For a moment Samara just stood by the car contemplating what Damien had asked. Her driver, Sylvester who had stepped out of the car immediately he sighted her come out of the mall, stood too, looking at her quizzically, wondering what was wrong with her.Finally, she made it to the door, and Sylvester stepped up to it as he grasped the door handle and pulled it open for her."Is everything ok Ma'am?" He asked concerned."Take me home". Samara said dryly, and he quickly closed the door of the passenger seat before turning back around to his driver's seat. As he started the engine, Samara shook her head slowly. She didn’t know if seeing Damien again was such a good idea. All of a sudden the thought made her apprehensive. She knew deep down she wanted to see him again. In fact she was looking forward to it just a little bit too much…and that was really scary.The journey home would take about twenty minutes, but the silence in the car was deafening, and she needed some sort of noise to d
The city always takes her breath away, Samara thought, as it stretches beyond the taxi windows, rolling past like giant scenery being unfurled by an invisible stagehand. The sight always marvelled her. But today, she wasn't taking too deep the beauty of the city, her thoughts were all over the place. Inside the cab, Samara was quiet and anxious. She had finally decided to meet with Damien. Just this once, she told herself. Her servants were surprised when she had told them she was going out all by herself. She knew what she was doing was risky, she could see a hint of suspicion in their eyes when she left the house and boarded a cab. Traffic surged along the lanes and people throng the streets, most of them crossing roads whenever the traffic lights change. It was past six in the evening, and everyone seemed to be heading home, except her. She was going to meet a total stranger who had asked her to come, in a city she was new in.What am I doing? She thought quietly, the thought mak
Samara's demeanor was refreshing, especially since she had seemed so apprehensive at the mall. Maybe it was the wine. Whatever it was, he loved it. Damien thought as he refilled her cup with wine. He had taken her to a nice restaurant and he was happy to see she felt more relaxed in his presence.His finger brushed hers as he passed her the refilled wine glass. That’s all it took to ignite him. His hand trembled, as he took a sip of his own wine. He watched her the whole time. Her eyes were so big, her lashes so dark and heavy—everything seemed to slow down when she blinked. His insides smoldered and he gulped his wine hard.He looked around. He had to. If he stared at her any longer he was afraid he’d freak her out."So when did you move to the city?" He asked her, interested in learning more about her. Their conversation on their way to the restaurant has been about every other thing other than themselves."Almost a month ago" She answered simply."To think that I was planning to go
Samara was not particularly proud of what she did last night. It was out of character, irresponsible, and unscrupulous. Last night has left a mark on her soul that she feared the stain would never wash away. But it also left her wanting more, that she thought of nothing else but meeting Damien again. The way he had touched her and made her feel last night has ignited a fire in her and left a burning need for his touch.Her eyes suddenly fell on the envelope on her breakfast tray that Madeleine had brought in for her this morning. She knew what it meant, that plain envelope was addressed to her. Her husband, Frederick Smyth, had written to her. But she wasn't curious to read it, she wasn't bothered to know what it said. She considered ignoring it, pretending the post had gone astray and she had never received it. She explored this idea while she took her breakfast, letting the envelope lie where the maid had left it on the tray.Samara pursed her lips and let her eyes wander about her
Samara knew she shouldn't have worn that green dress. Or put so much effort into looking good. She had come to meet Damien with plans of ending things between them. But within a few minutes of them meeting, he had made her feel like the most beautiful woman on earth and found a way to convince her to follow him home. And she had stupidly agreed. What does this guy have over her, that she finds it hard to say no. “This is wrong, I shouldn't be here". She says immediately they got to Damien's apartment.“Do you trust me Samara?" She looks at him dumbfounded. Trust him? She didn't even trust herself at the moment.“Why are we here Damien?" She probes.“I just wanted you to see where I live". He says, gesturing her to sit on a sofa in the living room. “I feel we'll be more comfortable to talk here". He added as they both lowered themselves on the sofa.“I can't stay long". She quickly says, and he nods in agreement.“What can I get you?" He quickly asks Samara shakes her head. She didn
Samara slams the door of her bedroom so hard the walls tremble , but still not as bad as her whole body was trembling. What in the world was she doing? She thought sadly within herself. Immediately her eyes caught the letter her husband had sent her, she sighs and plops heavily on the bed, as tears began raining down her face. What kind of woman was she becoming? An adulterous one? Frederick didn't deserve this at all. No matter how their marriage happened, he didn't deserve this at all. She kept crying uncontrollably until a knock on her door makes her stop abruptly. “Who's there?"“It's me ma'am". Madeleine replies quickly.“What do you want? I didn't send for you". Samara says trying so hard to shroud her voice which was croaked from crying.“Just checking up on you ma'am". She answers.“I'm fine Madeleine, you can go to bed".There's a brief silence, as Madeleine hesitates to respond.“Okay. Good night ma'am". Madeleine finally says, reluctantly.The next morning, Samara wakes
