Chapter 99
Samuel waited until shelmaine’s and Julien’s voices had faded into the distance before coming out of the shadowy corner. He looked vicious and grim, his usually impassive expression replaced by one of cold fury.
Upon returning to the hall, he did not see Shelmaine or Julien anywhere. Natasha came up to him with concem in her eyes and said, “You’re finallyback, Sammy.”
Samuel nodded and said nothing as he returned to his seat. Alan and his wife carried on making small talk with him, but he kept his responses brief.
Natasha observed his demeanor from time to time, and she did not miss the spot of color that tinged the corner of his lips. She leaned forward to take a closer look at the smudge as sirens went off in her head.
She knew right away what the smudge of color was. It was a lipstick stain
While Samuel was gone, she noticed that Shelmaine had left her seat as well. She searched the hall and the vicinity but found no trace of them.
If the Epstick smudge was any indication, he seemed to have sneaked away with Shelmaine earlier and fooled around with her. Natasha’s fingers curled at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. Only the pain kept her temper leashed
The engagement party ended soon after that. Samuel and Natasha made to leave for the hotel that they had booked for the night juben’s parents offered to see them off, but Samuel stopped them from going past the entrance and bade them goodnight
On the way to the hotel, Natasha considered confronting Samuel but could not bring herself to say the words.
When they pulled up at the hotel and were about to get out of the car, she asked in a cracking voice, “Were you with Shelmaine earlier, Sammy?”
Now that she had asked, Samuel saw no reason to lie about it. “Yes.” He did not sound surprised either.
“You actually sought her out?”
“Yes,” he said again, boldly and frankly.
“But you divorced her, Natasha protested. “Why did you seek her out?
This time, he did not answer. He leaned into his seat and drew out a cigarette, lighting it before he took a long drag
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“Were you worried about her after she lost the baby? Natasha demanded. She could not relax until he agreed with her, even if it was a lie Samuel continued smoking. He breathed out, and the tobacco–scented smoke filled the car. “That wasn’t all”
“What do you mean? Sammy, tell me the truth,” Natasha bepped.
“It’s late. I’ll see you to your room,” he said as he opened the car door. He rounded the front of the car and waited by the passenger side.
However, Natasha refused to get out of the car Tears spilled freely down her cheeks as she demanded, “Do you still have feelings for her, Sammy? What about me? What about us?” “She’s different from you.”
Natasha was beside herself with anger and disbelief. “How is she different? She was married to you for three years, but I’ve known you since we were children! Why am I the one losing out here?”
In the past, Samuel would have reassured her to keep her from getting too riled up. But tonight, he was in no mood to placate her. He drawled, “Stay in the car if you refuse to go up to your room. I’m leaving”
With that, he spun on his heels and walked away.
Natasha hurtled out of the car and chased after him. Her heels hindered her pursuit, and it was only when he halted in the elevator bay that she caught up to him. Her makeup was mined by her tears.
She cried, “Sammy, don’t do this to me. Please
Samuelcast her a sidelong glance and said nothing
“Sammy, I was paranoid, and I didn’t know what else to do. I won’t pry anymore. I promise I’ll drop this matter once and for all,” she said. “I’ll go back to my room like you want me to, and I won’t throw a fit Just don’t leave me.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
Samuel was still quiet. At last, he said, “It’s E
getting late. You’ve had a long day. Get some rest”
Having said that, he entered the elevator. Natasha followed suit, not daring to push him for answers anymore.