Chapter 26

26 26. The Proposal

“It’s touching, Sam! I appreciate it. But you don’t have to pity me. I am fine.” Paula whispered, brushing off the thought that Samuel conveyed his feelings for her.

However, Samuel didn’t give up easily. “I am serious, Paula. That’s how I feel since our first meeting.”

Paula’s smile faded away from her face. She realized that Samuel didn’t waste the time beating around the bush, trying to get closer to her before confessing his feelings. She was used to it. In the past, she would give a chance to every man she found attractive. But the situation was very different. She was already married once and even pregnant. That was why Paula chose to ignore Samuel’s confession.

“As I remember, you were a jerk to me,” Paula said, laughing. They both laughed out loud, recalling their first encounter. Samuel offered more food for Paula and then they continued talking.

“I’m always a jerk to everyone I hate like William or someone I like,” Samuel exclaimed, trying to find an excuse.

“Hey, hate is a strong word! You should never use it for family,” Paula opposed him. She gave him a soft punch on his hard chest. But, Samuel caught her hand to stop it.

“But, I hate him.” There was no smile on Samuel’s face. His green orbs stared at Paula without even blinking.

“Why?” Paula asked in a bland voice. She bit her lips, realizing the ‘why’ question was the silliest one. She closed her eyes, cursing her stupid act in his head.

“I hate the way he treated you. I hate the position he gave you. I hate it when you are the second option. I hate it when he uses you and ditches you after that.”

.....

“Sam-”

“I hate the fact that he was married to you,” Samuel cut Paula’s words because he was not done yet. “If I wasn’t abroad at the time, I would have prevented your marriage. I won’t let him marry you because I know he will never forget Lea.”

“Sam-”

“I did see it coming, but I don’t know why I still feel this way. I don’t like it when you are the one who is getting hurt.”

“Sam, thank you, but I am fine,” Paula managed to finish her line. “I am okay. Please, don’t worry about me.”

Paula stared at Samuel sharply. She wanted to make sure that Samuel didn’t have to pity her. Her problem was not simple but she also found it was not so painful either-perhaps.

“It wasn’t even his mistake, Sam. I was the one who initiated that kind of relationship. William refused to touch me, I cunningly seduced him. I knew he was a virgin and I seduced him hard. Although I didn’t plan the pregnancy, I am sure I will be fine,” Paula added, making Samuel understand the situation. “This is not a teen pregnancy you should be worried about, no?”

“But you will be suffering, Paula! My mom was a single mom before she met my father. There was a major misunderstanding between them. I knew how hard being a single mom,” Samuel insisted.

“Okay, maybe you’re correct. But, I also think that your mom is happy to have you even if your father wasn’t in the picture,” Paula said, smiling lightly. “And, that was enough for her.”

Samuel gulped. He knew that Paula was right. His mother didn’t regret having him. “Will you tell him about the baby?”

Paula’s mouth opened, about saying something. But she could only shake her head softly.

After some time, she whispered, “I don’t want to burden him with this child. He should have ended up with Lea, just like our initial plan.”

Samuel gritted his teeth. He disliked Paula’s idea at all. How could she sacrifice her happiness for William and Lea?

“Paula, let’s get married!” Again, Samuel’s stern face turned darker. “I will be the father of your child.”

“What?” Paula’s eyes popped wide.

“Divorce him quickly and marry me. If you want to hide the baby, that is the best idea.” Samuel gulped.

Paula looked away. She didn’t think that Samuel’s idea was the best, but not bad either.

“If we are married, you can say that the baby is mine,” Samuel tried persuading Paula. He knew that this was his chance to get her. He wanted her no matter what. If he can use the situation as a good excuse to marry her, he would come out as a victor.

“Sorry, Sam! I don’t think I want to get married anytime soon,” Paula refused again. However, it’s not good to have to marry her ex-husband’s relative. It was a red flag for some people.

“Liar!” Samuel smirked. “Are you able to get away from the pleasure of making love to a real man?”

Paula was annoyed that Samuel knew so little about her secret. She did intend to find a replacement for William. However, it was all just a plan before she fell in love with William.

“It doesn’t mean I want to get married, does it?” Paula pursed her lips. She wanted Samuel to give up as soon as possible.

“Then make me your boyfriend or even your bedmate. You didn’t do it with William out of love. It means, if you are single, you can have anyone as your friend with benefits, no? Remember, I book a place before anybody else. You can’t ignore me.”

“You-”

“Yes, I am.”

Paula smiled lightly, “This is the worst love confession ever.”

Finding a spark of hope, Samuel giggled, “Sorry for being not romantic at all. But, I can guarantee that I am the best in bed. I am also a better cook than your husband.”

Samuel’s seriousness was unquestionable. Hot and handsome rich guy, well established, a great musician who loves the woman with all his heart. What kind of woman could refuse his offer?

Paula would also consider Samuel’s proposal. Her lust towards William could turn into love. Perhaps, a similar thing would also happen with Samuel. Was that always true?

But, why did her heart oppose this idea so badly?