"Take me with you! Take me with you! Take me with you!" Sandra clung to Lukas's leg as he was getting ready to go partying with his friends. Going to a bar every weekend had become his regular way to unwind from the stress of work.
"Don't be ridiculous, Sandra! You always stay home! What's gotten into you?"
"But today I want to come!" Sandra whined in an exaggeratedly spoiled tone. She wouldn't stop nagging until Lukas agreed to take her.
"Grandma, please tell Sandra to stop!" Lukas pleaded to Maria, who was sipping her herbal tea while knitting. The old woman just chuckled to herself, amused by the never-ending bickering between her grandson and his wife. To Maria, relationships like this were the ones that would last forever.
"Sandra's been working all day! Cooking, learning to make my herbal tonics, knitting with me—there's nothing wrong with her joining you. She's going with her husband, after all. What's wrong with that?"
"Grandma? Why are you always taking her side now?"
"Just take her, Lukas! Stop whining!" Maria threw the TV remote at his shoulder—hard. Lukas couldn't believe his grandma actually did that. Where was the woman who always defended him no matter what?
"You're just afraid of running into bar girls, huh? Don't forget, there's no cure for syphilis! Don't hang out with the wrong crowd!"
"You think I'm going to do what? I'm just meeting up with friends!"
"You think I was never young? If Sandra's with you, at least you've got a legal option when your hormones kick in!"
"Now even Grandma's on her side?"
"Sandra's my granddaughter now too! If you hurt her, just watch out!" Maria winked at Sandra, who was beaming with joy at being defended.
Sandra grinned wide and stuck her tongue out at her husband. She looked utterly satisfied mocking Lukas, who had lost all power to resist. This new Sandra was cunning and knew exactly how to win everyone over.
"Fine, you can come. But don't act weird!"
"Help me pick my outfit!"
"Seriously?"
"You'll run off without me! Come on!" Sandra dragged her husband into the bedroom.
Maria chuckled again, watching their argument. Such a funny couple. Why had she only gotten to know Sandra now? She wasn't nearly as bad as she used to think.
*****
Far from her usual awkward fashion sense that got her laughed at, tonight Sandra looked stunning in her dazzling red gown. The dress draped gracefully over her body, accentuating her perfect curves.
The low neckline revealed her elegant neck and shoulders, and the high slit along her thigh added a sensual touch to her look.
Her long hair flowed freely, accessorized with glittering jewelry that radiated luxury. Sandra exuded confidence and allure, with enchanting eyes and a captivating smile.
Every step she took was full of grace and charm, and her gown made her shine in the bar where she and Lukas had arrived.
Let alone the people in the bar—even Lukas was mesmerized. Lately, Sandra's aura had become incredibly attractive. He couldn't quite explain the change, but she was definitely appealing to him now.
"So this is nightlife? Oh my God! I'm finally not a boring woman anymore!" Sandra swayed her head in rhythm to the loud music that made her feel alive.
"Shhh! Don't do anything weird, and stay close to me!" Lukas held her hand tightly to keep her from running off.
Sandra continued observing the new place she had never dared to enter before. She had always wanted to go to a bar like this, but she never had the courage or money to do so.
Soft lights from neon signs and lanterns created a warm and lively atmosphere, radiating a contrast to everyday life. Pulsing music filled the air, inviting people to dance and enjoy the mesmerizing rhythm.
Stylishly dressed patrons gathered around the bar or sat at tables, creating a fashionable scene. Conversations and laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses and orders being shouted. Skilled bartenders moved swiftly, mixing cocktails with flair and precision.
Lukas led Sandra to a corner of the room, where his friends were gathered. Thomas was there too—the handsome man Sandra often praised.
"Wow, your wife really is a showstopper wherever she goes!" Maxim, another of Lukas's friends, said in awe, offering a handshake. But just as Sandra was about to accept it, Lukas swatted it away.
"Don't get too familiar with my wife."
"Whoa, someone's getting possessive!" Thomas laughed as they all took their seats.
Lukas grunted and took off his leather jacket, draping it over Sandra's exposed thighs. "You're such a pain," he muttered quietly.
Sandra smiled. All the handsome men around her tonight couldn't compare to her gentleman of a husband. What made him so protective and possessive? Could it be that Lukas had always loved the real Sandra? Or had he fallen for this version of her? Who knew?
But Sandra had to admit—Lukas's gentleman side was dangerously charming. Her heart fluttered when he held her hand tightly. So this was what it felt like to be protected. Sweet indeed.
Bored by the guys' dry conversation, Sandra reached for a glass in front of her. The bitter liquid burned her throat.
"This tastes awful!" she muttered, then reached for another drink. She tried every alcoholic drink available while Lukas and his friends were deep in conversation, forgetting she had never been to a bar before.
"You've been quiet. What do you want to drink?" Lukas finally noticed his wife sitting silently. She didn't even budge. Then suddenly, she screamed loudly, startling everyone.
"AAARGHHHHH!"
"Are you possessed?!"
"Lukas, I want to dance!" she shouted, grabbing his hands and moving them like a puppet. "Let's dance!"
"I think she drank alcohol!" Thomas pointed at the glass Sandra had used to sample his strong drink.
"Oh my God, you're so troublesome! You could've just ordered juice, Sandra! Why alcohol?"
"You're boring! I'll just dance with Thomas instead!" Sandra shoved Lukas aside and dragged Thomas to the dance floor, dancing wildly.
"I just realized your wife is really beautiful. You'd better keep her close—plenty of guys will be interested," Maxim said, slinging an arm around Lukas, who was staring at Sandra with a sharp gaze.
"Looks like she's into Thomas!" Maxim continued. "So, are you going to let her go and use this as a chance to reunite with Kayla?"
Lukas didn't respond. He just stormed over and lifted Sandra like a sack of rice, carrying her out of the club without caring about her protests.
His two friends watched in disbelief. Not long ago, Lukas couldn't stand being near his wife. This was like a miracle.
"Lukas... I'm flying!" Sandra shouted, stretching out her arms. "I'm flying!"
"You're always a hassle and so embarrassing!" he said as he put her down and guided her into the elevator toward the parking lot. "We've barely been here an hour, and you're already causing trouble."
"Lukas, it's cold!" Sandra hugged him tightly and sweetly.
"Stop trying to take advantage of me!"
"It's so cold," she whispered. "Like my soul right now—cold and lost. Like a wandering ghost with no purpose. It's so sad..."
Lukas fell silent at her words. Feeling sorry for her, he finally returned her hug. He draped his jacket over her shoulders, gentle and caring.
"If only you knew that I'm already dead."
"What are you talking about?"
"Scared?" Sandra giggled.
"Don't say weird stuff!"
"Lukas..."
"What now?"
"You were really sweet tonight. I like this version of you!" Sandra kissed him gently on the lips. She pinched his cheeks and giggled while staring at him closely. "You're even more handsome than Thomas."
"Of course I am!" Lukas chuckled, his mood suddenly much better after that compliment.
"Lukas..."
"What now? Stop talking so much!"
"Can I kiss you again?" Sandra puckered her lips aggressively.