—SAMANTHA— After spending some time with Grandma, I finally left the Frost Villa. As soon as I walked outside, Maryjane rushed toward me, her face full of anticipation."How did it go?" she asked, searching my face for answers.I let out a tired sigh. "I told you, nothing ever changes in that house." Then, I briefly explained what had happened and how Ophelia stole the spotlight as usual. By the time I finished, my voice drained of energy. Weakly, I said. "Just take me home, Mary."Maryjane hissed, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, those Frosts, especially that witch, Ophelia! I swear, if you just give me the word, I’ll—"I shook my head, cutting her off. And this made her angry, and she resorted to cursing. I let her. I knew this was just her way of venting since I wouldn’t let her do anything reckless.We got into the car, and I leaned my head against the seat, closing my eyes to escape reality for a little while.The next thing I felt was someone shaking me gently."Samantha, wake up."B
—SAMANTHA— The next day, I spent most of my time indoors, sitting by Amore’s bedside, unwilling to leave her side. But I noticed the atmosphere in the mansion has changed. It was chaotic, as the servants scurried around, their hushed whispers filling the corridors. I knew what was happening. They were preparing for Ophelia’s birthday.I wished I could stay with Amore, who had caught a cold and couldn’t go to school. I wanted nothing more than to keep her company, to shield her from the chaos of the mansion. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t avoid the party, especially since the old Mr Frost had ordered for this. This was an opportunity to divert the netizens' attention. The last thing I wanted was to give them more reason to gossip, and even more reason to give them the chance to come near Amore. The hours seemed to drag as I stayed indoors, tending to Amore’s every need. The doctor had visited earlier, diagnosing her with the flu and advising plenty of rest. As worried as I was, h
—SAMANTHA—I chuckled, leaning in close to his handsome face, my breath brushing against his skin as I whispered back, "Then get your hands off me, Zeke. You make me uncomfortable."For a brief moment, he froze, the smirk on his face faltering. But it came back quickly, sharper this time."You're shameless," he sneered. "I know you're playing hard to get so I’ll fall for you, but it won’t work. It's Ophelia I want, not you! Sooner or later, I’ll divorce you!"Our faces were so close, I could feel the heat from his skin, but no one knew what we were actually saying. They only saw the facade, the perfect little couple putting on a show. But I could hear the whispers, people commenting on how good we looked together, how in love we seemed.Suddenly, there was a loud gasp. I turned my head and saw Ophelia shrinking back, a drink splashing across her dress. Zeke was instantly at her side, his hand on her shoulder as if he were some kind of knight."What happened?" He asked, his voice tin
—SAMANTHA— The sharp sting burned across my cheek, forcing my head to the side. For a moment, I stood there in shock, my skin pulsing where Ophelia struck me. But before I could say anything, she let out a loud, exaggerated gasp of her own and clutched her cheek as if she had been the one hurt.Then she started crying.“Why… why did you slap me, Samantha?!” She wailed, tears threatening to spill from her eyes, but I could see the malicious gleam behind them.I froze, caught off guard. My eyes widened in disbelief and anger. Just then, footsteps sounded from behind, and I turned to see Lillian standing at the end of the stairs. She took one look at Ophelia’s tear-streaked face, and her eyes immediately locked on me with an accusing glare.Lillian’s face darkened. “Did you just hit her?”“No!” I shook my head quickly. “I didn't! She—” "Don’t even try to deny it," my sister in law snapped at me. "I saw you hit her!"My hands trembled at my sides. "I said I didn’t touch her!" Ophelia
—SAMANTHA— Lillian looked on coldly, as if she didn’t care at all. Ophelia, too, seemed unaffected. All I could see was my daughter lying there, so vulnerable, and it was as if my whole world had shattered.A sudden rumble cracked outside, and the sky opened up. Rain poured rebelliously, hammering down on the roof as if the heavens themselves were angry. The thunder that followed was so loud, it rattled the walls of the mansion. The storm matched the chaos inside. I sat on the cold floor, cradling Amore in my arms. Her small body was unnervingly still, her face pale as a ghost, her eyes closed. The cold from her skin seeped into me, and I could feel my entire body trembling. Tears blurred my vision as I rocked her, calling her name over and over, but she didn’t stir.Then I heard footsteps.Zeke rushed into the room with my mother-in-law close behind him. I guess the birthday party was over since it was raining. They froze when they saw me, my arms wrapped tightly around Amore. H
—SAMANTHA— I groaned painfully, my head throbbing with a sharp, unbearable ache. The harsh beeping of the machines slowly brought me back to reality. I blinked my eyes open, but everything was blurry. My vision swam, my body heavy and unresponsive, like I was submerged in water. My heart raced, and panic clawed at my chest. Where was I? What had happened?The sound of the medical beeping was the only thing I could hear, a rhythmic pulse that made my anxiety spike even higher. I shot up, ignoring the pain that exploded in my head, my hand reaching out for something to steady myself. The white walls around me were unfamiliar, sterile, cold. I looked around frantically, my breathing quickening. There were no familiar faces, no signs of my daughter. “Amore…” I whispered, my voice weak and desperate. I scanned the room again, my hands shaking as I gripped the edge of the bed. What happened? Where was she? Was she okay?Just then, the door creaked open, and I turned toward it, immediat
