"What do you mean he escaped ?" Karlye barked.
His men flinched back, apologising.
"This is bad we need to find him "said David.
"I am giving you all twenty-four hours to find him , don't come back if you fail " he declared.
His men left his office.
"Calm down, we will find him "said David.
"She just started getting better i can't let that fool anywhere near her " he dropped back in his seat.
Andriana's father who had been locked up by Karlye had finally escaped after weeks of torture from his men.
It wasn't his first time being locked up. After years of fighting off loan sharks, he had learnt a few tricks to escape in case he was in danger.
What he knew now was that he had to get away and hide. They didn't seem to want to kill him but the torture had almost driven him crazy.
"That little rat, so she hired these thugs to do this to me. You will pay for this " he muttered as he ran off.
(These are not thugs you old man)
...
"Since you got back your appetite you have been enjoying a lot of strawberries " Mira passed the bowl of strawberries to Andriana.
"I was too lost in my own world to mind about my cravings. Now all I want to do is keep eating them " she pushed one in her mouth.
"That's good, just tell me what you want and I will get it for you " Mira let out.
"Thank you godmother Mira " smiled Andriana.
"Oh my ...that is so cute. Can't wait to see your baby bump " she exclaimed.
"That is still awhile " said Samantha.
"And you don't need to worry ,Karlye is always getting me everything I need " she said.
Mira took her friend's hand, "I know I asked you already but I will ask again. Do you really want this ?" She asked.
Andriana nodded her cheeks turning rosy.
"I do, I really do "she replied.
"That's good then ...as long as you're happy that's all that matters "
Samantha took out a small wrapped gift passing it to her.
"I bought this today, since I'm going to be an aunt. It's time I embrace the duties " she said.
Andriana took it, and upon opening it she looked back at Samantha with teary eyes.
"This is beautiful Sam, thank you so much " she cried.
"You're welcome, thank you for letting me be it's aunt" she kissed Andriana's rosy cheeks.
"This is cheating , we promised to go shopping all of us " said Mira seeing the tiny clothes in the box.
"Well I couldn't wait, I am that excited" Samantha laughed.
Andriana cried through her giggles , the two got closer and hugged her.
"I love you both " she said.
"We love you too, dear " they replied pulling away.
She snuffles but her tears kept falling.
"Oh, you shouldn't have made her cry " said Mira.
"Huh?!" Samantha frowned.
"She can't stop once she starts " she explained.
Andriana went on to cry as she looked down at the pink and blue outfits Samantha had got for the baby.
"Hi love that's enough why don't we take these away and eat our strawberries " said Mira.
Andriana nodded, Thank you Sam, they are so adorable " crying as Mira took them away.
"Should we do something to stop her or do we let her be until she stops?" asked Samantha.
Mira grabbed her phone calling Karlye.
"She's at it again " she said wiping Andriana's falling tears.
"I am okay, I just feel so happy that you guys love me so much " she cried.
Karlye could hear crying Andriana in the background.
"Am on my way " he said.
"Where are you going, the meeting is in a few minutes".
It was David coming into his office, he frowned seeing Karlye grab the keys to his car.
"You can take care of it" he said.
"You need to pay me more , you have been leaving everything to me lately " he yelled after Karlye.
When he got there Andriana was lying on Samantha's lap snuffling as she ate her strawberries.
"Babe " he called.
Andriana raised her head to see Karlye.
"Karlye " she burst into tears.
"Oh my, she had just stopped crying " said Mira.
He came closer kneeling in front of her.
"Let's get you home you need a nap, okay" his voice was calm as his eyes gazed up at her with softness.
She nodded as her sobs quieten down.
"That is her third bowl, don't give her anymore when you get home " Mira whispered to Karlye as they left.
He nodded.
"Thank you both for taking care of her "he said.
She beamed.
"Oh my that is our duty, we love her " she let out.
"Get home safe, Mr Lockhart " Samantha added.
Andriana waved back at her friends, and they watched her walk off hand in hand with Karlye.
"Did you see the way he looked at her ...and his voice when he spoke " Samantha muttered.
"His in love ...he can't hide it " laughed Mira.
...
Karlye noticed Andriana staring at him as he drove them back home.
She would look at his arms, up to his face then back to his arms.
He had taken off his coat and let her wear it ,then took off his tie and folded up his sleeves .
"Something wrong ?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"Then why do you keep staring at me like that ?" he questioned.
"Well I have never seen you drive, it feels different seeing you doing it " she said.
"I was in a hurry to come get you so I drove myself " he said.
"You look good , it's a captivating view " she said.
"Huh?"
"You look handsome ..or is it attractive ?. But I think sexy would describe it better " she muttered.
He chuckled.
She blushed, realising what she had just said.
Andriana fell silent for the rest of the drive but kept stealing glances at him.
When they finally arrived home she rushed out of the car and ran off into the house right up into her room.
"Love, may I come in ?" he knocked on her bedroom door.
"No, I am going to take a nap so ....don't bother me " she stammered.
"Alright , rest well " he said.
She heard him walk away and laid back .
"Why did I say that " she muttered .Lately she found herself gawking at Karlye .
A knock came at her door , "I got you some fruits , strawberries your favourite. Have some before you sleep " he said.
"Come in " she said .
He chuckled opening the door and walking in, he knew she couldn't resist that .