…forever always, my love.

Samantha’s eyes flew open to the familiar voice that echoed through her head, her chest rising in ragged breaths. She jolted up, sitting on her bed as she roamed her gaze around, looking for something…or maybe someone, anticipation was painted on her pale, yet pretty face.

A gasp escaped her lips upon a sudden realization. It was just a dream…even the voice she heard was all in her head. For a moment, she stayed still, her grip tightened on the sheets as he suppressed a sob.

“Ugh… Seriously,” she whispered, staring blankly at the window where the warm sunlight stubbornly seeped through the curtain gaps.

With a slow exhale, she lay back down, pressing her weight against the mattress. Her gaze drifted upward, settling on the white boring ceiling.

Today wasn’t just any other day. The date had been etched into Samantha’s memory for reasons she couldn’t ignore. It marked their anniversary… and the moment her heart shattered at the hands of the one she loved and trusted most. She refused to forget it along with the vow to never fall prey to love again.

Over the years, Samantha had started leaving her mark in the business world as one of the top rising businesswomen, building a fashion company from the ground up and carving out a name for her brand among the industry’s elite.

I love you, Samantha. You’re the only one I need in this life.

Samantha closed her eyes tightly as her past lover’s voice played in her head. She couldn’t help recalling those sweet moments which inevitably turned to heartbreaking memories.

You’re mine, Samantha… Only mine.

She bit her lower lip, eyes still shut. Her fingertips ran through the lines of her lips, reliving his gentle touch and soft kisses she didn’t know she missed.

I’ll burn the world before I let someone take you from me.

Samantha gasped, feeling the hotness spread throughout her body along a certain memory that kept haunting her for years. Her hand moved down, clutching her chest…feeling her erratic heartbeat.

Just you… I only want you, Samantha.

She crossed her legs together as they quivered, her toes curling back as the familiar sensation started to get stronger by the second.

You belong to me, sweetie.

“Mmm…” Samantha let out a moan when suddenly, a loud knock was heard, pulling her mind back to reality.

Her eyes opened wide, and shock and embarrassment were evident on her face. A few seconds later, blood rushed through her face in annoyance, realizing what had just happened. She got up, leaving the bed with beads of sweat on her forehead.

“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled, dipping her face into the sink, washing it with cold water from the faucet. Her heartbeat remained fast, like she hadn’t gotten over the intense moment from earlier.

She couldn't believe she was reminiscing about those intimate moments she shared with that person…the one who made her both laugh and cry hard. “Damn you, Ethan Clark,” she cursed under her breath, glaring at her reflection.

Samantha clenched her fist and swung it back, ready to shatter the mirror in front of her. But before her knuckles met the glass, the sharp knocks persisted… louder by the second, forcing her to pause.

“What is it?” I asked, peeking through the door.

Everyone in the mansion was aware of what should be going on with me today. It happened every year for them not to notice. They knew they should have left me alone, sparing me whatever was going on with the world just for today. And yet, the butler dared to keep knocking on my door.

“Good morning, Miss,” Roy greeted, bowing his head briefly and slightly before he continued. “Master wants you down to the living room after you get ready.”

Samantha raised her eyebrows, waiting for Roy to speak more. She knew her dad wouldn’t be calling for her for nothing, especially on the day when she was grieving her broken heart…when her dad knew she was supposed to be off-limits.

“Ahem. Guests have arrived. That’s all I can say. Please come down when you’re done, Miss.” Roy excused himself after that before she could ask for more.

“Guests?” Samantha’s frown deepened. They rarely have guests coming to the main house, so she couldn’t help but wonder who they would be.

Shrugging, she went back to the bathroom for a quick shower. The sweat felt sticky on her skin, and she also desperately wanted to get rid of the discomfort she felt down there.

“It’s that man’s fault,” she growled, blaming her ex and the memories they made together on those happy days they shared.

After stepping out of the shower, Samantha blow-dried her hair and dressed up. She didn’t know what came to mind for her to put a bit of effort into getting ready. With makeup on and a gorgeous black dress hugging her curves, she slipped into a pair of black stiletto heels. Standing in front of the full mirror, Samantha added some white pearls around her neck and wrist, on her ears, and a black pearl ring.

“Now, all that’s left is a coffin with Ethan inside it,” she said, glancing at her reflection once again. “Should I wear a veil at his funeral? A black one?” she asked herself before walking out of the room.

She could feel the maids’ eyes on her as she walked through the halls. Samantha said nothing and kept a blank expression on her face.

“It’s a good thing you managed to come and visit us here today,” Samantha heard her dad’s voice from the living room, followed by laughter as the chatter continued.

“We didn’t want to miss this opportunity. After all, I heard about your daughter's beauty. It must be hard guarding her from suitors from countless bachelors in the city,” an elderly voice spoke.

Are they talking to me? She thought, taking the last step on the stairs. Just one more step and she’d be able to see who the guests were.

Samantha took a deep breath and walked into the living room, a smile forming on her pretty face. However, what welcomed her was a sight she had never imagined in years.

E-Ethan?!

She held her breath, her steps halting on the spot as her body froze.

“What is he doing here?” she whispered through gritted teeth, her jaw clenched.