—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— I remained in the hospital, slowly recuperating and regaining strength day by day. My body still ached in places I didn’t even know could hurt, and my head throbbed on and off, but I was healing.Maryjane visited me and Amore almost every day after work. She’d bring food, flowers, and clothes, or simply sit beside me and tell me the latest gossip going around the city. Her presence was comforting, and I was deeply grateful for the unwavering support she rendered to both me and my daughter. Sadly, Amore was still unconscious and I could only place my hope in God. I won't dare to think what would happen if I lost her. Zeke, on the other hand, was a different story.I had sent the divorce papers to him.It had been a few days now. No response. No call. Not even a text.Typical.If I knew Zeke well enough—and I did—he probably thought I was throwing one of my “emotional tantrums” and playing games to get his attention.Sicko.I turned in my hospital bed, pulling the blanket
—ZEKE— Like a madman, I slammed the hospital door behind me, the echo vibrating down the hall as if the entire building felt my fury. My blood boiled with each step toward the parking lot, hands clenched into fists. That ungrateful witch actually served me divorce papers?I could barely keep my rage in check. I could still feel the sting of her words ringing in my ears—“It’s divorce papers, Zeke. It’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”She really had the guts to go through with it? Please. I know her games. She thinks playing tricks like this will grab my attention—acting like she’s strong enough to walk away. She’s not. I know her.Samantha doesn’t have the nerve to leave this life. The servants, the cars, the attention that comes with being –Mrs. Frost. It's in her blood now. She’s grown used to it. She wouldn’t survive a week without the luxury I gave her.She needs me.If anyone’s going to end this marriage, it should be me. I call the shots. Not her! My jaw was clenched so tight it
—SAMANTHA—I walked out of the ICU ward with heavy legs and a heart that felt like it had been ripped out of my chest. The soft beeping sounds, the machines, the pale light above my daughter’s hospital bed… those were still stuck in my head like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.My sweet girl… she still hadn’t woken up.The medics couldn’t even lie to comfort me. They said maybe she’d make it. Maybe.I didn’t want “maybe.” I wanted “yes.” I wanted certainty. I wanted her eyes to open and call me Mommy again.The doctor’s words kept circling in my head—“We can’t say anything for certain yet… but we’re doing our best.”Doing their best.What the hell did that even mean?Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. I couldn’t cry now. I had to be strong. For her. For Amore. She was the only relative I had left in this cruel world.“She’ll be okay,” Maryjane said softly behind me, her hand resting on my shoulder. “Don’t cry, Samantha. Please. We’re going to get through this together.”
—SAMANTHA— The drive to Emerald Villa was long and silent. Zeke didn’t say a word, and honestly, I preferred it that way. His presence beside me felt like poison in the air—thick, bitter, suffocating. His hands gripped the steering wheel, his jaw clenched like he was biting down on his own tongue. When the Bentley finally rolled to a stop in front of the grand villa, he stepped out without a word, slamming the door so hard behind him causing me to flinch like I was nothing but a burden. Typical. Not like I cared. “Scumbag,” I scoffed, brushing my fingers through my hair before I opened the car door. Emerald Villa had always felt too lavish for me, too cold despite its beauty. I never felt welcome here… not by the Frosts anyway. The cold night breeze greeted me, tossing my hair around my shoulders as I walked after Zeke, I made sure to put a respective distance of ten feet away from him. “Mr Frost!” The butler respectfully bowed we strode toward the building. I r
—SAMANTHA— Grandma Sydney’s hand reached for mine, her fingers cold and trembling. “Samantha…” I looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the sadness swimming in her aging eyes. My chest clenched. If there was one person in this house who ever made me feel like I mattered… it was her. “I’m sorry, Grandma,” I whispered, gently squeezing her hand. “You were the only one who ever treated me like a human. But I can’t stay anymore.” Her lips quivered. “But you love Zeke,” she said softly. “I’ve seen it. Please… don’t leave him, Sam. Can you not divorce him?” the old woman's voice was teary. I swallowed the lump rising in my throat and forced myself to stay still. Calm. Steady. “I don’t love Zeke, Grandma,” I said clearly, my voice not shaking for once. “I never did.” The words hit the room like a slap. Everyone fell silent. Shocked. Breaths were held. Even the clock on the wall seemed to pause. Grandma blinked at me, like she hadn’t heard right. “What…?” “I only stay
—SAMANTHA— The next day, the taxi came to a gentle stop, and I didn’t move. I just sat there, eyes fixed on the entrance of City Hall like it was some kind of finish line I’d been crawling toward for years. My hands were resting on my lap, but they were clenched, stiff. Today was the day we would finally end our marriage. At the entrance of the city hall, many young couples were in line holding hands, laughing, and taking pictures. They were here to get married. I could feel the happiness and love in the air. Even the clouds above feel too romantic, shaped like hearts against a pale blue sky. It's all so painfully ironic. I was here to end mine. I remained inside the taxi, still… cold. I watched them, their eyes filled with dreams, oblivious to the pain marriage could bring. I remembered three years ago, standing in the same line with Zeke. We weren’t in love, but I still smiled. I smiled because I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought honoring Gina’s wish would be
—SAMANTHA— After leaving the City Hall, I boarded a taxi and headed straight to the hospital. I sat quietly in the back seat, resting my head tiredly against the cold glass window while I watched the city. The streets blurred by, tall glass buildings standing proud against the pale afternoon sky. Couples walked hand in hand, cars' horn blared, children played by the roadside, and life carried on like it didn’t know my world had just ended. Or maybe… it had begun. Still, I felt a wave of relief wash over me —the divorce was finally done. It was over. No more Zeke. No more ties to the Frost family. I was just Samantha now. A small sigh escaped from me. Now, all I cared about was my daughter. Once Amore got better, I planned to leave Skyline City for good. There was no future here for me anymore. Too many bad memories. Too many scars. I needed a new place —a new start, somewhere no one knew my name, my story, or my pain. I needed a new complete life far from the lies and betraya
