DAYS LATER.I became the head of the research and development department. Carlton also stopped having so much control over my life. I have my own car now, a Porsche, so I can go anywhere I want. But before I leave, I have to inform him first in case anything goes wrong — even though he is just overprotective and I'm not really in danger. And yeah, I also have a curfew.I stepped out of my car and locked it. Approaching the building, I saw someone causing a commotion. I moved closer to see Josh. I widened my eyes and quickly ran to the security guards holding him back."Sorry, I know him," I whispered. They released him, and I dragged him to a corner."What are you doing here?" I asked."You didn't reply to my text, amor," he said."Stop calling me that!" I raised my voice a little."You look so pretty, remember those days, me and you..." He bit his lip, which made my stomach turn in disgust."Leave, right now.""Your daughter has arrhythmia.""What do you mean by my daughter has arrhy

SAMANTHAHe should have told me I had a child! I would have moved mountains to provide for her, to be a mother to her. But no, he kept it a secret, leaving me in the dark while our daughter suffered. The thought of her tiny hands and feet, her innocent eyes, being neglected by him and the cold orphanage, it's a constant torment. A heavy weight of guilt crushes my chest, making it hard to breathe. If I ever lay eyes on Josh again, I might kill him. I'm still torn, but I signed a contract. George's 64th birthday party was held at the penthouse; Carlton wanted to go alone, but George specifically asked for both of us. He'd been awfully quiet since everyone found out I was a stripper; maybe he wanted to talk about it. We arrived at the penthouse; George wanted his birthday to be between family, but Laura instead invited more people. Laura is a dickhead. I dislike her even more now; her name makes me want to puke, the last person I want to see tonight was her. Immediately we got to the pen

I was going through my paperwork in my office when Carlton walked in, his 6'3" frame commanding attention in a deep blue suit, his right hand casually slipped into his pocket. I felt a flutter in my chest as our gazes met, and I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself. Last night was so embarrassing for me; I'd been avoiding him ever since. What will happen now that I broke a term in our contract? I didn't even do it alone; he kissed me back, and I could still feel the lingering sensation of his lips on mine.As he approached my desk, his piercing azure blue eyes seem to see right through me, and I wonder if he could tell how much I'm struggling to keep my cool. I fidget with the papers in front of me, trying to focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps wandering back to the way he made me feel last night - vulnerable."Good morning, Samantha,"he said, his deep voice low and smooth, sending a shiver down my spine. I nod, trying to play it cool. "Good morning, Mr. Williams. How

SAMANTHAI drained the last of my beer, the bitter taste matching my mood. I signaled the hot brunette bartender for another bottle. I turned to Layla and sighed."And that's how my new life has been," I said, shaking my head."I'm so sorry, girlfriend. I shouldn't have come up with such idea, I didn't want you to go back to your old life," She said, patting my back."I got a job, it'd be a way out for us, a fresh start in New York with Sarah.""What kind of job, Layla?" "It's not whatever you are thinking, it's clean." She said and smiled. I was thinking she got herself into something shady, it was something she could do. She once started selling drugs, it took me discouraging her before she stopped. Layla could do anything, but she had her limits. Layla is brave, confident, and can pierce someone's heart with a knife if she wants to. She grew up with a gambler as a father, who physically abused her; then moving in with her boyfriend, Liam, was also hell. I can't even imagine going

"I will agree to your conditions, but the cohabitation agreement, I won't agree to that. This meeting is over. Let's go home," I said, standing up and walking over to Samantha, holding out my hand for hers.But Samantha faced Charlotte. "Charlotte, that's what I want. I'm not moving an inch if he doesn't agree to it."I cut Charlotte off before she could respond. "I will think about it, okay?" I said, my hand still extended."I'm not crippled," she said. "Until you agree to sign the cohabitation agreement, let's keep a distance. And we came separately, so we'll leave separately. See you at home."With that, she stood up and walked away, leaving me seething. I clenched my teeth and shoved my hands into my pockets, following her out of the room.As we reached outside, I quickened my pace, reaching for her arm. "Get into my car," I growled, spinning her around to face me.But she shook off my grip, her eyes flashing with defiance. "No. I'm sure you understand what distance means. Let go