for the championship, and t
CHAPTER 155. MANAGERPlanning a trip to Paris for the Keller boys was as easy as refueling the plane, so Andrea was very excited about all the things they would do when they got there.However, there was still another surprise waiting for her before leaving, and when she received that call from Ben, she couldn't have imagined he was lying.“Andrea, I’m sorry to bother you, but we have an emergency,” her boss said, and Andrea sat down to give him her full attention.“Sure, what’s going on?”“I’ve got an amateur ski group arriving in Lucerne. The branch manager there had already contacted them, and it looks like they’ve decided to sign the contract.”“I didn’t know you had a company branch here in Lucerne,” Andrea murmured, surprised.“Well… maybe that’s my fault. I didn’t want the manager there to steal you,” Ben laughed. “After all, you’ve got a star player. I’m not going to share commissions with the blockhead running things in Switzerland.”Andrea laughed because she understood. Ben
CHAPTER 156. Why Did She Have to Resist?Andrea swallowed hard as she felt Zack’s breath on her mouth and the volcanic heat radiating from his body.“And the last thing?” she murmured, her voice shaky.Zack smiled and caressed her cheek before kissing her passionately.“The last thing is that I’m going to make love to you on this desk until it breaks,” he growled, biting her lips before plunging his tongue into her mouth, engaging in the most sensual of encounters.The invitation was so intense that she could barely resist… but it was too soon to give in.“I can’t accept such an offer,” she murmured, sighing deeply, and Zack pouted.“Why not?”“Because you and I working together is a risk. Within hours, we’d be facing a serious sexual harassment case,” she said, trying to sound serious.“Of course not! That won’t happen because you’ll be my boss, and I’ll have to behave. Say yes, Andrea. Tell me I’ll have the best manager in the world…”Zack smiled at her with bright eyes, leaned in u