Chapter 3

3.

Samantha’s POV

I walked out of the car and heaved a deep breath as I stared at my parents’ huge mansion. A familiar feeling crept to my stomach as I sucked in a breath and made my way into the house.

For three years, I stayed away from them, neglected the family name and followed Nathan. For three years, I cut off all links and connections with them because I wouldn’t want them finding out where I lived with Nathan, and come to avoid my true identity getting exposed.

One reason I had stayed away from them and followed Nathan was because Father wanted me to take over the family business and also get married to Aiden, one of the wealthiest and youngest billionaires in all of New York City. I knew it was for business and I wanted to marry for love, which fueled my determination to leave everything behind and marry Nathan.

I just realized how much of a stupid fool I had been then.

As I walked in through the door, maids had already lined up to welcome me. I walked past them with my head held high. I was sick and tired of being the lady who would get pushed around by everybody. This time, I’m going to take control of my life and my destiny.

“Welcome back, Sam,” Linda hugged me the minute she set her eyes on me. “You’ve really lost a lot of weight. Your father will not be pleased.” She turned me around and I sighed.

“I know, right? Let’s leave that behind, P.A. I can’t go see father like this. I need to get dressed.” I gave her a small smile and she nodded.

“Way ahead of ya! Before you came, I already made the maids prepare your bath and your clothes. Let’s go,” She held my hand and led me to my room, causing me to smile. Linda hadn’t changed a bit. She has been my Personal Assistant for a long time now, and we are more like sisters, considering that she’s the only person who completely understand me.

In a few minutes, I had already gone through a makeover. I looked at my reflection and saw a beauty I didn’t realize I had until now. With a sigh, I made my way to the living room, gathering the courage to face my father after ditching him for three years.

Linda gave me a look of reassurance and guided me to the living room. Father was seated on the couch with his legs crossed and a glass of wine in his hand. He had a plain expression on his face and my heart skipped a bit. Mother was seated beside him, looking as young as ever with her blonde hair rolled into a bun while my half sister, Estella, sat with her arms folded. Obviously, she wasn’t happy to see me.

I walked to where father and mother were seated and knelt in front of them.

“So you finally came back after three whole years, Sam.” Father drawled, his deep and manly voice sending shivers down my spine.

“I am sorry, Father. I regret my actions and my decisions. Please accept my apology.” I lowered my head and clasped my fingers together.

There was silence for a while and at a point, I became frightened that he would get angry and send me away or chase me away from his presence. I saw his hand reach to mine, and he held them together.

I looked up at him, and he had a smile on his face. “Welcome back, Samantha. I have been waiting for you. I knew this wasn’t going to last. I knew that gold digger wouldn’t know the value of what he had.”

I blinked. What was Father talking about?

“Your father have been watching you, Sam. He knew all you were going through and even though it hurt all of us, he didn’t lift a finger because you said you didn’t want our help. You don’t need to apologize. We are just happy you came to your senses early enough.” Mother explained everything to me and I sighed.

“Now that you are back, you can take over the company now as the new CEO and marry Aiden Callymore.”

“Dad—”

“No excuses, Samantha. Marrying Aiden will be the best thing that will happen to both companies. You’ve neglected your duties for three years, it’s time for you to face them.”

“But dad, I have no idea who Aiden is. I can’t just marry someone I don’t know anything about!” I stood to my feet.

“You knew about Nathan and still went through hell in his hand. Aiden is different, Sam. Who knows? Things might actually work out between you two. Don’t disappoint me by refusing,” He said with a tone of finality and I sighed.

It wasn’t going to be a long marriage anyway. It would just be on paper, no feelings attached, what’s the worst that could happen?

“Very well, Father.” I sighed and he clapped his hand.

“That’s my daughter. I already sent a message to Aiden. He is on his way!” Father exclaimed and I just lowered my head. As long as I got my revenge on Nathan, I’m okay.

“This is so unfair, daddy! She left us for three years. She came back just today, and you’re ready to hand over the company to her?” Estella asked and I rolled my eyes.

“Stay out of this, Estella. Samantha is the perfect person for the job. She isn’t into drugs.” He said, and I could not the mockery in his voice. That shut Estella up, and I was glad it did. She had always been a pain in the neck.

The door to the living room opened and everybody stood to their feet.

“He’s here.” Linda announced.

I looked at them, wondering who this Aiden of a man was that commanded so much respect. And just immediately, I felt a chill and a tall guy walked into the room. I could swear I got goosebumps. He was like the most beautiful man I have ever seen. He has ocean blue eyes and striking, thick eyebrows.

His face was chiseled like he was carved from stone, and his jawline was sharp and defined. His nose was straight and pointed, and his lips were full and pink. His hair was dark and wavy, styled to perfection.

He was dressed in a black suit that fit him perfectly, and he exuded an air of confidence and power. His eyes met with mine first, and he smiled at me, causing my knees to become weak.

He walked to where I stood and stretched out his hand for a handshake. “We finally meet, wifey.”