I left Alexander's house and went to Hebe's, but all I could think about was Samantha with Michael. I was going crazy already. When I arrived, my sister came to hug me, and it was clear how hurt she was by Reynold. This time she finally opened her eyes, though it's a shame it had to be so painful for her.We started talking, and I told her everything I had discovered at the Social Club - about the harassment, the potential complaints Reynold would face, what he did to Sam, what I did to Sam, and how Reynold started stalking Sam.In the end, I was lying on my sister's couch with my head in her lap, crying like a baby and regretting being an impulsive idiot who acts first and thinks later. My sister advised me to fight for Sam and beg for her forgiveness without wasting any time. Even my brother-in-law, who usually just listens, spoke up this time and gave me advice.But Enzo was something else. He adores Samantha and would have taken my head off if he could. He was very angry with me, a
Samantha’s POVMy heart was shattered into a million pieces. It wasn't just one betrayal, but many. And worse, he didn't trust me. He chose to believe a lie rather than talk to me. He didn't even have the courage to break up with me, he just got with someone else and cast me aside. That's not right!When I closed the door, I slid down against it, sat on the floor, and sobbed loudly into my hands. I lost track of time, I don't know how long I stayed there crying, but it seemed like my tears would never end, as if floodgates had been opened and couldn't be closed again, and the pain kept drowning me.I was hiccuping, feeling a searing pain in my chest, starting to have trouble breathing, and couldn't stop crying. My apartment doorbell rang, and I didn't get up to look, it rang again, and I remained static, just crying and feeling pain. Until I heard a voice threatening to call the firefighters to break down the door, and I got up, knowing Melissa would do exactly that.I stood up and ope
Henry’s POVI left Samantha's house knowing she needed her friends but wouldn't call them. So I called Melissa and told her everything. I didn't even have to ask - Melissa assured me she'd rally the girls, and they'd all go there. But first, she gave me quite a lecture, emphasizing what an idiot and flake I was. I hadn't heard that word in years, but that's exactly what she said, and she was right.My fears, insecurities, and all the garbage my father represents in my life had screwed me over. There was a good chance Samantha would never forgive me. But I had to keep trying.It wasn't long before Patrick, Fred, and Rick invaded my house. They told me the girls would spend the night with Sam, and just as she needed her friends, they were there to support me and bring me back to reality. We talked and got drunk.When I managed to get to the office the next day, it was already past ten in the morning, and the hangover was killing me. Julia just shook her head, seeing my pitiful state. My
Henry’s POVI needed allies but didn't know who to turn to. However, when I saw Enzo chatting away with Melissa, I had an idea. I would spoil my nephew and convince him to help me. That was the plan. And since he was such a chatterbox, he would tell me everything he knew—and from what I could tell, he knew quite a lot."Enzo, would you like to have lunch with me?" I asked my nephew, who smiled."Of course I will," Enzo replied."Great, let's go then," I called out."Be in the office at two o'clock, Martin. I'm not going to sit around waiting for you!" Melissa warned."Alright, Melissa." I walked out, kicking the air like a sulking teenager.Enzo loved steak and fries, so I took him to the restaurant that served the best cuts of meat in town."Uncle, you knocked it out of the park today! I love this place," Enzo said excitedly."That's great, I know you love steak and fries, that's why I brought you here," I said, smiling at him."Is this because I'm your favorite nephew or because you
Henry’s POVI went back to the office and sent Enzo to the mall with my credit card to buy everything I needed and a little present for my niece. I would regret giving him my card later, but I needed the boy's help.At four-thirty, I told Melissa I had a terrible headache and begged her to let me go home. She reluctantly agreed. It's actually funny that I, the company owner, had to ask permission to leave early, but I didn't want to get on her bad side.I rushed downstairs where Enzo was already waiting with the driver at the building entrance, as we were going to pick up Clara from ballet class. When she came out of the dance studio, she immediately looked suspicious seeing me there."Uncle, I'm not doing anything for you! Enzo's always getting into trouble because of you!" The girl spoke before even greeting me. What's wrong with kids these days?"Clara sweetie, your uncle just misses you!" I said in a gentle voice, giving her a little kiss. "And I heard that a certain little girl re
Samantha’s POVAfter the night out with the girls, I was feeling better. I talked to Catherine in the morning, and Michael had already confirmed our movie plans for later.My phone rang on the desk, and when I answered, it was reception informing me that Clara, Henry's niece, was there to see me. I found it strange but approved her entry. Catherine was at my desk when the elevator opened, and out came that beautiful girl, dressed in ballet clothes, her blonde hair tied in a bun with bangs, and huge green eyes just like her mother's and uncle's."Auntie Sam! I missed you!" Clara came to me with light and graceful movements."My dear, I missed you too!" I hugged her, and after we let go, I said, "Let me see, you look beautiful in your ballet outfit!""Thank you, Auntie! I was in class and stopped by here before going home," Clara responded adorably."Come, let me introduce you to my friend Catherine. She's Alexander's girlfriend." Little Clara greeted Catherine with the same graciousness
