Chapter 74

"Hey, brother!" Samantha ran into his arms and he cuddled her. "You're welcome!!" She took his briefcase from him.

"My baby girl, " He stroked her back. "When did you come?" He gazed down at her.

"I came at noon," She said, gazing up at him.

"Oh, cool," He said. "Have you eaten? Are you okay?"

"Sure," She smiled.

"Why haven't you slept yet?" He touched her soft cheek.

"I was just waiting for you," She said.

"Oh," He said.

"You got me curious…"

"About what?" He raised a brow.

"Like, you came home pretty late," She shrugged.

"Oh, yeah," He said. "I've been coming home late 'cause I'm swamped with a whole lot at work."

"Oh, so sorry," She blushed and he smiled. "You must be tired."

He wanted to get the briefcase from her but she refused. "Sam?"

"I wanna come with you and drop it in your room," She said.

His glittery blue gaze was fixed on her.

"No reason," She shrugged. "I could say hello to your wife if she isn't asleep."

"You should have done that pretty early, Sam," He said. She might be asleep."

"No worries," She shrugged. "I'd just drop the briefcase and leave."

***********

******

They walked arm in arm up the long stairs to his room.

*

Laying on the bed, Elodre heard the door opening and as Samantha's quiet voice crammed into her ears her heart leaped to her throat and she was determined to pretend to be sleeping.

"You see, she's asleep," Cayden said as he collected the briefcase from her.

"I ain't sure," Samantha was gazing intensely at her.

He could swear that Elodre's eyes were open and she'd shut them once they came in. "Elodre?" Cayden called softly. "Elodre?" Knowing she wasn't asleep, he smiled upon her silence. Damn! This woman! He knows his wife is a strong-willed woman though.

"Hmm," Samantha sighed and gazed up at him. "Alright, then, good night!"

"Good night, darling," Amusement was gleaming in his eyes but he stifled a laugh. He can't blame his wife regarding his family. She's been through hell at their hands. He thought.

Leaving, Samantha shut the door mildly and he snickered. Chuckling softly while shrugging off his shirt, he gazed down at his wife and shook his head.

***

Really? Samantha thought while walking to her room. So Elodre ignored her? She didn't wanna speak to her, huh?

She got into her room, shut the door, and leaned against it. Wiping her face with her palms, she blew out heavily. So what now? She thought. The picture. The fuckin picture.

****

After taking off his clothes, Cayden sat on the bed and studied Elodre. He could see her massive lashes fluttering. "Elodre?" He gently touched her cheek and her eyes opened instantly with a glint of fear in them. Slowly, he took his hand off her and snickered.

****•°•°•°*****

•°•°•°`

Laying on the bed, Samantha was watching the photo of Roberts with Elodre.

******

***

The following morning, Cayden woke up early as usual and left for work.

*****

***

At nine-thirty on the nose, Samantha got out of bed. In her pajamas, she strode down the stairs and sat on one of the dining chairs. Her red long hair was packed up with a colorful ribbon and hair clips.

She was operating her phone when Jasmine hurried to her in a long gown and apron. "Good morning, Sam."

Samantha lifted her gaze and smiled sweetly. "Good morning, lady Jasmine."

"I'd prepared pancakes," Jasmine smiled back. "Would you like it with some tea?"

"Sure," Samantha was still smiling.

And Jasmine hurried to the kitchen. In a few seconds, she emerged with a tray of pancakes and a mug of hot tea. As she placed it before Samantha, a sweet mixture of spice and beverage aroma wafted into her nostrils and the vapors hit her face.

"Oh, what an appetizing delicacy!" Samantha was smiling. "Thank you!"

"Enjoy!" Jasmine smiled and walked away.

With a fork, Samantha took a bite of the pancake when she noticed Jasmine climbing up the stairs with a tray and she watched her go.

***

Elodre'd had her bath and was dressed in blue ragged-jean pants, a red Minnie Mouse crew-neck cardigan, and black socks. Her stringy blonde hair was packed up and pinned with colorful hair clips leaving some strands on her pink face. She was all ready for breakfast.

When a mild knock sounded at the door, she said, "Jasmine?"

"Yes, ma'am," Jasmine's cheerful voice vibrated Elodre's eardrums.

"Please, come in," She said. Jasmine doesn't have an idea how much she helped last night. She can't imagine what could've happened without Jasmine. It would have been a full-blown disaster.

"Good morning, ma'am," Jasmine bowed and served her.

"Good morning, lady J," Elodre smiled.

"How did you sleep last night, ma'am?" Jasmine asked.

"Like a rock," Elodre replied and was carried away by the meal's aroma. She sniffed and exhaled. "Wow!"

Elodre's smile is angelic! She's so tender, especially in this Minnie Mouse dress. Jasmine thought. She was glad to see those smiles on her face. "I notice you are a huge Minnie Mouse fan,"

"Very much," Elodre was thrilled to talk about Minnie. "I've always loved her from childhood. She's my dreamboat!"

"Wow!" Jasmine chuckled softly. "Raiden keeps fussing about PJ Marsk. He loves them so much."

"Yeah," Elodre said.

"I better leave you to eat," Jasmine said.

"Thank you so much, Jasmine," Elodre couldn't hold back her gratitude. "You have no idea how much help you're to me…especially last night."

Aww! Jasmine grinned. "Oh, ma'am, glad you feel relieved at least. I'm always at your service."

Smiling, Elodre dismissed her. She'd been wrong about Jasmine. Elodre thought. Jasmine wasn't a friend of Bianca.

Shock flashed in Jasmine's eyes upon seeing Samanth at the door. As she opened her mouth to speak, Samantha gestured for her to shut up and Jasmine blinked.

"Hi, Elodre!!"

Blinking, Elodre paused to look at her. Sam?!! What's she doing in her room?! How dare she?!! Her heart was whacking violently in her chest as she gazed expectantly at Samantha.

She shut the door mildly and with a smirk, she strode toward Elodre.

•°•°•