—SAMANTHA’S POV— It was Spring Season. The rain drizzled lightly as I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white. The wipers of my sleek black sedan swayed furiously against the windshield, clearing my view as I sped down the empty road toward the Frost Enterprise. I couldn’t believe what I was doing. The cake in the passenger seat was already beginning to melt, but I didn’t care. Today was supposed to be special. My 3rd anniversary with Zeke Frost, my husband. I had been planning for weeks. I had worked so hard, spent hours picking out the perfect frosty cake, buying him the expensive Rolex watch he'd loved, picking out his favorite champagne wine, and getting everything else ready for when he’d walk through the door of the Frost mansion and smile at the surprise I prepared. But along the way, I suddenly changed my mind —and decided to surprise him at his workplace instead for our anniversary. Three years. Three years of marriage, of sacrifices, of trying
—SAMANTHA POV— The world around me felt like it had collapsed, crumbling into nothing but ashes of betrayal. I could barely breathe, barely stand, as I watched the man I had once believed in. “How could you do this, Zeke?” My voice wavered, tight and trembling, but I forced the words out. I needed answers. I needed him to tell me any of this wasn’t real. Zeke pulled away from Ophelia and walked leisurely around his mahogany desk, his movements slow, almost casual, as though this was nothing. “What does it matter, Samantha?” His voice was eerily calm, dismissive, as if I had walked in on something trivial. My fists tightened. My entire body shook with rage and disbelief. But nothing could have prepared me for what came next. Zeke took a step closer, and my stomach turned as he stood in front of me, his flimsy prick smeared with precum hung limp in between his zippers, the son of a bitch was still half-hard, and the sight of him—so unapologetic, so shameless—burned my inside
—SAMANTHA POV— It hit the floor with a dull thud, the lid snapping open, revealing the beautiful pastry I had spent weeks picking out. The elegant golden ‘3’ on top, meant to celebrate our anniversary, was now an ugly mockery. Everything Gina had believed about Zeke. Everything I had believed about Zeke. Gone. “No.” I shook my head, taking a shaky step back. “Stop! You’re lying!" But Zeke’s smirk deepened. “I never loved your sister. She was just a toy for me to use,” he casually said, zipping up his pants and then walking back to his desk. “… she was a means to get my inheritance. My grandfather wanted to hand everything over to my stupid uncle, but I wasn’t about to let that happen. So, I thought to myself… why not find some desperate little nobody? Someone pathetic enough to cling to any scrap of affection I threw her way.”He chuckled, sitting on his expensive leather seat, shaking his head as if recalling an old joke. “I found pretty Gina. Poor little thing, di
—SAMANTHA’S POV— A groan escaped my mouth as my eyes fluttered open, my head pounding like a drum while a heart monitor beeped steadily nearby. My ears rang, the pressure in my chest heavy, making it hard to breathe. As I tried to focus, I realized I was in a hospital bed. The cold white walls felt distant, too sterile, too foreign for my mind to make sense of. How did I get here? Suddenly, the door flew open, and in walked a slender brunette wearing a blazer, her handbag swinging casually on her shoulder. Maryjane’s eyes flew wide when she saw me awake and a scream tore out of her throat. "Sammie? You're awake!" She exclaimed, rushing to my side. Mary Jane was my best friend since childhood, the one person in my pathetic life I could always count on. I groaned again, reaching for my head as the pounding intensified. "What happened?" I croaked, my throat dry and scratchy. Her eyes flicked with concern as she stood next to me. "How do you feel? Should I call a doctor?" Her
—SAMANTHA—“He won't.”She frowned. “What do you mean?”I leaned my head back against the pillow. “This marriage involving me wasn’t even Zeke’s choice. It was his grandfather’s idea—the old man pushed for it, all to cover up the scandal.” Mary Jane’s eyebrows shot up. “So?”“So, the only person who can end this marriage is me. If I file for a divorce, the Frost family will make the press twist the entire story; the people will mistake me for my sister Gina and would think I left Zeke because I couldn't handle the guilt, in the end, Zeke will gain sympathy."Mary Jane’s face turned red with rage and she flared up again. "That’s ridiculous! The Frost family—they are the ones who should be ashamed for exploiting your sister and when she was no longer in use, they decided to use you as a pawn! They are ingrates!” A wave of weariness hit me. “Please, don’t get worked up over it.”“How can I not?!” She snapped. “Sammie, this isn’t fair! You’re suffering, and they’re getting away with it!
