Chapter 651 Taylor, Let's Start Over 1
Taylor let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Samuel, wasn't this exactly what you wanted? How many times did we fight because of Zenobia? How many nights did you stay away because of her? Now you've finally married her. What more do you want?"
She had warned him before, told him to look deeper before giving his heart away.
But Samuel had been stubborn. Back then, he had turned it around on her, demanding to know why she was always against Zenobia. What else was there for her to say? Everything that happened was his choice.
Taylor moved to push him away.
Samuel refused to let go, his arms still locking her in place. His eyes shifted from cold resentment to a softness that reminded her of the man he used to be.
His voice was hoarse. "Taylor, let's start over."
She stared at him like he had lost his mind.
It took her a moment before she finally spoke, "Have you lost your mind? We're divorced. You married Zenobia. Your wedding last night was the talk of the entire city."
Samuel's Adam's apple bobbed. "I never signed the marriage papers with Zenobia."
Taylor's lips curled into a cold smile. "So now you're enemies?"
"I'll take care of Zenobia. Taylor, give me time."
She looked at him quietly, taking in the face she had once loved. But that man had disappeared two years ago. How dare he ask her for another chance?
It was laughable.
Her eyes glistened at the memories, and she turned her head away so he wouldn't see. But Samuel noticed. He couldn't help reaching for her, until she snapped, her voice trembling. "Don't touch me, Samuel. Don't you dare touch me."
When their eyes met again, she was calm. "I accepted Julian's proposal. We'll probably marry after the New Year."
"You really love him?"
"Yes."
Her certainty shattered him.
He had come here at dawn, thinking there was still a chance. But she was getting married. To a man she had known only for days.
Samuel stepped back, wounded.
Taylor took the chance to break free.
Back in the VIP ward, Zenobia was tending to Thalassa. She was in high spirits today, her manner unusually patient and almost tender.
Even so, Thalassa moved with quiet caution.
When the door opened, the girl glanced over. Seeing Samuel, she lowered her head even further. He suspected she knew Zenobia and Leo were still married, but years of living under Zenobia's threats had taught her silence.
Samuel might have been unfaithful, but he never blamed Thalassa for Zenobia's sins. The girl was pitiful enough.
He shut the door, walked over, and touched the toy in her hands.
Thalassa looked up at him timidly.
He brushed a hand over her hair, offering a faint, bittersweet smile. She relaxed, if only slightly.
Zenobia smirked. "She seems to like you more. The two of you look like a picture-perfect father and daughter. Anyone would think she was yours."
Samuel gave a cold smile. "That's because you're too cruel to her."
Before she could reply, he added, "If you don't want to raise her, you can leave her with me."
There was weight in his words, and Zenobia's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying? Thalassa is my daughter. Why would I give her up?"
His smile turned sharper. "You and I both know the truth."
Two years ago, Zenobia had come to him for help.
He had still valued his family then, offering her and her daughter a place to stay and covering their medical bills. He never spent the night, never crossed the line.
At first, Taylor knew nothing. But Zenobia would call in the middle of the night, claiming Thalassa had a fever and needed to be taken to the hospital. It happened often enough that Taylor noticed. Their marriage began to crumble.
Samuel had confronted Zenobia, but Thalassa's fragile state made it impossible for him to be harsh.
And so, piece by piece, Zenobia had devoured his family.
How could he not hate her?
But what could he do now? Taylor was gone. He was trapped in a sham marriage with Zenobia, who held leverage over SamZen Tech. But Samuel was never one to wait for the axe to fall.
In a month, whatever Zenobia had on him would be worthless.
In two, she would be behind bars.
Bigamy was still a crime.
His mind made up, Samuel no longer bothered with pretenses. Zenobia, for her part, cared only about the title of Mrs. Collins and his wealth. She was already planning to demand a prenuptial agreement once they became legally married, aiming for half his assets.
She thought it was fair.
Once lovers, now adversaries, both calculating their next move. At least Samuel still treated Thalassa decently. He looked at the frail girl, his sharp features softening.
Samuel was never the type to be controlled.
No one knew he had struck a deal with Leo. The man cared for Thalassa deeply, and after much thought, he had agreed. Samuel knew that once the New Year came and Thalassa recovered, there would be no wedding.
Only Zenobia's downfall.
She had no idea she was living in the last days of her dream.