"Mr. Timothy Barker, do you take Ms. Samantha Larsson to be your wife, to have and to hold, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"
Samantha Larsson's eyes were twinkling with excitement and anticipation. Finally, she was going to be his wife.
However, Timothy Barker still did not answer even as time passed by. Samantha looked at him with slight confusion, and their eyes coincidentally met.
His gaze was unfriendly and gloomy, lacking the gentle love it had before. In fact, there was a hint of puzzling indifference in it.
Timothy looked at her unsympathetically for a while. Then, he uttered those words coldly and clearly, "I don't!"
An uproar erupted in the crowd.
Samantha was stunned. Her beautiful eyes widened, staring blankly at Timothy.
What was happening...
They had been dating for many years. Moreover, as soon as they reached the legal age, he proposed to her.
Samantha had always been the apple of Timothy's eyes!
However, when Samantha reached out to grab Timothy, he shook off her hand ruthlessly, as if he was throwing off something dirty. Samantha was caught off guard, and the force caused her to stagger two steps back, barely able to steady herself.
Next, Timothy announced, "The wedding is canceled. Furthermore, all collaboration between the Barkers and Larssons will cease from today onward!"
After saying that, he coldly peeped at Samantha as if he was mocking her, or maybe he was even laughing at himself. He did not say anything more and strode off.
Samantha stood there dumbfounded. The mocking chattering from all directions instantly drowned her. She felt a stiff cold as if thousands of swords were piercing her heart.
...
The Larsson family's daughter was dumped at her wedding, and the Barker family ended all the collaboration between them. To make things worse, the Larsson Group's stock price plummeted, their projects were suspended, and funds were cut off.
At home, her overwrought mother roared at her, "We've nurtured you for so many years, yet you turned out to be so useless! You can't even keep a man! Didn't you and Tim had sex? Why did he publicly denounce your marriage despite that? It's so humiliating to our family!"
Samantha's face was ashen when she heard such rude remarks, and she clenched her hands.
It was true. Their relationship had been great all these years. The night before their wedding, they even fell into a passionate abyss and they made love. Everything was going smoothly, and she still could not understand what she did wrong. Why did Timothy suddenly turn against her so ruthlessly!
...
At the Barker Group.
Previously, Samantha could smoothly enter and exit the building, yet that day, she was blocked by the guard at the entrance, making her wait for four hours at the door.
The sun was exceptionally scorching. Samantha waited until her face was flushed and she was sweating all over. Finally, she saw someone walking out.
It was Timothy's assistant.
He stood in front of Samantha, and he sounded respectful and polite as he said, "Ms. Larsson, Mr. Barker ordered me to pass on a few words. He said he's bored with you and asked you not to show your face ever again!"
Samantha's face paled and her words were stuck in her throat, unable to say anything.
She did not expect that the man who treated her so tenderly and doted on her would say such hurtful words in a blink of an eye.
Samantha bit her lower lip as hard as she could, almost making it bled. Then, with great difficulty, she finally found her voice. "Then, please help me pass on some words to him... For the sake of our feelings for so many years..."
She suddenly stopped mid-sentence. Feelings... Hah! There were no feelings between them anymore...
Hence, she changed her words. "For the sake of our past as I've saved him once, please ask him to extend a hand to the Larssons. Then, I'll do as he wants, and I'll never appear in front of him again!"
Perhaps because Timothy really wanted to sever their relationship, the Barker Group gave the Larssons a sum of money in the name of funding. On the other hand, Samantha also fulfilled her promise and left to go abroad.
The loving relationship for the past few years was like a dream the completely dispersed as the wind blew.
...
Two years later.
Samantha pulled her luggage and walked out of the airport. She stared at the strange but familiar city, and a complex feeling rose in her heart.
If it were not for her brother's health worsening, she would never return.
Moreover, there was also a reason that she was unwilling to admit... A few days ago, she received an anonymous email mentioning that Timothy's excuse was untrue. Two years ago, he said he was bored of her and broke off the engagement, but there was actually a secret! If she was really interested, she could investigate it, and she would find a big surprise!
Her driver, Charlie, had been waiting for her at the entrance. Samantha got into the car, and they soon drove away.
The car was not heading toward the Larsson's residence or the hospital. However, more than an hour later, they stopped at a clubhouse.
Charlie monotonously informed her, "Ms. Larsson, Mr. Larsson is waiting for you inside."
Samantha frowned but did not question anything. Instead, she got out of the car blankly.
It was a private party, and there were not many attendees. Nonetheless, those present were all wealthy and respectable individuals.
Simon Larsson saw Samatha and hurriedly approached her. Without even greeting her, Simon immediately took out a key card and handed it to Samantha, ordering her, "Go and serve Mr. Godfrey. Our company's recovery depends on you."