—SAMANTHA—I stormed towards Zeke’s study and shoved the door open without knocking. My chest heaved with anger, my nails digging into my palms as I took in the scene before me.Zeke sat behind his large mahogany desk, the top two buttons were undone, revealing his toned chest and the slender curve of his attractive neck. Ophelia perched on his desk like she owned the place. His arm was wrapped possessively around her waist, while her perfectly manicured fingers teased with the collar of his shirt. The sight made my stomach churn.Ophelia gasped the moment she saw me, her eyes widening in fake surprise. Then, as if I were a monster, she quickly stepped behind Zeke, clutching his sleeve like a frightened child. "Z-Zeke," she whispered, loud enough for me to hear. "She looks… angry."Angry?I was furious.Zeke’s brows furrowed as he stood up, his jaw tightening. "Samantha, stop scaring Ophelia. What the hell do you think you’re doing?"Was he being serious right now?Me? Scaring Ophel
—SAMANTHA—I didn’t know how long I sat there in Zeke’s study after they left. Minutes? Hours? It all blurred together.By the time I finally stood up and walked out of the home office, the mansion was filled with the shrill of laughter and chatter. I could hear them downstairs—Zeke, Ophelia, and the rest of his family, enjoying their evening like nothing had happened.Like I didn’t exist.I ignored it and stepped into the dimly lit corridor, my body aching with every movement.Then ahead of me, I saw them.Amore and Maya stood at the end of the hall, waiting for me. My daughter’s small hands clutched the hem of her nightgown, her big, tired eyes searching my face the moment she saw me."Madam," Maya said softly, "she couldn’t sleep."I forced a smile, though the pain in my face made it nearly impossible. "Come here, bunny."Amore ran to me immediately, wrapping her arms around my waist. I held her close, inhaling the faint scent of her strewberry shampoo.When I pulled back, her lit
—SAMANTHA— I clenched my fists under the blanket, my nails digging into my palm.This man…This man had crushed me, humiliated me, beaten me. And yet, he still dared to act like I wanted his attention. Like I wanted him.I took a slow breath, forcing my voice to stay calm."Go to bed, Zeke. You're drunk."His smile widened. "And what if I don't want to?"I lifted my head, meeting his gaze directly. "Then find somewhere else to sleep. You’ve never needed this room before. Why now?"His expression darkened. He hated when I challenged him.But I was done playing the obedient wife.Zeke smirked —a slow taunting smirk that sent a shiver down my spine."Quit playing games, Samantha," he muttered, his voice low and filled with warning.What did he mean? My stomach clenched as he took a slow step forward. I instinctively inched back, but my body stiffened when I realized I had nowhere to go.His eyes flashed with something dark, something dangerous as he stormed forward, reaching for the ki
—SAMANTHA POV— My heart stuttered when Dalton's command sliced through the silence. "Come here." Two simple words that sent my pulse skittering. I hadn't realized I'd been frozen in place. Maybe for two minutes... maybe longer. I didn’t know until his voice snapped me out of it, my feet suddenly heavy as lead. "I won't repeat myself, Samantha." he said, his voice lower this time... almost dangerous.Swallowing the knot in my throat, the warning in his tone had me moving before I could think better of it. Each step felt stiff, awkward, like I was walking straight into the lion’s den. My fingers twisted together as I crossed the office, each step measured, too aware of his gaze tracking my every movement like a predator watching prey. Did he want to scold me? Did he want to hit me after all I slapped his fianceé? Finally, when I reached Dalton’s Massive desk, my toes curled in my shoes. I lifted my eyes slowly, feeling painfully aware of the silence in the office.Dalton’s han
—SAMANTHA— Jessica slammed the office door shut with enough force to make the glass walls tremble. The Valentino heels stabbed into the marble floor like talons as she advanced towards me. The diamond bracelet on her wrist caught the light as she pointed at me. "You." Her voice could have flash-frozen the Hudson River. "Get out of my fiancé's chair!" My fingers tightened around the armrests of the sofa. Every instinct screamed to stand my ground, but I didn’t want any trouble either. So without saying anything, I quietly stood up and moved aside.Jessica Jessica's crimson lips curled in triumph as she swept past me, her heavily perfumed presence filled my lungs, making me nauseous. Flipping her hair, she walked to the sofa like she owned the place. Then she sat down with so much arrogance, crossing her legs elegantly over each the other, acting like a queen.I felt uncomfortable standing there with her, so I turned to leave.But before I could take a step, her annoying voice sto
—SAMANTHA POV— Dalton and I sat at the back seat of the Maybach while James drove us to God knows where.I rested my head against the window, watching the city roll by. Tall buildings, busy streets, people rushing about their lives. It all felt like a different world compared to the quiet bubble I was trapped in with Dalton.Before I knew it, the sleek car slowed to a stop. My brows pulled up at the massive skyscraper in front of us.Wait. What?Dalton’s company?The building was huge, towering proudly into the sky.Its glass walls glittered under the sunlight like a mountain made of diamonds. Through the transparent sides, I could even catch glimpses of workers moving professionally inside.People in suits were walking in and out of the entrance, carrying briefcases, while some were standing talking into earpieces looking important.Dalton got out and opened my door without a word."Let's go in," he said simply.I quickly obeyed, and before I could adjust my skirt properly, he had
