Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Zephyr's face turned red with fury. "Aspen-"

Esther stepped in quickly. "Zephyr, that's enough. Let it go. Aspen's our daughter. I understand her, and I understand her feelings. Think about it-men like Andrew? How many girls in this world could actually resist someone like that?"

Zephyr sighed and nodded. "You're right. No ordinary woman can walk away from a man like him. Aspen, we won't force you anymore. If you truly want to stay with him, then stay. All we ask is that you take care of yourself."

Aspen broke into a tearful smile, the joy on her face was obvious even as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom, for understanding me. I know I'm being an ungrateful daughter for not going back to Bridgefields

with you...

"But I really, really like Andrew and I've never felt this way about anyone in my life. If I leave him... I don't know if he'd be sad, but I know I'd be devastated. I'm sorry I have to go back to him."

Zephyr and Esther stood there, faces full of conflicting emotions, unsure how to respond. Yet, before they could say another word, both their gazes shifted behind Aspen-and froze.

Noticing their strange expressions, Aspen turned around and instantly stiffened— there, drenched in sweat and breathless, was Andrew.

No one knew when he had arrived, but he was there, his handsome face lit with a playful smile, eyes locked right on her. "Aspen, really now? Leaving without a word? That's just cold.

"I'm your boss. Even if you wanted to quit or take time off, a little notice would've been nice, don't you think? Anyway, I never approved your departure, so it's not happening. So come on. Let's go. You've got a mountain of work waiting for you."

Without giving her a chance to argue, he grabbed her delicate hand, pulling her toward him.

Aspen's heart thudded wildly, but she did not resist. Instead, she melted into his arms, tears streaming freely down her cheeks as she sobbed against him.

Andrew held her close, breathing in the soft scent of her hair. Then, he turned to Zephyr and Esther with a sheepish smile.

"Uh... Mr. and Mrs. Stevens... I guess we could call each other on a first-name basis now?"

The couple was stunned and flattered, waving their hands in panic. Zephyr stammered, "No, no, absolutely not! Please, Mr. Lloyd, don't joke like that!"

Right now, Andrew's influence in Blumedale was on par with the Five Apex Families.

If someone like him called them on a first-name basis, Zephyr and Esther genuinely did not know if they could handle the honor-or the pressure. Andrew did not press it. In truth, he was not quite sure what else to say. "Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, don't worry. I promise I'll take care of Aspen here." Hearing that, Zephyr and Esther finally relaxed, smiles breaking across their faces. What they feared most was Andrew mistreating Aspen, but those words had provided him with assurance.

Zephyr knew a man like Andrew

wa

would not make promises lightly. When he spoke, his word was iron and a vow from him carried the weight of mountains. With that, their precious daughter was in safe hands.

"Mr. Lloyd... Aspen... then this is goodbye," Zephyr said warmly. They waved and turned to board their flight.

Andrew stood beside Aspen, arms around her, both of them quietly watching her parents walk away. Even from a distance, they could still faintly hear Zephyr and Esther's conversation.

"Honey, do you think... Aspen and Mr. Lloyd have already, you know, done that?"

"Zephyr, how would I know? And honestly, does it matter at this point?"noveldrama

"I'm just worried Aspen might be taken advantage of, that's all."

"Well, whether she is or isn't, we can't interfere now. And honestly these days, young people are pretty open Who knows-give it a year or two, and she might be visiting us with a kid in tow!"

Their voices faded as they disappeared into the terminal.

Aspen, beet red, slapped her hands over her face. "Ugh! They're so embarrassing!"

Then, she peeked at Andrew, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You jerk! Tonight, Fran and I are going to drain you dry. Oh, and Lauren's here too. You won't have the stamina to handle what we've got planned!"