Samantha's long and curly lashes fluttered. Even though she had expected that from Simon, she still felt disappointed when he said that.
Then, Samantha hid her self-deprecating gaze and looked at Simon, obediently answering him, "Alright, father."
After she said that, Samantha turned around and left.
Simon watched as the slender and beautiful Samantha walked away, and he smiled in satisfaction.
Several men in luxurious clothing in a booth at the side saw the scene unfold in front of them. They all turned to the lanky figure hiding in the dark.
Timothy's handsome face was indifferent. In fact, there was no emotion in his eyes. It was as if Samantha was an unimportant stranger.
However, everyone ineffably felt a chill down their spines.
...
Samantha took the key card and opened the door.
Mason Godfrey was only in a robe. When he saw her, his gaze was burning with lust, which he did not even try to hide. With his stout figure, he rushed toward Samantha. "Pretty lady, you're finally here!"
Mason reached out to her excitedly. His chubby hand grabbed Samantha's wrist, and he led her to the big bed.
Samatha let him guide her. She was even smiling when he pushed her onto the bed.
Mason felt that he could not control himself anymore, and he impatiently threw himself at her.
However, in the next second, Samantha raised her hand, and Mason felt something piercing the side of his neck. Then, everything suddenly turned black as he felt his body weakening.
Samantha sat and kicked Mason, who had already passed out, down the bed.
Her gaze was ice-cold.
Before she returned, she still had some hope for Simon. In the end, it seemed that she was nothing but a commodity in his eyes.
Nevertheless, Samantha was not the same person she was two years ago, and she would not be the obedient girl letting him mistreat her as he wished!
Then, Samatha harshly tossed the keycard onto Mason. After tidying her clothes, she walked out in her high heels.
As she walked out of the clubhouse's entrance, Samantha saw a tall man languidly leaning against a car. There was a cigarette between his slender fingers and wisps of smoke faintly floating around him.
His obsidian eyes turned to her, and there was a familiar gentle light in them.
Tbc.
Samantha immediately stopped in her tracks, and she even unconsciously held her breath.
The corner of her lips raised uncontrollably. Just like in the past, she shouted, "Tim-"
"Timmy!" Suddenly, she heard a flirtatious female voice coming from behind her. A woman in high heels appeared, and she trotted toward Timothy.
Then, she took Timothy's arms and was all smiles. "Timmy, let's go."
Samantha's words were stuck in her throat, and her face paled. In the blink of an eye, she became a through and through joke!
Timothy glanced at her and smiled mockingly. He put out his cigarette butt, turned around, and got into the car.
He did not give her another look.
...
Samantha tossed and turned the whole night, and she could not get a good sleep. She was unsure whether it was because of her jetlag or something else.
The following day, Samantha went downstairs.
As she expected, she saw Simon and Cynthia Larsson sitting on the living room's couch-both of them had a long face on, as if the world was ending.
Samantha pretended as if she did not know anything, walked over and asked, "What happened?"
Simon glanced at her. He appeared depressed, and he did not answer her.
On the other hand, Cynthia took a deep breath, saying, "Something happened to Mr. Godfrey."
"Oh?" Samantha took a seat and asked, "What happened?"
"Someone disclosed his affairs to his wife, and their marriage is now at stake."
When Samantha heard that, she acted shocked. "Is that so..."
Naturally, it was her who did this. Utilizing her connections, she looked through Mason's situation. He made his fortune by relying on his wife's capability. Once he was successful, he disliked how bossy his wife was, so he fooled around with others and kept mistresses. However, he did a good job hiding it, and Hillary Godfrey never found out.
Samantha sent all the information to Hillary the night before.
Cynthia continued, "Moreover, Mr. Godfrey's company was investigated this morning for tax evasion. They're also in trouble and helpless, so we can't rely on them anymore!"
Samantha's train of thoughts was abruptly interrupted. She was really shocked about this, and she widened her beautiful eyes.
The previous matter was her doing, but she did not do anything about this. Her connections were not that great that they could investigate into other people's companies.
Was it a coincidence?
Perhaps God could no longer put up with it and served justice?
However, this was well-deserved for such a scum!
...
Old Madam Barker's 60th birthday was coming.
Simon mysteriously took out an invitation card, allowing Samantha to visit Old Madam Barker to wish her well.
After the failure of the marriage alliance, the Barkers and the Larssons no longer maintained contact. Of course, Samantha knew that Simon's intention was not that simple.
The Larssons were facing a hard time in their business. Since the Barkers gave the Larsson Group a sum of money two years ago, they were only able to sustain the business for a short period, but they were not able to stop the decline. Moreover, they were approaching a crisis in their business.
Hence, even if Samantha and Timothy had severed their ties, he refused to give up.
