Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew said, "It's simple. In three months, I'll have my students spar with you.

Then we'll see who comes out on top."

Chantelle replied dismissively, "What if they lose? What happens then?"

Andrew looked at her. "Nothing much to say. How about I give you my full

attention for three straight nights?"

Chantelle first blushed with anger. Then, her face turned red as she glared at

Andrew. "Make it a full week. That's my final offer. Either agree or forget about it."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Women in their 30s really do have bigger appetites!

Okay, no problem."

"But what if you lose?" he asked smoothly.

Chantelle did not even hesitate. "I won't lose. But if I do? You can do whatever

you want."

Andrew chuckled lazily. "Ms. Garcia, you never learn, do you? Remember our first

bet? You lost that one too, and the price you paid... Well, let's just say that scene

is still burned into my memory. It was glorious."

By now, Chantelle was mostly immune to Andrew's teasing. After all, he'd already

pushed her buttons more than once.

"That was then. This time, I'm not losing. Martial arts isn't some casual hobby.

You're seriously overestimating yourself."

She was being very assertive.

Andrew smiled. "Fine, let's leave it at that. If you lose, I'll deal with you however I

want. I don't have any good ideas right now, but I'll probably make you wear black

stockings. So you better prepare yourself mentally!"

Chantelle froze in place. She could not understand why she had become so

different from before. Previously, she had focused on her career, and the man she

admired most was Derek, her superior.

Back then, her eyes were full of pride and disdain, and she did not take Andrew

seriously at all. But now, everything had changed imperceptibly. She had given

her virginity to this guy and shamelessly came back for another round with him.

Now, she did not even feel disgusted

by his demand for her to wear black

stockings. Instead, she felt

somewhat eager and excited about

it. She thought, 'Am I actually a

closeted freak? Or am I just as

messed up as Aspen?'

Chantelle's expression kept changing as her thoughts raced wildly, making her

feel extremely embarrassed.

Andrew waved his hand and said, "If there's nothing else, Ms. Garcia, I need to

get back to training."

Chantelle gave a cold smile and stepped closer. Her voice dropped to a whisper.noveldrama

"You might've just ruined a life."

"Ruined a life? What the hell do you mean?" A bad feeling rose in his chest.

Chantelle pointed at her stomach

and raised her chin. Her pale neck

gleamed in the light as she said, "I'm

pregnant. And guess what? You're

the father. So, if that's not ruining a

life, what is?"

Andrew's face turned dark immediately. He silently cursed at his luck.

Damn it. He had taken her that night by the riverside, after their treasure hunt in

the mountains, and there had been zero protection involved.

He had not thought it would come back to bite him.

"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility." Taking a deep breath, Andrew accepted it

calmly.

Chantelle suddenly chuckled. "Just

kidding, I'm not pregnant! Well, that's

all for now. Bye! Oh, and be careful

lately. Luna isn't in Blumedale. She

went to the southern beaches for

vacation. Her soldier boys might

cause you trouble!"

With that, she walked away smugly, swaying her hips.

Andrew was fuming and beckoned to Dylan, "Come here, let's spar for a while!"

Moments later, Dylan's agonized screams echoed across the lawn. "Mr. Lloyd! I

get that you're pissed, but don't take it out on me!"

When training finally wrapped, Andrew got a call from Logan. "You need to get

over to the Ulrich residence. If you keep dodging them, everyone's gonna start

thinking you really killed Cillian."