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Chapter ThirtyFour
Last Updated:
2024-09-08 19:36:01
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After a few hours, I arrived at the venue. A private hall in a five-star hotel located in the heart of London, close to the office. As I stepped into the beautiful room, the lights seemed to shine straight on me, as if I had entered another world. Music filled the air, and laughing rang against the walls. I hesitated for a moment to gather myself before heading in. The team dinner was in full swing, with people dancing, joking, and toasting to the night. I was slightly late, but only by a few minutes. It didn't really matter.I was here now, and tonight was entirely about me. Tables were laid with appetizing-looking delicacies. I could see little desserts, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken meals set up like pieces of art. Glasses of expensive wines sparkled under the gentle lighting, and the air smelled like freshly made bread. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since noon. I pushed through, offering small smiles and nods as I greeted my colleagues.“Hey, Sama
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtySix
"Take it easy, Sam. "You are drinking too much." Caleb's voice was quiet yet edged with worry, which struck me as weird.I just smiled and nodded, loving the sensation of hot liquid running down my throat. It was exactly what I wanted, and I was loving it.This five-star hotel and expensive bar were not the place to get wasted, but here I was.I knew I was drinking heavily, but I didn't care. Not tonight.Tonight, I planned to leave everything behind. I would focus solely on myself. That is the main reason of the celebration in the first place.Whirling the liquid in front of me, I looked at the half-empty glass and then drank once again.I reached for the tequila bottle right away to top my glass.I was going to take another gulp when Caleb stopped me, firmly grabbing my hands."Hey, Sam, are you okay?" he inquired, taking the glass from me. "Don't drink like this. You are a woman. What is wrong? Is anything bothering you? You don't look like your usual bright self."I pulled my hand
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtySeven
The first thing that hit me was the pounding in my skull. A slow, dull pound in my head that grew louder as I blinked my eyes open. Everything was blurry at first, the room spinning slowly. I groaned, pressing my palms into the mattress to steady myself.Where was I?I blinked again, hoping to force my vision to clear. The dim light crept through the blinds, throwing deep shadows throughout the room. I know this place.. This was my room. My bed. My sheets.And then I felt it.. my skin against the blankets. Bare skin. The hell?My heart crashed against my chest as I slowly looked down at myself, realizing that I was virtually naked, with only my under wears protecting me.Oh, my God.I bolted upright, pulling the blanket over my body. That’s when I saw him.. Caleb. His bare chest rising and falling as he lay beside me, eyes closed, his face peaceful in sleep.Panic rushed through me like a storm.What the fuck happened?Just then, memories from the previous night flooded back, hit
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyEight
Back at the office, the fluorescent lights were harsher than normal, stinging my already aching eyes and even head. I gazed at the computer screen, pushing myself to focus on the mound of duties ahead of me. Reports, emails, and follow-ups... They should have been simple distractions, but my thoughts kept wandering. To him. To Caleb.God, get a grip, I muttered within myself, shaking my head slightly. There was no time for anything other than work. I had to shove the events of last night aside. It was the only option yeah?But every time I wrote a sentence or clicked through a file, I felt the tightness between my shoulders. Every time I heard footsteps from the hallway, my heart raced, half expecting Caleb to walk in. I had no idea how I was going to approach him, not after what had transpired or how we had left things."Focus," I whispered under my breath, fiercely typing on my keyboard. You have too much work to get caught up in... A sudden buzz from my desk's office phone in
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The thought of what had just transpired in Caleb's office kept on rolling around in my thoughts as I made my way back to my desk. My steps were robotic, almost like I wasn’t in control of my body. The way she wrapped herself over him, her eyes nearly shouting, "He’s mine." And the worst part? He didn’t push her away.I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t be thinking like way. But I was. Damn it, I was. What the heck was that? An announcement? Were they... engaged? The way Monica hinted at it, her smug little smirk when she addressed their "future"... it had to imply something. They were getting married, weren’t they?What the Hell was I thinking? Letting a guy, nay, that guy, have his way with me like that. I felt nauseous all over again, like the tequila was still scorching its way through me. I could feel the bile rising in my throat as the recollection of last night played over and over again in my thoughts. I let Caleb... I allowed him... and now, this?I wasn’t thinking. I was inebri
Last Updated : 2024-09-13The "EX" Factor Chapter Forty
I straightened my gown for the third time, my fingers quivering slightly as I heard Caleb's footsteps echoing down the corridor. The office had been unoccupied for more than an hour and I had been waiting since then for Caleb.. I could have just gone home since he didn't come out of his office early but somehow, I stayed back, pretending I had some work to finish up. I guess it was just polite to wait. Maybe that is all this was. Or maybe... I brushed the notion aside, biting my lip as I arranged a few papers on my desk, hoping it would calm my anxiety. His words sliced through the silence making me flinch. "Sam.... I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."I froze, sensing the tension between us as a physical force stretching across the distance between us. He spoke casually, as if nothing had happened, but I could hear it. There was a small crack in his voice.. He was trying too hard. I turned to face him, trying to keep my expression neutral, but my heart was racing so fast that I
