Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

That evening, Andrew returned to Serenity Villa to find all the luggage and

preparations for tomorrow's departure were completely ready. His three girlfriends were incredibly enthusiastic about this upcoming trip.

Chantelle called him, saying she and Hank had already left to investigate the parasite poison situation down south.

Andrew told her to be careful, to which Chantelle responded with a cold laugh.

"I'm down here working my butt off while you get to live it up. Tomorrow you're taking your three ladies to Goldridge for what's basically a honeymoon. Talk about living the high life!"noveldrama

Hearing the jealousy in her voice, Andrew chuckled. "Well, why don't you come with me then?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end before she huffed softly. "No way. You and I aren't even officially dating, so why would I go?"

Andrew felt a headache coming on. "Didn't we already agree on this before? When you get back from this business trip, I'll announce our relationship to Lauren, Fran, and Aspen!"

Chantelle shrieked, "No, absolutely not!"

Andrew was confused, "Isn't that what you wanted?"

Chantelle gritted her teeth through the phone, "I do want it, but you need to give me time to prepare mentally! I've never had a boyfriend in my entire life! And besides, we did things backwards... That's embarrassing to admit!"

Andrew asked, amused, "Backwards how? What do you mean?"

Chantelle laughed in exasperation. "You really don't get it? Are you playing dumb? We got physical and slept together before making things official."

Andrew smiled, finally understanding, "Okay, that's actually a pretty accurate way to describe it! We'll do it your way. Whenever you're ready, I'll make the announcement."

Chantelle said flatly, "Andrew, I might be away for several days this time. Will you... miss me?"

He did not expect her to ask something like that after all that back and forth, but he smiled and replied, "Of course, I'll miss you."

She gave a soft chuckle but quickly tried to cover it up. Then, she added nonchalantly, "So Andrew... do you love me?"

Now that was starting to sound cheesy, but Andrew held it together and replied, "Yes, I love you. Every day, 100 times over."

Chantelle snorted. "Liar. Whatever. I'm hanging up."

The beeping tone echoed in his ear, and Andrew was left speechless. So it was official-Chantelle had fallen hard. The woman who once acted cold and aloof now sounded all soft and clingy, asking mushy questions and getting flustered.

Andrew took a deep breath and muttered, "That makes four... I'm starting to feel the pressure. But a man's gotta deliver. No backing down now gotta keep going!"

Just as he hyped himself up, his phone rang again. This time, it was Yara.

She yelled, "Daddy, so you're leaving town and didn't even tell me? You're the worst! I don't care. Tonight, you're taking me to dinner, and then we're getting a room!"

I want a proper farewell hookup!"

Andrew winced. "I've told you a million times, I'm not your daddy!"

Yara giggled. "Don't care. I want to call you that! If you're man enough, scoop me up and take me to the hotel. Spank me senseless!"

Andrew had no energy to mess around with her, so he switched gears and asked about the Wright family's recent situation. Once he was sure there was nothing urgent, he ended the call.

Yara called twice more, but he ignored both. Only then did she give up and spam him with messages, complete with angry emojis.

Meanwhile, Zachary showed up at Serenity Villa in person to confirm that they were ready to leave in the morning. Andrew told him to focus on getting in the zone and being fully prepared for the upcoming immer disciple selection.

1.n

What surprised Andrew was that Zachary had received word that Jerome's inner disciple selection in Goldridge involved some major players. Apparently, Blumedale's two powerhouses-the Driscoll family and the Fischer family, which had been quiet lately, would be appearing.

Andrew did not react much to the news. His only goal this time was to help

Zachary secure his spot as Jerome's inner disciple.

Upon hearing that Andrew would be leaving the next day, Shiloh looked heartbroken.

She pouted. "Andrew, I don't want you to go. I want you, Lauren, Fran, and Aspen to stay here and be with me."

Andrew smiled. "Come on, it's not like I'm going that far. Why don't you pack up and come with us?"

Shiloh sighed. "Forget it. I've got three jobs tomorrow. I don't have time."

Watching her walk away so drained and lifeless, Andrew frowned deeply. Her memory issues were getting worse, and her behavior was starting to resemble that of a child desperate for love.

Ever since arriving in Blumedale, her symptoms had been shifting. Mentally and emotionally, she was regressing.

Andrew made up his mind that once Zachary's situation was handled, he would take Shiloh to find real treatment for her amnesia and ageless syndrome.

Later that night, Logan showed up alone, driving himself to Serenity Villa.

The moment Andrew saw him, Logan said grimly, "Andy, Hannah got completely played by that scumbag Hank. Now she's broke and devastated."

Andrew had expected something bad, but still asked, "Played how? What exactly did Hank do?"

Logan's face turned dark. "He

scammed her out of over 800 grand. Took all her money. On top of that he sweet-talked her into sleeping. with him a few times. And the worst part? That bastard gave her an STI. Hannah's talking about ending her life now. What the hell are we supposed to do?"

Andrew's expression stayed calm. "What about Mr. Keller Senior? What's his reaction?"

Logan looked defeated. "You know how it is... Hannah is Dad's late-in-life daughter. He's freaking out. She's threatening to hang herself, and he's completely at a loss. He's losing it."

Andrew did not hesitate. "Let's go. I'll come with you to the Keller residence right now!"