I blinked my eyes open slowly, groaning as the bright hospital lights pierced through my haze. My surroundings were blurry, but I saw a figure nearby. I blinked again, and Jace's face came into focus."Hey," he said softly, moving closer to me. "How are you feeling?"I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the lingering fogginess. "I had a terrible dream." A dream that Carlton was dead. How ridiculous is that? The last thing I remember was falling asleep in front of the operating room; I must have fainted from fatigue.I removed the IV from my hand, wincing at the sharp pinch. Standing up, a wave of dizziness washed over me."Let's go back to the operating room." I said, trying to shake off the fog.Jace blocked my path, his expression somber. "Don't you remember?" he asked.I raised an eyebrow. "Remember what?"Jace's eyes locked onto mine, his voice firm but gentle. "It wasn't a dream, Samantha. Carlton is dead."My breath caught, and cold sweat drenched my skin. I turned away, con
"Why are you here?" I didn't let her speak. "After nine years." I choked back a sob.What would be her excuse? That she felt guilty for abandoning us for nine years and that she did it for our sake?I scoffed and released myself from Layla's grip. "I know you hate me, and there's no excuse that can make you change your mind about me."She moved closer, tears about to fall from her eyes.I stepped back as she continued to move forward."Stop! Go back to the hole you came from. Sarah and I don't want you, so just fucking leave and don't come back! And I hope you die a terrible death!"Tears fell from her eyes, her hands shaking as she tried to take my hand into hers, but I didn't give her the chance to.She was in tears, sobbing quietly."I was a coward, I'm aware of that. I also never wanted to show my face, but I have to, for you to know the real truth." She raised her head as if trying to suck back tears. "The real truth behind everything that happened." She continued. She looked al
"I'm so, so sorry," I stuttered, feeling my face flush with embarrassment. "I thought you were... Carlton. I know that sounds stupid, but I was hoping—"Mr. Larsen's expression softened, and he placed a gentle hand on my arm. "It's okay. I get it.""I'm really sorry." I repeated.Mr. Larsen smiled kindly. "No need to apologize. Are you ready to leave?"I glanced back at Carlton's headstone, my eyes welling up again. I had said my goodbyes, and it was time to move on."Yeah, I've said my goodbyes. I'm ready to leave, but thanks for offering - my driver's waiting." I forced a smile."You must be here for something else, right?" I added."Actually, I'm done here too. Let me drive you home instead. Please, don't say no."What a nice guy. I'd just kissed him and apologized - he hadn't pushed me away or asked what I was thinking."Okay." I agreed.Mr. Larsen nodded and offered his arm. I took it, and he guided me away from the gravesite.As we walked, the silence felt comfortable, not awkwa
" Won't you invite your brother-in-law in—or should I say, ex-brother-in-law?" Alexander smiled, but it wasn't the usual warm smile. Instead, it had a creepy undertone that made me feel uneasy."Hi, how can I help you?" I said, standing firmly in the doorway, unsure of what to make of his sudden visit. This would be our first one-on-one conversation; it was always with Carlton or at family dinners."Oh, sweetheart, at least let me come in." He said, his smile still plastered on his face.He pushed the door open, his hand forcing me to step back. I let out a frustrated sigh and closed the door behind me, turning to face our unexpected guest."Oh, hi." He said, waving at Sarah, who stood up from the couch, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion."Anyway," he turned to me, "we need to talk in private.""Why's that?" I replied. "Say what you need to say here; they're not going anywhere."He chuckled. "Okay, okay. I promised I wouldn't waste time. I have a lot on my plate. So..." He sucked h
I was just a few steps away from facing a room full of reporters, and my nerves were starting to get the better of me. Layla was by my side, but Sarah had stayed behind; she'd been feeling awful with a headache, and I'd insisted she rest instead of coming with us. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. As soon as I'd informed Alexander about my decision to forfeit Carlton's company shares, he'd wasted no time in putting this press conference together."Ready?" Layla asked, glancing at me with concern."I guess," I replied, smoothing out my dress.Layla gave me a reassuring smile. "It'll be over soon."I nodded."I need to leave right now, but I'll be back before you're done with the conference." Layla said."Is it that job?" I asked, more concerned. "Yes, I promise I'll be back before you know it."We reached the door, and Layla hugged me. "Go, I'll be back."I nodded and stepped into the room, where a flurry of camera clicks and flashing lights immediately assaulted me. Squ
"Take care of yourself." Sarah said."I will, take care of yourself and your friend too." I adjusted her hair and gave her a kiss on her forehead.Getting back home, I met Sarah sad. She heard the news of her close friend losing her parents in a plane crash on their way to New York. Sarah mentioned that she was like family to her, and hearing the sad news, her friend must be devastated. I told her she should head back to New York to be with her, but Sarah didn't want to go because she thought I still wasn't okay, despite Carlton being back. She was right, but I'll be fine.After minutes of trying to convince her that I was okay, she finally agreed to go back to New York, and here we are, at the airport, saying our goodbyes."Remember, call me if anything happens, okay?""Okay, okay," I said with a smile. She always acted like the big sister, and I loved her for that."If you don't pick my calls, I'll assume something's wrong and I'll be on my way immediately."I pulled her in for a h
