Chapter 027

27.

Samantha couldn't believe what was happening. She turned to Madame Dupont, who was daydreaming about her son's happily ever after with her in the picture.

“Madame Dupont, I don't think this is necessary. Elvis and I-”

“Nonsense,” she brushed off what Samantha was about to say. “I am not expecting you two to fall in love immediately, no. Love is a beautiful thing and as such, it takes a gradual process. From the way he looked at you, I know that he likes you. Once you two spend some time together, you'll see.” she smiled.

Samantha raised an eyebrow. If she had known that things would turn out this way, she wouldn't have come to this woman's house. She would have requested they meet for coffee instead.

With a sigh, she placed her cup of tea on the table gently and flashed Madame Dupont a smile. “I know this would come as a shock to you, but I am engaged,” she said, and the woman became quiet. “I know a lot of people may not know because it hasn't been announced yet, but I have someone I want to marry.”

Madame Dupont placed her cup of tea on the table and turned to face Samantha, a small smile on her lips. “Do you love him?”

The question came as a shock to Samantha. She became speechless instantly, and she stared at the woman, feeling she was trying to look into her soul.

“Don't be so shocked that I asked. I am no baby, and I am aware of what rich families force their children to do. It's from one arranged marriage or contract marriage to another. They don't care about the happiness of their children, all they want is the success of the company and what they would gain from such arrangements. Am I right?” she asked.

“Yes, but my family is different,” she smiled. “My father actually cares about me.”

“But you don't love this young man they are forcing on you. Does he love you?” she asked and Samantha sucked in a breath.

Her father had told her about Aiden's feelings and even though Aiden hadn't told her he loved her by himself, his actions proved it. He cared for her and no one needed to tell her that he was ready to do anything for her. Aiden wasn't the problem, she was the one who was finding it difficult to accept him because of her insecurities.

“Seeing how silent you are and that look on your face, I can tell that he loves you,” Madame Dupont smiled. “In this life, we go for people, who love us, and who are willing to do anything for us. It is better he loves me than me loving him and suffering for it,” she said, reminding Samantha about her ordeal with Nathan. “And with time, you'll see that you actually love this person. Don't worry, I won't pester you about my son, since you have someone who loves you genuinely, but just in case you two don't end up together, I have other sons you might be interested in.”

“Madame Dupont!” Samantha called amidst chuckles, causing the woman to laugh heartily. “Thank you so much for your words. You're indeed a mother.”

Madame Dupont nodded with a smile. “You're a good girl. I trust you will make the right decisions.”

Samantha smiled and finally took a sip of her tea, feeling relieved as she thought about what Madame Dupont had said.

Madame Dupont escorted her out of the house into the compound, and she waved them goodbye before getting into her car and driving off.

“Such a gorgeous lady.” she smiled as she watched Samantha's car drive out of sight.

***

Samantha arrived at her office and Linda rushed to her. “How did it go?” she asked.

Samantha sat down and crossed her legs. “It went way better than I expected. She is a lovely woman. She even introduced me to her son.” she chuckled as she recalled what the woman said.

“Is her son good looking?” Linda asked excitedly, waiting to imagine how he would look like if Samantha gave her enough descriptions.

“Yeah, he's handsome, alright.”

“More than Mr. Callymore?” she asked and Samantha's eyes narrowed at her.

“Are we working or gossiping you lazy fish!” she snapped, slamming her hands on her desk, making Linda flinch.

“Calm down, there's no need to flare up. I only asked a question.”

“I don't want to answer it, now get to work!” Samantha snapped and Linda raised an eyebrow.

“You haven't given me anything to do. Besides, I already handled everything today, so you can rest.” she beamed at Samantha, who just rolled her eyes and looked away.

Later that day, she got a text from Aiden, asking her to dinner. “Why would he want to go on a dinner date with me? It's not like we're couples or nothing.” she scoffed as she got into the car.

“You two will be couples soon anywhere,” Linda answered, taking the driver's seat.

Samantha rolled her eyes again. “I know why he is doing this. He is using this dinner as an excuse for me to take my drugs. I am not going to have dinner with him, so he can forget about it.”

“You're just going to reject his invitation like that?” Linda shook her head. “Gosh, you have no idea what you're missing. Do you know how many ladies are dying to get invited to dinner by this young man?” she stole a glance at Samantha from the rearview mirror.

Samantha looked indifferent. “Why don't you go on my behalf then since you're practically among those girls dying to have dinner with him.” she looked out the window?

“I would be thrilled to, but Mr. Callymore won't be thrilled to see me because I am not his future wife. I am just an innocent in law.” Linda teased and Samantha glared at her back.

“You're annoying, do you know that?”

“Just go for this dinner. I know you want to, but you are too proud to admit it,” she chuckled but Samantha snorted. “Don't worry, I know the perfect gown for you to wear.”

“I didn't say I was going.”

“Come on, it's going to be romantic!”