Amy pulled her hand and stood right away. She walked farther from him. It was wrong to place too much hope on a stranger, even if the stranger was a billionaire. Who would have thought that Samuel Hoffner was a pervert? “Ms. Brooke, please sit down. I won’t force you to do something you don’t want,” Samuel said. “If it will make you more comfortable, I’ll put on my clothes first.” Then he left her to go to his bedroom. Amy bit her lower lip. If she didn’t need money badly, she wouldn’t think twice and already left the apartment. But considering Samuel might help her, who knew if waiting for a while and talked to him might change the situation into a better one? Who knew if Samuel only tested her? So, she finally returned to the couch, but she only slightly put her bottom a little on the couch. After his improper question and action, Amy prepared to bolt if Samuel showed any sign to harass her. She wanted to weep. In the past, she wouldn’t be concerned about groveling for money. But
Samuel drove Amy to the hospital. It was already late at night when they arrived at the hospital. He parked his silver sports car and accompanied her inside. “Thank you for driving me to the hospital. You can return now,” Amy said. “Can I see your sister?” “Oh, sure!” Amy and Samuel walked to lift. After passing two levels, they walked to the fifth room there. “Jillian, my sister, is here. The last time I left her, she was still unconscious. I hope her condition has improved now.” It was dark inside since the lamp wasn’t turned on yet. The only light was the moonlight from the window. Amy bit her lower lip, feeling guilty for leaving her sister longer than necessary. She left when it was still bright there. Amy pushed the switch, and the room was bright immediately. Then she pulled the curtain. Samuel stood near the bed. He stared at Jillian for a few seconds. “Amy? Can we talk outside?” Samuel asked. “Sure, but let me check Jillian’s condition first.” She approached Jill
Amy sent her CV that night to Caroline. Her friend promised she would send it to the personnel manager the first thing in the morning. Though it was still a work application, Amy felt like there was a hope, and that eventually, everything would be all right. The next day, she went to the center of the Jewelry Palace. It had several outlets at malls and in some of the most elite residences in the capital and also in other cities. But the center was the first place her parents built thirty years ago. Amy stopped outside, staring at the twenty-five levels building from afar. Her lips quivered and she must clench her hands together to stop herself from shedding her tears. The building was the landmark of her parents’ hard work. How could she let her uncle take it away from her? There must be something she could do to fight it back. Somehow, she could only think of Samuel. As he had already promised her, he would take care of everything, even things related to her uncle. Should she ac
Kelly showed Amy the front room first. It was the cafe dining room with some food displayed there. The customers could check their menu from the board on the wall or see the sample of the food displayed on the transparent showcase. “Can I take the food from the display and send it to the customers?” Amy asked. “If the customers ask for them, yes, you can, but ensure the food temperature first. Let’s say the customers want the cake, bread, or donuts hot. Never give the already cold ones to them.” Amy nodded. “I see.” “We will add ice creams soon on our menu, as our customers often come with children,” Kelly said again. “Maybe we will only sell the ice creams on some specific days.” “Only on the weekends?” Amy stared at Kelly. “It’s a good option, as most families visit us on the weekends. But I will give you an additional task, starting from today.” Kelly smiled. “Are you ready?” Amy nodded quickly. “Sure! What is it?” “Pay attention to our customers. Please take a note if an
Meanwhile, Samuel visited Vivian, his grandmother, as she called him to express how she was sad not to see him. Though they just met last week, Vivian loved seeing her grandson frequently. So, she pestered him to go to her house. Samuel smiled while driving his black sports car. While women often got dressed according to their moods, he loved choosing various sports cars to drive. Samuel had at least ten different brands of sports cars with different colors; all of his cars were the most expensive international brands. This time, he chose black because he didn’t want his grandmother to tease him again. The last time he went to his grandmother’s house with a red car was after he sent Cecilia home. Vivian teased him endlessly about his car’s color as a sign of upcoming nuptials and joy. Sighing when thinking of his grandmother, Samuel could never be angry at Vivian. He adored her because she was the only family he got left. After his parents’ deaths, Samuel had lived with Vivian for f
Samuel grinned to see how curious his grandmother was. So, he teased her. “Grandma, what will you give me to reveal your future granddaughter-in-law?” “What are you talking about?” Vivian grunted. “Everything I have is yours. What else do you want?” “I only teased you, Grandma.” Samuel patted his grandmother’s hand. “I know I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” He gave her a sad smile. “I didn’t remember my mother and father. But I’ll do my best not to disappoint you.” Vivian took a deep breath. “You are a poor thing.” Then she repeated things she already told Samuel so many times. “Emily, your mother, died when you were still three—breast cancer.” Vivian shook her head. “It’s when Bob’s world collapsed. I had never seen such a loving couple as them …. It seemed … Bob couldn’t live when Emily was gone ….” Her tears flowed to her cheeks, remembering his late son. “Grandma, you told this already. Please don’t be sad. It’s in the past.” “I know, but it still felt like yesterday.