Samara stared in awe as she and her husband walked into a fancy restaurant. They had booked a dinner date to celebrate his return. “This place is exquisite". She remarks.“Yes I know. That's why I brought you here". He says smiling at her, “You deserve only the best Samara".She looks at him and smiles. “Is there any dress that doesn't look good on you?" He continues as they are ushered to their table by a waiter.“You love my dress?" She says, twirling a bit for him to see the yellow shimmering dress she had changed to for their dinner date. As usual Madeleine had picked it out for her. She has good eyes for nice dresses.“It's beautiful on you". He tells her, as they take their seats.“Thanks my husband". She says teasingly.He smiles at her. “It's so good to see you happy".“You make it impossible for me to be anything but happy". “That's all you'll ever be as long as I am alive". He promises.She smiles at him.“I love you so much Samara, and I will do anything to make you happy
After Frederick left the room, Samara was left alone with her thoughts. She stood there for a moment with her heart racing and her mind in turmoil. She couldn't deny the intense attraction she felt for him, but the memory of her time with Damien still haunted her. She realized that she needed to come to a decision soon, for both her sake and Frederick's.She had met Damien during a difficult period in her life, when she lacked the kind of love she had always wished for, and their connection had been passionate and intense. But she was married to Frederick and that was a huge obstacle between her and Damien. Now, with Frederick back home, she was torn between her loyalty to him and her memories of Damien.Samara took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. She knew she needed to make a decision. She couldn't deny the feelings she was beginning to develop towards Frederick. He was definitely not the type of man she wanted to end up with, but he had been patient and understanding, as
Samara shook her head, trying to dispel the lingering “what ifs.” Dwelling on the past wouldn’t change the reality she now faced. Ethan deserved her full focus, and she couldn’t afford to let her unresolved feelings for Frederick—or the growing cracks in her relationship with Damien—cloud her judgment.Her phone buzzed again. This time, it wasn’t Damien.Debrah: How’s it going? Thought I’d check in after our chat last night. You okay?Samara let out a bitter laugh. Debrah always had a knack for reaching out at just the right—or wrong—moment.Samara: I’ve had better mornings. Frederick just left. Things are… complicated.The reply came almost instantly.Debrah: Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe your life right now. Call me when you’re ready to vent. I’m here.Samara smiled faintly, grateful for her sister’s unwavering support, even when she felt entirely untethered.Her gaze drifted to the table, where her phone displayed Damien’s unanswered text. She hesitated, torn between c
Samara’s resolve felt a little stronger as she finally allowed herself to close her eyes. The weight of the day hadn’t entirely lifted, but Debrah’s words provided a flicker of clarity in the chaos. She needed to stop letting others’ expectations and manipulations shape her decisions.Ethan’s face, etched with innocence and joy, floated into her mind. He was her anchor, her purpose, the one pure thing in all of this mess. She would protect him fiercely—even if it meant standing alone against the storm brewing around her.But as much as she wanted peace, sleep eluded her. Thoughts of Damien, Frederick, and Caroline tangled together, forming a knot of unease in her chest. Debrah’s pointed question lingered too: What’s your plan with Damien?Samara had been dodging the answer. Maybe because deep down, she already knew what it was—she just wasn’t ready to face it.Her phone buzzed again, jolting her upright. The screen illuminated with a message from Damien.Damien: I meant what I said ea
At home, Samara sank onto the couch, her head in her hands. Her phone buzzed on the table, and she hesitated before picking it up.Caroline: I hope you took my advice to heart. Frederick and I are stronger than ever, and I’d hate for anything—or anyone—to come between that.Samara stared at the message, her grip tightening around the phone. Caroline’s words echoed in her mind, stirring a mixture of anger, frustration, and something she didn’t want to admit—doubt.Her fingers tightened around the phone, her frustration boiling over. For the first time, she allowed herself to feel the full weight of the tangled mess her life had become.Samara stared at the message, Caroline’s words echoed in her mind, stirring a mixture of anger, frustration, and something she didn’t want to admit—doubt.Her jaw clenched as she dropped the phone onto the couch and stood, pacing the small living room. The audacity of Caroline to send such a message infuriated her. It wasn’t just the words—it was the thi
The next day, sunlight streamed through the hospital window, its warmth doing little to ease the chill in Samara’s chest. She sat by Ethan’s bedside, watching him stir awake with a weak but comforting smile.“Good morning, sweetheart,” she whispered, brushing his hair back.Ethan’s small hand reached out, and she held it gently. “Mama’s here,” she reassured him.A knock at the door broke the moment. Samara turned, expecting Damien or a nurse, but instead, Caroline walked in, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.Samara tensed. “Caroline. I wasn’t expecting you.”Caroline offered a polite smile, but her eyes gleamed with a sharpness that made Samara uneasy. “Good morning, Samara. I hope I’m not intruding.”Samara gestured vaguely. “It’s fine. Is Frederick with you?”“No, he’s at work,” Caroline replied, moving closer. Her gaze flickered briefly to Ethan before settling on Samara. “I thought I’d stop by and see how Ethan is doing.”“He’s stable,” Samara answered cautiously.