Enzo’s POVWhile my uncle and I waited in the car for Clara to deliver the note to Aunt Sam, I decided to call Luna right away. I invited her to the movies, and she agreed immediately. Then I told her to invite her sister to come with us. Luna's sister was about twenty-one and already in dental school. She was the most easy-going person in the world and didn't act stuck up just because she was older. And today I needed her help. Luna said she'd check if her sister wanted to come.It was pure luck that I spotted Aunt Sam's message notification on Mel's phone when she'd left the room, mentioning which theater and movie she was going to watch with this Michael guy.Right after I hung up, Clara got in the car and handed Aunt Sam's note to Uncle Henry."Uncle Alexander, Uncle Patrick, and Uncle Rick saw me there. Make sure they don't tell my parents, and do it quick because Uncle Patrick has a big mouth just like Enzo," Clara blurted out."You're getting pretty bold, little sister!" I compl
Samantha’s POVI found it so strange to run into Enzo at the mall, watching the same movie as us. If Henry had been there, I'd say it was a setup, but Enzo was with his girlfriend and her sister. The curious thing was that his girlfriend's sister knew Michael, and he almost had a meltdown when he saw her. What am I getting myself into again? I better found out.In the end, I really enjoyed spending time as a group. The girls were very friendly, Ivy was hilarious and super outgoing, so it wasn't awkward being there with a guy and my ex-boyfriend's nephew. But something was going on.Enzo insisted on getting the math materials I'd offered several days ago when we went for coffee. Then Michael left, and the teenagers came upstairs."Enzo, here are the materials," I retrieved the books and study guides from my room and handed them to him. "Now tell me, what was that coincidence today all about?""It was really cool, wasn't it?!" Enzo replied with an overly big smile. "Running into each oth
Samantha’s POVI saw Henry get out of bed, pick up the phone from the floor, and try to speak, but the call had already ended. He came to me and hugged me."Sam, what did you hear?" Henry asked softly."H-he, he laughed." I was trembling and crying."Who, Sam? Do you know who it was?""It was R-Romulus." I looked at him feeling panic tightening my throat."Sam, what did he say?" I noticed the concern in Henry's voice."Nothing. It was like always, the breathing, but then he laughed and I know his laugh. It's Romulus, Henry.""Calm down. I'm going to turn off your phone. Tomorrow I'll tell Flavian about this. Sam, I think we should change your number.""Yeah, you're right, that's better." I agreed, as I didn't want to hear from Romulus anymore."Good, I'll take care of it first thing tomorrow. Now, I'm going to put you to bed and make you some tea."Henry tucked me into bed, covered me, and gave me a kiss on the forehead. When he returned to the bedroom, he brought a tray with tea and b
Samantha’s POV"My goddess, I'm so glad you're here! I've been missing you like crazy," Henry said between kisses."I missed you too!" I nestled into his lap."How was your girls' night?""It was fantastic! We're planning to spend a weekend at Hebe's beach house.""We're going... just you girls or...?""All of us, handsome. I'm not spending the whole weekend away from you.""Hmm, I like that! So, are we getting married this weekend?""It's in a month, Henry.""Alright. But until then, how about we practice for the honeymoon?" Henry traced his nose along my neck. "I'm desperately missing losing myself in you.""Are you reading my mind?" He smiled."Come here, future wife. I'm taking you to bed." He helped me up and looked at Cinnamon. "Buddy, you're staying downstairs tonight." The dog looked at him as if he understood and let out a whimper. The scene made me laugh."I need to take a shower," I said when we reached the bedroom."Ah yes, a shower is an excellent idea." Henry sat me on th
Samantha’s POVThe weekend at my grandmother's house was more than perfect. I wasn't expecting Henry to propose, and he made the most beautiful proposal in the world. I confessed I was never the type of woman who dreamed about marriage, wedding dresses, and all those things, but now that I'm engaged, I was excited and eager."Oh my God, I'm engaged!" I said to myself in the closet, looking at the ring and band on my hand."Yes, Nightingale, we're engaged, and I want to set a date for our wedding." Henry hugged me from behind, making me lean back against his chest as he kissed the top of my head.I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't even noticed him coming in. He was ready for work, looking handsome in that charcoal suit that made his emerald green eyes stand out even more. I was so distracted that I was still in my robe."My handsome, how about a month from now?""Too far away," he complained, kissing my neck."I don't want to rush into things like what happened with Catherine. A