Last Updated : 2024-09-15The "EX" Factor Chapter FortyOne
I sat across from Caleb in the dimly lit restaurant, rubbing my temples in an attempt to ease the dull ache that was growing there. Yes, I had come here because he had stated he wouldn't be having the "talk" at the office. My gaze swept across the opulent scene, soaking in the white tablecloths, subdued lighting, and sophisticated furnishings that oozed class. The kind of establishment where folks like me didn't usually hang out.. one that shouted "expensive" and "exclusive." The kind where you could duck into the darkness and keep your eyes out of sight. With his hands pressed together on the table, Caleb leaned forward a little and took a seat opposite me. Though his face was unreadable, it was clear from the strain in his shoulders. I squirmed in my chair uncomfortably, our awkwardness becoming worse by the moment. Since our arrival, all he had said had been the usual greetings, and now I was waiting, waiting for whatever bomb he was about to drop. “Look Sam, I know t
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Moving back and forth in my room made my heart race as I thought about my conversation with Caleb. It became clear to me that I had already made up my mind the more I thought about it. I was pulling off this crazy plan to act like I was his girlfriend. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, each second echoing my anxiety. I took a deep breath and grabbed my phone, fingers hovering over the screen and then I sent the text, asking if he would be free to meet today.. after a moment, I pressed send. After a short time, Caleb's answer flickered on my screen. "Let's meet up at the nearby café. 3-Pm?"Sounds good" was my quick answer.I felt a twist of anxiety and excitement in my stomach as I made my way to the café. When I got there, Caleb was already sitted at a table by the window, going through his phone with his brows furrowed in concentration.I felt a flutter of nerves at the sight of him.. how was I supposed to act like a couple with him when I could barely breathe around him?I m
Last Updated : 2024-09-21
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"I now pronounce you husband and wife."The words reverberated through the air as Samantha felt Tyler's warm hands cup her face. His blue eyes were so intense that her breath caught, and before she could blink, his lips were on hers. The kiss was slow and deep, sending goosebumps down her spine, and it sealed a commitment far bigger than any previous pledge. As guests stood clapping and whistling, cheers broke up all around them. White rose petals flew across the air, captured by the gentle evening breeze. Samantha let out a frantic giggle against Tyler's lips as he pulled her in closer. "We did it," she muttered. "We did," he said softly, leaning his forehead against hers. "And I'm never letting go." Samantha's heart felt fuller than ever as they went down the aisle together. Caleb was gone, the past was behind them, and a bright future awaited them. *** Six months later. Samantha sat in bed, fatigued but happy, her fingers tracing the newborn's small features cuddled again
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Four days later. Samantha stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing against her ribs. The smooth ivory fabric of her bridal gown clung to her body like a second skin, with beautiful lace accents cascading down her arms. It should have been the best day of her life. But something seemed odd. She inhaled softly, attempting to push the anxiety away. Perhaps it was simply nerves. After everything they'd been through... Tyler's health issues, her father's death, the inheritance drama, Caleb's reappearance... it was understandable to be on edge. A gentle knock on the door made her jump. Bella looked inside, her eyes lit up. "Sam, you look…" She placed a hand on her chest. "Breathtaking." Samantha smiled, but Bella's countenance immediately changed, indicating that something was awry. "You okay?" Bella inquired, coming closer. Samantha hesitated before shaking her head. "I do not know. "I just have this feeling." Bella frowned. "The bad kind?" Samantha nodded. Befo
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Samantha sat on the examination table and gripped the edge as the small, clean exam room was filled with the continuous beep of a monitor. With his leg hopping restlessly and his gaze darting between her and the closed door, Tyler sat next to her. "Blake, Samantha?" The physician came in, leafing through the file. She smiled politely and professionally and took the stool across from them. Samantha took a deep breath. "I am that." After looking over the chart, the doctor looked directly at Samantha. "Your bloodwork results have been returned." She hesitated. "You are expecting a child." There was a slight tilt to the room. Samantha blinked. "What?" The physician's grin grew softer. "You are roughly six weeks pregnant." From next to her came a sudden intake of breath. When Samantha looked back, she saw Tyler transfixed, his eyes wide, his lips slightly apart. He remained silent for a minute. Then his face changed, as though the realization had to come gradually. "You're..." He g