—SAMANTHA— The car pulled up to Serenity Villa, and I could hear the party before I even stepped out. Music, laughter, glasses clinking. There were so many people outside. I saw the huge yard filled with people. Important people. The richest families in Skyline City stood everywhere, dressed in expensive clothes. I even spotted some foreign guests in the crowd. Some people were dancing to the music, some were drinking champagne and talking in small groups, and others just walked around, shaking hands and smiling, probably trying to make new friends or build business ties.Montclair servants moved through the crowd with trays of food and drinks. Classical music played in the background. The whole place felt alive with energy. My heart started to race. Just as we got out of the car, we heard a man’s voice. "Dalton! You're here!" A man pushed through the crowd toward us and was jogging towards the parking lot. Tall, with messy brown hair and a bright smile. “Hey, Logan,” Da
—SAMANTHA— The morning light crept through the curtains, but it didn’t feel warm or comforting. I woke up feeling tired… and completely drained. My whole body felt heavy, like I had not rested at all. Probably because I hadn’t.Truly, I had spent the entire night thinking. Thinking about what happened between me and Dalton.I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my heart aching, my head racing.My mind had been restless, replaying every word, every look, every breath from the moment with Dalton.Every time I close my eyes, I saw him. His hands on me. His mouth claiming mine. Then they way he'd whispered about that night—that damned night that wasn't even mine to remember. “Shit,” a shaky breath escaped me as I pressed my palms to my eyes. Jesus.How was I supposed to face him after that?Frustrated, I rolled out of my bed and dragged myself to the shower. Inside, I turned the water as hot as I could stand. It didn't help. Nothing could scrub away the memory of Dalton's touch,
—SAMANTHA— Suddenly the sound of Amore’s laughter outside the car shattered the moment like fragile glass. “Jesus Christ! Amore is here!” I panicked and jerked back, my pulse roaring in my ears as Dalton finally let me go. He muttered a curse under his breath. His expression was unreadable, but his fingers flexed slightly, as if already missing the contact. I scrambled to fix my hair, my cheeks burning. What the hell was that?! When the car door swung open, Amore’s bright voice filled the silence. "Mom! Dad! Grandma let me bake cookies—" She froze, her big eyes darting between us. "Why are you guys just sitting here?" Dalton cleared his throat, shifting effortlessly into the role of the easygoing father. "Just talking, kiddo. Cookies, huh? Save any for us?" Amore giggled, oblivious to the tension still crackling in the air. "Maybe if you’re lucky!" I forced a smile, but my hands trembled and unbuckled my seatbelt. Dalton’s touch still burned against my skin, his words echoing
—SAMANTHA— I forced myself to breathe. "Why are you doing this, Veronica?” Veronica stepped closer, her lips curling with a menacing grim. “I am only asking for money as your mother, what's wrong with that?" "You were never my mother!" I spat, my fingers tightening around the fabric of my gown. "A mother doesn't beat her child and throw her out in the rain for not doing the laundry. A mother doesn't—" "Oh spare me the dramatics," Veronica cut me off with a wave of her hand. "We both know I saved you from far worse." Her cold eyes raked over my dress. "Though I never imagined you'd repay me by whoring yourself to a billionaire." The slap came before I could stop myself. The sound echoed through the boutique like a gunshot. Veronica's head snapped to the side, her perfectly coiffed hair coming undone. For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then Penelope shrieked. "You bitch! How dare you slap my mother?!" She lunged at me, her manicured nails aimed at my face. I caught her wrists
—SAMANTHA— Jessica's voice was like poison in my ears. She stepped closer, wearing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. It was evil. Cold. And it sent chills down my spine. I didn’t move. I stood my ground, refusing to let her see how uneasy I felt.She leaned close, her perfume stinging my nose. “I’m warning you. Stay away from Dalton, Samantha. You’re not in his league. You’re just… temporary. A toy. Something new and shiny he’ll soon throw away!" Her words were ruthless, like ice crawling down my back. But I didn’t move. I didn’t step away. I kept my eyes on her, even though I wanted to stagger. My hands were tight fists at my sides. My nails dug into my palms, but I didn’t care. I just needed to stay strong in front of her. I knew what she was trying to do: break me down, scare me. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.She studied me for a long, suffocating moment before her lips twisted. "Enjoy your borrowed time because it wont last," she finally murmured, so low only I co
—SAMANTHA— I left Shirley’s office with the jewelry box held tightly in my hand. My heart wouldn’t stop pounding. I couldn’t even think straight. That necklace—it was too much. Too beautiful. Too expensive. Too… personal.Why would Dalton give something like that to me?My fingers tightened around the velvet case as I marched down the sleek hallway of Apex Corporation, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Employees whispered as I passed, their eyes darting between my face and the box I carried like it was a ticking bomb. I ignored them. Right now, only one person had the answers I needed. "Dalton," I muttered under my breath, picking up my pace. But just as I reached his office door, Adam appeared in front of me, stepping smoothly into my path. I frowned. “Excuse me. I need to talk to Dalton.”Adam gave a polite smile, but his tone was firm. “Mr. Montclair is currently in a meeting. He left instructions for me to take you to the dress store. Your appointment is a
—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