Chapter 3
"Overseas distribution? What's so hard about that?" Mila said, swirling her wine glass with an unhurried, confident smile.
She'd overheard the bunch of trust fund kids talking about the group's recent problems.
I noticed Samson's eyes were fixed on her.
"I majored in economics, and when I was an exchange student, I made some friends who are now experts in this field. If you're interested, I can help you get in touch with them," Mila said, her gaze drifting to Samson.
As she spoke, her eyes lingered on Samson.
I noticed Samson paused mid-drink.
Samson was tempted.
His dad had just given him a company to manage, and he was stuck on the overseas distribution part.
If he messed this up, it wouldn't look good for his future as the heir.
"Really? And who exactly are these friends of yours, Miss Owens?" Samson asked.
His voice was smooth and inviting, like a gentle breeze on a spring day.
I froze, turning to look at him.
"Noreen, this really means a lot to me. I need her help," Samson said.
He let go of me, looking a little apologetic.
"But trust me, it's strictly business between me and her. Once this is all behind us, I promise I'll marry you," he added.
"You're interested, Samson? Care to step aside for a chat?" Mila said.
She walked over, swirling her wine glass with a captivating grace.
Samson gave my shoulder a quick pat and walked off with her.
I was left standing there, surrounded by people I didn't know, feeling lost.
For days after that, I didn't see Samson.
He was jetting off to different countries, and we only kept in touch via video calls.
I even spotted Mila in the background a couple of times.
She'd just casually stroll by in her pajamas, acting as though it was nothing.
"Sometimes she pops into my room to borrow stuff," Samson explained, letting out a sigh. "She's the Owens family's daughter, and I still need her to help me reach out to business partners. I can't just ignore her.
"Seriously, Noreen, there's nothing between me and her."
"That's right, Noreen. There's really nothing between me and him," Mila chimed in.
The next moment, she casually slung her arm over Samson's shoulder, bent down, and grinned at the camera.
"Your boyfriend's solid as a rock. Looks like you really picked the right guy this time," Mila joked.
I didn't say anything because I noticed Samson didn't shrug off Mila's arm like he usually did.
I wondered if it was because he didn't want to embarrass Mila or because he still needed Mila for the business stuff, so he couldn't push her away yet.
When I finally stopped overthinking, the video call was already wrapping up.
I hung up and forced myself to sleep.
*****
A couple of weeks later, Samson came back.
He seemed to be in a great mood.
As soon as we met, he took out a necklace and handed it to me.
I was floored.
This was a handcrafted piece by my favorite foreign artist. Only ten existed in the whole world, and one couldn't even buy one unless the artist personally approved the buyer.
"H-how did you even get your hands on this?" I stammered, excitement bubbling up inside me.
He gave a soft smile. "Mila really came through for me. I had to show my appreciation, you know?"
I was stunned.
I hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "This isn't for me?"
He smiled and patted my head. "Hey, don't worry. When I get back, I'll take you out and get you something you really like.
"Just help me give this to her, okay? I don't want any rumors starting about her and me."
Suddenly, I felt a hollow ache in my chest.
He appeared to have really stayed away from Mila, but deep down, I just couldn't shake this uneasy feeling.
Still, I went to see Mila as Samson's girlfriend.
When I saw Mila, I dialed up Samson.
"There's no need to give her the necklace anymore. Her ex already got her the same one," I said.
His voice was as calm as ever, but I could still hear the edge of annoyance he didn't bother to hide.
"His ex? He's really pushing his luck, huh?" Samson replied.
I watched as Logan, someone I once knew all too well, argued with Mila.
I let out a wry, jealous laugh. "It's my ex. He's fallen for Mila, but Mila seemed to have fallen for someone else, so she's not interested in my ex anymore," I said.
Samson didn't seem to pick up on the jealousy in my voice. He just scoffed, sounding a little smug.
"So that guy went out of his way to get the same necklace, thinking he could keep Mila around?" he said.
I kept quiet.
He probably didn't even notice the way he was talking sounded exactly like a guy staking his claim.
"You're at Union Café, right? I see you," Samson said.
I froze for a moment.
I turned and saw a Rolls-Royce pull up nearby. The door swung open, and Samson strode over, his long legs closing the distance in no time.
He caught sight of Logan and Samson arguing through the glass right away.
He also noticed the identical necklace Logan was trying to give Mila.