Samantha was unwilling to attend, especially since Timothy had regarded her as dust. Furthermore, he already had a beautiful woman with him. Thus, she did not want to humiliate herself again!
"Father, Timothy warned me not to appear in front of him again. He had given us a sum of money, and I won't be able to ask for a second time."
Samantha's harsh words embarrassed Simon. He was so angry that he raised his hand, ready to slap her.
When Cynthia saw this, she hurriedly stopped Simon and shook her head at him. Then, she spoke softly to Samantha, " Sammy, you're mistaken. Your father and I don't expect much from you and Tim. Besides, Tim and Penelope Schmidt have been really close these two years, and there's a rumor saying they'll get married soon. Since he didn't want you before, I'm sure he doesn't care about you now!"
Samantha unconsciously clenched her fist.
Penelope Schmidt... She must be the woman she saw at the clubhouse the other day...
Then, Cynthia changed the subject. "However, Old Madam Barker had always adored you. Now that you're back, you should go and wish her well, right? Maybe for your sake, she will help us."
It could be said that Old Madam Barker watched Samantha grow up, and she really liked her. When Samantha ended up with Timothy, she treated her extraordinarily well. Therefore, Samantha also treated Old Madam Barker as her own grandmother.
Samantha did not plan to stay in the country for long. As long as she lingered for another day, Simon would continue to find a rich man for her, and she would not have a day of peace.
She had already booked a flight ticket and was ready to leave in a few days. She did not know when she would return after leaving this time...
Samantha shut her eyes and slowly opened them. "Alright. I'll go and visit Old Madam Barker."
Simon and Cynthia were overjoyed.
"However, I won't do anything else besides that!"
The smile on her parents' faces froze, and they looked at each other!
...
The Barker family's old mansion was brightly lit, and the hall was decorated extravagantly.
When Samantha walked into the old mansion, she suddenly became absentminded. This place... Even though it had been two years, it still felt so familiar, making her heart palpitate.
She used to think that this would be her home, yet things had changed.
Then, she took a deep breath and calmed herself down.
Samantha was dressed relatively simply that day as she did not want to catch anyone's attention. After all, she was only there to pass the gift and would leave after saying her well wishes.
She looked around and noticed Old Madam Barker talking to a bunch of people. Perhaps it was the joyous celebration, but Old Madam Barker appeared happy and full of spirits.
Seeing that, Samantha could not help but smile.
Soon, a beautiful couple came hand in hand, and they stood in front of Old Madam Barker. The man was handsome, and the woman was gorgeous.
It was Timothy and Penelope.
Penelope was holding a gift meant for Old Madam Barker. Samantha did not know what they were talking about, but Old Madam Barker laughed so happily that her face reddened.
The three of them stood there happily as if they were already a family!
Despite knowing about this, Samantha still felt hurt when she saw the scene.
It was because of her wishful thinking-she believed the anonymous email's nonsense. If Timothy had another reason to break off their engagement that year, why would he date a new girlfriend and appear so in love...
Samantha hurriedly turned around, and she bit her lips.
She had nothing to do with any of this anymore. Since she had done her part, she would never meet Timothy again!
It was not appropriate for her to wish Old Madam Barker. In fact, she might even disturb them. Hence, Samantha went to the gift reception table instead.
After passing her gift to the servant, she walked toward Old Madam Barker. She stood among the crowd, silently wishing her happy birthday, then turned around and left.
When she walked out the door, Samantha took out her phone and was ready to call the cab. However, her nose was suddenly covered.
Who was it?
Samantha was going to put up a struggle, but before she could react, everything turned black, and her body fell weakly.
Tbc.
It was warm... It was so hot...
Samantha was awakened by the sudden heat in her body. She abruptly opened her eyes, and everything was pitch black. There was no light around her, and she did not know where she was.
"It's you?!" Suddenly, she heard a raspy and fierce voice coming from above her. Next, she felt herself being choked by a pair of cold hands. "Damn it! You actually drugged me?"
This voice... Even though she did not see who the man was, she could tell from his voice that it was Timothy!
She woke up there after she was attacked. Moreover, she did not even do anything, and she did not want to be involved with him ever again!
Samantha opened her mouth, trying to refute. However, when she did, she uncontrollably moaned, and she could not utter a single word.
Samantha was angry and embarrassed. She could feel that the warmness in her body was messing with her logic, and she was about to lose control of herself. She must leave as soon as she can...
She raised her hands, trying to push Timothy away, yet her body was weak, and she did not have any strength. Timothy thought that she was flirting with him and playing hard to get.
The man's breathing was getting heavier and his eyes were bloodshot. The veins on his hands started to show one by one, and he roared through gritted teeth, "Samantha, you asked for this!"
Then, Timothy's lips violently pressed on hers.