—SAMANTHA—The ward was quiet, too quiet. My best friend let out a nervous chuckle, her fingers lightly brushing my shoulder as she spoke, trying to ease the tension. “Hey, I think you're suffering from a concussion. I understand, really, but why don’t you rest for now? You’ve been unconscious for three days, Samantha. You need to take a rest.”Her words, though kind, stung. She didn’t believe me. She didn't I was serious. She thought I was confused or making rash decisions because of everything that had happened. But I wasn’t confused. I was more certain than I had ever been.I pulled myself up slightly in the hospital bed, the pain from my head still hurting, but my resolve stronger. I locked eyes with her, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to cloud my vision. “I’m fine,” I said, my voice steady but firm, a tone I didn’t think I had in me anymore. “And I’m serious. I’m going to divorce Zeke. It’s over.”The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, and I felt a strange se
—ZEKE— The clubhouse was alive with energy, neon lights flickering in the corners, and the air thick with the smell of stale smoke and spilled liquor. The music blared loudly, but it was nothing more than background noise as I sat back in the VIP area, surrounded by my friends and their girlfriends. Ophelia, as usual, was right by my side. Her hand tracing lazy circles on my chest, her strong perfume blending with the expensive whiskey in my glass. Finally. The mad woman was out of my way, and I had the woman I truly wanted by my side. Samantha? Please. Who the hell would want her? The only reason I ever got involved with her in the first place was because of Gina. My ticket to the Frost inheritance. I never planned for things to get so complicated. Marry Gina, secure the money, then get rid of her when the time is right. But the stupid girl had to ruin everything. Slept with a shitty gigolo. Got pregnant. And then… she killed herself, and when the scandal broke out to the m
—SAMANTHA— The moment after Adam walked out and the door clicked shut, her demeanor completely changed. She circled me like an artist studying a muse, her gaze lingering on my still-red cheek. The same spot Jessica had slapped."So…" she mused, "you’re the woman who made Dalton Montclair kick his fianceé out." My breath caught. "That’s not—""Relax, my darling," she chuckled, waving one hand airily as she walked back to her desk. "I’ve been waiting years for someone to put Jessica in her place."I blinked. "H-huh?"Was this a trick?Her stiletto heels clicked softly against the glossy floor as she moved behind her desk. Her hands, delicate and elegant, moved over a row of small velvet boxes laid out like treasure. She touched each one lightly, like she was deciding on picking the best treasure among them. She picked up a black velvet box and walked back over to me, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips."Dalton’s instructions were very specific," she said, handing me the
—SAMANTHA POV— My heart stuttered when Dalton's command sliced through the silence. "Come here." Two simple words that sent my pulse skittering. I hadn't realized I'd been frozen in place. Maybe for two minutes... maybe longer. I didn’t know until his voice snapped me out of it, my feet suddenly heavy as lead. "I won't repeat myself, Samantha." he said, his voice lower this time... almost dangerous.Swallowing the knot in my throat, the warning in his tone had me moving before I could think better of it. Each step felt stiff, awkward, like I was walking straight into the lion’s den. My fingers twisted together as I crossed the office, each step measured, too aware of his gaze tracking my every movement like a predator watching prey. Did he want to scold me? Did he want to hit me after all I slapped his fianceé? Finally, when I reached Dalton’s Massive desk, my toes curled in my shoes. I lifted my eyes slowly, feeling painfully aware of the silence in the office.Dalton’s han
—SAMANTHA— Jessica slammed the office door shut with enough force to make the glass walls tremble. The Valentino heels stabbed into the marble floor like talons as she advanced towards me. The diamond bracelet on her wrist caught the light as she pointed at me. "You." Her voice could have flash-frozen the Hudson River. "Get out of my fiancé's chair!" My fingers tightened around the armrests of the sofa. Every instinct screamed to stand my ground, but I didn’t want any trouble either. So without saying anything, I quietly stood up and moved aside.Jessica Jessica's crimson lips curled in triumph as she swept past me, her heavily perfumed presence filled my lungs, making me nauseous. Flipping her hair, she walked to the sofa like she owned the place. Then she sat down with so much arrogance, crossing her legs elegantly over each the other, acting like a queen.I felt uncomfortable standing there with her, so I turned to leave.But before I could take a step, her annoying voice sto
