I woke up to an unusual noise, like things colliding. I opened my eyes to find the mattress empty. I had given her space last night, sitting in the corner to let her sleep. Now, she was gone. I rushed outside.As I stepped out, I saw Samantha amidst the family, laughing and chatting like she belonged. The younger girl was sitting in front of her, and Samantha was weaving flowers into her hair. The two little boys were playing with sticks, trying to catch a chicken, while the mother was tending to a garden. The guy who had helped us was sitting on a rock, chatting with the girls.I approached them, my footsteps quiet on the grass. Samantha's smile dropped the moment she saw me. She had been smiling and laughing with them like she'd known them forever. Now, her eyes just looked... flat. "Hey," I said, trying to sound casual. She replied with a light "Hey" and went back to weaving hair. I glanced at the family, who were all staring at me. "What's going on here?" I asked. The guy spoke u
Samantha was happy, truly happy, for the first time since I'd met her. I watched as she danced around the lake the kids, playing with water. The sunset was behind her, and she was smiling so much. Mia Sola, mine only... I thought about how I'd never given her reason to smile like that. I'd vowed to never let anyone in again, but Samantha... she'd melted my walls. It wasn't supposed to happen. I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone in again. I wouldn't be vulnerable. So, what happened to that vow? What happened to my control?She was keeping her distance, just like she said she would. I wasn't used to this. I was used to pushing her away, not the other way around.I tried to focus on my phone, on finding a signal, but my gaze kept drifting back to her. She was helping the kids with something, her hands moving deftly as she showed them a trick. Canyon was watching her, a smile on his face, and I felt a pang of...something. Jealousy? No, that couldn't be it.I wasn't sure what I felt,
Henry had arrived, and we were preparing to leave. The family still had no idea I planned to take them along too.Samantha was hugging them, tears in her eyes."Take care." She said."We will." The old lady saidSamantha turned to Canyon."Thanks for everything." She said.Canyon smiled. "Anytime.""Where are the cars?" I asked Henry."A mile away." He replied.I turned to see Samantha walking towards me, her eyes locked on the leaves."Let's be on our way, Mr. Williams." She said."What are you waiting for? Let's go." I said to the family.They looked confused. Canyon stepped forward."I don't understand—" he began.Samantha finally lifted her head, looking confused too. "Okay, let me be clear," I cut in. "I'll cover your family's expenses - new house, finances, education. Whatever you need in return for helping us.""Oh, thank you so much but we'll decline the offer." The old lady said."Why is that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."We understand you are grateful to us for helping y
"Don't fucking joke with this," I said, more serious than ever. Laura killed Father?"I'm not joking with you, Carlton. I was just as surprised as you are when I found out. I'm telling you, Laura has gone nuts. She's not the Laura we used to know."'I'll do anything to get what I want.' I recalled her saying."Tell me every single thing.""Okay," Jace leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "Laura has been giving your father some kind of slow poison for months. The name was Aconitum. It causes ventricular tach– I don't remember what that hot nurse said.""Are you sure about what you're saying?""Never been too sure my entire life, Carlton." Jace replied."How did you even...?""Just had to use my charm on one of the housekeepers when I noticed they were all getting fired," He explained. "She told me she noticed Laura would always offer to prepare and serve your father tea, and that she'd always bring some small container. She'd tell everyone to leave whenever she wanted to prepar
SAMANTHAIn a floor-length, long-sleeved champagne-colored gown with a modest hairline and delicate pearl earrings adorned with a simple necklace, I walked into the huge hall arm in arm with the new chairman. My short hair looked sleek and polished, thanks to hours of styling dedicated by Jasmine.As we entered, the room was filled with disapproving expressions and whispers. A huge banner hung above, reading "INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF G&K GROUP." I'd been smiling for a couple of minutes, and my cheekbones hurt. I took a glance at him. His appearance was the same, but something seemed different. Our eyes met, and I felt my heart skip a beat.He was smiling warmly, with so much love in his eyes. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was genuine.He gently sat me down in the front row and took the stage. There he was; Carlton Williams, effortlessly handsome. Those piercing blue eyes still made my heart skip a beat every time they settled on me. His chiseled features,
I stood there, frozen, as people rushed past me. Some guy's elbow brushed against mine, and I stumbled. That was all it took. Tears flooded my face.How was I supposed to get to the hospital? I didn't even know which one he was taken to. I closed my eyes, trying to recall the ambulance. Red, green, white... the logo. W-Wynwood Regional Hospital. It was the same hospital Dad was hospitalized before he passed away. Great, now I know the hospital, but how do I get there?I took a few tentative steps forward, scanning the parking lot. "Where's the car?" I muttered.Henry had driven us, and I didn't know where he was. I tried to call him, but then realized I didn't have his number. I grabbed my hair, pulling the roots in frustration. Taxi. I rushed toward the taxi stand, but before I got there, I collided with someone. My purse spilled everywhere. I turned to see a guy in a gray suit, light brown hair, slightly messy."I'm sorry." He said.I ignored him and quickly gathered my scattered
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
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