The Heiress & The Outcast
1372 Words
“Drake!”
The sharp, unmistakable voice cut through the hum of the arrival area. Drake and Samantha instinctively halted mid-step, turning toward the source.
Nancy.
She stood a few feet away, dressed to perfection, the subtle smirk on her lips unmistakable. Beside her was a tall man in a crisp suit, exuding effortless authority. Samantha recognized him immediately. Rafael Cuevas—the rising business prodigy. Two years ago, his name had barely made a dent in the industry. Now, he was celebrated as the mastermind behind the international expansion of his family’s empire.
And just as fate would have it, the night his engagement to Nancy was announced was the very same night Drake’s world came crashing down—the night his father was found dead.
“Coming from your honeymoon?” Nancy mused, her gaze flicking between them before landing deliberately on Samantha.
Drake stiffened beside her, his grip tightening around the suitcase handle. His jaw clenched as his eyes locked onto Rafael, barely masking the storm brewing beneath.
Rafael’s amused smile never wavered. “Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Drake Anderson, right?” His tone was smooth, effortless, as he extended a hand toward Drake. “I don’t believe I’ve formally introduced myself. I attended your wedding, but I never got the chance to offer my congratulations. A bit sudden, but still—a marriage worth celebrating.”
Drake remained still, eyes cold as he regarded the hand stretched toward him—a hand that, not too long ago, had pulled away the woman he once intended to marry.
Samantha, ever composed, stepped in smoothly. “Thank you,” she said, taking Rafael’s hand in a brief, polite shake.
Rafael chuckled slightly as his gaze lingered on her. “Samantha Montefeugo, heiress of El Feugo’s Pride and Dynasty. The most powerful company in the country.” His eyes flickered toward Drake, his tone laced with amusement.
“Quite a turn of events, isn’t it? After your father’s scandal practically dragged your family’s name through the mud, you managed to land the richest woman in the country. Luck really does work in mysterious ways.”
Drake’s fingers curled tighter around the handle of his suitcase, his breathing controlled but strained. Samantha noticed immediately and, without hesitation, placed a reassuring hand over his. A silent reminder to stay grounded.
Nancy’s eyes caught the movement, her smirk deepening. “Regretting the luck that slipped through your fingers?” Her words were meant for Rafael, but the underlying jab hit harder than intended.
Rafael narrowed his eyes at her. “What?”
Nancy mirrored his expression. “What?”
Samantha merely tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “Mr. Cuevas, you’re a businessman. I’m sure your engagement to Ms.Castillo wasn’t merely about love, but strategy. Perhaps, in the end, we’re all the same—choosing paths not based on destiny, but opportunity,” she mused. Then, her lips curved ever so slightly. “Drake just happened to be luckier. While you made a different choice.”
She turned to Drake, dismissing the tension entirely. “Let’s go. The flight exhausted me, and I could use some rest.”
Without sparing Rafael or Nancy another glance, she led Drake away, leaving the pair momentarily stunned. Their smiles faded, irritation settling in their expressions as they watched them disappear into the crowd.
“Why did you do that?” Drake muttered as they walked toward the taxi bay, his voice edged with frustration.
Samantha smirked, looping her arm through his without hesitation. “What? Were you impressed?” she teased, tilting her head slightly.
Drake scoffed and pulled away, shaking off her touch like it burned. “Don’t flatter yourself,” he said, his tone sharp. “I don’t need you stepping in for me. I have a mouth, I know exactly what to say—”
“I know,” Samantha cut in smoothly. “But accepting help doesn’t make you weak, Drake. And whether you like it or not, we’re in this together.”
Drake turned to her, eyes locking onto her face—and there it was, that smile. That effortless, unshaken, infuriating smile.
He came to a sudden halt. Samantha stopped too, looking at him expectantly.
“One thing,” he said quietly, his voice rough. “Don’t smile. Not at me.” His eyes darkened. “It pisses me off.”
Samantha raised an eyebrow, unconcerned. “Why? Because it reminds you that you lost?”
His jaw tightened, his stance stiffening. “You’re arrogant, walking around like you’ve won,” he said flatly. “If you’re happy about that, then fine—just keep it to yourself.”
And with that, he turned away abruptly, stalking toward the waiting taxis, creating the distance he desperately needed.
Samantha remained still for a few seconds before exhaling lightly and following him. She had known this wouldn’t be easy—had braced herself for his coldness, his resentment. She hadn’t expected him to feel the same way she did.
But for him to tell her to stop smiling?
That hit differently.
It was like telling her to stop breathing.
She had been trying—so hard—to stay strong, to keep her composure. But if he kept pushing her away like this… maybe even she would falter.
By the time she caught up, Drake was already loading their suitcases into the taxi’s trunk. She glanced around, scanning the area.
“What are you looking for?” Drake asked as he straightened, watching her.
“My grandfather’s assistant,” she murmured, brow furrowed slightly. “He was supposed to pick us up.”
Drake opened the car door without expression. “Don’t waste your time waiting. He’s not coming.”
Samantha frowned, turning to him. “Not coming? What do you mean? He promised. He’s never gone back on his word before.”
Drake met her gaze, unreadable. “I told him not to.”
Samantha froze, staring at him. That… she hadn’t expected.
“Why? How are we supposed to get back to the mansion?” Samantha asked, frowning as she looked around.
“We’re not,” Drake answered simply, his tone clipped.
Samantha’s brows knitted together. “What? Why not? Then where are we going?” she fired off, her confusion evident.
Drake let out a sharp breath, visibly annoyed. “You ask too many damn questions. It’s irritating.”
She crossed her arms, completely unfazed. “What do you expect me to do? We have no ride, no mansion to go home to, and apparently, Assistant Lee isn’t coming. What, are we supposed to sleep on the streets now?” She scoffed dramatically. “You’d let your gorgeous bride sleep outside like a stray? No concern for me at all?”
Drake shot her an incredulous look. “Gorgeous bride?” His lips twitched in disbelief. “You need to quit while you’re ahead. This self-worship thing is getting out of hand.” He sighed, running a hand over his face before gesturing toward the car. “Just get in. You said you wanted to rest.”
Samantha squinted at him suspiciously. “Where exactly are we going?”
“My place,” Drake replied flatly, getting into the car.
Samantha’s eyes widened slightly. “Your place?” She glanced at him through the open car door.
Drake groaned, exasperated. “Are you going to question every single thing I say? Get in, or stay here—I don’t care.”
She pouted but climbed into the car anyway, settling beside him. She had no complaints—not really—as long as she was with him. But the reality of what Assistant Lee had once told her lingered in the back of her mind. Drake lived in a small space, nothing like the grandeur of the mansion she had always called home.
She had never lived anywhere else. Never spent a night without her grandfather, Assistant Lee, or a bodyguard shadowing her every move. Her grandfather was beyond overprotective, always ensuring she was sheltered from anything remotely dangerous.
How had Drake convinced him to let her stay somewhere else?
The thought unsettled her, but she kept it to herself.
- Writer
