Samantha’s POVDays have been passing more and more slowly. After I had that dream about Henry in my apartment, I felt like something inside me broke completely. And a few days later, he saw me at the restaurant and looked at me with such disgust that it completely shattered my heart. I was suffering more than I thought anyone could possibly suffer.Catherine was in her final stage of pregnancy, and everyone was so excited about the quadruplets that I had no right to burden them with my problems. I visited her every week, but kept my visits brief, avoided spending too much time with the girls, and didn't talk about myself. I dodged them as much as I could; I didn't want them to worry. Similarly, I avoided Enzo, who was always calling me.But I had a very loyal friend. Over the last few months, Vincent had become my confidant; he knew what I was going through since he also had his own pain from abandonment. So we supported each other. He would share his complaints, and I would share min
Samantha’s POVI anxiously picked up my phone with trembling hands, searched for Henry's contact, and made the call. It went straight to voicemail. I looked uncertainly at Vince, and he sighed."The pizza's here. I'll go get it, and you go get ready. We'll eat while you're getting dressed, and then I'll take you to your Romeo's house." Vince was more determined than I was."But what if he's with someone else, Vince?" I asked, feeling a mix of anxiety and jealousy."You kick her butt out and make it clear that man is yours. I guarantee he'll love it." I laughed at the way Vince put it.Vince got the pizza, and I did as he suggested, getting ready while eating. When I was ready, I grabbed my purse, and we left. He stopped at Henry's house, and I asked him to wait a bit in case something went wrong. I got out and went to the gate, but the security guard informed me that Henry hadn't been there for months. Could he have gone back to his apartment?Like a good friend, Vince drove me to Henr
Henry’s POVI got phenomenally drunk last night! I couldn't even recognize myself anymore, I was devastated. I went to Alexander's house to visit the babies, but when I arrived, Samantha was leaving, she didn't even give me a chance to talk to her. I watched her get in the car and drive away, and I stood there for long minutes. I was in limbo, totally crushed. I didn't even enter the house, went back to my car and headed to the hotel.I went to my room and like every other night, I started drinking. I drank! I drank a lot! I drank more than I even realized I had. When I woke up, I was in a bright room and started looking around at where I was. I looked and saw something connected to me, looked around and saw something like IV bags hanging. I ended up in a hospital. But how did that happen? I was locked in my hotel room, hugging a whiskey bottle, that was all I remembered.My head hurt, everything in me hurt. So I lay there looking at the white ceiling and listening to the muffled buzz
Henry’s POVMel and I went to get coffee at the bakery near the office. She gave me a "gentle" warning by pulling my ear.Then she laid down the rules: we would go shopping, work on my appearance, I'd be back running my empire tomorrow, and then she would help me with Samantha. I didn't quite understand what she meant by all this, but if I was already in the rain, I might as well get wet, and since she was offering to help, I'd better take advantage of it.We left the bakery and caught a taxi. We went straight to the hotel where I'd been staying for months."Martin, here's the deal: you're going to take a good shower, pack your things, and leave this hotel right now," Mel said when we got in."Mel, I can't stay in that house without Sam, and if I go back to the apartment, she'll never forgive me.""Oh, I see I'll have to change the order of things." Mel complained. "Fine, I'll help you with Sam today, and Monday you can go back to running your empire.""Are you serious?" I broke into a
Samantha’s POVAfter receiving Melissa's message, I decided to take action, tired of waiting. I went home, took a shower, put on some nice makeup, sprayed perfume, and chose a dress I hadn't worn yet. I slipped on some sky-high heels, ready to get my man back, no matter what hole he'd crawled into. So I called my most faithful ally, Enzo."Auntie, my beautiful! How are you?" Enzo answered in his usual sweet way."I'm anxious and I need your help," I said straight to the point."What happened?" He turned serious."I need to find your uncle, but he seems to be nowhere. He hasn't shown up at the house or the apartment for months," I said almost without breathing."Hold on, auntie." I heard Enzo walk away from the phone. Shortly after, he came back. "Auntie, my mom said he might be at my grandmother's house. Where are you?""I'm at home.""Then get ready, I'll come pick you up soon and we'll go to grandma's.""I'm ready now. And I don't want to be a bother, Enzo.""Auntie, I'm worried abou
Samantha’s POVAfter opening the door, I saw the entire space was illuminated by small lamps scattered throughout. On the ceiling, there was a sea of pearlescent transparent balloons filled with helium gas. From each one hung a white ribbon with either miniature photos of Henry and me, notes with apologies or romantic declarations, or red hearts made of cardstock. I walked around, reading each message and looking at each photo from the many happy moments we shared together.I reached the living room with tears already streaming down my face, and looking ahead, I saw Henry standing there, in that room where we had watched the sunrise and where our fluffy rugs and colorful pillows still remained. He was simply standing there, hands in his pockets, with an anxious look. The ceiling was also covered with balloons carrying photos, messages, and hearts. The same small lamps created a cozy atmosphere.On the side table near the pillows, there was wine, cheese, fruit, and chocolates. Around th
Samantha’s POVI was amazed when he opened the bedroom door and sat me down. Lamps kept the room in a dim light that gave it a romantic atmosphere. There were chocolates and truffles everywhere. On the bed was a huge basket filled with various chocolates. Framed professionally printed posters were scattered on the walls, each with a different love declaration. Paper hearts were strewn across every flat surface.Henry took the chocolate basket from the bed and placed it on the nightstand, grabbed a chocolate and came to me while unwrapping it. He placed it in my mouth and I bit into it. It was a liqueur-filled chocolate, and when I bit down, the liqueur trickled from the corner of my mouth. Henry leaned in and licked and sucked where the liqueur had dripped, then put the rest of the chocolate in his mouth.He was seducing me. He started unbuttoning his shirt and slowly stripped his body, allowing me to admire and desire him. He wouldn't let me take off my clothes; he did that himself af
Henry’s POVI woke up alone among the cushions, and I almost thought it had all been a dream, a delusion. I went upstairs and arriving at the bedroom, I saw Samantha's clothes on the bed. I entered the bathroom, and she was under the shower, beautiful, with that enchanting skin of hers all wet. I couldn't resist and joined her, hugging her from behind."Hmm, you're awake! And quite excited, I see." Samantha smiled, feeling my arousal pressed against her perfect bottom."I'm always excited around you, my goddess!" I replied, giving her earlobe a little nibble. "You left me alone down there, I almost thought it had all been a dream and that you weren't here."Samantha turned to face me with a beautiful smile and pulled me in for a kiss."You know, that night you came to my apartment, when I woke up, I thought it had been a dream, that the alcohol made me imagine you were there with me. I was devastated." Samantha said, resting her head on my chest."But I left a note?!" I explained, some
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