"Did I misunderstand anything?" Sam asked nonchalantly. "You did," Quinn said confidently. "I was surprised Ryan uploaded it at all.""And you would've pretend it never happened if he didn't?" Sam snorted in amusement. "That there's nothing going on between you two?" "No," Quinn was a little flustered—Sam was never that shrewd.His grades were poor and he always goofed up, and yet she could not retort against what he said.Still, she said patiently, "I mean, he and I were just taking normal photos of our travels, but it complicates matters when he posted it. That's why I was worried you'd misunderstand—that's why I came back."Sam's heart skipped a beat—she seemed serious about this…That was when Quinn snapped, "And I ran into… this!" Her tears welled in her eyes again when she remembered seeing Sam in bed with a woman.She bit her lip in silent misery, while Sam was left confused by her reaction.Was she seriously upset that he appeared to be cheating on her, or did she
Quinn followed Sam and Bob out of the hotel, where the Cranstons had a car and chauffeur waiting for them.Bob rode shotgun, while Sam and Quinn took the backseat.Sam and Bob were chatting incessantly throughout—they always had a lot to talk about since they knew each other since childhood. Quinn certainly was not interested in what they were saying, but she was not that bored either.She listened quietly until her phone rang.Seeing the caller, she answered, "Ryan."Sam clearly paused mid-conversation, and Bob noticed immediately while flashing a sly smile.Still, Sam soon regained composure and continued chatting with Bob.At the same time, Quinn said, "I'm with Sam.""With Sam? Where?" Ryan exclaimed in surprise.He actually did not go far after dropping off Quinn at the hotel. Naturally, he did not linger out at the entrance since he did not want to be conspicuous and arouse Quinn's suspicion. However, he made himself very clear when he called Sam—and he knew Sam well
Quinn was prepared for the men going to some super exclusive and expensive nightclub, only to open her eyes and find themselves on a mountain peak.They were quite far from the city, too…"Where are we?" she asked as she looked around. It was so remote and quiet that she could be convinced Sam could kill her here without leaving evidence."Ever been in a race?" Bob asked Quinn."A race?""You might not know this, but Sam's an incredible racer."She certainly did not, but that would probably apply to everyone else too… Moreover, he must just be racing for kicks, not to mention that it was dangerous.Quinn started scowling, but Bob appeared immune and added, "Sam has actually invited a few racers to join him today. Just watch—he's so cool behind the wheel."Quinn had more to say, but Sam had already alighted.At the same time, the air thundered as a dozen race cars revved, and Quinn quickly opened the door to find multiple cars and bikes streaking toward them.While she was
"Sure," Sam replied and headed toward one of the cars at the starting line, putting on his helmet before getting in. While Quinn stared worriedly at him, Bob said behind her, "Don't worry—Sam's good. The car he's driving has also been modified many times for safety, and his friends brought it all the way here from North City. He's going to be fine."Quinn nodded in silence despite her panic and steered clear of the road.The cars moved to the starting line and sprang forward at the wave of a flag.The entire hill thundered with the revving of engines, while Quinn was left on her toes—as if even the wind could spook her to death.On the other hand, Bob was buoyed with excitement and whooping alongside the cheer squad."Oh, Sam's coming!" he cried excitedly. "And he's leading!"Quinn watched as the car in the lead streaked down the road and zipped past them! 'Two more laps,' she told herself.At the same time, Bob said, "Sam has a talent for this—he rarely loses. I mean, when
Somehow, Quinn found the last lap especially grilling.Her heart was pounding from anxiety, and she thought for an instant that her heart would be overloaded.She quietly waited for Sam to finish his third lap—it did not matter to her if he won, for she just wanted him to be safe."Oh, sh*t!" someone cried out nearby just then.Quinn was immediately petrified, dreading that she would hear about something terrible which would overwhelm her."Aman just called—there's a crash halfway up the peak!" the man explained.The others panicked at once and hurried to their cars and bikes to the crash.Bob was following suit when he turned to look at Quinn. "Hey, you coming?"Quinn came to her senses—she gritted her teeth and hurried after Bob into the car.Since it was a race track, civilian vehicles would be barred from entry up the mountain during races, be it competitive or casual. As Quinn got in the car, her whole body was shaking.Bob was worried too—there was no information on w
Bob clearly did not want Sam to risk himself, even if someone else might die.However, Sam's stubbornness in risking himself might lead to two people dying."I was the one who organized this race, Bob," Sam said resolutely. "I'm responsible for anything that happens." Bob gritted his teeth, not sure how to talk Sam out of this.He turned toward Quinn, who remained in the crowd.She was so dainty she would easily be lost, but Sam could always find her immediately wherever she was.And now, their eyes met.Quinn was biting her lip, reluctant to let him go, but she did not know what to say. A life was at stake, but she did not want Sam to die.No… She did not even want to imagine it.However, Sam had barely stared at her for seconds before he turned away, just as she mustered her courage and was about to speak.He went to work, ordering everyone present how to help with the rescue.They first moved rocks and boulders to cushion the rear end of the car, stopping it from tippi
Only the mountain's breeze and everyone's panting could be heard.After Sam opened the door, he took out a pocket knife and cut off the seatbelt before carefully slicing through the airbag.With the driver within reach, all there was left was for Sam to pull him out, and it would be done and dusted. Sam took a deep breath and gingerly pulled—the car shook again, but only slightly this time. After all, he made sure to keep his hands still and ensured the car was balanced from the inside.However, he could feel just from a slight pull that the driver's legs were stuck. He would not get the man out with brute strength, and the car might even tip off because of the pressure. He was not going to get the driver out unless he freed his legs… Sam only hesitated for a beat before he leaned over, putting his upper body into the car.'No!'Quinn's face paled when he saw Sam's death-defying stunt.Earlier, Sam only had his hands in the car. He might react quick enough if the car tipped
Quinn looked on as everyone continued the countdown, but Sam still had his whole upper body in the car…"Three…""Two…"Quinn thought she could not breathe just then and closed her eyes at the very last instant.She was afraid to look—to see something that would overwhelm her.That was when a resounding crash could be heard over the hill. It started just beside her ears before becoming distant.The car had tipped over and fell down the hill, slamming thunderously down below.Quinn was trembling, still afraid to open her eyes.She had no idea what happened, let alone whether Sam was safe…As if avoidance would spare her from having to face reality. "Quinn," Bob suddenly called out.Quinn jumped—it was as if she could suffer a breakdown with even a slight breeze.Nonetheless, Bob urged, "We should go."Quinn bit her lip, finally opening her eyes… and she saw Sam nearby immediately. He was with the other racers, carrying the injured driver to one of the cars.In other wor
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a