"Why are you being so perfunctory? You are definitely not sorry for me. Remember, you have given me
your word that you would accompany me on a business trip." Nathan tried to freshen up Mandy's
promise that she made many years ago and reminded her at the other end of the phone.
Mandy remembered. It was, in fact, true. She did agree to the proposition in the past, but now it was
difficult for her to fulfill the promise.
"Distance is beautiful if you look at it positively. You will start liking me more when I am away. Moreover,
I am really worried about Adrian. You are an adult, and you can look after yourself, but not Adrian,"
Mandy teasingly told Nathan.
"My parents are there to take care of Adrian. What if I find myself a mistress when I am away from
you? Are you not scared?" Nathan snapped back at Mandy.
"Well if that suits you; get yourself one! I really have no problem with that. But if you do bring her home,
she will have to do all the cooking for the family as well as all the other chores," Mandy replied.
"Huh! In your dreams!"
Mandy laughed heartily. "How considerate is my husband! He will get a mistress to take care of his
wife!"
"Are you poking fun at me?" Nathan quickly noticed that there was a bitterness to Mandy's tone of
talking. He took a cushion and sat up comfortably.
"How could I? I'm such an innocent and good girl. I can never joke with you," Mandy said softly, meek
like a rabbit.
"You know how to do the sweet talking!" Nathan shook his head in frustration, but his mood was
uplifted the moment he spoke with Mandy over the phone. He felt lonely in a foreign country, waking up
all by himself. But Mandy's voice made him feel better. He felt as if Mandy was right beside him to
extend her support.
"You taught me well. With such an exquisite mentor, I had no other option but to learn well."
"Remember to have meals on time every day. If you feel exhausted, just take the day off. Work can
wait. Stay at home," said Nathan, stressing every word as he smiled at her, thought.
"You too. Take care. Also, stay away from other women. And don't smoke or drink too much coffee,"
Mandy reiterated as she, too, smiled to herself.
"When did I smoke in recent times? It is a thing of the past." Frowning, he thought, 'I gave up smoking
for her so many years ago!'
"I fear that you might smoke when I am not there." Saying this Mandy stood up suddenly and walked
towards the French window. She looked down at the road and saw the fast cars moving up and down.
The street was full of different people.
City A was a prosperous and happening city. There was a constant hustle and bustle, no matter what
was happening in the world.
"Don't worry. I won't. I will never break my promise to you." His seductive voice sent an electric current
through Mandy's ear and aroused her a little bit.
Mandy smiled to herself as she held the phone. Her smile outshone the bright sunlight outside. When
she was with Nathan, no trouble seemed big, and no worry seemed too consuming. She could forget
everything for a while.
"Honey..." Mandy said in a loving voice as she stared in the blue sky.
"Yes?"
"Nothing just wanted to call you," Mandy said, full of emotions.
Mandy slipped into a time in the future. She imagined what life would be like after twenty years. Adrian
would be all grown up and would leave the nest to pursue his career. Then probably she and Nathan
would be together all the time. Perhaps they would have a new address. Maybe it would be an ancient
castle just like Nathan's grandparents'. Maybe that was how their happily ever after would be.
"Honey, do you miss me now?" It was evident that Nathan missed her from the way he spoke. Truth be
told, he wanted to ask this of Mandy for the longest time.
On the other side of the phone Mandy could do nothing but silently nod very hard.
After a while, when Nathan received no answer from Mandy, he thought that he was being overly
sensitive. So, he finally sighed and said, "Well, I guess you do not miss me that much at all! I am being
too emotional."
"What? No, I miss you so much," Mandy said forcefully to make her point.
"Then why were you silent? If you do not tell me how will I know?" He sounded disappointed.
"I nodded my head silently. I did know how to respond," Mandy said gleefully, as she felt very silly.
Nathan heard the answer and stayed silent. After some time, he burst into laughter.
"Mandy, my silly wife."
"Huh!" Mandy showed mock anger. Had she known that Nathan would laugh at her, she would have
made up a different story. "I was just joking. I never nodded. Why would I miss you? That's enough
now. Get going already."
Nathan laughed again and said, "Come on now, I know you are lying! Ha-ha!"
"I will call you when I am back. Need to attend a meeting in ten minutes. Goodbye." Mandy quickly took
out a pen and scribbled a few points on a white paper she wanted to mention in the meeting.
At first Mandy had no idea about how demanding the business could get. But she was better equipped
with understanding now. She was attending meetings and working overtime. Fortunately, she was the
boss of Mandy Mall, and on top of that, Nathan's wife. Everyone in JS International revered her. She
was a favorite among employees.
Mandy was on good terms with all the employees and was always kind to them. She was not as cold
as Nathan. Soon, she became friendly with the employees of Mandy Mall.
In the JR Hospital
In the afternoon, Lisa's attending doctor had finished her check-up. He had good news. He said that
Lisa's pneumonia had healed all the way, and she was ready to be discharged from the hospital today.
Lisa was extremely bored after spending almost a full week in the hospital. Today, she would be finally
free. The little girl was ecstatic. Right after the doctor left, Lisa and Colin packed to leave.
"Dad, I am finally free today!" Lisa jumped happily, and her eyes sparkled with joy.
Colin lovingly patted her head and sighed. "Yes, we can go out today, finally."
"Then… Will Mommy come to see me again?" Lisa asked nervously.
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