FALLING FOR VENGEANCE

2

First meeting .

Samantha stirred awake; the room felt like it was spinning. Each object moved in a uniform pattern, loud voices echoing around her. Those voices seemed far away yet so near. Strong arms held her; she felt suspended, floating between consciousness and a sharp voice calling her name.

"Samantha!"

Opening her eyes in an instant, all the floating objects stood still. A dark set of eyes peered down at her, gazing as if they could capture the very essence of her soul. Recognition dawned on her—these eyes, she knew them. It was Gabriel. The very Gabriel. The only Gabriel whose smile could undo her, whose anger burned hotter than a furnace.

"Ahh!" Struggling, she screamed, "Let me go!"

"Okay," was the casual response, and like a sack of hot potatoes, he dropped her.

She fell with a loud thump. A sharp tear echoed through the room. With trepidation, she glanced down. Her skirt, slit perfectly below the knee, was now bunched up on her lap. Just a little peek, and her underwear was visible.

"Ehh!" she screeched.

"Why did you do that?" she demanded, clutching the hem of her skirt, trying to shield as much of her modesty as possible. Huffing, she reached for the edge of the table, attempting to get up. Halfway in the air, her heels gave way, and she fell again. This time, a loud rip sounded through the office.

Samantha sat down, staring at her ruined skirt. Gradually, her eyes reddened, tears gathering, staining her lashes. The shame was thick, its cloak draped over her shoulders. With Gabriel looming over her, she felt small. The pain she had tried to shield burst forth—the pain of losing her company, her lost love, her son's insistent questions. The weight of everything pressed down on her. Her shoulders sagged, and she wept. Bitter tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes, her helplessness further grieving her.

The three men stood back, each trying to assess the situation. The secretary stood by the door, confused, scratching his graying hair.

"Uhmm," he cleared his throat. "Sir, I think this is not a good time. You may need to come back later. Miss Samantha is not stable enough to handle the dealings; it is an emotional day for her."

"What nonsense?" Gabriel retorted. "The princess has a breakdown, so we must all spare her feelings?" He scoffed. "I will step out to have coffee, and in the next twenty minutes, I will be back. Even if she's naked, she must sign over the deed."

With that, he stepped out, taking the elevator. Philip raced behind him, trying to match his long strides. Outside, Gabriel stood, drawing in deep breaths. The busy street held his gaze—the bustling of cars, the honking of taxis, the loud slams of doors. The warm aroma of coffee from the restaurant next door filled the air. Gabriel closed his eyes and inhaled. This was how he grounded himself, keeping his emotions at bay when everything felt overwhelming. Sighing, he turned and made his way to the café.

The door opened, welcoming Gabriel in. The strong aroma of coffee was intoxicating, mixed with the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies. The bustling waiters cast an interesting view. Gabriel made his way to a booth and sat down. Philip, entering the café, plopped down on the sofa, gasping.

"What's up, man? Why did you run off like that?" Philip asked between breaths. "Come on, man, I had to run after you."

Just as he was resting, a waiter approached their table.

"Sir, I am your waiter for today," a small voice called out.

Turning, Philip stared at the waiter. His eyes lit up. "Now that's beautiful," he muttered. Ducking shyly, his cheeks tinted red. Lifting his notepad to shield his face, the waiter spoke in a small voice, "Sir, we have freshly made cookies. The pastry chef just sent out a new batch. Would you like some? No nuts or anything, just pure chocolate."

"Bet it will be delicious, just like you, baby," Philip said, his smile flirtatious.

"Cut it out," Gabriel's voice rang. "Get us anything available, okay?"

Frightened, the waiter left hurriedly to place their orders.

"You didn't have to scare him. "You ruined my moves," Philip complained, his eyes red as he vented his grief.

"Enough!" Gabriel cut him off. "We need to sign that deed today." I couldn't miss my opportunity for revenge. We need to make sure of that."

As he was talking, the waiter returned with their order, quietly placing it on the table before moving on to serve other tables.

Philip's eyes followed him, gazing intently, memorizing his figure. Sharp fingers flicked his forehead, bringing his gaze back to the table.

"Pay attention," Gabriel scolded.

"Okay, okay," Philip replied. "We will get the deed today." It's already signed. Exercise a little patience. You need to chill. "She's still able to get under your skin. "I thought you were done with her?" Philip asked, a knowing smile on his lips.

"I will not repeat myself. I am done with her. I have no feelings for her, and that is final. "No need to ask such questions again," Gabriel scolded.

Just as they were talking, his phone chimed on the table. Anger flashed in his gaze as he looked at the caller ID. He picked up the call.

"Sorry, sir, about the incident in the office earlier. "We are ready to meet with you," Samantha's soft voice echoed from the speaker.

Without replying, he ended the call.

Turning to Philip, he smirked arrogantly. "We have a meeting. We need to move."

Just then, the waiter from before walked past, and Philip eyed him like candy.

"Stop eye-f*****g the guy. "Let's go," Gabriel ordered with an air of finality before making his way out of the café.

Reluctantly, Philip got up, chasing after Gabriel.

"I always have to chase after you, but just one time I eye some candy, and I can't have him," Philip muttered, angry.