WHAT IF???

Chapter 44: Love's Resilience

As the day drew to a close, Sam approached Mon earlier than usual, no longer needing to wait for the employees to leave before they could depart together. With their relationship no longer hidden within the office, they could leave freely without hesitation.

"Let's go home, love," Sam said with a smile, reaching for Mon's hand. Despite feeling a bit shy, Mon allowed herself to be guided by Sam, their connection stronger than ever.

As they made their way out, Sam waved goodbye to her employees, who couldn't resist teasing her about leaving with Mon. Ignoring the playful banter, Sam and Mon left the office hand in hand, ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey together.

As the next day dawned, Sam found herself heading back to the office to tie up some loose ends before officially stepping down as CEO. Before leaving, she sought out Mon, who was preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

"Hey, love," Sam greeted with a warm smile, wrapping her arms around Mon from behind. "I have to head back to the office for a bit to finish up some paperwork. I'll try to be home as early as I can."

Mon nodded understandingly, her gaze softening with affection. "I'll miss you," she said softly, reaching out to squeeze Sam's hand. "Take your time, and don't worry about me, don't overwork yourself, okay? I'll be waiting for you."

Sam leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Mon's lips, savoring the moment of intimacy before reluctantly pulling away. "I'll miss you too. I promise I won't be long," she whispered, her gaze lingering on Mon's before heading out the door.

As she made her way to the office, Sam couldn't help but feel grateful for Mon's unwavering support and understanding. With a renewed sense of determination, she set to work, knowing that soon she would be able to return home to the warmth and comfort of Mon's embrace.

As Mon relaxed on Sam's bed, she perked up at the sound of a car engine outside, assuming it was Sam returning home. Eager to welcome her girlfriend back, she got out of bed and made her way to the door.

However, as she reached the entrance, her heart skipped a beat when she saw Sam's grandmother entering the house. Their eyes met, both of them frozen in surprise at the unexpected encounter.

"Grandmother," Mon greeted, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she tried to compose herself.

"Ah, Mon," Sam's grandmother greeted with a hint of sarcasm, her tone laced with skepticism as she glanced around the room.

Mon, maintaining her composure, guided Sam's grandmother to sit down in the living room. "Please, have a seat," she offered politely. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll just be a minute."

With a graceful excuse, Mon disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Sam's grandmother to contemplate their unexpected meeting.

Mon returned to the living room with the tea in hand, placing it on the table in front of Sam's grandmother. As she settled herself, Sam's grandmother wasted no time in starting the conversation.

"I must say, I wasn't expecting to see you here, Mon," she began, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And it seems you're alone. Are you practically living with Sam already?" she asked pointedly, her eyes fixed on Mon, awaiting her response.

Mon shook her head, her voice calm but firm. "No, I'm not living with Sam," she replied, meeting Sam's grandmother's gaze evenly. "I just spent the night here last night, and I'm waiting for Sam to come home today."

Sam's grandmother nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I don't have any grudge with you, Mon," she admitted, her tone sincere. "In fact, I've always loved you as my own granddaughter. I accepted you as Sam's partner before."

Mon listened quietly as Sam's grandmother continued, her words carrying a weight of wisdom and inevitability. "Things are different now," she acknowledged, her tone somber. "Both you and Sam are adults, with your own responsibilities in life. Sam is married, and she's the CEO of Diversity."

Mon braced herself for the direction the conversation was headed, knowing the challenges they faced as a couple in the eyes of Sam's family and society.

"Please, get to the point, Grandmother," Mon replied, her voice tinged with fear.

"Mon, I need Sam," Sam's grandmother began, her tone serious as she looked directly at Mon. "The company is at risk because of the scandal Sam created with the annulment. Do you understand the gravity of the situation?"

Mon felt a knot form in her stomach as she listened to Sam's grandmother's words. "Is this what you want, Mon?" she continued, her voice imploring. "For Sam to lose everything she's worked for?"

Mon's heart sank at the thought of Sam's potential loss. "But Sam won't stop until she gets what she wants," Sam's grandmother continued, her gaze unwavering. "And by doing so, she won't leave you. But understand, Mon, that in the process, Sam will lose everything."

Mon's voice trembled with emotion as she defended Sam and their love. "We love each other, Grandmother," she insisted, her eyes blazing with determination. "Sam is a good person, and I trust her. We'll get through this together."

Sam's grandmother's expression hardened, her disappointment palpable. "I'm astounded by your commitment to each other," she remarked bitterly. "But you're both so selfish, you don't consider the consequences for others. Have you even thought about what will happen to Sam after this?"

Mon's resolve faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course I have," she replied, her voice unwavering. "I know Sam. She's strong, and she'll find a way to overcome this. And I'll be there every step of the way to help her."

"If that's the kind of love you have," Sam's grandmother said sternly, "if you can bear to see the person you love fall, then so be it. But I hope Sam will also withstand all the consequences of this."

Mon's tears fell freely as she realized the weight of what lay ahead. It pained her to imagine Sam's potential downfall.

As Sam's grandmother stood up to leave, she bid farewell to Mon with a stark reminder. "I'll only blame you when Sam hits rock bottom with nothing," she said sharply before exiting the door.

Alone and overwhelmed with emotion, Mon collapsed into tears, grappling with the immense challenge ahead and the uncertain future she and Sam faced together.