—SAMANTHA— While Maryjane drove, I scrolled through the comments online, my fingers trembling slightly. The netizens were already deep in discussion, dissecting every detail of the scandal.Some mocked my poor background, while others fawned over Ophelia, praising her success as a designer abroad. A debate had sparked between those supporting the "mistress" and those sympathizing with the "legal wife."@FashionQueen23: "Ugh, why is everyone blaming Ophelia? She’s a successful designer abroad, and this country bumpkin Samantha is just leeching off the Frost name. Zeke deserves better!"@AlphaMale99: "Mistress or legal wife? Who's really the victim here? Honestly, if Zeke loves Ophelia, shouldn’t he be with her?"@SpillTheTea: "Forget the love triangle. The REAL scandal is Mrs. Frost’s past. Didn’t she sleep with a gigolo on her wedding night and get pregnant?!"I swallowed hard, my grip tightening on the phone.@TruthSeeker88: "That’s just a rumor. Zeke claimed the kid as his, so obv
—SAMANTHA— After spending some time with Grandma, I finally left the Frost Villa. As soon as I walked outside, Maryjane rushed toward me, her face full of anticipation."How did it go?" she asked, searching my face for answers.I let out a tired sigh. "I told you, nothing ever changes in that house." Then, I briefly explained what had happened and how Ophelia stole the spotlight as usual. By the time I finished, my voice drained of energy. Weakly, I said. "Just take me home, Mary."Maryjane hissed, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, those Frosts, especially that witch, Ophelia! I swear, if you just give me the word, I’ll—"I shook my head, cutting her off. And this made her angry, and she resorted to cursing. I let her. I knew this was just her way of venting since I wouldn’t let her do anything reckless.We got into the car, and I leaned my head against the seat, closing my eyes to escape reality for a little while.The next thing I felt was someone shaking me gently."Samantha, wake up."B
—SAMANTHA— The next day, I spent most of my time indoors, sitting by Amore’s bedside, unwilling to leave her side. But I noticed the atmosphere in the mansion has changed. It was chaotic, as the servants scurried around, their hushed whispers filling the corridors. I knew what was happening. They were preparing for Ophelia’s birthday.I wished I could stay with Amore, who had caught a cold and couldn’t go to school. I wanted nothing more than to keep her company, to shield her from the chaos of the mansion. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t avoid the party, especially since the old Mr Frost had ordered for this. This was an opportunity to divert the netizens' attention. The last thing I wanted was to give them more reason to gossip, and even more reason to give them the chance to come near Amore. The hours seemed to drag as I stayed indoors, tending to Amore’s every need. The doctor had visited earlier, diagnosing her with the flu and advising plenty of rest. As worried as I was, h
—SAMANTHA—I chuckled, leaning in close to his handsome face, my breath brushing against his skin as I whispered back, "Then get your hands off me, Zeke. You make me uncomfortable."For a brief moment, he froze, the smirk on his face faltering. But it came back quickly, sharper this time."You're shameless," he sneered. "I know you're playing hard to get so I’ll fall for you, but it won’t work. It's Ophelia I want, not you! Sooner or later, I’ll divorce you!"Our faces were so close, I could feel the heat from his skin, but no one knew what we were actually saying. They only saw the facade, the perfect little couple putting on a show. But I could hear the whispers, people commenting on how good we looked together, how in love we seemed.Suddenly, there was a loud gasp. I turned my head and saw Ophelia shrinking back, a drink splashing across her dress. Zeke was instantly at her side, his hand on her shoulder as if he were some kind of knight."What happened?" He asked, his voice tin
—SAMANTHA— The sharp sting burned across my cheek, forcing my head to the side. For a moment, I stood there in shock, my skin pulsing where Ophelia struck me. But before I could say anything, she let out a loud, exaggerated gasp of her own and clutched her cheek as if she had been the one hurt.Then she started crying.“Why… why did you slap me, Samantha?!” She wailed, tears threatening to spill from her eyes, but I could see the malicious gleam behind them.I froze, caught off guard. My eyes widened in disbelief and anger. Just then, footsteps sounded from behind, and I turned to see Lillian standing at the end of the stairs. She took one look at Ophelia’s tear-streaked face, and her eyes immediately locked on me with an accusing glare.Lillian’s face darkened. “Did you just hit her?”“No!” I shook my head quickly. “I didn't! She—” "Don’t even try to deny it," my sister in law snapped at me. "I saw you hit her!"My hands trembled at my sides. "I said I didn’t touch her!" Ophelia
—SAMANTHA— Lillian looked on coldly, as if she didn’t care at all. Ophelia, too, seemed unaffected. All I could see was my daughter lying there, so vulnerable, and it was as if my whole world had shattered.A sudden rumble cracked outside, and the sky opened up. Rain poured rebelliously, hammering down on the roof as if the heavens themselves were angry. The thunder that followed was so loud, it rattled the walls of the mansion. The storm matched the chaos inside. I sat on the cold floor, cradling Amore in my arms. Her small body was unnervingly still, her face pale as a ghost, her eyes closed. The cold from her skin seeped into me, and I could feel my entire body trembling. Tears blurred my vision as I rocked her, calling her name over and over, but she didn’t stir.Then I heard footsteps.Zeke rushed into the room with my mother-in-law close behind him. I guess the birthday party was over since it was raining. They froze when they saw me, my arms wrapped tightly around Amore. H
