Marry Me, Mr. Sanders!

THE BAR

SAM

"I'll just go to the restroom. Excuse me." I told my meeting companions. They were the ones who contacted Cindy about the Dubai Fashion Show. This is a big opportunity for me, so I accepted it. My intensive training starts next week, and the show is next month, so I need to prepare seriously.

As I returned to our table after a quick touch-up, someone noticed me.

"Samantha Portman, right?" She smiled as she extended her hand. "Misty Reynolds."

"Oh, hi. I know you; I'm a fan." I replied, shaking her hand. She's one of my idols in modeling. An international model and incredibly beautiful.

"You look even more stunning in person," she said sincerely.

"You, too." We exchanged cheek kisses. "Can we take a photo?" I said, pulling out my phone.

"Sure, me too." She pulled out her phone as well. We took a few selfies before heading out. We laughed, realizing we had taken our selfies in the restroom.

"Nice to meet you, Sam," she said as we exited the restroom. "See you around. My companion is probably bored waiting."

"See you," I replied. We walked back to our respective tables. I glanced over and saw her companion. It was none other than Knoxx Sanders himself. My heart raced when our eyes met. We hadn't seen each other in two weeks, and I felt my face heat up. A rush of emotions filled me, and I felt rooted to the spot.

"Sam," Cindy called out, snapping me back to reality. I nervously sat down. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, trying to collect myself. "I just bumped into Misty Reynolds."

"Where?" she asked.

"At the next table," I pointed in their direction. She looked over, starstruck.

"Wow, she's beautiful and so sexy," she said, her eyes shining. "And I think I recognize her companion... Knoxx Sanders, the billionaire, right?" she added.

"Yeah," I replied indifferently. I wasn't sure what I was feeling. My chest hurt, and I suddenly wanted to leave. We wrapped up the meeting peacefully, signed the contract, and finished.

I stayed silent while driving.

"Are you okay? You've been quiet." she asked, concerned.

"My head just started hurting," I lied.

"Take some medicine when you get home and rest up. You need energy; your training starts next week." she reminded me.

"Yes, I will." I assured her.

After dropping Cindy off, I decided not to go back to the penthouse yet. It was still early, so I thought of taking a road trip to clear my mind. By late afternoon, I stopped at a seaside café. The sun was setting, and the view was beautiful. There weren't many people around. I sat at a table with a perfect view of the place and ordered dinner. As I ate, I couldn't help but remember the scene at the restaurant—Misty and Knoxx together. What's going on with them? I felt crazy thinking about it, knowing I had no right to.

Whatever. I tried to google their names, and sure enough, they're a thing. "Childhood sweethearts," one article said. There were lots of intimate photos of them, probably from when they were young. The pain in my chest worsened as I looked at their pictures. I couldn't swallow my food. Am I in love with my own "husband"? Am I eating my own words? This wasn't part of the plan. I sighed and forced myself to eat what was in front of me. I have to be strong, especially once my plans fall into place.

After a few hours at the café, I finally decided to go back to the penthouse. I didn't want to return, but I had no choice. We have a deal. I'll just endure the pain I might face, as I'm used to dealing with things like that. I've escaped death itself; what are my feelings in comparison?

KNOXX

I admit, I wasn't ready to face her. I don't know why someone like Knoxx Sanders would feel nervous. I didn't expect to see Sam in that situation—with Misty around, and even worse, for them to meet each other in that short time. Our eyes met. I saw her face turn red, and she seemed frozen in place, probably just as surprised to see me. She looked like an angel. I missed her and wanted to hug her right then.

The evening wore on, and I was on my mansion's veranda, drinking whiskey. I opened my phone to access the CCTV. The penthouse was still dark, and there was no sign that she was home.

"Where the hell is she?" I muttered in frustration. I checked my watch; it was already eight in the evening. I waited a bit longer, hoping she'd arrive soon. Growing restless, I took several sips of my drink. I almost regretted not staying at the penthouse; I could have monitored her every move.

I was about to head back to the penthouse right away. I checked the CCTV again, and suddenly, the lights turned on. She was home. I sighed in relief as I watched her every move on my phone. I avoided placing cameras in the rooms for privacy. Then my eyes widened as she reappeared, all dressed up. I clenched my fist. She looked like she was going to a party, wearing something short and revealing.

I called the hotel security and instructed them to follow her. After a few minutes, they updated me. Confirmed. She entered a bar. It was a popular one frequented by celebrities. I quickly got dressed to follow her. I didn't know if I felt anger or concern. All I knew was that I wanted to drag her out of there. I rushed out in my new 2024 Ford Mustang. My bodyguards followed in their own vehicle.

It was nine o'clock. I had the place inspected before entering. Smoke filled the air, and the music was loud. In my younger days, I enjoyed places like this, but now as CEO, I've lost interest.

The place was big, with private rooms for those seeking privacy. I got one of them. I hadn't spotted Sam yet, so she was probably in a private room. I instructed my security to find her. Before I could enter the room, I saw her. She was with a beautiful woman who looked like a model too. They were dancing, each holding a glass of alcohol, seemingly enticing the men surrounding them. It was clear from the way the men were looking at them.