Chapter One Hundred Forty-Seven: Anxious Samantha's POV“Gorgeous,” he whispered in my ear, making me giggle.“I think we should go now,” I told him, but he just kept staring at me. I smiled genuinely.He kissed my forehead, and I smiled at him. We both left his house, and he opened the car door for me.Tonight, we are going to a party—his friend's engagement party. I had told him I wanted to stay home, but he insisted he wouldn’t attend unless I went with him. He said he wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving me alone in the house.“It’s Jake’s engagement party. You haven’t met him yet,” he started. I nodded, looking out the window.He held my hand and made me look at him. “You seem quiet. Is something wrong?” he asked. The truth is, I was still thinking about the bracelet. I saw it that night—it stood out because of its dominant color, even in the dark.“About the CCTV... is that the only footage they found?” I asked him. He looked at me curiously.“My assistant went there after we got
Chapter One Hundred Forty-Eight: Serves Them Right Samantha's POV"I'm excited!" Jane said while carrying her luggage. I laughed, looking at them. They seem like they’re going on a five-day trip."It's obvious. I think you packed your whole closet," Anna laughed. Jane rolled her eyes. We’re going on a one-day trip, but since my classmates insisted, they want us to sleep over at the hotel.It’s more like a trip, but of course, it's also part of our lessons. We'll be staying in a hotel."Just remember what I told you guys: do not go anywhere far from the place," she said. Everyone nodded at her."I hope you enjoy this day," she added, looking at us carrying our own luggage."Get inside the school service now." We started boarding the bus. Of course, Jane and I sat together, while Anna and Windy were seated behind us.I saw Tiffany and her group heading for the back seats. But before she could sit, she gave me this smirk I couldn’t quite figure out.I just ignored it. "I'm glad Diego ag
Chapter One Hundred Forty-Nine: Damn HerSamantha's POVMs. Caroline started to discuss her lessons. She made us do a lot of things connected to our course. It took four hours before she finished her lessons.“That would be all. I hope you learned something from today's subject. Now, you can go somewhere and visit this place, but I want you all to be back before it gets dark,” she said. Everyone got excited, talking to their own circle of friends.“Let's go! I want to go to the beach,” Windy said, pulling our hands. I laughed while watching the others excitedly heading in the same direction.We were actually already prepared for this. Everyone started swimming. Adrian and the other boys couldn't come because today was their final game.They were at school practicing because tonight would be their final match.That's why he couldn’t come.“Come on!” Windy said, removing her shirt. She was now wearing a two-piece swimsuit. There were also other guests here relaxing.I laughed and sat on
Chapter One Hundred Fifty: Danger In The DarkSamantha's POVIt was seven in the evening when we decided to go out for a drink. The others were also there drinking. Ms. Caroline didn’t know we were out. She checked on us at the hotel earlier, before seven. Of course, we stayed there until she was assured we were already in our rooms.“What if Ms. Caroline sees us here?” I asked them. I wasn’t drinking. I wasn’t in the mood, to be exact. Besides, if I started drinking, I wouldn’t be able to control myself and would probably get drunk.“She won’t. One of our classmates told me she went back to her room. She’s probably sleeping soundly by now,” Jane replied. She seemed to have forgotten about what happened earlier.“Guys, don’t get drunk. I can’t carry all of you back to our room,” I told them. They nodded at me.“You know what? I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet lately,” Anna said to Windy. We all turned our attention to her. She looked at us awkwardly.“Have I?” she laughed, then took anot
Chapter One Hundred Fifty-One: Tention And ThreatsDiego's POV"Let's make a deal. You'll stop helping Henderson, and I will help you grow your business more than you could imagine." That monotone voice echoed in the four corners of the room.I slowly looked at him, leaning my back on the chair. This was actually my first time meeting him in person—a very clever businessman."How?" I replied shortly. He chuckled, looking at me with authority."That's too easy. Though I still can't believe, even now, that you managed to help their company recover their stocks so easily," he laughed sarcastically, trying to insult me."But yeah, anyway. It's easy. I have more connections than you do. I'll make you the biggest among the rest," he said, trying to sound convincing. It could either be a trap or not. I don't trust someone like him."How would you do that? You lost some of your investors because of what happened," I told him, smirking. He looked at me, directly in my eyes."Young man, I know
Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Two: SuspicionsSamantha’s POV"Tell me, Ms. Tiffany, did you do that to Ms. Jane and Anna?" Ms. Caroline asked her. She found out what happened at the hotel. We are now at school, in the guidance office to be exact."What? No, why would I do that? Why do you always accuse me of something I didn't do!" she retorted, looking at Jane.She's mad. Ms. Caroline’s gaze shifted to Isabel and her friends. "Tell the truth, Isabel. You’re Tiffany’s friend, you're always with her," Ms. Caroline pressed. Fiona and Faith lowered their heads."Ms. Caroline, Tiffany would never do such things like that. Why would she? That’s dangerous, it might hurt them," Isabel said. I rolled my eyes. What a liar. I could see a smirk on Tiffany's face."You liar! I saw you laughing that day before it happened. You were also laughing when I was struggling in the water. How the hell would this bitch not be on your side when that happened?!" Jane’s voice rose in anger."Jane, watch your word
Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Three: A Night Of Love Samantha’s POV“What is it?” I asked him while I was busy putting my light makeup on. I'm wearing a white dress right now.“Nothing, I just can't help but stare at you,” he told me. I looked at his reflection in the mirror and smiled broadly.“Stop it,” I said, feeling a tingle from the way he was looking at me. I bit my bottom lip. He suddenly showed me a small box.He opened it, and I was surprised to see a beautiful necklace. I watched as he carefully placed it around my neck.“Thank you,” I said, hugging him. He hugged me tightly. “It's beautiful,” I added while looking at it in the mirror.“I’m glad you like it. It suits you,” he told me while hugging me from behind. He started kissing my neck.“Let's eat,” he said while holding my hand. I smiled at him and nodded.He opened the door, and I was about to step out when he went behind me and covered my eyes with his hand.“Close your eyes for the meantime,” he uttered.“What is this?
Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Four: Starving Samantha's POV"Sam," someone called my name as we were walking through the cafeteria. It was Andrew. I stopped while Jane, Anna, and Windy continued inside to find a table and order food."What is it?" I asked as I resumed walking."I heard what happened at the hotel. Are you alright?" he asked with concern, and I chuckled."I'm not the one you should be asking that question to. It's Jane and Anna," I told him. He smiled awkwardly."Right. Are you free tonight?" he asked. I glanced at him."Why? We have night class tonight," I reminded him. He was about to answer when he suddenly pulled me closer to him, causing my hand to land on his chest. I was shocked by the sudden movement."Sorry," a student said while holding a tray of food."Thanks," I said, quickly stepping back and putting some distance between us."It's nothing. I forgot we have night class. Maybe some other day?" he said. I wasn't sure what he meant by that."Why? Just tell me wha
Epilogue Diego's POV I smiled while staring at my wife. She's really gorgeous. It's funny how I ended up with her—this silly girl who brought color to my life. The girl who is always irritating me, messing with me. I love her so much. I love her more than myself. I'm willing to give everything for her. I knew from the very beginning that she was just playing, the way she teased me, stared at me, and forced me to do things. How she tried to seduce me was just part of the contract. I remember how she forced me to marry her at the park. I thought she was just having fun that day, but I was wrong. She's the only woman who has ever done all those things to me. As the days passed, I started to fall for her silliness. I acted like I didn’t care, but the truth was, I was slowly falling for her. That day when we went abroad for our honeymoon, I enjoyed her company. She was so sweet and cheerful, full of energy in a way not many people are. I couldn't help but smile as she forced m
Finale Samantha's POV The sound of gunfire echoed through the old buildings. Everyone became alert. I started to feel nervous. "Get all the guns that we have!" Mr. Wedge shouted to his allies. Leo began distributing the guns to the others. "Watch her," Mr. Wedge said, glancing at me. Tiffany grabbed the gun that Mr. Wedge handed to her. She pointed it at me while the war outside the building raged on. "Please, just let me go," I pleaded with Tiffany, but she didn’t listen. "Shut up! This is all because of you!" she snapped, pointing the gun directly at me. I shook my head in denial. "Remove the leash from her hands and feet, Windy," Tiffany ordered. Windy immediately did as she was told. "Get that knife and point it at her neck!" she added, and Windy obeyed. I looked at Windy, and I could see she was just being forced to do it. "No, please, Windy. I'm begging you," I said, crying. "You want to beg? Then kneel!" Tiffany screamed at me. "Get the guns! The police are here!" I h
Chapter Two Hundred Four: Kidnapped Samantha's POV I breathe heavily, panic tightening around me. Something covers my head, making it hard to see or breathe. Fear grips me as I realize my hands and feet are tied to a chair. "Help!" I scream, struggling to move. A voice, familiar but chilling, responds. "She's awake." It's Leo. I know it's him. "Where am I? Let me go, Leo!" I shout, my voice cracking from fear. "Remove her blindfold," a monotone voice commands. My heart skips a beat. It’s Mr. Wedge. They pull off whatever was covering my head, and though my vision is blurry, I see Leo holding a gun, talking to Tiffany. I blink, trying to make sense of the situation. “The princess is awake,” Tiffany says as she walks toward me, gripping my chin. I glare at her, trying to mask my terror. I’m not just scared for myself but for the baby growing inside me. "Why am I here?" I ask, trying to stay calm. She laughs coldly, mocking me, and my gaze shifts to Mr. Wedge, who’s watc
Chapter Two Hundred Three: Stay Alert Samantha's POV We’re at Diego’s office, and I’m surprised to see my brother, Louis, here, along with his wife, Leilani, and their daughter, Anya. Mrs. Bianca is also here, and everyone is drinking and eating. Diego is sitting beside me, holding my hand. We’re celebrating my pregnancy, and I have no idea what made Diego invite everyone over so suddenly. “Congratulations to both of you,” Mrs. Bianca says, raising her glass. Ray and Elisha are also here, joining in the celebration. “Thank you,” I smile, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Anya is happily playing with the new toy Diego bought her. “Congratulations, sis, and to you too, Diego,” Louis says, giving me a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you,” Leilani adds, embracing me warmly, and then congratulates Diego as well. “Congrats, Sam,” Elisha says, hugging me before giggling. “Congratulations, Sam,” Ray joins in, and as he hugs me, I can’t help but sniff him, then glare at him playfully.