As it was a part-time job with a six hours shift, at 4 p.m. Amy could go home. Caroline and some servers also went home, but the rest of the servers who worked full-time kept working. “Hey, Caro, what do you want for dinner?” Amy asked. “It's a celebration that I got the job.” “Ah, great! But not now. It’s better you treat me when you have already received your first salary. It would feel much better. Right now, I can’t eat as freely as I want.” Amy grinned, knowing her friend only teased her. Caroline knew how hard it was for her because of the debt she must pay. “Okay, then.” Then she remembered her plan to meet his uncle. If she was in a hurry, she might be able to talk to her uncle. “I’ll go now. See you tomorrow.” “Take care!” Then Amy ordered a taxi. Tomorrow, she would ask Caroline for cheaper public transportation since she would be broke soon if she kept using taxis everywhere. After telling the driver her destination, she took a deep breath. Preparing to have a talk wit
Amy clenched her fist because her uncle had already taken everything, but he still dared to threaten her. If only she had more power … If only she had more money to fight him in court. “Mr. Brooke, Miss Brooke, no need to rush. Since the law states that the beneficiaries can take six months to consider the will, I believe it’s better for Miss Brooke to take time to think. Besides, it’s a grieving time. I understand it is a difficult time for all.”What Mr. Beck said was reasonable and comforting. Since he was a lawyer, surely he knew what he talked about. So Amy nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Beck. I appreciate it. It’s indeed a trying time for me.”“It’s the least I can do. So, Mr. Brooke, Miss Brooke, I think it has been finished. I will send the copies of the will to both of you by mail.” Then the lawyer glanced at Amy. “I will send the copy to your parents’ house. Well, it’s yours now.”“Thank you, Mr. Beck.” Afterward, the lawyer left, saying nothing else to Tom. Amy thought it was str
Amy and Samuel spent most of their honeymoon enjoying Paris on the days and afternoons. They visited the Eiffel Tower again, but this time Samuel wore a medical mask to cover his identity since in the first honeymoon the reporters spotted him and ruined their honeymoon. Afterward, they visited the Louvre Museum. Enjoying so many great pieces of arts from paintings and statues, they also went to the Tuileries Garden and to the city cruise through the Seine River. They shopped for clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry for Amy, but also for Vivian, Jillian, and Caroline. Amy insisted Samuel buy some clothes and shoes too. She also bought an elegant watch for his husband. After ensuring Samuel wouldn’t be jealous, Amy bought Reese a watch and some coffee beans. They enjoyed lunch and dinner in the best restaurants in Paris. But when they didn’t want to go to the restaurants, they bought meals to eat in some gardens or in some parts of the city. After spending days and afternoons venturi
The stewardesses smiled at Samuel and Amy. “Congratulations on your wedding!” “Thank you,” Samuel and Amy said. A stewardess carried a tray and offered Samuel and Amy champagne. Then she left the couple. They toasted and sipped the champagne. Samuel stared at his wife and grinned. “What?” Amy asked. She touched her face, wondering if there was a stain on her face. “Nothing. I only imagine what we will do there.” He bent forward and captured her lips with a lingering kiss. “I can’t wait to make love with you again, my sweet.” Blushing, she caressed his shoulder and whispered, “Me neither. I miss you a lot.” “Don’t worry. We can spend days and nights enjoying ourselves. How about a week of honeymoon?” Amy shook her head. “I can’t! I must go to work.” “No worries. I have already asked permission from the personnel manager for you.” “Really?” Amy raised her eyebrow. “But then, Shane and Jillian?” “They have my grandma, Tonny, and the nurses too.” He looked her in the eye and s
“I wonder if we can have a date tomorrow. You can bring Shane too. We can go to the town and relax there.” Amy gulped because she must reject Reese’s invitation, but she was also nervous to tell him about her plan. “I’m sorry, but I can’t ….” “Oh, you’re busy? It’s okay. We can go next week.” “Reese …. I … I’ve been thinking about Samuel. I …” Amy couldn’t continue her words. “Amy, I know you love him. It’s okay if you want to return to him.” She held her breath. “You know? I’m so sorry ….” Reese said nothing for a while until Amy called him. “Reese? Are you still there?” “Yes. I know you will return to him, but I was thinking I might have a chance with you. But I’m happy for you. Samuel truly loves you. I’m sure Shane will be happy if you two are back together.” Biting her lower lip, Amy let out a heavy sigh. “Thank you for everything, Reese. You are a good friend.” “I’m glad I can spend time with you. I hope we can still be friends.” “Of course!” “Please send my congratul