A night of frenzy...
...
Samantha had a dream. It was a long-awaited, sweet, and blissful dream.
On the day of her 20th birthday, she and Timothy were celebrating her birthday by the beach. She closed her eyes and made a wish in front of the burning candles.
Every year, she would have the same wish-marrying Timothy.
When she opened her eyes and blew the candles, a drone appeared in the sky. It flew in the blue sky for a while, and the white smoke gradually formed two words-Marry Me.
After that, Timothy, who was dressed in a black suit, walked toward her handsomely with flowers in his hands. Then, he knelt in front of her.
Her voice was hoarse and melodious, and his gaze was sincere and affectionate. "Sammy, marry me. I can't wait any longer, and I want to make you mine for the rest of my life."
Samantha was overjoyed as she agreed, giving Timothy her hand.
However, the very next second, Timothy's affectionate and handsome face darkened. His gaze was filled with mockery and indifference. Then, he opened his thin lips, uttering those harsh words, "I'm bored of you! Don't appear in front of me ever again!"
Samantha was stunned, and she instantly opened her eyes, gasping for air.
Even though it had been two years, that scene and those words were like nightmares, traumatizing her!
She took two deep breaths and wanted to sit, but her body was hurting all over, causing her to cry out in pain.
Samantha could not care less about the pain. Everything that happened last night surged into her mind.
She and Timothy...
She abruptly looked beside her, and she was greeted with the sight of the beautiful and familiar man's face. Then, suddenly, she stopped breathing!
She was hoping that it was all just a nightmare...
Samantha closed her eyes. It was not the time for her to let her imagination run wild. No matter what, she must leave this place first!
She forced herself to steady her emotions, and she slowly sat up. Then, just as her feet touched the ground and she was ready to get out of bed, her wrist was grabbed.
Next, she felt her head spinning, and she was back in bed again. Soon, her hands were pressed on the bed, and she could not move at all.
She looked up and met Timothy's malicious obsidian gaze, and there was an undisguised hatred and murderous intent in them!
This look... Did he already ascertain that she drugged him last night and took the chance to get in bed with him, just to get some benefits from him?
Samantha instantly felt anxious and terrified.
She was well aware of how ruthless Timothy could be. Moreover, she knew how cruel his methods were, and she saw the fate of those who tried to scheme against him...
At the thought of that, Samantha shivered.
Nevertheless, things had already unfolded to this extent, so there was no point in being afraid. Samantha forcefully bit her lips, forcing herself to remain calm. Then, she quickly tried to form a few sentences, thinking about explaining the matter to Timothy.
"Samantha, you'd do such shameless acts for the sake of money. Why? Was it because you got good money from me the first time you sold yourself to me, so you thought that the second time would be..."
"Slap-"
The crisp slapping sound stopped Timothy from finishing his brutal words!
Samantha's hand was still in mid-air, trembling violently. Her face was ashen, and her chest undulated from the anger.
There was a red mark on the man's beautiful fair cheek.
It seemed that he did not expect Samantha to make a move. Timothy was in a trance for half a minute, but then his mouth twitched. Even though he was smiling, the temperature in the room appeared to have dropped.
"Samantha, do you have a death wish?"
Samantha thought that the words his assistant told her two years ago were hurtful. Nonetheless, those words that he was spurting right then were more lethal.
Was she such a woman in his eyes?
That was why he broke off their engagement in front of everyone and forced her to leave, banishing her to a foreign country.
The pain started to surge, and she was getting teary.
All these years outside, she had heard horrible things. Nevertheless, for the sake of surviving, she would always smile through them. On the other hand, Timothy used to care for her and was very affectionate. Every word that he said, each sentence, could melt her heart.
They were so happy together, yet it flipped at that moment.
Being overseas for the past two years, she had learned to toughen up to survive. She thought that no words would be able to hurt her!
Little did she know that she could not handle Timothy's few words.
Samantha blinked hard, trying to suppress the urge to cry. In fact, she even forced a mocking smile.
Then, she spoke mechanically, "Mr. Lambert, I think you misunderstood. Someone knocked me out, and I was already here when I woke up. Moreover, I was also drugged! I was attacked at the entrance of the old mansion. You can check the surveillance, and I can go to the hospital for a check-up to prove that I'm a victim too. As for why you were drugged, it has nothing to do with me! This is just an accident, and I don't want to have sex with you, nor do I want your money!"
After a pause, Samantha's smile became more profound, and she snorted. Then, she glanced at Timothy up and down, judging him. Finally, her cherry lips parted, and she uttered, "Mr.. Lambert, you're really full of yourself. With your terrible skills, even if I want to sell myself, I will never find you again! No matter how shameless I am, I, Samantha Larsson, will never go back to you!"
Tbc.