Chapter Two Hundred Two: Happiness Samantha's POV We were busy with our work at the library. Anna and Jane sat with me, but all I could focus on was eating. It seemed like that’s all my body wanted these days. "Sam, no offense, but you've been eating the same thing every day. We’ve noticed," Anna commented, making me pause mid-bite and glance at the food in my hand. She was right, but I couldn’t help it. "And you're not even gaining weight. That's the strange part," Jane added. "Do you think it's a problem? I just can’t stop," I said, leaning back in my chair. Technically, eating wasn’t allowed in the library, but I couldn’t resist. "I thought you hated those foods? Remember when we tried to get you to eat strawberries? You wouldn’t even touch them," Anna said. I remembered that. But people change. "Girl, stand up for a second," Jane said suddenly. I stood, confused. "Face the wall." I bit my bottom lip, feeling their eyes on me. "Damn," Jane muttered. I sat back
Chapter Two Hundred One: Pregnant Diego's POV Damn it! That old man is really pushing my buttons. Luckily, I got there on time, or else he would have hurt Samantha. I know he already has an idea of what we are up to. Even though he tried to hide it, I could see how furious he was. Samantha still hasn’t spoken to me since then. I regret shouting at her. I got carried away by my emotions. I hated the way Mr. Wedge looked at her, especially when his gaze shifted down to her belly. He seems to know something. Yes, Samantha is pregnant. That's why I don’t want to stress her out. I’ve been planning to tell her about what’s going on, but I hesitate when I see her acting differently. I know she’s pregnant, and I know she’s confused too. "But Mom and Dad never mentioned that to me! Damn that Wedge," Louis said. We’re in my office right now. He flew in as soon as he found out what was happening. He and his family are staying at Mr. and Mrs. Henderson’s house for the time being. H
Chapter Two Hundred: Won't Let Anyone Hurt You Samatha's POV He was about to slap him when I shouted. It made them both look at me. Jane tried to hold my hand, but I continued walking towards them. "And who do you think you are to shout at me like that?" he yelled at me. I glared at him. He was wearing a decent suit, but he couldn't even act in a decent way. "Sam," Anna said as she held my hand. But my gaze was fixed on Windy. She had bruises on her hand. "I don't care who you are!" I snapped at him. He let go of Windy, who shook her head at me. He chuckled sarcastically while looking at me. "I think I already know you," he said, walking closer. I took a step back. "Call him," I heard Jane tell Anna. She was now frantically searching for her phone in her bag. "How could you hurt someone like her?" I asked him. He stopped in his tracks and looked at Windy, who immediately lowered her head. "That's none of your business, Mrs. Presley," he said, which shocked me. "How
Chapter One Hundred Ninety-Nine: Stop Samantha's POV I looked at the calendar, my forehead knotted, while Diego was busy on his laptop. We were actually in his office right now with Elisha, Ray, Harold, and Jana. “That’s not what actually happened,” Jana said, glaring at Harold. They had been arguing for a while. “Then tell me,” Harold said. I held my head as I started to feel a bit dizzy. “Are you alright?” Diego asked, standing up and carefully guiding me to sit on the couch. “I'm just dizzy, but I’m fine,” I smiled at him, noticing the others looking at me. “What’s the matter?” I asked them. They quickly returned to what they were doing. “Just sit there,” Diego said as he went to the table to get me a glass of water. He handed it to me, and I drank it. “Feeling better now?” he asked. I nodded my head. They went back to their discussion. I still didn’t know why he asked me to be here. I had t
Chapter One Hundred Ninety-Eight: Sad Thoughts Samantha's POV Windy is definitely being duped by Tiffany. I can't believe it. “We have to talk,” I said, holding her hand and making her look at me. She stopped walking. “What's the matter?” I asked her. She suddenly removed my hand and looked at me. “There's nothing to talk about,” she said with expressionless eyes. I sighed and furrowed my brow. “No, we have to talk, Windy. What happened to you? You weren't like this before. Is it because Tiffany is the one paying for your tuition? Is that why you are avoiding us? Did she threaten you?” I asked. She just looked at me. “I don't have to explain myself to you, Samantha. We're over,” she uttered. I shook my head, biting my lower lip to stop myself from crying. She’s my friend; we have so many memories together. “No, we're not. We promised to stay with each other. We promised that, Windy. How could you say such thing