The tension in the air lingered long after Damien left the room, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Samara stood frozen, tears blurring her vision as she looked at Ethan, who was now peacefully asleep.Her mind raced, replaying the events of the night. Damien’s words, Frederick’s hurt expression, and Ethan’s fragile smile all swirled together in a maelstrom of emotions. She sank into the chair beside Ethan’s bed, resting her head in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.A soft knock at the door startled her, and she quickly wiped her tears. Frederick stood there, hesitant but resolute.“Can I come in?” he asked softly.She nodded, her voice barely audible. “Of course.”Frederick stepped inside, his gaze immediately drawn to Ethan. His face softened, a blend of awe and heartbreak etched into his features. He pulled up a chair and sat beside her, the silence between them heavy but not unwelcome.“I’m sorry for earlier,” Frederick began, his voice quiet. “I didn’t mean
The hours after Ethan’s transfusion stretched on, filled with tense silences and fleeting moments of fragile hope. Samara sat beside Ethan’s hospital bed, watching him sleep, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest the only reassurance she had. Damien stood by the window, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the cityscape outside, though his mind was elsewhere.Frederick’s words echoed in Samara’s head: He’s my son. The finality of the statement rattled her, each syllable hammering into her heart with unrelenting force. She had spent years building a life with Damien, but this moment had shattered the illusion that their life was complete.Her eyes flit to Frederick, who sat silently across the hallway. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, as his gaze meet hers through the glass.Ethan stir in the bed and soft whimper broke the heavy silence. Samara instantly leaned over him, her voice gentle. “Hey, sweetheart. Mommy’s here.”Ethan blinked up at her, his small hand reaching fo
Samara’s hands trembled as she fumbled for her phone. Damien’s words echoed in her ears, each syllable slicing through her already frazzled mind. Frederick? After all this time? She hadn’t spoken to him in years, not since she had chosen to move forward with Damien.“Samara, we don’t have time,” Damien urged, his voice strained. His usual calm demeanor had been replaced with sheer desperation.She nodded, her fingers unsteady as she dialed the number she had sworn never to call again. The ringing felt endless, each tone heightening her anxiety.Finally, a familiar voice answered. “Samara?”Her breath caught. Hearing Frederick’s voice after so long sent an unwelcome pang through her chest. “Frederick,” she managed, her voice breaking. “I… I need your help. It’s my son, Ethan. He’s in the hospital. They say neither Damien nor I are a match for a blood transfusion. You… you might be.”There was silence on the other end of the line, and for a moment, she thought he might hang up. Then his
Two Years LaterThe morning sun filtered through the drapes of the room, casting a golden glow on Samara as she stood before the mirror in her bridal gown. She turned slightly, smoothing the lace sleeves and adjusting the delicate veil cascading down her back. Her heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nerves—today was the day she’d officially start a new chapter with Damien, the man who had been her rock for the past two years.In the adjoining room, Damien fussed with his tie, a rare grin lighting up his face. He glanced at the reflection in the mirror and chuckled softly to himself. The past two years had been a whirlwind—but today he finally gets what he wanted, everything felt perfect."Samara," he called out, stepping into the room where she stood. "You look breathtaking. Are you ready to finally make this official?"She turned, her smile radiant. “I’ve been ready, Damien. Let’s do this.”Their moment was interrupted by the patter of small feet. Their two-year-old son, Ethan,
Damien nodded, pulling her into his arms, offering her a safe space to release the emotions that had been building up inside her. She allowed herself to cry, feeling the catharsis of finally letting go of the past and the heartbreak that had accompanied it. Damien held her, his presence steady and reassuring.After a while, they moved inside, and he guided her to sit down with him on the couch. “You’ve been through so much, Samara. And now that it’s all out in the open, maybe… maybe it’s time to focus on building something new. For you, for the baby.”She looked at him, wiping her tears. “It feels surreal, letting go of something I held onto so tightly. I thought Frederick would be the one by my side through all of this, but… I guess life has its own plans.”Damien brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “Sometimes, what we need isn’t what we think it is. I’ll be here for you, however you need me. I know we’ve both made mistakes, but I’m ready to be there for you and our baby if y