We finally stepped off the private jet, greeted by a warm breeze that gently brushed against my skin. Inhaling deeply, I filled my lungs with the scent of the ocean mingled with the fragrance of exotic flowers. I closed my eyes, admiring the surroundings. Carlton gently put his arm on my waist as we approached a procession of twelve attendants, clad in crisp white linen shirts and tailored pants, with the sun gleaming off their straw hats and leather boat shoes. The men formed a welcoming line, smiles gracing their faces. Glancing at Carlton, I couldn't help but notice his stoic expression. He stood beside me, a silent presence amidst the flurry of activity as attendants bustled around us. Despite being so close, there was an unspoken distance between us, a reminder of the contract that bound us together. Kill the sexual fantasies, Samantha. As we approached, one of the attendants stepped forward, offering a polite greeting. "Welcome, Mr. and Ms. Williams. The yacht is ready," he ann
CARLTONI hurried into my father's hospital room, my heart racing with apprehension. Seeing him lying there, unconscious, Laura and Alex by his side, sent a chill down my spine."What happened?" I asked, my voice strained with worry."He collapsed this morning," Laura explained, her tone matter-of-fact, while Alex sat silently beside Father.My frustration grew. "What did Adam say?" I inquired, referring to our family doctor."I haven't seen him yet," Laura replied.Before I could respond, Alex stood up, facing Laura. "I will see the doctor. You should wait here," he said. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," I instructed Samantha, gently holding her shoulders as she nodded in understanding.We had to leave Crystal Cove abruptly upon receiving the distressing news of Father's hospitalization."Good morning," Adam greeted us, rising from his seat to offer us the file. "From what we've found in our testing, it seems that the symptoms are due to stress. I suggest he take some time of
WEEKS LATERI'm chilling in bed, reading one of Sarah's stories she sent me. Suddenly, I hear noises downstairs. As I dashed downstairs, the sound of Layla's voice arguing with the guard echoed through the house."I know her, Let her go!" I stepped forward, facing the guard. He remained unmoved."Mr. Williams instructed that outsiders should not be allowed in," he explained."I told you I know her! Take your fucking hands off her now, or I'll get you fired!" My frustration boiled over, punctuating my words with force.Reluctantly, he complied, and Layla and I embraced tightly. "Let's go upstairs to my room," I suggested.Once we settled in, Layla got straight to the point. "Why couldn't I reach you? You left without a word, and I had to find out from the internet."She perched on my bed, while I took a seat opposite her. "I'm sorry, Layla. It all happened so suddenly," I explained, feeling guilty."There is something used for communication, a fucking phone! Sam," she retorted, folding
I stepped into the house and found Anne waiting at the door, her eerie presence sending shivers down my spine. "Creepy," I muttered under my breath. "Mr. Williams wants to see you in the basement," she announced, her voice devoid of emotion. "Oh, he's home," I remarked, bracing myself for what was to come. "Let me freshen up, I'll be there in a minute," I requested, hoping for a brief reprieve. "He wants to see you immediately," she insisted, her demeanor unyielding. With a resigned sigh, I said. "Lead the way. I don't know where the basement is." Anne turned and led me down to the basement, the descent feeling ominous and foreboding. As we reached the dimly lit room below ground, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Why would Carlton want to meet in such a place? I glanced at Anne, half-expecting her to spring some sort of trap. With a gesture, she indicated for me to enter. Bracing myself, I stepped into the semi-darkness, only to be met with a shocking sight. Carlton sto
We went to George's house because he wanted to talk to Alex and Carlton and he wanted us to have a family dinner. After dinner, I took a stroll, waiting for Carlton when Laura showed up next to me, walking with me. What does she want now? I ignored her presence. "How is your new life?" she asked casually. "You know best," I replied, still ignoring her. I heard her laugh, but I couldn't figure out what was funny. "I don't know if you know, but the Williams organize a charity gala every year. I suppose you know what that means," she continued, undeterred by my silence. Still ignoring her, I listened as she explained, "Well, it's been a hassle since I became in charge. George brought up the idea of you assisting me, and I think it's a good idea." Assisting her? I guess it's better than being caged at home all day. I nodded but still didn't look at her. "Great! I will let you know what you need to do later. Since you agreed, I have a surprise for you. You will love it," she announced
"Ah, Mr. Williams, I thought you were out of town," Michael said, as Carlton approached with an eerie stillness, his hands tucked casually in his pockets. "I won't see you out; you may leave," Carlton said, his gaze piercing through me, making my throat dry with apprehension."Right, Ms. Williams. I'll see you next time," Michael hastily replied, sensing the tension in the air. I nodded at him, silently urging him to leave before he ended up like the bodyguard. As he departed, Carlton's eyes shot daggers after him.With Michael gone, Carlton closed the distance between us. I met his gaze head-on, folding my arms defiantly, bracing myself for whatever accusations he had in store for me about being with Michael. I had plenty to say myself.I maintained my composure, refusing to flinch under his scrutiny. After a tense silence, he finally spoke, "Go to your room." his voice eerily calm. Was he going to lock me up again? Or worse?"No, if you have anything to say, say it here," I challen
CARLTON"Where the heck is she?" I growled, my frustration boiling over as I grabbed Laura's arm and dragged her to a secluded corner."Oh, you mean that stripper? She left. I don't know where she is," Laura shrugged nonchalantly, but her indifference only fueled my anger.I released her arm and tightened my grip around her throat, my fury bubbling to the surface. "If anything happens to her, I'm going to rip your face apart," I spat, my voice dripping with menace."You wouldn't hurt a woman," she laughed mockingly, but her laughter only fueled the fire burning within me."Wait and see," I hissed, releasing her with a shove before storming out of the penthouse in search of her.Where is she? I raced to Sultry Siren, but she wasn't there. I checked her old apartment, but she wasn't there either. Her phone was dead, and despite calling the security company, there was still no sign of her."Is she home?" I demanded when I called Anne, my frustration mounting with each passing second."No,
SAMANTHAMy palms grew sweaty 'cause it was my first time on a live interview. Carlton was engrossed in conversation with a woman, and I scanned the room, observing the bustling activity of people focused on cameras, lights, and sound equipment. Suddenly, Carlton ceased his discussion and approached me."Are you still nervous?" he inquired, his tone surprisingly gentle."No," I replied unconvincingly, the nerves evident in my voice."Let me know if you are uncomfortable."Just then, a young black woman with a sleek black bob approached us."Carlton! How have you been?" she exclaimed, moving in for a hug, but Carlton halted her before she could complete the gesture. Judging by her use of his first name, she seemed quite close to him."It would be disrespectful to hug me like that in front of my wife," he informed her, causing my cheeks to heat. "Oh, I apologize for that," the woman responded."Samantha, meet Stella Stone. She will be interviewing us today," Carlton introduced."Hi," I