The city always takes her breath away, Samara thought, as it stretches beyond the taxi windows, rolling past like giant scenery being unfurled by an invisible stagehand. The sight always marvelled her. But today, she wasn't taking too deep the beauty of the city, her thoughts were all over the place. Inside the cab, Samara was quiet and anxious. She had finally decided to meet with Damien. Just this once, she told herself. Her servants were surprised when she had told them she was going out all by herself. She knew what she was doing was risky, she could see a hint of suspicion in their eyes when she left the house and boarded a cab. Traffic surged along the lanes and people throng the streets, most of them crossing roads whenever the traffic lights change. It was past six in the evening, and everyone seemed to be heading home, except her. She was going to meet a total stranger who had asked her to come, in a city she was new in.What am I doing? She thought quietly, the thought mak

Samara was not particularly proud of what she did last night. It was out of character, irresponsible, and unscrupulous. Last night has left a mark on her soul that she feared the stain would never wash away. But it also left her wanting more, that she thought of nothing else but meeting Damien again. The way he had touched her and made her feel last night has ignited a fire in her and left a burning need for his touch.Her eyes suddenly fell on the envelope on her breakfast tray that Madeleine had brought in for her this morning. She knew what it meant, that plain envelope was addressed to her. Her husband, Frederick Smyth, had written to her. But she wasn't curious to read it, she wasn't bothered to know what it said. She considered ignoring it, pretending the post had gone astray and she had never received it. She explored this idea while she took her breakfast, letting the envelope lie where the maid had left it on the tray.Samara pursed her lips and let her eyes wander about her

Samara slams the door of her bedroom so hard the walls tremble , but still not as bad as her whole body was trembling. What in the world was she doing? She thought sadly within herself. Immediately her eyes caught the letter her husband had sent her, she sighs and plops heavily on the bed, as tears began raining down her face. What kind of woman was she becoming? An adulterous one? Frederick didn't deserve this at all. No matter how their marriage happened, he didn't deserve this at all. She kept crying uncontrollably until a knock on her door makes her stop abruptly. “Who's there?"“It's me ma'am". Madeleine replies quickly.“What do you want? I didn't send for you". Samara says trying so hard to shroud her voice which was croaked from crying.“Just checking up on you ma'am". She answers.“I'm fine Madeleine, you can go to bed".There's a brief silence, as Madeleine hesitates to respond.“Okay. Good night ma'am". Madeleine finally says, reluctantly.The next morning, Samara wakes

After Frederick left the room, Samara was left alone with her thoughts. She stood there for a moment with her heart racing and her mind in turmoil. She couldn't deny the intense attraction she felt for him, but the memory of her time with Damien still haunted her. She realized that she needed to come to a decision soon, for both her sake and Frederick's.She had met Damien during a difficult period in her life, when she lacked the kind of love she had always wished for, and their connection had been passionate and intense. But she was married to Frederick and that was a huge obstacle between her and Damien. Now, with Frederick back home, she was torn between her loyalty to him and her memories of Damien.Samara took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. She knew she needed to make a decision. She couldn't deny the feelings she was beginning to develop towards Frederick. He was definitely not the type of man she wanted to end up with, but he had been patient and understanding, as

As they continued dinning in silence, Colonel Frederick couldn't help but observe the changes in Samara's demeanor ever since she came back from the rest room. He noticed her distractions, the distant looks in her eyes, and this got him concerned.He knew something troubled her deeply but hesitated to confront her, fearing the truth might shatter the fragile bond they were building.Samara found herself torn between her loyalty to her marriage with Colonel Frederick and the intense emotions she harbored for Damien. Her heart felt like a battleground, each beat echoing conflicting desires. She kept replaying her conversation with Damien at the bathroom in her head. Considering whether to meet with him as he had requested. Unknown to her, her husband was watching her intently."Is everything alright, Samara?" Frederick's voice was tinged with worry.Samara struggled to meet his gaze, torn between confessing her inner turmoil and concealing it to protect him. "I'm just tired," she managed