—SAMANTHA— I groaned painfully, my head throbbing with a sharp, unbearable ache. The harsh beeping of the machines slowly brought me back to reality. I blinked my eyes open, but everything was blurry. My vision swam, my body heavy and unresponsive, like I was submerged in water. My heart raced, and panic clawed at my chest. Where was I? What had happened?The sound of the medical beeping was the only thing I could hear, a rhythmic pulse that made my anxiety spike even higher. I shot up, ignoring the pain that exploded in my head, my hand reaching out for something to steady myself. The white walls around me were unfamiliar, sterile, cold. I looked around frantically, my breathing quickening. There were no familiar faces, no signs of my daughter. “Amore…” I whispered, my voice weak and desperate. I scanned the room again, my hands shaking as I gripped the edge of the bed. What happened? Where was she? Was she okay?Just then, the door creaked open, and I turned toward it, immediat
—SAMANTHA—The ward was quiet, too quiet. My best friend let out a nervous chuckle, her fingers lightly brushing my shoulder as she spoke, trying to ease the tension. “Hey, I think you're suffering from a concussion. I understand, really, but why don’t you rest for now? You’ve been unconscious for three days, Samantha. You need to take a rest.”Her words, though kind, stung. She didn’t believe me. She didn't I was serious. She thought I was confused or making rash decisions because of everything that had happened. But I wasn’t confused. I was more certain than I had ever been.I pulled myself up slightly in the hospital bed, the pain from my head still hurting, but my resolve stronger. I locked eyes with her, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to cloud my vision. “I’m fine,” I said, my voice steady but firm, a tone I didn’t think I had in me anymore. “And I’m serious. I’m going to divorce Zeke. It’s over.”The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, and I felt a strange se
—SAMANTHA— Amore was quiet and hesitant. Then she turned to look at me, her eyes full of uncertainty and fear swimming in her round big eyes. My heart ached at the sight, my brave little girl, who used to chatter endlessly, now second-guessing every word. I gave her a small nod, telling her it was okay. “Go ahead, baby,” my eyes urging her. “Dalton is your daddy now.”Her lips parted slightly. “Really, Mommy?” her voice shook, and I saw tears in her big eyes. My heart squeezed, and I almost cried too.She was just a child, but she had already seen too much. After what Zeke did—leaving her, ignoring her, hurting me… Amore switched. Waking up from Coma, she didn’t laugh like she used to. She didn’t talk much anymore. She became quiet… unsure of herself.Ever since Zeke walked out of her life, pretending like she didn’t matter, I saw how it changed her. She didn’t play as much. She didn’t talk to strangers like before. She kept things inside, scared that if she got too happy, it might
—SAMANTHA— After Mia was dragged out of the mansion by the bodyguards, everything felt calm again. The noise and tension were gone, and the manse was quiet. It was like nothing had happened at all.But I was tired. My back ached, and my feet were sore. All I wanted was a warm bath and a soft bed to sleep in. It had been such a long, crazy day.“Hey… how are you feeling?” Dalton came to stand beside me. His voice was low, and when I looked up at him, I saw worry in his eyes. Real worry. For me.His amber eyes were glowing under the warm light, and for a second, I froze. I momentarily forgot how to speak.Snap out of it, Samantha!I quickly looked away and squeezed Amore tighter in my arms. “I ’m-I’m okay,” I shuttered, nodding a little. “I just want to rest, that’s all.”“Alright,” he said, nodding too. I thought he would leave us, but instead, two powerful hands stretched forward toward me. “Let me carry her.”My eyes widened. “No! It’s okay!” I said fast. “I’m good, really.”That w
—SAMANTHA— My hand barely grazed her arm, and my heart leapt into my throat as Mrs. Beatrice wobbled, her balance slipping dangerously.Time slowed. She nearly fell... but managed to catch herself just in time. One hand gripping the armrest of the couch while the other flew to her chest. Her face turned pale, and I could see her lips trembling in shock.I stumbled forward too, but my own footing betrayed me. My legs tangled, and I pitched forward only to collide with something solid. No, not something. Someone.Strong arms quickly wrapped around my waist, steadying both me and Amore halfway from toppling over. I blinked up, startled. “Mr–Mr. Montclair?!” Dalton’s eyes narrowed as he gazed down at me. His expression was hard to read, but I saw it. The flash of relief… followed by irritation.“Why are you still calling me Mr. Montclair? I don’t like it,” he hissed, his voice clipped. A shiver runs down my spine. What is wrong with this man?I pressed my lips together and pulled aw
