He Betrays Me, So I Take Revenge

"Here's two million. Enough to cover your foster mother's medical bills." Samantha Russo stared at the thin check. Acceptance would mean never worrying about those hospital fees again. "Leave Archer, and it's yours." Samantha's lashes trembled slightly. She almost thought she'd misheard. 'Wow, Archer is worth that much, huh?' Jessica Donovan's crimson lips curved into a smirk. "I can spare Archer thirty years of struggle. What can you possibly offer him? Take the money and walk away. That's your wisest move. What I want, I get. You'd do well to remember that." Samantha nearly choked on disbelieving laughter. She didn't want to waste her time anymore. She replied, "Sorry. I don't have time for your childish games, Ms. Donovan." Jessica sneered, "Aren't you curious whether your precious love can withstand a real test?" Samantha froze mid-step. "What do you mean?" Jessica said, "Let's wager on how many times Archer will choose me over you." Samantha almost laughed. She thought Jessica was really childish. Jessica tilted her head, venom dripping from her smile. "Not getting cold feet, are we?" Samantha nodded. "Fine. One bet." As long as Archer chose Jessica over Samantha for five times within three months, Samantha would end everything with him. Years ago, Archer had defied his parents five times for their relationship. Now, Samantha would grant him five chances in return. Yet she was certain Archer wouldn't need all five chances. Samantha trusted their bond and Archer's love for her. ***** Returning to the hospital room, Samantha saw Archer was on the phone with Louis. Louis asked, "Archer, you're seriously going to babysit that spoiled heiress? Over a sprained ankle?" Archer's voice was strained. "Jessica won't take no for an answer." "Aren't you worried Samantha will find out about Jessica's very public pursuit of you?" "She won't make a fuss. If I have to choose, I'll pick my career. Gotta make money, right?" "But Jessica is really hot. She's way hotter than Samantha. You're really not tempted? What if she throws herself at you?" An invisible hand clenched Samantha's heart, stealing her breath. She burned to know what Archer was thinking. He gave a cold laugh. "I know the difference between a wife and a fling. Some women are for the bed, others for the kitchen." "So Samantha's the kitchen type? Wow, Archer. You have a loyal wife at home and wild nights out!" For a moment, the world went silent. Then Samantha's mind erupted with white noise. She'd always assumed Jessica was the one pursuing Archer. Yet it seemed that Archer enjoyed the relationship. The door opened, revealing Samantha. Archer's face tightened. He wasn't sure if she had heard everything. After a hesitation, he spoke, "Baby, there's an emergency at the company. I might not be able to take you and your mom home." Samantha was stunned. "Are you expecting my mother to take public transit?" After surgery, her foster mother, Willow, had to avoid contact with others. Any virus could trigger organ failure. "Sorry, I'll get you a cab!" Archer knew this wasn't a good solution. But this investor meeting was rare. He couldn't miss it. To him, everything he did meant to secure Samantha's future. If necessary, he could always buy her gifts and apologize later. He thought she was easy to win over anyway. With that thought, his last shred of guilt vanished. Abruptly, Samantha grabbed his arm. "Can't you stay?" "Baby, everything I do is for our future. Don't be like this..." Archer gave her head a condescending pat and left. Samantha stared at where he'd stood, her heart aching with emptiness. Something was slipping out of her grasp. Not long after, Jessica's text came through. Jessica: This is the first time. He picked me over you.