Hebe’s POVI would like to know what goes through my brother's mind, because sometimes Henry completely lost focus and went downhill. I gave precise instructions - one dog, just one small dog - then I came back from a wonderful trip and got my kids back with two dogs, and Clara's dog was almost as big as her. I felt like sending both the dogs and the kids back to his house.Of course, he had a ready-made speech when I called him furiously questioning the two dogs. The worst part is that he convinced me - he always did, ever since we were kids it was like that, I did everything he wanted. However, my kids were two little troublemakers and I knew it. They were two little rascals who manipulated their uncle however they wanted, and inevitably, I felt manipulated by extension, because after Henry gave in to their wishes, he made me give in to his own desire to please his niece and nephew.I had no choice but to take the little troublemakers back with two dogs. To my surprise, the small one
Henry’s POVI coordinated with Clara to keep Sam away from the backyard, keeping her busy with knitting alongside her and her grandmother. I asked Enzo to help with the plans I'd made with Pearl and Joaquin for Samantha's surprise. We would set up the dinner table in the backyard, which was full of flowers and beautifully maintained.The hours flew by, and we managed to get everything ready. Pearl told me that when Sam was a child, she used to play a lot in this backyard and always loved it here, so it was perfect for what I wanted to do.I talked with Elenice, since I was in her house, and she became emotional about what I wanted to do. She secretly called me to her room and gave me something very special to add to my surprise. Her gesture touched me deeply.That evening, dinner was served in the backyard. Elenice had two housekeepers who had put great effort into everything, and they were excellent cooks. We had dinner amid lively conversation and laughter. Then, before dessert, I pr
Henry’s POVAfter what happened at the mall with Enzo, I scheduled a meeting with my mother and Hebe. I needed to let them both know about the situation before traveling. Of course, Hebe was furious - she's a lioness mother, and after discovering Reynold's true colors, she didn't want him anywhere near the children.I took the opportunity to tell them about the surprise I was preparing for Samantha. I was anxious and worried. My mother and Hebe tried to calm me down, saying that Sam would love it.The rest of the week flew by, and early Saturday morning, we traveled to Sam's grandmother's house in the countryside, a bit far from our city. Samantha was excited and very animated. We arrived at her grandmother's house at lunchtime. Sam went in like a child, running through the house until she found her grandmother in the kitchen and wrapped her in a long hug."Grandmaaa!" Samantha was overjoyed."Sassy, my dear, I've missed you so much!" The petite lady with gentle eyes hugged Samantha."
Enzo’s POV"Sweetie, are you really going to spend the weekend away from me?" Luna was hugging my waist with a sad face."Baby doll, it's just one weekend. Besides, your parents are taking you to the farm. I'm just going to meet aunt Sam's grandmother and I'll be back quickly," I explained to Luna once again."Oh my god, you two are so mushy!" Ivy made a face at us."That's because we're in love, sis," Luna told her sister."Oh, sure!" Ivy smiled.We were at the mall waiting for aunt Sam and uncle Henry. I invited Luna to come with me since we wouldn't see each other over the weekend, and Ivy tagged along because she wanted to talk to aunt Sam."Ivy, what do you want to talk to aunt Sam about?" I was curious about that."I'm not telling you. I know your big mouth, Enzo!" As if I needed this - my Clara also pointing out my little flaws. "I haven't forgotten that you told my mom about Vincent.""In my defense, I didn't know it was a secret. Besides, your mom just asked if you had met any
Henry’s POVI was extremely stressed out. Samantha had gone through a horrible situation yesterday just because she left the security guard outside the store. Reynold had crossed the line, and I wasn't going to let that slide.I called Flavian, who suggested that Sam should file a complaint, but she was very shaken up, barely slept, and insisted on going to work, making me even more worried.I arrived at the office in a terrible mood. I needed to deal with this thorn in my side that was Reynold. Once again, he dared to lay hands on Samantha, but this wouldn't go unpunished.My thoughts were completely focused on Samantha, and I was already too stressed and worried. I grabbed my jacket and left the office.I reached the garage, and as I approached my car, I couldn't believe the nerve of the person waiting for me. She was wearing an extremely short and vulgar dress."Nicole, get off my car. I'm in a hurry," I said immediately, as I wasn't in the mood to hear anything from this wretched w
Samantha’s POVFor the past week, I was woken up every night in the middle of the night by my phone ringing, and when I answered, no one would say anything on the other end. The only thing I could hear was heavy breathing, as if the person on the other end was panting, and it left me distressed.This was getting on my nerves. I was anxious, nervous, and wasn't sleeping well. I already had horrible dark circles under my eyes and was exhausted."Sam... Sam!" Henry's voice snapped me out of my thoughts."Huh?! What is it, honey?" I sighed."Sam, you need to sleep." Henry was visibly upset. "We should change your phone number.""That's not necessary. This will stop." I didn't want to change the number I'd had for so long."Then start turning off your phone at night. If anyone needs to reach you, they can call me.""That's a good idea. I'll do that. But now, I need to get to work." I stood up as I spoke."Stay home today and rest. I'm sure Alexander won't mind.""Henry, I want to go to work