Knock Again, Professor [GL• #1]

Chapter 28 [FLASHBACK]

SAMARA LEWIS FERNANDEZ POV

"Sam, what are we doing here?!" Patrick asked as we drove towards the chapel. I didn't answer him. Instead, I focused on the chapel, straining to catch a glimpse of Lane through the blurred glass.

I got out of the car, and Patrick quickly followed. "Sam, if your mom finds out about this, she will really get mad and might send you abroad forever!" he said, worry etched on his face.

"She's going to send me away anyway and force me to marry you!" I snapped at him, my voice filled with anger.

"And I don't want to marry you either!" he shot back, his frustration matching mine.

I turned to him, my irritation clear. "Can you please just shut up! I'm still mad at you for telling her what's going on between me and Lane!" I shouted, my anger boiling over.

"She threatened me," he said, his voice pleading. "She said she would pull her investment from my dad's company if I didn't tell her the truth. I'm sorry, Sam. You know I've been helping you cover your relationship with Lane. I'm really sorry."

"It doesn't matter," I fired back, my voice sharp. "You should have lied!"

"She left me no choice," he said, his tone desperate. "You know I've been a true friend to you since we were kids. I'm really sorry, Sam."

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of our shared history and the present conflict.

I didn't respond to Patrick's apology. Instead, I focused on finding Lane. When I finally spotted her, she was standing next to her mother's coffin, tears streaming down her face as she gently touched the polished wood. The sight of her grief-stricken and alone made my heart shatter into a million pieces.

I could feel the weight of my own emotions bearing down on me, but I knew I cannot go near her and comfort her. Lane needed me more than ever, and despite everything that was happening with my family, I couldn't abandon her now.

As I was about to walk towards Lane, Patrick beside me spoke up, his voice low and urgent. "You know you can't be near her, Sam. If your mom finds out about this, she might do something bad to Lane. Just watch her from here." He advised.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling a mix of frustration and despair. "I can't just stand here and do nothing, Patrick. She needs me," I replied, my voice trembling with emotion.

Patrick put a hand on my shoulder, his expression filled with concern. "I know, Sam. But think about what your mom said. She has the power to make things really difficult for Lane. You can't risk it."

I looked back at him, my eyes filled with tears. "I hate this, Patrick. I hate that she's controlling my life like this. Lane is in so much pain, and I can't even be there for her."

"I understand," Patrick said softly. "But you have to think about the bigger picture. If your mom does something drastic, it could make things even worse for Lane. You have to stay strong and protect her from afar."

I clenched my fists, feeling the frustration and sadness bubbling inside me. "It's not fair. None of this is fair."

Patrick nodded, his own eyes reflecting the weight of the situation. "I know, Sam. But right now, the best thing you can do is stay here and keep an eye on her from a distance."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I just want her to know that she's not alone."

"Then, just stay here. It is much better than losing her forever." Patrick assured me.

I glanced back at Lane, my heart aching with every sob that escaped her lips. "I hope you're right, Patrick."

Patrick gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get through this, Sam. Just stay strong for her, and we'll find a way to make things better."