—SAMANTHA—The drive felt so long it almost seemed endless. Amore had dozed off in my arms again, her soft breaths brushing against my neck as I kept my eyes on the road ahead. I didn’t know where this driver or the assistant, Mia, was taking us. It But I remained quiet, too exhausted to ask questions. After what felt like forever, maybe twenty minutes or so, we finally arrived at a gigantic golden gate. The security guards, all dressed in black suits, moved forward and carefully checked the car. They were professional. Their faces were stern, not saying a word as they finally turned and signaled for the gate to open. The Bentley smoothly drove in, following a long, clean driveway. When it eventually stopped, I unlocked the door, stepping out, and my breath caught in my throat. In front of me stood a sprawling mansion, the most magnificent building I had ever seen. Everywhere looked like something out of a fairytale. The walls were white and elegant, the lights warm and welcom
—SAMANTHA— After the call ended with Dalton, I was lost in pool of thoughts. To be honest, when I saw the unfamiliar number flashing on my screen and then hearing his deep voice reverberating from the other end, my heart skipped. How in the world did he get my number? Then again, he’s Dalton Montclair. A man like him can get whatever he wants, however he wants. That’s the kind of power he holds. But what shocked me the most wasn’t the call -it was what he said. He wanted to help me! Although I refused him right away. I didn’t need anyone’s help. I could handle my own problems, I’ve been doing it my whole life. Before I could a word, Dalton hung up. I sat quietly on the hospital bed beside Amore who was fast asleep, her small hand rested on mine, and I held it gently. The ward was quiet, only the low beep of the monitor in the corner. Feeling restless, I unlocked my phone again without thinking. My fingers moved on their own, and I opened the trending page. But my n
—DALTON— I blinked, stunned. My hand froze around the phone. No? She said no? I opened my mouth but nothing came out. It wasn’t what I expected. Wasn’t what anyone would expect from a country bumpkin like her. Especially not after everything they were putting her through. If it were any other woman, they’d be throwing themselves at a man like me, desperate for my protection. Acting pitiful, shedding fake tears, begging, clinging to me like I was their only lifeline. But her? She wasn't like any like those women. She turned me down. Even now, with the world against her, with her name dragged through the dirt, she still stood on her own. Still had enough pride to say no to me. I’m used to people depending on me, chasing after me, needing me to fix their problems. It’s a part of my life I’ve seen too many times to count. But Samantha was different. For the first time in my life, a woman rejected me! And to be honest, I don’t even know how feel. But in that moment, i
—DALTON— I sat in the back seat of my Maybach, leaning rear against the cool leather as my hawk-like eyes stayed fixed on the hospital entrance. People came and went, walking in and out, some with worried faces, others relieved. I wasn’t really looking at them though -my mind was elsewhere. I held my phone to my ear, speaking coldly, handling business like I always did. My assistant, Mia, sat next to me. The sharp, low hum of the engine was the only sound in the car. “Get it done before the end of today, no mistakes!” Once I ended the call, I let out a quiet breath and rested my palm on my thigh, fingers tapping once against the fabric of my trousers. I was momentarily lost in thoughts. After that intense encounter between my family and Samantha, my grandmother pulled me aside and gave me a harsh scolding. She ordered me to approach her more calmly next time, warning me not to upset her. Fuck. At first, I had no intention of letting Samantha off easy -not after
—SAMANTHA— I swear my heart dropped to my stomach.“Trending?” I repeated slowly, like I didn’t understand the word.“Yes, online, everywhere!” she said, sounding like she was about to lose it. “It’s everywhere, Sam! Your name, Amore, everything! People are talking, you need to check it now!”My heart thudded in my chest.“Just check it!” she cried. “It’s bad, Sam — it’s really bad!”My fingers felt cold as I slowly pulled the phone away from my ear and unlocked it with shaking hands.My notifications were blowing up.Messages, missed calls, social media alerts, it was a mess.I pulled my phone away from my ear, my hands already shaking as I opened the browser and tapped on the first link she sent me.There it was, big, bold letters staring right at me.*COUNTRYSIDE GIRL EXPOSED —ZEKE FROST’S CHARITY CASE TURNS GREEDY, SLEEPS WITH A GIGOLO ON HER WEDDING NIGHT AND GOT PREGNANT!*I felt the world around me spin.My breathing grew tight.No… no, no, no…I scrolled down, my eyes wide, m
—SAMANTHA—I turned around, and my eyes flew to the bed with shock. My heart jumped so fast in my chest. “Bunny?!” my voice was low, like I wasn’t sure if this was real.But there she was.Amore.My little girl.Her small hand moved a little on the bed, her eyes barely open, but she was awake! Tears rushed to my eyes as I hurried to her side. I grabbed her small hand and held it so tight to my chest, like I was scared she might slip away if I let go.“Oh my baby… my Bunny…” I choked, raining kisses on her forehead, her cheeks, her hand. “Mummy’s here. I’m here, baby.”I didn’t even know I was crying until her little fingers reached up and touched my wet face.“Mum… Mummy… don’t cry,” she whispered sadly in that small, soft voice of hers. God. It broke my heart.I let out a small, shaky laugh, my tears still falling but now because I was so happy. “I’m sorry, baby,” I sniffed, wiping my face with my sleeve. “Mummy’s just so, so happy you woke up.”When I looked up, I saw Dalton stand