—SAMANTHA POV— Sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting golden rays across the bed. I stirred, yawning lazily, stretching my arms above my head… only to freeze.Something heavy… something warm… definitely male was draped across my waist.My heart jumped to my throat.Someone was beside me?A man?!Panic jolted through my veins, and I twisted vigorously, ready to fight. But the moment I turned and my eyes landed on him, I went completely still.Dalton.My mouth fell open in shock, and I forgot how to breathe.His face was few inches away from mine, his messy, curly black hair tousled against the pillow, his thick brows resting beautifully on his cheeks, and his lips—God, those full lips slightly parted as he slept. He looked… he looked like a Greek God lying there.Strong. Beautiful. Untouchable.Seconds bled into minutes, and I just kept staring, utterly enthralled."Are you done undressing me with your eyes?" Dalton’s deep voice rumbled low, still lazy with sleep.I jumped,
Chapter 53 —DALTON’S POV— The city lights blurred past the tinted windows as the BMW sped toward the Brown Estate. My fingers drummed against the leather seat, restless. "What's going on in the Browns’ home?" I asked without moving my gaze from the window.James stiffened slightly, clearing his throat as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel."It’s said that Miss Jessica has been crying all day. She locked herself in her room and refused to see anyone. Not even her mother could get in. When Mr. Brown heard the rumors that you had a child with another woman, he tried reaching out to you. But since he couldn’t get you on the phone…" He hesitated. "...he threatened to cut off the engagement."‘As if he could.’I gave a low, humorless huff and tugged my tie loose, leaning back into the leather seat.Typical. Cowards always tried to make the first move when they felt powerless.Cutting off the engagement?Laughable.The rest of the drive passed in silence. ——— The Brown Estate
—SAMANTHA POV— The car ride back to Crystal Palace was quiet. After dropping Maryjane off at her apartment, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. My eyelids felt like lead, but I fought to keep them open, not wanting to appear weak in front of Dalton. "Sleep," his deep voice cut through the silence. "I'll wake you when we get home." That was all it took. The moment he gave me permission, my body surrendered, and my eyes closed. The soft hum of the car lulled me into comforting darkness.———"Samantha." A gentle tap on my shoulder pulled me back to consciousness. I blinked groggily, my vision blurry before focusing on Dalton's face. The dim interior light of the car cast shadows across his sharp features, making him look even more striking. "We're home," he said with his face, calm and serious as always.I nodded, still half-asleep, and unbuckled my seatbelt before stumbling out of the car, yawning, and then instivetly moved to the back seat to pick up Amore.But before I could
—SAMANTHA—The security guards immediately released us, stepping back like they'd been burned. Dalton's dark gaze swept over the scene -Zeke's pale face, Ophelia shrinking behind him, the manager sweating bullets. Then those piercing eyes landed on me again. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice low but carrying across the silent restaurant. I shook my head, suddenly unable to speak. Dalton took three slow steps forward. The crowd actually parted for him. When he got to me, he grabbed my wrist to check for any injuries. "Mr Hamilton, the manager started stammering. "M-Mr. Montclair, we just had a small misunderstanding—" "A misunderstanding?" Dalton's eyebrow arched. "You were assaulting my guest over a misunderstanding?" Every face in the restaurant went white. Mary elbowed me hard. "His guest?!" she whizzed. I couldn't respond. My entire world had narrowed to Dalton's commanding presence, the way he dominated over everyone without even raising his voice. Zeke hissed
—SAMANTHA POV— As fast as lightning, I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his golden eyes burning with barely contained rage. The way his sharp suit hugged his broad shoulders made him look like an angry god stepping into a mortal fight. Mary stopped struggling, her mouth falling open. "Holy..." she whispered when she saw him. "Mr. Montclair!" The manager shouted happily as he rushed past me, almost tripping over himself. Throwing me a nasty look before hurrying toward Dalton. The whole restaurant fell silent.A heavy tension filled the air.No one even dared to breathe loudly.This was the Montclair mysterious scion. The most influential man in Skyline City! Dalton stood there, looking so handsome and powerful.The strong, cold aura around him made everyone seem nervous and small.But Dalton’s cold eyes weren’t looking at anyone else.They were centered on me.On the guards squeezing my arms and wrists.And only I could tell... he was really, really angry."Mr. Montc
—SAMANTHA POV— How could people be so blind?Without even asking me, he had already judged me based on my clothes, my appearance… my status. That's insane! The manager turned to Zeke and Ophelia, almost bowing. "Mr Frost, thank you for protecting our establishment. I had no idea thieves could be so bold these days!" I stood there, frozen.Thief?I didn’t even touch anything!Zeke puffed out his chest, looking smug.His hand was wrapped tightly around Ophelia’s waist, and she stood beside him acting like a goddess.“It’s nothing,” Zeke said proudly, lifting his chin. “It’s my duty to make Skyline a better place. We can’t let ugly trash like her dirty it!"Everyone started clapping and praising Zeke like he was some kind of hero.My stomach turned. It made me feel sick.Ophelia smiled elegantly and gloated with pride. "Thank you, manager. Just get rid of this wannabe woman before she infects this glorious restaurant." The manager laughed and nodded fast."Yes, yes, yes! You're righ