Leave Now

Ruby’s expression turned serious as she listened to Linda’s worries. “Calm down, Linda,” she said firmly. “You’ve done everything right so far. As long as you stick to the plan, Samuel won’t suspect a thing.”

“But, Mom, what if he already knows?” Linda’s voice quivered. “He didn’t even bother to come. What if he’s planning something?”

Ruby reached out, gripping Linda’s hand tightly. “You’re overthinking it, Linda. Samuel believes it was you that night because we made sure of it. Every detail matched—thanks to Ciara's letter.”

Linda nodded slowly, trying to steady her nerves. “But what if I slip up? He’s bound to figure it out eventually.”

“That’s why you must be cautious,” Ruby warned. “Remember every word from that letter. That night is your story now. Own it.”

Linda swallowed hard, fear still lingering in her eyes. “But why would he marry me just because of that night?”

“Samuel is a man of pride,” Ruby explained. “He can’t afford a scandal, especially with someone like you. And you were the girl who ‘saved’ him that night. That’s all that matters to him.”

Linda looked down, her mind racing with doubt. “But, what if I’m not enough? What if I can’t pull this off?”

“Just stick to the plan, and everything will fall into place.”

Linda nodded, but the unease in her chest remained. “I just hope you’re right, Mom. I really do.”Both Ruby and Colt were equally alarmed.

Suddenly, a maid walked up to them. Madam, Ciara is here. She says she’s here to collect her and her mother’s pictures.”

“Tell her to leave!” Linda snapped, letting her frustration out on Ciara.

In her panic, Linda had forgotten that she had asked Ciara to come for the pictures. She had wanted to show off to Samuel and make Ciara feel uncomfortable, but Samuel’s refusal had caught her off guard.

The maid hesitated. “Hold on! I’ll go talk to her.” Linda stood up and rushed out.

Linda’s eyes were swollen from crying, and her hair was a mess. She had rushed out without looking in the mirror.

“Get out of here! You’re just a woman who taints my house every time you show up. Leave now!” Linda yelled.

Ciara smirked. “Linda, you’re the one who invited me to collect my mother’s pictures.”

“Get out! I warn you!” Linda continued to shout.

Ciara laughed in anger. She realized Linda was just throwing a tantrum. With a calm face, she said, “Linda, your eyes are puffy, and your hair is a mess. Did you have a rough night?”

Linda, furious, tried to lunge at Ciara. “I’ll beat you until you lose your legs!”

Ciara remained unfazed and said coolly, “Do you really want to get yourself in trouble? Because if you attack me here, you might end up in prison.”

Linda screamed, “Get out! Get out now!”

Ciara clenched her fists, narrowing her eyes at Linda's smug face. 'I can't let her get under my skin,' she thought. 'This isn't the time to lose control.'

Linda's taunts echoed in her ears, but Ciara ignored them. Instead of confronting her, Ciara turned away, knowing she had to stay calm. 

'I’m not backing down,' she told herself. 'I just need to think this through.' 

She couldn't afford to act recklessly, not when her mother's memory was on the line.

“There’s another way to get what I need,” she mused. Her stomach growled, a reminder that she needed to stay strong—not just for herself, but for the life growing inside her.

She spotted a food stall nearby and decided to grab a quick bite, choosing a few mushroom sandwiches.

“Miss Summers,” Kingston called after her.

Ciara stopped. “Yes?”

“Get in the car,” Kingston instructed.

Confused, Ciara asked, “Why?”

“If Madam calls and finds out you and Master Samuel aren’t living together...” Kingston didn’t finish, but the implication was clear.

“Got it,” Ciara said, understanding the need to stay in character. She got into the car.

Instead of going to the Fury Residence, Kingston took her to a high-end neighborhood. He led her to a luxurious duplex and handed her over to Aunt Quinton, a middle-aged housekeeper.

“You must be the new Young Mistress,” Aunt Quinton said with a smile. “I’ve been working for Madam for over ten years. I’ve been instructed to take good care of you. Please follow me.”

The duplex was lavish, a far cry from what Ciara was used to. She asked Aunt Quinton, “This place is...?”

“This was Young Master Samuel’s former home,” Aunt Quinton explained.

Ciara realized this meant Samuel probably wouldn’t visit her here. It was a relief, as it meant she wouldn’t have to see him for now.

She planned to move her things from her rented bed the next day. The landline rang in the living room, and Aunt Quinton answered, “Yes, Madam. Yes, she’s here. Young Mistress is just sitting on the couch.”

She handed the phone to Ciara. “It’s Madam.”

Ciara took the phone and said, “Hello, Mom. How are you?”

Mary’s gentle voice came through. “Sabbie, how are you settling in?”

Ciara replied, “It’s very nice here. I’ve never lived in such a beautiful house.”

“Where’s Samuel? Is he with you?” Mary asked.

Ciara knew Samuel wouldn’t come if he knew she was here. Still, she said, “Samuel will be back soon. We’re having dinner together.”

“Good. I won’t keep you. I’ll hang up now.”

“Bye, Mom.”

In the evening, Ciara enjoyed a sumptuous dinner. Aunt Quinton even prepared a bath with essential oils and rose petals.

“Young Mistress, these will help make your skin better,” Aunt Quinton said, handing her the bathrobe. “I’ll prepare the bed for you.”

Ciara was overwhelmed by the pampering. After a long time without a proper bath, she enjoyed the luxurious setup. She soaked in the tub until she started feeling drowsy.

When she climbed out of the bath, still wet, she reached for the bathrobe but bumped into someone.

“Ah!” Ciara screamed in shock.

Samuel was taken aback as he saw Ciara in front of him. She stood there, her body barely covered, with her skin slightly reddened from the bath. Her wet hair was tousled, and her face, small and damp with water droplets and steam, looked vulnerable.

Samuel himself wasn’t fully dressed. His tall, muscular frame, bronzed skin, and broad shoulders were visible. The scars on his right arm were striking, emphasizing his powerful and commanding presence.

When Ciara noticed his scars, she felt a pang of fear. But her immediate concern was her own embarrassment, as Samuel had seen her in a state she would have preferred to keep private. She frantically tried to cover herself, but her trembling hands struggled to grasp the bathrobe. Her efforts to put it on were clumsy, and the robe was so large that it dragged on the ground.

“I... I didn’t expect you back. Why... why are you here?” Ciara’s voice quivered, and her face was flushed red with both embarrassment and cold.

As she attempted to walk out, the oversized robe got caught under her feet, causing her to stumble. “Ah!” she cried out in alarm.

Samuel quickly moved, catching her before she hit the floor. He noticed a familiar scent and, for a moment, closed his eyes and leaned in slightly. Ciara, frightened, cried out, “Let go of me…”

Samuel snapped out of it, cursing under his breath. He grabbed a bath towel, wrapped it around Ciara, and carried her to the second bedroom. He laid her gently on the large bed and then turned and left. The door slammed shut behind him.