—SAMANTHA POV— Dalton and I sat at the back seat of the Maybach while James drove us to God knows where.I rested my head against the window, watching the city roll by. Tall buildings, busy streets, people rushing about their lives. It all felt like a different world compared to the quiet bubble I was trapped in with Dalton.Before I knew it, the sleek car slowed to a stop. My brows pulled up at the massive skyscraper in front of us.Wait. What?Dalton’s company?The building was huge, towering proudly into the sky.Its glass walls glittered under the sunlight like a mountain made of diamonds. Through the transparent sides, I could even catch glimpses of workers moving professionally inside.People in suits were walking in and out of the entrance, carrying briefcases, while some were standing talking into earpieces looking important.Dalton got out and opened my door without a word."Let's go in," he said simply.I quickly obeyed, and before I could adjust my skirt properly, he had
—SAMANTHA POV— Sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting golden rays across the bed. I stirred, yawning lazily, stretching my arms above my head… only to freeze.Something heavy… something warm… definitely male was draped across my waist.My heart jumped to my throat.Someone was beside me?A man?!Panic jolted through my veins, and I twisted vigorously, ready to fight. But the moment I turned and my eyes landed on him, I went completely still.Dalton.My mouth fell open in shock, and I forgot how to breathe.His face was few inches away from mine, his messy, curly black hair tousled against the pillow, his thick brows resting beautifully on his cheeks, and his lips—God, those full lips slightly parted as he slept. He looked… he looked like a Greek God lying there.Strong. Beautiful. Untouchable.Seconds bled into minutes, and I just kept staring, utterly enthralled."Are you done undressing me with your eyes?" Dalton’s deep voice rumbled low, still lazy with sleep.I jumped,
Chapter 53 —DALTON’S POV— The city lights blurred past the tinted windows as the BMW sped toward the Brown Estate. My fingers drummed against the leather seat, restless. "What's going on in the Browns’ home?" I asked without moving my gaze from the window.James stiffened slightly, clearing his throat as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel."It’s said that Miss Jessica has been crying all day. She locked herself in her room and refused to see anyone. Not even her mother could get in. When Mr. Brown heard the rumors that you had a child with another woman, he tried reaching out to you. But since he couldn’t get you on the phone…" He hesitated. "...he threatened to cut off the engagement."‘As if he could.’I gave a low, humorless huff and tugged my tie loose, leaning back into the leather seat.Typical. Cowards always tried to make the first move when they felt powerless.Cutting off the engagement?Laughable.The rest of the drive passed in silence. ——— The Brown Estate
—SAMANTHA POV— The car ride back to Crystal Palace was quiet. After dropping Maryjane off at her apartment, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. My eyelids felt like lead, but I fought to keep them open, not wanting to appear weak in front of Dalton. "Sleep," his deep voice cut through the silence. "I'll wake you when we get home." That was all it took. The moment he gave me permission, my body surrendered, and my eyes closed. The soft hum of the car lulled me into comforting darkness.———"Samantha." A gentle tap on my shoulder pulled me back to consciousness. I blinked groggily, my vision blurry before focusing on Dalton's face. The dim interior light of the car cast shadows across his sharp features, making him look even more striking. "We're home," he said with his face, calm and serious as always.I nodded, still half-asleep, and unbuckled my seatbelt before stumbling out of the car, yawning, and then instivetly moved to the back seat to pick up Amore.But before I could
—SAMANTHA—The security guards immediately released us, stepping back like they'd been burned. Dalton's dark gaze swept over the scene -Zeke's pale face, Ophelia shrinking behind him, the manager sweating bullets. Then those piercing eyes landed on me again. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice low but carrying across the silent restaurant. I shook my head, suddenly unable to speak. Dalton took three slow steps forward. The crowd actually parted for him. When he got to me, he grabbed my wrist to check for any injuries. "Mr Hamilton, the manager started stammering. "M-Mr. Montclair, we just had a small misunderstanding—" "A misunderstanding?" Dalton's eyebrow arched. "You were assaulting my guest over a misunderstanding?" Every face in the restaurant went white. Mary elbowed me hard. "His guest?!" she whizzed. I couldn't respond. My entire world had narrowed to Dalton's commanding presence, the way he dominated over everyone without even raising his voice. Zeke hissed
—SAMANTHA POV— As fast as lightning, I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his golden eyes burning with barely contained rage. The way his sharp suit hugged his broad shoulders made him look like an angry god stepping into a mortal fight. Mary stopped struggling, her mouth falling open. "Holy..." she whispered when she saw him. "Mr. Montclair!" The manager shouted happily as he rushed past me, almost tripping over himself. Throwing me a nasty look before hurrying toward Dalton. The whole restaurant fell silent.A heavy tension filled the air.No one even dared to breathe loudly.This was the Montclair mysterious scion. The most influential man in Skyline City! Dalton stood there, looking so handsome and powerful.The strong, cold aura around him made everyone seem nervous and small.But Dalton’s cold eyes weren’t looking at anyone else.They were centered on me.On the guards squeezing my arms and wrists.And only I could tell... he was really, really angry."Mr. Montc