Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Whenever Andrew was alone with Tiana, he could not help but feel a little uneasy. Seeing that Tiana had nothing more to say, he quickly took the chance to excuse himself.

However, Tiana hesitated. Then, she smiled slyly and asked, "Hold on, let me ask you-have you and Lauren... done it?"

Andrew blinked, confused. "Done what?"

Tiana rolled her eyes and snapped, "Don't play dumb, Andrew. You know exactly what I'm asking."

Andrew finally caught on and answered honestly, "Lauren and I have done pretty much everything, but we haven't crossed the final line."

Tiana nodded approvingly. "Good. You need to remember that you can't go that far until you're married. I made sure to tell her that too, and she understands."

Andrew's face darkened a little. "Mrs. Rhodes, seriously? This isn't the Dark Ages anymore. We're in a real relationship, and sometimes things get a little... heated."

Tiana shook her head firmly. "It's not about being old-fashioned. There are other reasons, but I can't explain them to you yet."

Andrew could tell that Tiana, as sharp as ever, would not give up any more information. So, after saying a few polite words to Lauren and Jameson, he left the Rhodes residence.

As the sky dimmed, Tiana stood alone in the garden for a long time, lost deep in thought. She murmured to herself, "Andrew is just like his father-destined to never have just one woman by his side.

"Lauren will have a good life with him, no doubt. But it's always been this way- heroes are rarely loyal to just one. The more powerful and magnetic a man is, the more women will naturally flock to him."

She smiled faintly as she reached out and plucked a vibrant red flower from the garden, twirling it in her fingers.

"Luckily, I can see it clearly-Andrew might be passionate, but he isn't heartless like his father. Lauren won't suffer the way I did. And another good thing-Andrew isn't greedy. He knows when to say no.

"If he weren't, with the way I've been throwing myself at him, he would've already dragged me off and had his way."

She chuckled to herself. "Any other young

would've lost it long ago,

especially with me preget

serving myself up on as

platter."

"Ugh, if that little bastard really dared to think of crossing that line... I'd never forgive him," Tiana cursed under her breath.

Deep down, she knew the truth-if Andrew had actually made a move, she probably wouldn't have fought him off.

Throughout history, passionate women have always been like that. Their icy facades were just masks; inside, their hearts burned hotternoveldrama

than anyone knew.

The next morning, Andrew woke up right on time in the grand bed at Serenity Villa.

Now that the Haywoods and Goldings had officially dropped their bounty orders, he could finally relax and breathe easy.

When he came out, Aspen already had breakfast ready and waiting.

"Where are Natasha and Dylan?" he asked casually, happily digging into the delicious meal.

The more time he spent around Aspen, the more satisfied he became with her.

Without looking up from the stove, Aspen said flatly, "Breakfast? I only cook for you. Everyone else can fend for themselves."

Andrew clicked his tongue and said, "You're so heartless."

With a loud clatter, Aspen tossed the spatula down and sneered, "Oh, you're the model of loyalty and affection, huh? Then you

them!" .ne

cook

for

Andrew answered with a perfectly serious face, "No need. I've got plenty of money. I'll just give them cash to eat out."

Aspen could not help but laugh and muttered under her breath, "Typical jerk."