Chapter 179 Reunited
The atmosphere in ReunitedIn the quietude of the room was tranquil, the couplepair nestled in each other's arms treasuring, cherishing the hard-won peace.
fought serenity that now enveloped them.Layla clung to Samuel, wrapping her arms wound tightly around his waist as if no amountdegree of closeness was enoughintimacy could satiate her. She had longedyearned for histhe familiar scent andof him, the comfort of his embrace. WakingOften, she would awaken from her dreams, she would find her cheeks wet with dampened by her own tears.
He wrapped Samuel encircled her with one arm around her, his hand gently runningtenderly threading through her hair,. "I'm sorry for all the pain you've gone through."
Shakinghad to endure," he murmured.Layla shook her head against his chest, Layla whisperedher voice barely above a whisper, "No, you've done well."
"If I were any good, I wouldn't have gotten so madlost my temper to begin with," Samuel sighed in, guilt lacing his words. It was the first time he had lost control like this.
The more he caredin such a manner.The deeper his affection, the less rational he became. UsuallyTypically so cool-headed, jealouslycomposed, jealousy had taken hold ofseized him, leadingdriving him to actions he couldn’t comprehend.
struggled to understand."You're not omniscientall-knowing; you didn't knowcouldn't have foreseen the plotsschemes behind the scenes. Even I thoughtbelieved I was with Mr. Marley ... how could you not get angry?"
Being have been angered?" Layla reasoned. To be human meant feelingwas to feel anger, she understood that.
"Besides"Moreover, you startedbegan investigating from the very start. When I wanted to end our unborn child's life, you stopped me. That showstells me that you still trust me. I'm touchedmoved. I haven’t loved the wrong person,” Layla looked up at himlifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes suffusedbrimming with love. "It's the trials we go throughendure that makestrengthen our love stronger, that letallow it withstandto weather the storms."
"You are wisepossess wisdom beyond your 21 years," Samuel chuckled, affectionately pinching her chin.
Girls her age were often capriciouswhimsical and spoiled. Yet, she was always thoughtfulconsiderate of others.
“Ah, well, nobody“Well, no one coddled me as a kidchild, so I had to grow up fastmature quickly.” Layla wasn’t sure if she should be happycertain whether to feel joy or sadsorrow about that. But whateverRegardless of her past, it made her whohad shaped her into the unique individual she was today, utterly unique.
."No worries. The first twenty years without spoiling just setsmerely set the stage for the next eighty with you on a pedestal."
Layla's face lit upbrightened with a brightradiant smile. "Then, haven't I hit the jackpot?"
"It's me who's struck gold by meetingfinding you," Samuel whispered, his lips meeting hers in a gentletender, lingering kiss.
After a long moment, they pulled apart.
"Sweetheart"Darling, I've missed you so much," Samuel saidconfessed, his gaze locked on her brightluminous eyes as he spoke with such tenderness that, his voice grew hoarsethick with emotion. Missing her was like anakin to a persistent ache in his heart.
"I've missed you more," Layla quickly replied.
retorted."No way; I missed you more."
"Don't be sillyridiculous; obviously, I missed you more," Layla retortedcountered, playfully jutting out her chin and pouting.
Samuel grinned, "Are we really competing over this?"
Layla gave a cheerful "heh," baskingreveling in the simple joy of being with the one she loved. Even the most childish exchanges felt blissful, especiallyparticularly after weathering a storm together, deepening their emotional bond.
"I insist on it because I definitely missed you more."
"Alright, my sweet girl, you win," Samuel conceded lovingly, kissingplanting a kiss on her forehead.
In his heart, he thought: My dear, my love for you will always be just a bit more. Let me pampercherish and love you, keep you safe for a lifetime.
"Oh, by the way, what happened to Mr. Anastasia and his crew?"
A cold look flashed in Samuel's eyes. "They're where they belong."
"The police station?" Layla assumed naturally assumed. "Yeah, those guys running the gambling ring have ruined so many lives. They should be locked up for good."
