Chapter 037

37.

Samantha just stared at him with an expressionless face. She couldn't believe he came all the way from his company just to ask her to be his date. Looking at him, she couldn't help but recall all the terrible things Mia said to her, and they were all because of him.

"It's not a gala, so why would I be your date?" she asked with her arms folded.

Aiden knew the kind of person she was, and he was not expecting her to accept him immediately in the first place, so he came prepared.

"It's an event, and whose date would you be if not mine? We will get married soon, so we should try doing this so we can get the hang of it." Aiden smirked and her countenance changed.

She wondered why he was bringing up the issue of marriage. She comported herself and looked up to meet his eyes. "Sorry to disappoint you. I won't be your date to that event. Bye." she turned to leave but he pulled her back into his arms.

"Yes, you're going to be. I'm not taking no for an answer, wifey. I will come pick you up by seven tomorrow." he pecked her cheek and walked back into his car, driving off immediately.

Samantha stood with widened eyes. "What just happened?" she muttered to herself, her heart racing so fast. Her hands subconsciously went to her cheek and she rubbed it. Linda walked up to her with a mischievous smile on her face.

"How do you feel?" she asked Samantha.

Samantha couldn't say anything for a moment. She had not expected that fast action from him, and worse, she couldn't stop her heart from beating so fast. She said she wasn't interested in him, but why was that single touch enough to make her feel like her world had come to a halt, and the only thing left were two of them? Why did his touch give her goosebumps? Why was she even thinking about him right now?

She shook her head to dismiss the thoughts. "Let's just leave." she said and got into the car.

Linda chuckled and got in, driving off immediately. When she got home, she knew her father was back, so she rushed into his study.

With a smile, she placed a gentle knock on the door. "Dad?" she opened the door to meet him smiling at her. For a moment, she forgot the lady she had vowed to be and ran into his arms.

Mr. Ray chuckled as she snuggled close to him. Being in his arms was the best feeling and she felt like her problems had been solved.

"You're being clingy today. Do you miss me that much or did something bad happen while I was away?" he asked, knowing the kind of person she was and she pulled away from the hug with a smile.

"Nothing bad happened. I just missed you so much, that's why." she chuckled as she took a seat.

Mr. Ray sat down as well. "Don't lie to me, Samantha. I know everything that goes on in this house. I know Estella had a party and you had a confrontation with her and her friends"

Samantha was shocked. "How did you..."

She trailed off and he let out a hearty laugh. "Have you forgotten that this is my house? I'm the original head of this house and nothing is hidden from me."

Samantha sighed. "I'm sorry." she apologized for trying to mislead him and he nodded.

"It's fine. I know you're just looking out for your sister and don't want her to be in trouble, but you don't have to lie to me to protect her because I know the kind of person she is."

Samantha nodded. "I know, dad. I just felt like I could handle her, you know."

He smiled. "I understand. Let's forget about that. I saw on the news that you want to change the model of our company's Automobiles. Tell me about it."

Samantha beamed and went into details while he listened to her attentively.

****

THE DAY OF THE HANDOVER CEREMONY

Linda took her time to dress and make Samantha up for the event. Knowing that Aiden was going to be her date today, she wanted to make sure Samantha looked her best.

When she was done, Samantha stood up and looked herself in the mirror. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Fuck, is this me?" she asked and Linda nodded.

Samantha's eyes watered and Linda quickly rushed to hold her. "You're a strong lady, remember? Don't cry so you won't ruin your makeup." Linda assured her and she nodded as she blinked back her tears.

She scrutinized herself from head to toes. From her hair, to her jewelry and her dress down to her shoes, everything was perfect. No one needed to tell her that she was stunning. Her dress was a red off-shoulder gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was styled in a messy bun, and her makeup was subtle yet elegant. And she wore a pair of black stilettoes, complimented with a black luxury purse.

She looked at Linda, a grateful smile on her face. "Thanks, Linda. I look amazing!" She exclaimed and Linda chuckled.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Linda's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I think your date is here."

Samantha's heart skipped a beat as she made her way to the door. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was only doing this because she had to, not because she wanted to. She opened the door to find Aiden standing there, looking dashing in his tuxedo.

He flashed her a charming smile, and for a moment, Samantha forgot to breathe. "Wow, you look stunning," he said, his eyes roving over her body. He couldn't believe how gorgeous she looked right now.

Samantha felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but she quickly pushed it aside. "Thanks," she said curtly, stepping aside to let him in.

Aiden handed her a bouquet of flowers, and Samantha was taken aback by the thoughtful gesture. "Thanks," she said again, feeling a little softer towards him. Maybe this night wouldn't be so bad after all. She smiled and took a deep breath.

*

THE HANDOVER CEREMONY

The car carrying Samantha and Aiden parked in front of the building and they got out. Aiden faced Samantha.

"You ready?" he asked and she nodded. She stretched his arms, she locked hers with him, looking up at him. "Now, let's go make a dramatic entrance." he smirked.