Samuel and Amy finally returned to the car. Miguel grinned at them, as he saw how they walked hand in hand as if they were a new-married couple. “Where to go, boss?” “To the airport.” Samuel said, still holding Amy’s hand. Amy raised her eyebrow. “Airport? Are we going abroad?” “Yes.” Then he called Vivian with a video call. “Grandma? Did Shane look for Amy or me?” “No, he is eating his lunch. Do you want to talk to him?” “Sure!” Then Vivian called Shane. “Your father wanted to talk to you, sweetheart.” “Yes, Granny!” The little boy ran and stood before the phone. “Hi, Daddy.” “Shane, if Daddy and Mommy go for three days, is it okay? You will stay with Granny.” Shane glanced at Vivian. “Granny, can I stay here? Three days?” “Sure, sweetheart. You can stay a whole year if you want. I will be happy if you are here.” “Granny said yes. Okay, Daddy, you can go for three days.” Then he giggled to hear what Vivian said.. “What?” Samuel raised his eyebrow. “Granny said Daddy wa
Doctor Benjamin checked Jillian’s condition. After checking her pupils, tongue, and heartbeat, he smiled. “All vital status is good.” Amy sobbed and held hands with Samuel. He hugged her shoulders and waited for the doctor to finish to examine Jillian. The doctor checked Jillian’s feet and arms too. “Everything’s good. Welcome back, Miss Jillian.” The doctor smiled at Jillian. “Is Jillian alright, Doctor?” Amy held her breath. “Yes, Ms. Brooke. Miss Jillian will need to have physical therapy, for sure, to have a complete recovery. But other than that, she is healthy.” “Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much!” Amy shook the doctor’s hand while weeping. “Amy? Is that you?” “Yes, it’s me, little sister.” Amy held Jillian’s hand and kissed it. “I’m so happy to see you wake up.” Jillian sighed. “I’m thirsty.” Then she added, “and hungry too.” Amy glanced at Doctor Benjamin. “Can she drink water and eat anything she wants?” “Water is okay. For the food, please choose easy to dige
The next day, Samuel picked up Amy and Shane. They sent Shane to Vivian’s house before going to a date. Shane jumped around in the living room and hugged Vivian when she showed up. “I just saw you yesterday, but I wonder if you are getting taller.” Vivian rubbed Shane’s head. Shane reached out his hands, and Vivian bent her body. He kissed Vivian’s cheeks and whispered, “I’m a big boy, Granny! Yes, I’m taller every day.” Vivian laughed when she heard the little boy’s comment. The proud parents stared at each other and shared smiles. “Why are you still here?” Vivian frowned. “Go! Have fun! No worries with your son. I’ll look after him. Besides, he’s a big boy already. Right, Shane?” “Yes!” Shane shouted. He ran to Samuel and Amy, kissing their cheeks. “Bye, Daddy. Bye, Mommy!” Tony approached them too and bowed his head to Samuel and Amy. “I’ll ask the maids to look after the young master too.” Samuel grinned and patted Amy’s hand. “Let’s go, then. It seems everyone wants us to
“I have never meant to torture you. It’s ridiculous to think that.” Amy scooted to move farther from Samuel. However, Samuel moved too and pulled her body, placing her to sit on his lap. He cupped her face with both hands and looked into her eyes. “Then let’s remarry in three days.” “Samuel ….” He kissed her lips until she let out a sigh. “I won’t take a no.” “But—” Samuel kissed Amy’s lips again. This time, he used his tongue and sparked her passion while probing his tongue into her mouth, teasing her until she moaned and touched his chest. Then he caressed her bosom until her head tilted backward. When he bent his head to kiss her cleavage, Amy shook her head. Realizing Samuel didn’t see it, Amy cleared her throat and said, “It’s time for us to return to Grandma’s house. Shane may seek for me.” Reluctantly, Samuel lifted his head and placed Amy to sit next to him. He took a deep breath to calm his passion, and then he smiled. “You have changed.” “Well, it’s been five year
They didn’t talk, but only stared at each other, and Samuel kissed her lips again. Amy hugged his waist and clung as if her life depended on it. Since they must stop for taking a breath, Samuel touched his forehead to hers. “Thank you for loving me so much until you took a difficult way.” Amy sobbed and nodded, but she couldn’t utter any words. He kissed her lips again, and she kissed him back. Then, after a while, Samuel brought her to the bed and lay next to her. They stared at each other. “I asked the detective to investigate the last threat message. Somehow, I found it related to Cecilia.” “Cecilia?” Amy widened her eyes. “Cecilia Smith, your ex-girlfriend?” “Nope, she has never been my girlfriend. We only dated a few times.” Shaking her head, Amy touched Samuel’s face. “She sent me the pictures of both of you in your hotel. I thought you had an affair with her.” “What?! I have never brought her to my hotel.” Amy smiled and nodded. “Yes, your grandma told me that.” “Gran
The manager at the Cold and Sweet bowed to see Samuel enter the place. His eyes widened to see Shane who held his arms around Samuel’s neck and Amy who walked beside Samuel. Since the manager read the news, he knew Samuel had a divorce five years ago. But then he asked a server to come to the table and serve the billionaire. After asking their choice of ice creams, the server took a few minutes before returning with three bowls of ice cream. Samuel spoon-fed the ice cream to Shane. Then Shane suddenly did the same to his father. Amy who saw it could only smile with tears in her eyes. Some of the ice cream restaurant’s guesses saw Samuel sitting with a little boy and a woman. Only with a glance, they could see that the little boy was his son. Shane also spoon-fed Amy with his ice cream. Suddenly, the little one said, “Daddy, give ice cream to Mommy!” Samuel raised his eyebrow. “Oh, you want Mommy to try my ice cream?” Shane nodded and grinned. “Yes!” Then he smiled at Amy too. “Y