CARLTON"What the fuck was that about, Carlton?" I heard Jace's footsteps move closer to me."I should be asking you that. How did she know I was here?" I put aside the papers in my hand and faced Jace, who had his brows furrowed in anger.He scoffed. "I sent it to her. That's not the issue here. Why are you treating her that way? Do you know what she went through when you weren't around? I don't think you do, because if you saw her, you wouldn't treat her like that."I saw everything while trying to keep an eye out for whoever sent the hitman, hoping they'd slip up. Of course, I knew who it was – I knew it was Alexander – but I didn't want to believe he could go to such extremes, so I needed proof, hence why I faked my death. Aunt Claire and Jace also knew I was alive, making it easier to stay hidden."Mind your business, Jace. Your job is to help me take down Alexander, not meddle in my personal life. You're in no position to lecture me. Now, sit and let's finalize the plan and stop
I slowly opened my eyes, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my body. I tried to stand, but it was like a weight was holding me down. I groaned, scanning the unfamiliar room. I glanced down at myself, realizing I was shirtless, with a clean towel covering my wound. How did I get here? Memories of collapsing onto Samantha's shoulders flooded back. Where was she?I pushed through the pain, hastily searching the room, clutching the towel to my wound. "Samantha?" I called out.Just as I reached for the door to search for her, she appeared, holding a glass of water. I pulled her into a tight hug, spilling some of the water. But instead of reciprocating, she quickly pulled away, avoiding eye contact."Here's a glass of water," she said, her voice detached, holding out the half-full glass. "They don't have a first aid kit here, so you'll need to go to the hospital or get it dressed at home."Her gaze still avoided mine."Look at me." I growled. She sighed. "I don't want to."I gently
EPILOGUE(One year later)CARLTON"We sold out once more." Samantha yelped."No, you sold out." I said, pulling her into a hug. "I'm proud of you as your husband, manager, and father of two little angels growing up too quickly."I heard sniffs. "Hey, there will be no tears. The only ones allowed are when I make an orgasm rip out of you."She pushed me away and punched my chest lightly. "What did I say about dirty talk?""My voice wasn't loud, Samantha.""But still!" She wanted me to stop because she was afraid our little angels might hear and be influenced. I was being careful, but if she wanted me to stop, of course, I would – at least when the kids were around."Daddy!" Violet's voice came from the room."We'll celebrate later, let's put the girls to bed." Samantha said.I nodded and followed her to our little angels' room.Samantha tucked in Poppy, and I tucked in Violet. Poppy and Violet couldn't sleep without listening to bedtime stories, especially Poppy. I brought out the story
One month laterI walked down the aisle, clutching my flowers and smiling as everyone watched me. Tears fell from Carlton's eyes at the altar, and for the first time ever, Carlton was crying. I reached for his hand as I got to the altar and stood in front of him. "Why are you crying?" I whispered, wiping his tears with my fingers. He didn't reply. Instead, he took my hands in his. We gazed at each other as the priest continued the ceremony. The world went silent as we entered our own world.It was time to take our vows. I started and repeated what the priest said from my heart. It was Carlton's turn, but he didn't repeat what the priest said. I got scared for a moment; the crowd was silent, and my smile disappeared. "Carlton," I called, but he just stood, expressionless. I looked around, confused about why he seemed to be changing his mind now. I was panicking inside.He cleared his throat. "Samantha, as we build our life together, I promise to be there for you, always. I'll listen wh
NEXT DAY"Wake up, wake up." I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes a bit and saw Sarah. How was she here? Right, she had a spare key for in-case situations. "Happy birthday!" Sarah screamed. I lazily opened my eyes again to see Poppy, Violet and Sarah standing next to me, a huge smile plastered on their faces. Right, it's my birthday. My eyes went to the alarm; 7:30 a.m. "Thank you so much, but aren't you up too early?" I sat straight, wiping my eyes to see clearly. "No, now get up." Sarah dragged me out of bed by pulling my hand. "We have a surprise for you, so go take a shower now and dress in something nice, okay?" Sarah said. My eyes went to Poppy and Violet; they were already dressed. What time did Sarah arrive exactly?"Why do I need to leave right now? Can't I see it later? It's early." I said, yawning. "No, it can't wait." Sarah said, pushing me to the bathroom. I decided to get it over with. Showered and wore the first dress my hand landed on, a sundress, isn't it too e
