Chapter 23

Andrew paced back and forth in the corridor of the second floor of his family mansion. Dressed in a dark green two-piece, he recently just trimmed his hair and was looking as dashing as ever. He'd ordered the most expensive twelve-karat gold ring, placing that order as soon as he left Christiana to prepare for the event.

It'd occurred to him multiple times that he needed to propose to her and, even more, get her pregnant. But he knew Christiana wasn't ready for that. He knew having a baby right now wasn't her top priority and he respected that.

Now that their relationship was going through a rough patch, he needed to prove to her that he wanted her now more than ever. A new life meant Andrew really needed Christiana's support.

"Excuse me, sir," a maid dressed in a uniform greeted him. "This was delivered for you."

Andrew sighed in relief once he saw his order. He thanked her and collected the package, sending her off. It was finally time; he couldn't wait to get started. He opened the box and saw the gold ring, pleased with his choice as it was what Christiana asked for back in Switzerland. Holding the ring with his index and thumb finger, staring at it, he became so lost in thought that his mother's presence went unnoticed.

The ring was roughly removed, shocking him at first. Emerald locked eyes with him, her displeasure for his actions apparent. She held the ring with annoyance as she glared at her son.

"Don't tell me this is what I think it is, Andrew." Her tone was demanding and expectant. She wasn't expecting Andrew to get married to Christiana quickly. The thought of Andrew proposing to Christiana riled her up.

"It is. And it's my choice to make, not yours," he replied sternly.

She scoffed. "A peasant like her will never fit into our family! She is a nobody and I do not approve of her," she spat out.

"Watch what you say about Christiana. Mother, why can't you just be happy for me? Why can't you be supportive and love her just like you love me, just…why?" Andrew said, his voice pleading his mother to acknowledge Christiana for his sake.

Emerald folded her arms across her chest, "It's impossible. There are other women in the world but why her?" She asked.

"Because it's her. If it's not her, then no one else." Andrew said sternly.

"I would advise you to think twice before you take any step. I would advise you do not jump into fire without thinking of the repercussions! Andrew, I love you so much and I want the best for you, and I will tell you this again, Christiana will never be welcomed in this family!" Emerald said firmly.

"I'm sorry mother. If you love her or not, it is still my choice to make in the end. It's Christiana or no one and I would appreciate it if you opened your heart to her. You will see she is better than any other you have in mind for me."

"We'll see about that, dear son. Remember: mother knows best."

She turned on her heels as she walked away gently.

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"It seems like our first plan needs to take place tonight. Alert the gunmen," an unknown voice spoke through the phone.

"Alright. He took a drastic step, we will have to help him rectify that," the other replied.

"No mistakes."

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Christiana admired herself in the mirror. She looked lovely. Her silk, emerald gown with a slit on the front that stopped mid-thigh was just perfect for her. She applied lip gloss once more before walking out of the room.

She and Andrew didn't go to the charity event together, as Andrew needed to be there earlier. She came down from the limousine and paparazzi rushed her way as they took pictures of her. She became uncomfortable while an uncanny feeling grew in her gut.

The bodyguard pushed through the crowd as they helped her into the hall. She was amazed by the interior design. If the outside was beautiful, the inside was a sight forever instilled in her memory. Christiana kept staring the further in they went. The chandelier hung high on the ceiling, ladies and gentlemen dressed in expensive outfits and wore expensive cologne. She felt a shiver go down her spine when she saw the dresses adorned by different women. She felt out of place. She needed Andrew by her side, so she looked around as she walked.

She finally saw Andrew in the midst of three older men, Vanessa's hands linked with his. They were talking about something she couldn't hear due to their distance. Christiana didn't like the fact that Vanessa was standing so close to Andrew, but she trusted him and had promised to never fight over the issue again. She calmed her nerves as she gracefully walked towards them.

"Good evening," Christiana greeted, interrupting the businessmen. It wasn't her full intention to intrude, but she needed to be by her Andrew.

They returned the greeting as they stared at her with pleased expressions. There was no doubt that Christiana was captivating, a sight to behold. Vanessa wasn't pleased by their change in attitude, her expression reflected that and her disdain for the newcomer.

Andrew drew her closer, placing his hand on her lower back and kissing her on the cheek before introducing her as his girlfriend. Not for long, he thought.

"A beauty indeed. So this is the woman that stole the heart of Mr. Power here?" they asked with amusement.

She smiled back as she leaned closer to Andrew, pissing the hell out of Vanessa.

After some time they were excused as the event was about to start. Andrew took Christiana to their table while holding her hand. If they weren't in public, he would have rested his head on her protruding breasts that weren't letting him concentrate.

He leaned closer and whispered in her ears, "You are beautiful. And those twin sisters on your chest are distracting me."

He placed a kiss just below her ear. She smiled cheekily, as if telling him to deal with it.

Once the event finished, it was time for Andrew to go up on stage and move forward with his plan. As soon as he climbed on stage, he took a deep breath before beginning his speech.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen ..." he paused. He was kind of nervous as he didn't know how to start with his description of his beautiful soon-to-be fiancée. But he finally managed to continue. "A few years ago, I wanted a new environment. A space far from the pain I felt as a teenager. So I moved to a new country to live just as Andrew Power, not as the son of a billionaire. They say things happen for a reason, that decision of mine had happened so I could finally meet the woman who stole my heart."

Christiana was taken aback as she was still trying to comprehend all he was saying. She knew it was about her, but she wasn't sure why he was saying all this.

"I thought I had loved before, but when we locked eyes, I understood that I truly hadn't. She got me addicted. Her smile and scowl are equally beautiful in my eyes. My heart beats just hearing her voice or whenever I hear her name. She is the very air I breathe because a minute without her means my death."

Andrew's girlfriend was in awe. He had complimented her before, but this time felt ... special. Her cheeks were starting to hurt from too much smiling.

"I do not think I can stay without her anymore; she is someone I love with all my heart and it terrifies me."

"Let me introduce the love of my life to you. My heart. My everything ..." he trailed off as he searched for Christiana before pointing at her, signaling for her to come up. She was shy, but John had tugged her off her seat. Gently and with a nervous smile on her face, she found her way to the stage and took hold of Andy's hands. The people stared in amazement, waiting for what would happen next. Vanessa and Emerald shifted uncomfortably while Emerald typed something on her phone.

"The love of my life, Christiana Bernardo, I love you and will always love you." He knelt down on one knee, earning a gasp from the woman. He opened the red box and she stared at the ring inside. It was the same one she had fallen in love with back in Switzerland.

"Will you do me the honor and make me the happiest man on earth—"

Suddenly, the lights shut off and the sound of a gun sliced through the shocked crowd. Everyone screamed.