Chapter 18

It is late on Wednesday evening, and we are preparing for a house inspection. I opted for a more casual look, which comprised dusty blue vintage high waist, ankle-length denim pants, red satin camisole, a multi-coloured oversized knit jacket and white platform sneakers. Little Sam is rocking a pink princess dress paired with blue shoes.

I put more effort into my makeup this time. My brows are arched for an exciting night. My dramatic eyeliner wings are looking to the heavens, my foundation is velvety and glowing, and I believe my cheekbone highlight is visible from mars. What can I say? I want to impress him.

I arranged our carry-on bag containing her food, diapers, towels and toys, and sent him a quick text that we are ready. An hour later, I got a text that he is 5 minutes away. I locked up the house and wait for him by the gate. He arrived after, looking as breathtaking as ever in a brown leather jacket, brown boots, army green shirt and blue denim pants. He was impressed with what he was seeing. He was staring as if I am a cake he wants to eat.

You mean you are staring at him as if he is a cake you want to eat.

This man is fine, and he knows it.

The two-hour drive to his place was nerve-wracking. We were staring at each other from the corners of our eyes. He tapped on the steering while I fidget with my nails until he made a left turn and stopped before a high fence. The gate opened after scanning, and we entered a quiet road shaded by tall trees. Our endless journey continued as we drove deeper into what resembles the Amazonian rainforest, and my mind was going off its rockers.

Where is he taking us? What if he is a kidnapper? Is he that serial killer on the news? Does he kill single mothers and their infant daughters? I heard he has just killed a fresh pair of mother and daughter. I cannot believe I forgot that until now.

Could Samuel be that serial killer? I can see the headlines detailing how an unsuspecting and reckless mother of a toddler fell victim to the killer by falling for his mesmerizing looks off the internet.

My heart is racing faster than I can blink, I can tell the exact number of sweats running from my scalp to my feet, my calf muscles are tender, and the crippling cramp in my spine tells me this will not end well. I was on the verge of collapse when the road split into different driveways, and my hands clamped over my mouth. I cannot begin processing what my eyes are seeing, and you will not believe it either.

One of the split roads leads to an airstrip. There was a plane, a smaller jet, and two helicopters. A sprawling fleet of exotic cars was visible through the glass garage.

We drive further, and I can see a basketball court, squash court, tennis course and a golf course that disappears under the sunset. I laughed, but not because it is amusing. I think I am having one of those crazy dreams where I explore the world with my spiritual husband, and when I wake up, I will be alone in my bed. There is no way in hell this is real.

I was born into a well-to-do family, so I have never considered myself poor. I have never felt smaller in my life until this moment.

"Welcome to my house." He said, but his voice sounded distant, like on a radio. We come to a stop, and he shifted the gear to park.

He stepped down and opened my door for me. I could not move a muscle. I had never felt poorer in my twenty years, one month, and two days of living. I could not believe my eyes or let the fact that I was standing in a piece of heaven sink in.

A lavish castle stretched far beyond my peripheral vision, and separate bungalows scattered within the tropical villa with a breathtaking landscape. A river pool spirals around the houses, with beautiful oriental flowers shading the path.

"Debs, is something wrong?" He asked, but words failed me. I turned my head from left to right to show that I was okay. He extended his hands and helped me out of the car. He also got Sam from the backseat and handed me the carry-on bag.

I knew he was well to do, but this is not simply well to do. He told me he was into investments, but I thought he worked as an employee at an investment firm.

Who the fuck is Samuel Harrison?