Dear Ex-wife Marry Me (Maja and Ian) novel Chapter 1994

"Samantha."

He reached out, grabbing her arm in a mix of frustration and desperation.

"Cut it out, will you? You're not exactly playing it straight with others either, and I haven't made a fuss, have I? We're both in the same boat here."

His words sent a ripple of astonishment through the crowd.

And as if struck by a sudden revelation, Jessica's eyes gleamed with an opportunity.

"What? Sam's got a secret admirer? No wonder Chris has been all moody lately. Sam, that's on you then. At least Chris and I are clear-cut, no funny business."

Samantha's brows knitted in annoyance, turning to face Chris squarely.

"My secret admirer, who might that be?"

"Like you don't know," he retorted, clearly hinting at Abner again.

She couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity.

"Don't project your own sleaziness onto everyone else, Chris. If we're done, let's end it cleanly. If you go crying to my dad again, it's just going to make things ugly. It's beneath you. I'm not stopping you from seeing Jessica, so stay out of my life."

Did he really think she was without temper?

She flung the lounge door open and stormed out.

Chris, now sweating profusely, was more anxious than ever.

"Samantha!"

But Samantha didn't give him the time of day.

Back inside, Jessica's sobbing grew louder.

Chris's steps halted as he turned to apologize.

"Sorry, Jess. Samantha's just not in the best mood tonight. Didn't mean to take it out on you."

Jessica dabbed at her tears. "It's okay, Chris. Maybe you should check on her."

Had she not said that, Chris might have chased after Samantha.

But now, feeling somewhat exposed, he felt embarrassed, especially since Samantha's parting words had been so severe.

Chasing after her now would just make him seem desperate.

He was popular enough at school; he wouldn't be short of girlfriends. Samantha would regret this eventually.

He slumped down, drowning his confusion in three stiff drinks, the kind that hits you hard and fast.

"No chasing. If it's over, it's over. She thinks I can't live without her?"

Jessica's lips curled up, sitting beside him.

"Don't let me be the reason for your heartache."

"Go home. I need some time alone."

Jessica's face fell, her fists clenching in frustration behind her back.

She had hoped to seal the deal with Chris tonight, but it seemed he was only interested in flirting, not committing.

Fuming, she cursed Samantha under her breath.

Meanwhile, Samantha, having left the lounge, found herself at a convenience store downstairs, drowning her sorrows in alcohol.

Reflecting on her years with Chris, her heart soured with regret.

It was past midnight, and she hadn't gone home.

Her phone rang, and she braced herself, expecting a call from Mr. Davis, no doubt a lecture following Chris's complaint.

Without thinking, she answered on speaker, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"Dad, how many times do I have to say it? Stop meddling in my business with Abner! I've made up my mind!"

Her words hung in the air, only to be met with a gentle, cautious voice on the other end.

"Samantha, it's me."

In that moment, Samantha's head cleared, as if she'd been struck sober.