Chapter 82 SPECIAL CHAPTER 05

Chapter 82 SPECIAL CHAPTER 05
It was nearly dusk by the time Samantha arrived home. She parked her car and began the short walk to the neighboring house where she had temporarily left her son.

"Once Ms. Reyes’s wedding is over, I’m not taking any more bookings," Samantha muttered to herself. "I need to spend a few weeks with Spade. I’m sure he’s only looking for his father because I’ve been so busy lately."

As she walked, her mind drifted back to her conversation with Vladi. She knew it was reckless to make such a promise to her son, but she couldn’t stand seeing him in pain. She had backed herself into a corner—especially since she didn't have a single clue about the man she had been with that night.

FLASHBACK

Samantha stumbled through the hotel hallway, her vision blurring. Her friends had dragged her out, and though she had promised her father she wouldn't drink, just two glasses had been enough to send her head spinning.

One of her friends had told her to go to Room 402, saying Vladi was waiting there. Trusting her best friend, she didn't hesitate.

"Wow... the walls are spinning," Samantha giggled, squinting at the room numbers as she passed. "Oh! 402! Bestie, I’m here!"

She fumbled with the handle, pushed the door open, and stepped into the pitch-black suite. "Huh? Why is it so dark? Is there a power out?"

"Who are you?" a deep, authoritative baritone demanded from the shadows.

Samantha squinted, making out a tall silhouette standing near the bed. "Vladi! Stop playing, I'm here!" she chirped, raising a hand in a clumsy wave.

"I asked who the hell you are and why you’re in my room!"

"Why are you yelling at m—kyaah!" Samantha’s own feet tangled beneath her. She fell forward, her body slamming into a firm, muscular chest. Her lips landed directly against something soft and warm.

"Get off me, woman. Once I turn on the light and see your face, I’m suing you—"

"This thing that touched my lips... why is it so soft?" Samantha whispered dizzily. Before he could push her away, she pressed her lips against his again.

The man froze, his hands gripping her waist. For a heartbeat, there was only silence—and then, the kiss deepened into something desperate and hungry.

END OF FLASHBACK

Samantha shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the memory of her own impulsiveness.

"Why am I even thinking about that? I’m never drinking again! Never!" she hissed, frustrated. "Why did I have to be the one to initiate that kiss? If only it hadn't been so dark in there... I had a chance to see his face the next morning, but I was too busy running away like a coward."

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize she had reached the gate of her neighbor’s house.

"If anyone saw you right now, they’d think there was a crazy woman loitering outside my Baba’s house."

Samantha jumped, spinning around to see Cedric leaning against the terrace railing. He looked effortlessly princely even in the dim light.

Has he been there this whole time? Did he hear me talking to myself? she wondered frantically before offering a stiff bow.

"Good evening, Mr. Prime Minister. I’m just here to pick up my son from... Baba? Is Aling Jacinta your grandmother?"

"She is," Cedric replied coldly. "And she is far too old to be babysitting a child all day."

"I-I’m so sorry, Mr. Prime Minister. I truly had no one else to leave him with. I won't let it happen again, I promise." Samantha hurried toward the front door, but as she reached the steps, Cedric moved with predatory grace, blocking her path.

He loomed over her, his gaze intense, searching her face as if looking for a ghost.

"E-Excuse me, Mr. Prime Ministe—"

Before she could finish, Cedric’s hand shot out, pinning her against the wall. His other hand gripped her waist, pulling her inches from his chest. The air between them turned electric.

"W-what are you d-doing?" Samantha stammered, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Cedric didn't answer. He simply stared at her, his breath warm against her skin. Suddenly, he let out a low, sharp curse and recoiled as if burned. He stared at the palm of his hand—the one that had just held her waist.

"Damn it! It feels exactly the f—ing same!" he hissed.

Samantha straightened her clothes, her face flushed with a mix of confusion and indignation. "Mr. Prime Minister, that was highly disrespectful!"

"Mommy?"

Spade appeared at the door, peeking out curiously. When he saw Samantha, he ran to her and wrapped his arms around her legs.

"Were you a good boy for Aling Jacinta?" she asked, smoothing his hair.

"I was a very good boy, Mommy."

"Good." Samantha looked back at Cedric, who was still wearing a troubled expression. "Is Aling Jacinta inside? I want to thank her—"

"There’s no need," Cedric interrupted. "Just take the kid and go home."

Samantha bristled at his rudeness. "I am going home, but I want to say thank you to Alin—"

"My Baba is resting. She doesn't need your greetings," he snapped.

Samantha took a deep breath, clutching Spade’s hand. "Fine. Please just give her my thanks, Mr. Prime Minister. Let’s go, anak."

"Okay, Mommy."

Samantha gave a final, tight bow and led Spade back across the street. Cedric stood on the terrace, his eyes fixed on their retreating forms until they disappeared inside their house.

"Mihai."

"Yes, Prime Minister," Mihai appeared instantly from the shadows.

"Do exactly what you suggested earlier. Get the results immediately," Cedric commanded, his voice trembling with a rare touch of nerves. "Let’s see if that woman really is the one I bedded eight years ago... and if that boy is my son."

"As you wish, Prime Minister."

Cedric turned and walked back into the house, the ghost of a touch still lingering on his palm.