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Despite the frantic energy pulsing through him, Tyler's hands remained calm as he adjusted the final candle on the table, filling the air with the aroma of fresh roses. As he had intended, the restaurant was deserted; he had rented out the whole place for the evening. The tastefully arranged table was bathed in a golden glow while soft instrumental music played in the background. He rolled his shoulders back and let out a breath. It has to be flawless tonight. He turned when he heard a familiar voice at the door. "Tyler?" Samantha stood in the doorway, looking both surprised and intrigued. With her hair falling over her shoulders, she looked stunning in a form-fitting emerald dress. Tyler took a deep breath. God, she's stunning. She glanced at the intimate scene and then back at him. "What's all this?" He moved forward and extended his hand. "Supper. Only us. After a moment of hesitation, she inserted her fingers inside his. Her tender touch stabilized and anchored hi
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Tyler exhaled sharply as he pushed himself up from the therapy bench, sweat dampening his shirt. His muscles trembled from exertion, but he gritted his teeth and steadied himself. Samantha stood nearby, watching him with careful eyes, ready to step in if he faltered. “Easy,” she murmured. He shot her a look. “I’m fine.” She crossed her arms, one brow lifting. “You nearly collapsed last week. Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it.” Tyler sighed but didn’t argue. Truth be told, he still felt the weakness lingering in his limbs, the occasional dizziness that reminded him he wasn’t at full strength yet. But he was improving. And that mattered. The physical therapist, a middle-aged man named Greg, clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s enough for today. You don’t want to push too hard.” Tyler wiped a hand over his face and nodded. “Got it.” Samantha handed him a water bottle, and as he took a sip, her fingers brushed against his. It was a small, fleeting touch, but it g
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Samantha paced the clean hallway, the only sound in the otherwise quiet room being the steady tapping of her heels on the shiny hospital floor. She detested medical facilities. I detested having to wait. She glanced at the clock, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Four hours. Tyler had spent four long, excruciating hours in surgery. She turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Owen standing next to her, holding a coffee cup in one hand and wearing a worried expression. He offered her the cup and added softly, "You must sit." Samantha gave a headshake. "I am unable to. Not until I'm certain he's alright. Owen leaned against the wall and moaned. "You have stood here the whole time. You're going to lose your mind. The lump in her throat was swallowed. "What happens if something goes right?" Her voice broke. "What if..." "Cease." Owen spoke in a friendly but stern tone. "Tyler is powerful. Additionally, he is being treated by one of the nation's top surgeons
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Samantha's heels hitting the marble floor echoed down the long hallway. Her phone buzzed in her fingers, and another notice appeared on the screen. SCANDAL UNVEILS: CALEB WINTERS ENGAGED IN FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT, AND CORPORATE SABOTAGE. She barely had time to breathe before another one struck. JAMES BLAKE'S LEGACY RESTORED: NEW EVIDENCE CLEARS HIS NAME.Her father's name. She grabbed the phone tighter, exhaling gently as she pushed through the spinning doors of the company's offices. The lobby was a bustle of activity, with reporters stationed outside, employees chatting in tight clusters, and security on high alert. It had only been twelve hours since Owen revealed the incriminating proof, yet the corporate world had already imploded. "You did it," Owen said beside her, his voice low but forceful. Samantha caught his gaze. He appeared weary, his tie unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up after the all-nighter they had pulled. But there was a quiet contentment in his eyes, the sa
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The sound of my phone buzzing woke me up. I sat up abruptly, my heart thumping as the faint light of Tyler's hospital room formed frightening shadows on the walls. The sterile aroma of antiseptic entered my nose, grounding me in the moment, but my mind was already racing. I reached for my phone, shivering my fingers as I unlocked it. A slew of notifications illuminated the screen. News notifications. Social media tags. Emails. Bella's name appeared on the screen, and I immediately picked up. "Sam, have you seen it?" Her voice was sharp and urgent. I swallowed hard, already dreading the response. "Seen what?" "Caleb has just gone public. He revealed critical information regarding your father's business. He describes it as a 'legacy of corruption.' "The media is all over it." My face was emptied of blood. My hold on the phone intensified. "Sam, are you there?" I forced myself to breathe. "I'm here." But I was not. I was in a downward spiral. My father had only been gon
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I didn't think twice. Tyler's sickness worsened, so I temporarily closed the Art display. There are no explanations, no room for negotiation. My career had been my anchor for years, but just now, nothing was more important than being there for him. Now, as I sat in the dim hospital room, the only sound being the beeping of machines, I watched Tyler fall asleep. His face looked paler than usual, and he breathed slower and more measured. My fingers wrapped around his, and my thumb brushed lightly against his skin. I wanted to relieve his misery. I wished I could go back in time and make other choices to avoid this occurring again. But all I could do was stay here. The door creaked open, and Bella slid inside, holding two cups of coffee. She handed me one without saying anything and sat down beside me. “How’s he doing?” she inquired quietly. I exhaled and stroked my temple. "For the time being, things are stable. The physicians are still watching him. They'll decide soon wh