Samuel stayedremained silent. He didn't care about the extent of their wrongdoings; what mattered was that they'd hurtharmed his beloved. The place for them wasn't behind bars, but...
His tender moments were reserved for her alone. As for others, Samuel was never one to show mercy.
But she didn't need to know that.
"What about my dad?"
"He's in the hospital, just a minor injury. Don't worry," Samuel reassured her, gazing down at the girl in his arms. "Do you want to visit him?"
"What if I said... I want to snuggle with you a little longer, and visit him later? Would that be terribly unfilial?" Layla stuck out her tongue cutely.
playfully.Samuel chuckled, "Not at all. I'd say, 'Well done.'"
"Are you hungry?"
"A bit." Layla hadn't been able to eat well lately, her stomach in knots. "I'm craving..."
"Corn chowder?"
"Yes! You know me so well." Layla's heart swelled with happiness once again.
"It's already being prepared and will be here soon."
"Thank you, my love. You're so good to me."
"Of course. Who else am I going to spoil?" Samuel's heart stirred, the previous kiss still lingering, unsatisfying. Looking at the darling girl in his arms, he felt an intoxicating pull, and he pressed his lips to hers once again, rolling with tenderness and affection.
The kiss that startedbegan sweetly turned passionate, with hints of longing that couldn't be denied, as he began to caress her soft body.
For days, his mind had been filled with thoughts of her, craving her presence with every fiber of his being.
Layla was just as consumed by the yearning, surrendering to his fervor. Her arms found their way around his neck involuntarily as her body gently fell back onto the bed, arching to meet his kisses eagerly.
"Samuel... Samuel..." she whispered his name over and over again against his lips.
The buttons of her blouse gave way, revealing the graceful curve of her neck.
Samuel's passion intensified.
His large hand moved toward the small of her back, grazing the button just as...
Knock, knock. "Boss, the corn chowder's ready." The bodyguard's voice, utterly out of place, broke the moment.
Samuel cursed under his breath, "Get out!"
But Layla , she couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight of his frustrated desire. It was just too adorable.
"What's so funny?" Samuel frowned, the discomfort evident in his expression. Did she enjoy seeing him suffer? That What a merciless girl!
"It's hilarious," Layla giggled, unable to contain her mirth. "Poor old manguy, having it rough, huh?"
"Keep laughing, we'll see how I settle the score tonight."
Layla shrank back a little, his fiery gaze sending shivers down her spine.
It was bound to be an eventful night, and Layla experienced his prowess firsthand, ending up in tears begging for mercy; completely spent, she could barely even make it to the bathroom without Samuel carrying her.
The next morning, she headheaded to the hospital.
Jason was asleep, with Owen keeping vigil by his side. He approached quickly, eyeing the marks on her neck and spoke in a hushed tone, "It was a Holland who saved you guys, right?"
It wasn't a question, but a statement.
As the saying goes, even a mighty dragon can't crush a local snake, but in this city, Samuel was the very power that could pull off such a feat. He rescued people from the grips of the local tyrant and wiped out his operations overnight.
Layla nodded, "We've reconciled."
"Did he threaten you?" Owen clenched his fists audibly.
"No, he's been good to me."
"Good? Ha! Layla, have you forgotten how just two days ago he was with another woman, or how he slapped you? Then he gives you a sweet nothing and you're back wagging your tail? Are you his pet, devoid of dignity? You should break up with him now!"
"That was a misunderstanding, it's cleared up now. He's not like you say at all."
"Women in love are fools," Owen spat out, exasperated. "I'll lay it down right now, this won't be the last time you two fight. You're not right for each other, and it will end. Just wait and keep letting him walk all over you."
Layla felt a chill in her heart, a sudden sense of dread. It was as if Owen's words laid a curse she couldn't escape from.
But she immediately shook off the negative thought.
Adversity lay ahead, but with steadfast resolve, they could navigate through any crisis. Each challenge only served to fortify their bond.
"Layla, you're here…" Jason stirred from his slumber.