Semua Bab In between kisses I whisper : Bab 1 - Bab 10

Early that afternoon, rain pattered softly against the window, the rhythm echoing the pounding of Samira Wiley’s heart. She stood by the counter of the boutique in Brookside City, rearranging an already perfect display of silk scarves. The routine was a welcome distraction from her thoughts. Her reflection in the glass revealed a young woman of twenty-two, with tired eyes but a determined spirit. Life had not been kind, but she had persevered.Samira’s thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of the door chime. She turned to see her childhood friend, Delly Thompson, striding in with her usual flair. Delly, the embodiment of charisma and confidence, drew eyes wherever she went. Her glossy, auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her emerald green dress clung to her figure like a second skin. Delly had been adopted from the orphanage at sixteen, thrust into a life of luxury and socialite events, while Samira remained behind, working to support the orphanage that had been the

Together they walked into the restaurant, it was located at the far end of the city, near a lake, the atmosphere was cool, no wonder he'd chosen that place as there first date place, and as soon as he entered, two waiters quickly approached, guiding them to their table. "Let me take your coat, Miss," one of the waiters said. Knowing the daring dress she wore underneath, she hesitated to give it to him. She was about to refuse when she noticed a man at a nearby table staring at her. With an idea forming, she decided to take off the coat, challenging Chris with her gaze. From her periphery, she saw the man lustfully eyeing her body. Smiling to herself, she thought her third act would surely work. As she sat down, she noticed Ray's eyes fixated on her cleavage. Trying to act nonchalant, she picked up the menu and pretended to peruse it. Why is he staring at me like that? Does he really want to marry me? she wondered, finally choosing a dish. "Did you wear this dress for me?" he a

IN THE AFTERNOON~ Dressed in a modest black knee-length dress, Samira walked down the stairs. She hoped her conservative outfit would make Chris think twice about pursuing her. As she was about to leave, Mike stopped her. "You look lovely," he commented. "Lovely enough to make your boss lose interest in me," she replied, half-jokingly. "Why? Didn't you like going out with him last night?" he queried. "I didn't, and I want to put an end to this. I don't like your boss, Mike. He frightens me," Samira confessed, sharing her own feelings rather than what Delly would have said. Mike, looking at her seriously, she had spoken matter-of-fact. "You can't call it off with the boss. You've got to make it work with him." "Why? Why can't I call it off with him? Just what are you keeping from me?" Samira asked, her curiosity piqued. Mike was about to reply when Delly called her. Mike collected her things and took them to the car while she followed. She noticed the manager staring at her

The next morning, Samira woke up with a sense of dread lingering over her. She had barely managed to rest after the confrontation with Chris the previous day. The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a harsh light on her disheveled room. She reluctantly got out of bed and made her way to the living room, hoping for a moment of peace. Instead, she found Chris seated on the squashy sofa, clearly waiting for her. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice sharp with irritation. "We've got to talk," he said, his tone calm but firm. He stood up and reached for her hand, trying to steer her toward the door. She pulled away, glaring at him. "I thought I made myself clear to you yesterday," she said, crossing her arms defiantly. "You did, but I haven't made myself clear to you yet," he replied, his eyes narrowing. "And don't worry, I don't need permission to coerce you to go with me, because I can easily do just that." He reached out to touch her face, but she evaded h

**NEW JERSEY CITY** Samira stood in front of the vast mirror, staring at herself in her wedding dress. The dress was exquisite, a vision of delicate lace and shimmering beads that caught the light with every slight movement. The bodice fit her perfectly, cinching her waist before flowing into a full, billowing skirt. The train trailed behind her like a cascade of snow, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the room. Yet, despite the beauty of the gown, she felt like an imposter. This marriage, this life she was about to step into, felt absurd and unreal, like a twisted fairy tale she couldn't escape. Ever since her escape a month ago, Chris Rays had caught her in the worst way she'd never thought possible. **Flashback...** When Samira reached the airport, she was determined to go back to Brookside. She bought an air ticket and waited for her departure, her heart racing with each passing minute. But as she sat there, her resolve wavered. Doubt gnawed at her, and when she saw Mike