—SAMANTHA— I swear my heart dropped to my stomach.“Trending?” I repeated slowly, like I didn’t understand the word.“Yes, online, everywhere!” she said, sounding like she was about to lose it. “It’s everywhere, Sam! Your name, Amore, everything! People are talking, you need to check it now!”My heart thudded in my chest.“Just check it!” she cried. “It’s bad, Sam — it’s really bad!”My fingers felt cold as I slowly pulled the phone away from my ear and unlocked it with shaking hands.My notifications were blowing up.Messages, missed calls, social media alerts, it was a mess.I pulled my phone away from my ear, my hands already shaking as I opened the browser and tapped on the first link she sent me.There it was, big, bold letters staring right at me.*COUNTRYSIDE GIRL EXPOSED —ZEKE FROST’S CHARITY CASE TURNS GREEDY, SLEEPS WITH A GIGOLO ON HER WEDDING NIGHT AND GOT PREGNANT!*I felt the world around me spin.My breathing grew tight.No… no, no, no…I scrolled down, my eyes wide, m
—DALTON— I sat in the back seat of my Maybach, leaning rear against the cool leather as my hawk-like eyes stayed fixed on the hospital entrance. People came and went, walking in and out, some with worried faces, others relieved. I wasn’t really looking at them though -my mind was elsewhere. I held my phone to my ear, speaking coldly, handling business like I always did. My assistant, Mia, sat next to me. The sharp, low hum of the engine was the only sound in the car. “Get it done before the end of today, no mistakes!” Once I ended the call, I let out a quiet breath and rested my palm on my thigh, fingers tapping once against the fabric of my trousers. I was momentarily lost in thoughts. After that intense encounter between my family and Samantha, my grandmother pulled me aside and gave me a harsh scolding. She ordered me to approach her more calmly next time, warning me not to upset her. Fuck. At first, I had no intention of letting Samantha off easy -not after
—DALTON— I blinked, stunned. My hand froze around the phone. No? She said no? I opened my mouth but nothing came out. It wasn’t what I expected. Wasn’t what anyone would expect from a country bumpkin like her. Especially not after everything they were putting her through. If it were any other woman, they’d be throwing themselves at a man like me, desperate for my protection. Acting pitiful, shedding fake tears, begging, clinging to me like I was their only lifeline. But her? She wasn't like any like those women. She turned me down. Even now, with the world against her, with her name dragged through the dirt, she still stood on her own. Still had enough pride to say no to me. I’m used to people depending on me, chasing after me, needing me to fix their problems. It’s a part of my life I’ve seen too many times to count. But Samantha was different. For the first time in my life, a woman rejected me! And to be honest, I don’t even know how feel. But in that moment, i
—SAMANTHA— After the call ended with Dalton, I was lost in pool of thoughts. To be honest, when I saw the unfamiliar number flashing on my screen and then hearing his deep voice reverberating from the other end, my heart skipped. How in the world did he get my number? Then again, he’s Dalton Montclair. A man like him can get whatever he wants, however he wants. That’s the kind of power he holds. But what shocked me the most wasn’t the call -it was what he said. He wanted to help me! Although I refused him right away. I didn’t need anyone’s help. I could handle my own problems, I’ve been doing it my whole life. Before I could a word, Dalton hung up. I sat quietly on the hospital bed beside Amore who was fast asleep, her small hand rested on mine, and I held it gently. The ward was quiet, only the low beep of the monitor in the corner. Feeling restless, I unlocked my phone again without thinking. My fingers moved on their own, and I opened the trending page. But my n
—SAMANTHA—The drive felt so long it almost seemed endless. Amore had dozed off in my arms again, her soft breaths brushing against my neck as I kept my eyes on the road ahead. I didn’t know where this driver or the assistant, Mia, was taking us. It But I remained quiet, too exhausted to ask questions. After what felt like forever, maybe twenty minutes or so, we finally arrived at a gigantic golden gate. The security guards, all dressed in black suits, moved forward and carefully checked the car. They were professional. Their faces were stern, not saying a word as they finally turned and signaled for the gate to open. The Bentley smoothly drove in, following a long, clean driveway. When it eventually stopped, I unlocked the door, stepping out, and my breath caught in my throat. In front of me stood a sprawling mansion, the most magnificent building I had ever seen. Everywhere looked like something out of a fairytale. The walls were white and elegant, the lights warm and welcom
—SAMANTHA— My hand barely grazed her arm, and my heart leapt into my throat as Mrs. Beatrice wobbled, her balance slipping dangerously.Time slowed. She nearly fell... but managed to catch herself just in time. One hand gripping the armrest of the couch while the other flew to her chest. Her face turned pale, and I could see her lips trembling in shock.I stumbled forward too, but my own footing betrayed me. My legs tangled, and I pitched forward only to collide with something solid. No, not something. Someone.Strong arms quickly wrapped around my waist, steadying both me and Amore halfway from toppling over. I blinked up, startled. “Mr–Mr. Montclair?!” Dalton’s eyes narrowed as he gazed down at me. His expression was hard to read, but I saw it. The flash of relief… followed by irritation.“Why are you still calling me Mr. Montclair? I don’t like it,” he hissed, his voice clipped. A shiver runs down my spine. What is wrong with this man?I pressed my lips together and pulled aw
—SAMANTHA— After Mia was dragged out of the mansion by the bodyguards, everything felt calm again. The noise and tension were gone, and the manse was quiet. It was like nothing had happened at all.But I was tired. My back ached, and my feet were sore. All I wanted was a warm bath and a soft bed to sleep in. It had been such a long, crazy day.“Hey… how are you feeling?” Dalton came to stand beside me. His voice was low, and when I looked up at him, I saw worry in his eyes. Real worry. For me.His amber eyes were glowing under the warm light, and for a second, I froze. I momentarily forgot how to speak.Snap out of it, Samantha!I quickly looked away and squeezed Amore tighter in my arms. “I ’m-I’m okay,” I shuttered, nodding a little. “I just want to rest, that’s all.”“Alright,” he said, nodding too. I thought he would leave us, but instead, two powerful hands stretched forward toward me. “Let me carry her.”My eyes widened. “No! It’s okay!” I said fast. “I’m good, really.”That w
—SAMANTHA— Amore was quiet and hesitant. Then she turned to look at me, her eyes full of uncertainty and fear swimming in her round big eyes. My heart ached at the sight, my brave little girl, who used to chatter endlessly, now second-guessing every word. I gave her a small nod, telling her it was okay. “Go ahead, baby,” my eyes urging her. “Dalton is your daddy now.”Her lips parted slightly. “Really, Mommy?” her voice shook, and I saw tears in her big eyes. My heart squeezed, and I almost cried too.She was just a child, but she had already seen too much. After what Zeke did—leaving her, ignoring her, hurting me… Amore switched. Waking up from Coma, she didn’t laugh like she used to. She didn’t talk much anymore. She became quiet… unsure of herself.Ever since Zeke walked out of her life, pretending like she didn’t matter, I saw how it changed her. She didn’t play as much. She didn’t talk to strangers like before. She kept things inside, scared that if she got too happy, it might
—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
—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,