—Samantha’s POV— I stood frozen, drenched and burning. Every part of me knew this was dangerous. He was dangerous. But still—his touch was warm, his coat smelled like him, and the storm outside suddenly didn’t feel so terrifying anymore.Without another word, Dalton pulled me forward, guiding me under the shelter of the archway. His hand never left my back, steady and firm.I didn’t say a word. Neither did he.But between the thunder, the rain, and the racing of my own heart—there was a silence thick with tension.One I was afraid might consume me if I let it.And God help me…A part of me didn’t want to resist.Dalton continued to lead me silently down the hallway of Serenity Villa. I could feel the heat of his hand still lingering on my back even after he dropped it. When we reached one of the guest rooms, he paused, turned slightly, and in that low, ever-commanding voice, said,“Goodnight.”Wait… what?I blinked, taken off guard. He wasn’t going to try and follow me in? Wasn’t th
—Samantha’s POV— The gala was over, but I was far from feeling the peace that should come after a successful event. My heels tapped with quiet rhythm against the marble steps as I made my way to the parking lot, my purse clutched tightly in one hand and annoyance pulsing in my veins.I had told Grace, Maryjane, and Ryan to head home. I didn’t want them hovering around me tonight—especially when my mood had sunk into irritation. Why? Because Dalton Montclair had disappeared without a single word, leaving me to drive his sick grandmother back to Serenity Villa.Coincidence? Please.My jaw ticked as I slid into the driver’s seat. The cool leather did little to calm me, especially not with Mrs. Bellamy already dozing off in the passenger seat, her fragile hands resting quietly on her lap, her head tilted gently to the side.A sigh escaped my mouth as I adjusted the mirror. “Typical,” I muttered, pulling out of the parking lot. “Disappears just when he was needed.”The city lights dimmed
– Smantha’s POV – The gala’s lights glowed soft, the music a low hum as I stood frozen, staring at Mrs. Bellamy. Dalton’s grandmother. She looked elegant like I remembered, her silver hair in a tight bun, her dark green dress flowing, her cane steady in her hand. Her sharp eyes softened when they met mine, and my heart twisted again. Five years had passed since I last saw her, back when I was just Samantha, the country bumpkin. She’d been the only Montclair who treated me like family, kind and warm when the others sneered. I wasn’t mad at her, not like I was at Dalton or his overbearing relatives. “Samantha!" She called again excitedly, her voice gentle but strong. “Oh dear, you look beautiful.”I smiled, respectful, my gold dress catching the light. “Thank you, Mrs. Bellamy,” I said. “It’s good to see you again." She stepped closer, her cane tapping the marble floor. Everyone in the hall went silent as they watched us. I knew what was going on in their mind. “I miss Amore,” th
—Samantha’s POV—My women in the large hall wanted to mingle with me or strike a conversation but I didnt give them any face. Those women in the elite circles were nothing more than snakes with fake smiles. And as for the men trying to catch my attention, I didn't spare a single glance. I know how the world works, when your rich and have something potential to offer, people flock around you. But when you're poor or having nothing, people look down on you like dirt. Of course, I was once in that shoe. The balcony air was cool, brushing my skin as I leaned against the marble railing. The city sparkled below, its lights like a puzzle I was still solving. I held Dalton’s note, my heart racing. “Meet me on the balcony. We need to talk. – D.” I came to get answers, not to play his games. I was Alice now, and I’d keep him at arm’s length.Dalton stepped out, his black tux sharp, his amber eyes shining. He looked too good, and it made me mad. “You showed up,” he said, his voice low, a sly
– Samantha’s POV—The Crystal Hall’s lights sparkled like stars, the chandeliers casting gold across the marble dance floor. The crowd’s murmurs faded as the string quartet’s music swelled, slow and romantic, pulling every eye to Dalton and me. His hand was firm on my waist, his other hand holding mine, his grip strong but warm. My silver gown shimmered, the slit flashing my leg with every step, and I felt the room’s gaze—some awed, some jealous. I danced with a cold face, but Dalton’s touch sent a shiver through me I couldn’t ignore. I hated it.“You can’t run now,” Dalton whispered, his voice low, his green eyes locked on mine. His tuxedo hugged his broad shoulders, his dark hair falling just right. He was too handsome, too close, and it made my heart race.I tilted my chin, my voice cold. “I’m not running,” I said. “But don’t think this means anything, Dalton.”He smirked, pulling me closer as we moved with the music, our steps smooth like we’d danced a hundred times before. “Y
– Samantha’s POV —Soon, night arrived and darkened blanketed the whole city. Inside the villa, the bed room was buzzing, the air thick with the smell of perfume and hairspray. I sat on a plush stool, my silver own shimmering under the chandelier’s light. The dress hugged my curves, its deep neckline bold, the high slit showing just enough leg to scream elegance. Maryjane stood behind Grace, brushing shimmery eyeshadow on her lids, her curls bouncing as she worked. Grace, in her teal gown, sat still, her sharp bob sleek, her tablet forgotten for once.“Hold still, Grace,” Maryjane said, laughing. “You want to look like a queen, not a raccoon.”Grace rolled her eyes but grinned. “You’re enjoying this too much, MJ. Don’t make me look like a clown.”“Never,” MJ said, winking. “You’re gonna steal the show at that gala. Well, after Sam, of course.”I smiled, my heart racing with nerves and excitement. The gala was tonight, Dalton’s invitation burning a hole in my purse. I’d face him, Zeke