"Why are you being so perfunctory? You are definitely not sorry for me. Remember, you have given me your word that you would accompany me on a business trip." Nathan tried to freshen up Mandy's promise that she made many years ago and reminded her at the other end of the phone.
Mandy remembered. It was, in fact, true. She did agree to the proposition in the past, but now it was difficult for her to fulfill the promise.
"Distance is beautiful if you look at it positively. You will start liking me more when I am away. Moreover, I am really worried about Adrian. You are an adult, and you can look after yourself, but not Adrian," Mandy teasingly told Nathan.
"My parents are there to take care of Adrian. What if I find myself a mistress when I am away from you? Are you not scared?" Nathan snapped back at Mandy.
"Well if that suits you; get yourself one! I really have no problem with that. But if you do bring her home, she will have to do all the cooking for the family as well as all the other chores," Mandy replied.
"Huh! In your dreams!"
Mandy laughed heartily. "How considerate is my husband! He will get a mistress to take care of his wife!"
"Are you poking fun at me?" Nathan quickly noticed that there was a bitterness to Mandy's tone of talking. He took a cushion and sat up comfortably.
"How could I? I'm such an innocent and good girl. I can never joke with you," Mandy said softly, meek like a rabbit.
"You know how to do the sweet talking!" Nathan shook his head in frustration, but his mood was uplifted the moment he spoke with Mandy over the phone. He felt lonely in a foreign country, waking up all by himself. But Mandy's voice made him feel better. He felt as if Mandy was right beside him to extend her support.
"You taught me well. With such an exquisite mentor, I had no other option but to learn well."
"Remember to have meals on time every day. If you feel exhausted, just take the day off. Work can wait. Stay at home," said Nathan, stressing every word as he smiled at her, thought.
"You too. Take care. Also, stay away from other women. And don't smoke or drink too much coffee," Mandy reiterated as she, too, smiled to herself.
"When did I smoke in recent times? It is a thing of the past." Frowning, he thought, 'I gave up smoking for her so many years ago!'
"I fear that you might smoke when I am not there." Saying this Mandy stood up suddenly and walked towards the French window. She looked down at the road and saw the fast cars moving up and down. The street was full of different people.
City A was a prosperous and happening city. There was a constant hustle and bustle, no matter what was happening in the world.
"Don't worry. I won't. I will never break my promise to you." His seductive voice sent an electric current through Mandy's ear and aroused her a little bit.
Mandy smiled to herself as she held the phone. Her smile outshone the bright sunlight outside. When she was with Nathan, no trouble seemed big, and no worry seemed too consuming. She could forget everything for a while.
"Honey..." Mandy said in a loving voice as she stared in the blue sky.
"Yes?"
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