Chapter 1

From childhood to adulthood, the words Samson Matthews said to me most often was "Get lost."

I used to think he was just naturally quiet—bad with people, not fond of conversation. I never gave it much thought.

That was until, on the eve of our wedding, I accidentally overheard a recording he had made for his assistant.

At the end of a lullaby, his voice—low, magnetic—softened into a tenderness I had never heard before. "Sweet dreams, my little one."

My heart shattered as I stormed into his study to confront him. Before I could even speak, his voice turned cold again. "Get out."

This time, I didn't argue. I turned around and left.

What he didn't know was that this time, when I left, I wasn't coming back.

*****

After packing my things, I stepped out of the room.

Just then, I saw Samson coming out of the study to get some water.

He noticed me carrying my suitcase out of the room.

His cold, indifferent gaze swept over me, as if I were nothing.

He didn't even spare me a glance until he'd finished his water. "Did you come to see me for something?"

Hearing him say that, I felt my fingers tremble ever so slightly.

So he knew I had something to say.

And yet, he still told me to get lost.

"It's nothing," I said. "I just wanted to let you know I made your favorite roast beef this afternoon. You—"

Before I could finish, his phone suddenly rang.

Samson shot me an indifferent glance and answered the call.

"Mr. Matthews, I got the lullaby you sent me. It's so beautiful, thank you." Aileen's cheerful voice came through the phone.

For a split second, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Samson's usually blank face. Even he didn't realize he was smiling.

"As long as you're happy with it. Get some early rest tonight, and be ready to give it your all at work tomorrow," he said.

As I listened to him speak so gently to another woman, I felt something inside me break.

He was more patient with anyone else than he ever was with me.

Bitterness washed over me.

But I still couldn't help myself. "There's roast beef I made for you in the fridge. Don't forget to eat it, okay?"

He didn't respond.

He lowered his gaze and told Aileen, "Ashford House won't be open tomorrow morning, so you don't waste a trip."

Hearing words he had never once said to me before, I froze where I stood, trembling uncontrollably.

Years of hurt and frustration crashed over me all at once.

It felt like something was squeezing my heart, a bitter ache spreading through every inch of me, making it hard to breathe.

I dug my nails into my palm, my voice coming out thick and shaky. "Samson."

He ignored me, still talking to whoever was on the phone like I wasn't even there.

"Samson, we're done," I said. "I'll call the wedding planner and cancel the wedding. My parents will return every dollar of the dowry.

"You're free now. Be with whoever you want. I—"

Before I could finish, Samson shot me a sharp, irritated glare.

His brows furrowed, and he looked downright fed up.

"Charlotte, keep it down. You're way too loud," he said coldly.

Those words felt like a poisoned knife, cutting right into the core of my soul.

When we were kids, every time I tried to play with him, he'd barely acknowledge me.

But I was so naive that no matter how he acted, I just wanted to play with him.

Every day, I'd happily trail behind him with a silly smile on my face.

Back then, the thing he said to me most was, "Charlotte, you're so annoying."

"Charlotte, will you just get lost already?"

My mom always told me, "If you treat people with your whole heart, they'll treat you the same way."

As for all those things he said to me, I never really took them to heart.

I kept believing that if I loved him enough, he'd love me back one day.

After we graduated from college, Samson suddenly said, "Charlotte, I don't want to waste time on dating. If you like me, let's just get together."

There was no romantic confession and no flowers, nothing at all.

But I, being the fool I was, said yes.

I thought if he liked me, that would be enough.

But once we were together, nothing really changed.

Whenever I tried to talk to him or share little things about my day, he was still as impatient.

It went from "Charlotte, can you just get lost?" to "Get lost."

"Alright, I won't be loud around you anymore," I murmured, my eyes welling up with tears.

I bit my lip, fighting back my emotions, and choked out, "I won't love you anymore, either."

Right as those words left my mouth, Aileen piped up through the phone, cheerful as ever. "Mr. Matthews, listen. There are fireworks outside my apartment. They're gorgeous."

Samson's eyes curved gently, a soft smile appearing for a moment.