EIGHT MONTHS LATERSAMANTHAViolet's screams came from the living room. I rushed out of the bedroom to see what was wrong. The living room was a mess, Carlton was seated quietly on the floor, Poppy was painting his face, and Violet was playing with his hair with her hair ties and my hair clips. Then I realized Violet's earlier screams were happy screams. I was too busy to know the girls were giving their father a makeover. What a beautiful sight."Am I pretty now?" Carlton asked the girls, unaware I was in the room. Pretty? More like a makeover truck ran over him."Yes, you look very pretty." I said and walked over to them. "Hey, are you done?" Carlton asked.The girls continued what they were doing like they didn't know I was in the room. "Almost. It's past their bedtime." "Yeah, right. Girls, it's time to go to bed."The girls didn't listen and continued. I grabbed Violet and removed her hands from his hair, she started crying. "Leave her, I'll put them to bed." Carlton said.I rel
CARLTONDAY 25. Day 25 of winning Samantha back. I had the daily letter prepared with an eternal rose tapped to it. ♡♡ Day 25♡♡Sweetheart,I often find myself reminiscing about the night I first fell in love with you. It wasn't after we got married, it was the moment you took the stage. I was captivated by your every step, afraid to blink for fear of missing a moment. I knew you were the one but I was denying it because I didn't want to be vulnerable again. Coward? I know.If only I could turn back time, I'd erase the heartache and the pain, and we'd start again, with a stronger love. What remains constant, however, is my love for you. I've always loved you, and I will continue to, until my dying breath. Your day surely is going to be as beautiful as you are. I miss you, and my dick does too. I love you, Samantha. Carlton.Every letter was a confession, and today's letter was about the first time I fell for h
SAMANTHAI heard the doorbell ring, perfect timing. Sounds of tiny feet running from the room followed the sound of the second doorbell ring. I headed for the door, and Violet appeared, jumping with a huge smile on her face. It was beautiful to see Violet bonding with her father so well.As soon as the door opened, Violet peered past me to hug Carlton by the leg. Happy Carlton lifted her onto his arm and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Oh, look who it is." Carlton said to Violet, gazing into her eyes. Violet giggled, kicking her feet while still in his arms. I couldn't help but feel a bit sad, I didn't think she had ever been that happy b eing with me. But I was glad to see her bonding with her father.I grabbed the kids' bag and Poppy from inside and handed them over to Carlton. "Are you going somewhere? Why are you all dolled up?" Carlton asked, dropping Violet to examine the bags. "Yeah—" I started to say, but Liam's voice interrupted me from inside."We are going on a date." Liam sai
CARLTONLike I promised, I gave up everything that made me a Williams. I put my aunt Claire in charge of the company, and now I was fucking broke. I understand why Samantha wanted me to give up everything, but how was I supposed to buy the kids something with no money? A nine-to-five job? I guess I'll have to start searching. I had Aunt Claire take care of Canyon and his family. For now, I had to swallow my pride and borrow some money from Jace. "Just until I get back on my feet," I told him. He agreed but made fun of me first, I didn't blame the asshole. I had a mission now: win over the kids, then gradually get Samantha back, and that future will exist with all of us together.Samantha created a timetable with the kids; she'll be with them on weekdays, and I'll pick them up on weekends. It's a start, and I'll take it. I'll do whatever it takes to be a part of their lives. Today was the father and child activity at my little angels' school, I was to take them to school, and after w
SAMANTHA"We will sell this out too soon." Ethan, the production manager, gave my forearm a gentle squeeze. After what happened days ago, there were a lot of complaints saying they were expecting it and now they couldn't even get one, I decided to launch them again, so I passed by the production house to say hi and see how the production was going. Jerk.W? Why was he back? Why did he have to show up? What did he even do with the products? "I hope so." I said to Ethan. My phone vibrated in my chest pocket. "Sorry, I have to take this." I said. "No problem." He said.I answered the call from Poppy and Violet's preschool teacher. "Hi." I said. "Ms. Jones, we need your presence right now, Violet fought with a kid." "What?" It was always Violet, always the one that'd make their teacher give me a call, and she's only two. I groaned. "I'll be right there." I hung up and got in my car to leave.I rushed into Rachel's office to see Violet obediently seated. "Mama." She slowly climbed down from
CARLTONI watched from afar as she dropped the kids in preschool. So beautiful, the little angels indeed had their mother's eyes and smile. A ten-second smile played on my lips. It had been two days, and I hadn't been able to meet Samantha, or maybe I hadn't summoned the courage to face her, but I'd been trying to make my presence known. I know ordering 200 anti-wrinkle creams was a bit too much, but I had to meet her somehow. It worked, by the way; she sent a text to the number I left in the information, asking to meet up today and about two hours from now.I started the car to leave for where we agreed to meet, to wait for her.I sat, tapping my fingers impatiently on the small café table. My eyes were fixed on the door, willing her to walk in. Two hours and seventeen minutes had passed, but she hadn't shown up. I anxiously sipped my coffee, the bitter taste doing little to calm my nerves. I drummed a restless beat on the tabletop, my gaze darting back to the door. Why the fuck am I