I don't know, I don't fucking know! I glared at him, refusing to be intimidated."Don't flatter yourself. You're always busy, always away, and now you're leaving again? I know you still love her, but don't forget we're married. You're my husband now." His grip on my arm tightened, and a glint of anger lit up his eyes. "Are you jealous? Is that what this is about? Don't forget our deal. This is a business arrangement, nothing more and you are only my wife on paper. Now, go to your room."I heard Anne's heels click towards us. "Here is the file, sir." He snatched the file from her and stormed out. I stared after him, my hands clenched into fists.I loathed the way he toyed with me, making me feel drawn to him one moment and then pushing me away the next. Laura, right? I won't make you fall in love with me, I will make you beg me.I climbed the stairs to my bedroom, the delicate lingerie, a pink babydoll that Layla had insisted I buy when we'd gone shopping together, sat in the back of
I was going through my paperwork in my office when Carlton walked in, his 6'3" frame commanding attention in a deep blue suit, his right hand casually slipped into his pocket. I felt a flutter in my chest as our gazes met, and I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself. Last night was so embarrassing for me, I'd been avoiding him ever since. What will happen now?As he approached my desk, his piercing azure blue eyes seemed to see right through me, and I wondered if he could tell how much I was struggling to keep my cool. I fidget with the papers in front of me, trying to focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps wandering back to the way he made me feel last night - vulnerable."Good morning, Samantha," he said, his deep voice low and smooth. I nod, trying to play it cool. "Good morning, Mr. Williams. How can I help you?"He pulled out the chair in front of my desk and sat down, his eyes not leaving mine. I felt like he was trying to read my mind, to see if I was still thinkin
CARLTONI've been trying to meet Zayden Martin for months, I needed his influence in the industry. I needed his support to fulfill the final condition set by my father. Alexander has already taken control of the company's operations through bribery and has the board's favor. I've tried every possible way to reach Zayden Martin - social media, industry events, even attempting to infiltrate his inner circle - but nothing. I've never seen a photo of him, let alone met him in person. Laura told me she had somehow managed to get in touch with Zayden and sent me his contact information. I confirmed but he insisted that he wouldn't meet with me unless Laura was present too. It wasn't a big deal, so I agreed. He came to my cabin, and we had a few rounds of business talks. After some negotiations, he finally agreed to partner with me."Thank you, Mr. Martin," I said, extending my hand for a handshake, which he reciprocated. "You should thank Laura," he remarked, turning to face her with a hin
SAMANTHAI drained the last of my beer, the bitter taste matching my mood. I signaled the hot brunette bartender for another bottle. I turned to Layla and sighed."And that's how my new life has been." I said, shaking my head."I'm so sorry, girlfriend. I shouldn't have come up with such idea, I didn't want you to go back to your old life." She said, patting my back."I got a job, it'd be a way out for us, a fresh start in New York with Sarah.""What kind of job, Layla?" "It's not whatever you are thinking, it's clean." She said with a smile. I had feared she'd gotten herself into something shady. She'd tried selling drugs once, it took me talking her out of it before she could stop. Layla was capable of anything, but she had her limits. She's brave, confident, and fierce - she could pierce someone's heart with a knife if she wanted to. Growing up with a gambler father who physically abused her, then living with her boyfriend Liam, who was hell to deal with... I couldn't imagine wh
CARLTONI released her neck and ran my fingers through my hair, seething with anger. She clutched her neck, coughing, her eyes wide with fear. If it wasn't for Jace, I wouldn't have known what happened last night - and what made me even angrier was the fact that she had a condom and was willing to give some other guy a chance. I stormed out of the car, slamming the door behind me. What the hell was wrong with me? I told Henry to take her home, if I stayed with her for one more second, I didn't know what I would do. I needed to find a way to calm down, to soothe my rage. ***I smashed the glass that held my whiskey and slammed my fist on the table. The sound of breaking glass echoed through Jace's living room. I was still fuming from my argument with Samantha - her defiance, her willingness to let another man touch her, and her gullibility in believing Laura's lies. "What the hell, Carlton?" Jace asked. "What's wrong, man? I'm e
"I will agree to your conditions, but the cohabitation agreement, I won't agree to that. This meeting is over. Let's go home," I said, standing up and walking over to Samantha, holding out my hand for hers.But Samantha faced Char"I will agree to your conditions, but the cohabitation agreement, I won't agree to that. This meeting is over. Let's go home," I said, standing up and walking over to Samantha, holding out my hand for hers.But Samantha faced Charlotte. "That's what I want. I'm not moving an inch if he doesn't agree to it."I cut Charlotte off before she could respond. "I will think about it, okay?" I said, my hand still extended."I'm not crippled," she said. "Until you agree to sign the cohabitation agreement, let's keep a distance. And we came separately, so we'll leave separately. See you at home."With that, she stood up and walked away, leaving me seething. I clenched my teeth and shoved my hands into my pockets, following her out of the room.As we reached outside, I q
SAMANTHAHe turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, the shower still running. I turned off the shower and emerged from the bathroom, wrapping myself in the plush robe that hung on the door. Standing in front of the mirror, I tried to process what had just transpired. "Permission?" I scoffed, watching my reflection. "Joker," I muttered, shaking my head. The absurdity of his words echoed in my mind as I tried to make sense of what just happened.He's crazy. He said nothing happened between him and Laura, but the picture was saying otherwise, she was pressing all of herself on him. I don't even care about that. I didn't understand why he would get angry seeing me with another man, accusing me of doing anything for money. It hurt that he thought so little of me.I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. I wasn't going to get involved with him again, no matter what he said, shutting down my feelings for him. I wanted that cohabitation agreement, and I was going to get it. I
I ripped through the trees, searching everywhere for Samantha. Rain pounded down on me. I muttered curses under my breath, furious she'd gone looking for a stupid teddy bear in this weather. I'd been yelling her name for minutes, but nothing. No answer. What if something happened to her? What if she's lying there, hurt or worse? Goddamn it!I was livid, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. And to think she'd gone off on her own, trying to be some kind of hero. Miss Goody Two-Shoes, always trying to save the day. But now, she might be the one who needs saving. The thought sent a chill down my spine.I pushed through the underbrush, my eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of her. The rain drummed against my ears, making it hard to hear anything else. But I kept calling out her name, hoping against hope she'd answer. "Samantha! Samantha, damn it, answer me!""Samantha!" I yelled again, yanking my wet hair back in frustration. "Carlton." Her soft voice came from behind, and I spun
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