Chapter 30 Back With Andrew?

Chapter 30 Back With Andrew?
The rain finally came down hard, and Andrew and I locked eyes in a challenging stare, accompanied by the sound of thunder crashing from outside. I was still gripping Andrew's hand tightly, like a scene from a movie. I swear I will not be a weak woman anymore; now I will fight no matter the risk.
"I don't want to be exposed; make sure the people who worship you never follow me." I threw Andrew's hand away, then turned my face from his gaze, which was still sharply focused on me.
"Didn't you want to be recognized? Why don't you want to be recognized by the public now?" Andrew's question left me speechless. Previously, I did want to be recognized, but now that uncomfortable feeling comes faster.
"Okay, I won't ask. At least that means you've forgiven me and are willing to come back without being forced." I immediately turned to look at him, annoyed.
The rain was pouring down, but Andrew leaned back in his car seat and folded his arms across his chest. Closing his eyes, he tried to fall asleep without paying attention to my protests, which were drowned out by the sound of the rain.
Time passed quickly, with a sense of annoyance at being ignored since the journey began. We finally arrived at a house, a house I didn't recognize. This wasn't the house we used to live in; if I remember correctly, our old house was further away than this.
This luxurious house has a secluded environment, like a mansion in the middle of a forest. When Andrew got down, I really wanted to chase after him, but his men quickly grabbed my arm and guided me between his hands.
"Andrew, why did you bring me here?" I asked loudly, but Andrew strolled away without paying attention to my words.
Until they reached a large black sofa, Andrew sat there calmly, lighting another cigarette. "We'll be staying here. The media won't know this house," Andrew said, cigarette smoke billowing into the air. He pointed to a henchman behind me to walk quickly. I looked back and saw that the henchman was the one who had brought Collin and was being asked to walk quickly.
"Take that man to the punishment room. Take Matilda to her room. I won't let them meet each other again, even if it's in the same house." Andrew laughed. And this is the last time I saw Collin. We looked at each other, even though we were being taken in different directions.
Collin's deep and sad gaze—he didn't fight the men even though he could have, just to stay in the same place as me.
Now I've arrived in a room, a luxurious room with a classic feel, dominated by pastel green and white. I just realized this house is indeed designed in a classic European style, like the castles of old. It's very different from our house, which is high-tech with a modern design and located in the city center.
However, before I could explore the entire contents of the room, two maids suddenly entered. They brought me clothes and prepared water.
"Mr. Andrew will be waiting for you at the dinner table tonight, right at seven o'clock." The maids' words made me reflexively look toward the open window. It was already very dark outside, and the rain was still falling steadily, but I didn't expect it was already getting late.
The waiters left after offering further assistance, but I declined. I sat still for a moment on the bed, wondering how the villagers were doing right now. Anthony must be worried and confused, but I hope they can live peacefully without me, just like before.
Collin, I'm thinking about Collin too. Is he doing okay in the holding cell? Will he be treated well and fed? Collin is too stupid; he shouldn't have come with me and should have chosen to stay in the village. At least maybe he could find a way to get me out of here; now he's just stuck in a holding cell and can't do anything, even though he's still by my side.
Maybe I really should go along with things for now so I can still go wherever I want and visit the detention room to see Collin. If I had rebelled from the start, I was worried Andrew would have provided tight security and wouldn't have allowed me to go anywhere.
I rushed to the bathroom to clean up and get ready to go to dinner. I hope I can negotiate for Collin to be released.
As evening approached, I went downstairs. Outside, a maid showed me the direction to the dining room. There, Andrew was already waiting calmly.
Andrew looked as usual—handsome, dashing, and full of authority. However, Collin's words were true; someone who looks physically perfect, if they have a bad attitude, will have all their beauty disregarded.
I sat down beside him without being asked. Andrew was slightly startled, but then he smiled and served my dinner. This is something Andrew has never done to me, but now he's doing it as if he's afraid I'll leave again.
"Eat a lot. I feel like this is a dream, being able to wait for you again in the dining room." He also started his dinner.
"Never feel awkward; this is our home. You are the mistress. I chose this house because you didn't want to be exposed to the public and didn't want it known that you were still alive. Now I will obey your words." Andrew smiles a lot now. Nevertheless, the feeling of relaxation and closeness they once had could never return. For me now, Andrew is like a stranger I need to be wary of.
"Why are you just standing there silently? Are there any questions? There's a hidden library in your room. I'm sorry; I just realized your new hobby and was only able to make it a reality now." Now Andrew is acting as if he's the perfect husband.
"I'll come back here every day, just like usual when we lived together. So don't think that I'm ignoring you or don't consider you the same as before," Andrew said.
Then suddenly he looked at me, gesturing that I was eating messily and the sauce from the steak was on the corner of my lip. I had tried to wipe it off, but Andrew, exasperated, kept pointing at the sauce that wasn't completely wiped off.
"Let me do it." Andrew got up, came closer to me, and wiped the sauce from the corner of my lip. One hand held the chair armrest, and this position locked me into the dining chair. I glanced right and left; there were many maids and Andrew's men, and this intimacy was too embarrassing.
I tried to push Andrew away as he finished wiping the corners of my mouth, but Andrew kept me in position while whispering, "I miss you."
I felt goosebumps hearing it, especially when Andrew's face got closer. I reflexively closed my eyes, but a woman's voice sounded, "Andrew?"
It was Lucy. Lucy came with a surprised look on her face when she saw me.