Samantha’s thoughts raced faster than her heartbeat.Should she find a reason to say no?Or should she embrace the moment?Or was there any reason to hold back?Her eyes met Clark’s, who was standing just behind him.He gave her a gentle smile and a small nod—his way of saying yes, accept him.But then she turned her face away.Her mind raced through every reason she might say no to Jake.Jake was no longer the cultist she once feared. Ever since they’d saved Frek from that poisoned drink, Jake had publicly renounced the Brotherhood, cutting ties with his former life and vowing to stay free of secret allegiances.He’d proven his devotion: He proved his devotion again and again—paying her hospital bills without question, cutting off every other girl who had ever chased him, or he had once had a relationship with a benefit, and declaring himself hers alone.And the final seal of approval? Her parents adored him.Jake’s trembling voice broke into her thoughts. Still kneeling in the cente
“You think I don’t know it was you behind all this?” Daniel shouted, voice trembling with rage. “Go ahead—have her to yourself!”But before he could finish, his friend struck him hard across the face.The blow landed squarely on Daniel’s nose.A sharp crack.Blood burst out instantly, streaming down his face.Gasps echoed around them as students nearby turned to see what was happening. Boys and girls alike leaned in, drawn by the sight of blood and the tension in the air.“What’s going on?” someone asked.“Why are they fighting?”Daniel’s friend, breathing heavily, turned to the crowd. His voice was raw, but steady.“You want to know why?” he said. Daniel tried to set up a girl, Samantha. He wanted to take advantage of her. She trusted him. She told him she hadn’t been with anyone before. And still, he planned to use her.”The crowd fell silent.One female student stepped forward, her face twisted in disgust.“So this is what you planned for your fellow human being?” she said coldly. “
The next day, news broke out in school that shook the school, most especially the beneficiary students. At first, Samantha heard it from one of their lecturer during his lecture. The lecturer rounds the lecture with the news of the day.Horizon Foundation Scholarships are coming soon to reward their beneficiary who are the best in their study…The whole class shouted, and everywhere became lovely..We can wait to see him…We love him..We await his coming….We are ready to have him…shout of joy coming from a different area.It’s already in your dashboard, the lecturer added.Then everybody locked on their phone, checking.Samantha opened it and saw that it was well written. It is true;Subject: Horizon Foundation Scholarship Update Dear Students, We are pleased to announce that the founder of the Horizon Foundation will be visiting the campus as soon as possible. A special event will be held to honor the scholarship recipients. The date will be fixed soon; get prepared. —Office of
Samantha felt trapped.Her body was frozen, her voice weak. The man in front of her had turned from charming to dangerous in seconds. He grabbed her trousers at the waist, trying to pull them off.“Don’t worry, baby,” he whispered. “You’ll enjoy it like never before.”She wanted to scream. But she feared that if she did, people nearby would think it was just sex—consensual, playful. Not the horror it truly was.“Please… don’t do this,” she begged, her voice shaking. “I’m begging you.”But the man didn’t stop. He kept pulling.He finally yanked the trousers off—but the force of it made him lose balance. He fell backward, his head slamming hard against the wall.Samantha sat up, paused for a second, stunned.Then she realized—this was her chance.She dashed out of the room, barefoot, half-dressed, breathless, heart pounding like a drum of war. The man was left behind, groaning, one hand on his head, the other still clutching her trousers.She ran to her department, not stopping until sh
Samantha couldn’t help but endure mockery in the waiting room. She noticed a group of ladies sitting nearby, each holding a file. Whenever they glanced at her, laughter followed. Some even pointed or whispered, mocking her, but she had no idea why. It began to get under her skin. The laughter was constant and cruel. She looked away, avoiding eye contact. All she wanted was to sit quietly and wait for the man inside the office to come out. Time crawled by. She waited for hours. Then, about thirty minutes later, Samantha shifted slightly, trying to be more comfortable. She didn’t realize the chair she sat on was broken. Without warning, she tumbled backward, landing hard on the ground. The room erupted. The same ladies burst into loud, mocking laughter. Her heart sank. Her face flushed. Shame wrapped around her like a heavy blanket. She wished she could vanish on the spot. It was an embarrassment beyond words. She stayed down, covering her face, too humiliated t
A quiet phone call came from the ladies' restroom."Hello, ma," the girl whispered, glancing over her shoulder."I’ve sent the gift of forever sleep to Frek—your ex.He must have drunk it by now. I put it inside his drink as you had instructed."Then she waited. "You’re welcome, ma, I’m glad you are satisfied with my job. She continued.Please, ma, don’t forget my balance," she added.Jake walked into the hotel ballroom with a grin, heading over to Samantha and Naomi.“Hello, beautiful ladies,” he said, his voice warm and confident.“Looks like you’re soaking in the joy of the moment.“We’re here to share in the joy of this occasion with you,” Naomi said warmly.“Wow, ladies! It’s so good to have you here.”“Babe, how far?” Samantha asked quickly.“Did you inform your boss?”Jake nodded:“Oh yes, babe.Thank God we were a little bit fast, we met him just in time.He was already close to death—about to drink it when we bumped into him.”“What?!” Samantha and Naomi gasped in unison.“Y