Chapter 50

Nina was more than a little annoyed when Sam didn't answer his phone or return her text messages. Once again, she rang the doorbell, wondering if Marian was there at work. When finally she saw the housekeeper coming a moment later, she gave the woman a good glare.

Marian opened the door, watching her with disinterest.

Nina snapped, "Is Sam home? I phoned him, but he didn't answer."

Marian sighed. Then she thought internally she wouldn't answer the phone either if it were Nina who was calling her.

"He's in his office," she said, nodding toward the stairs.

Nina waved Marian away in dismissal. Then she herself headed toward the stairs. "Don't disturb us," she said over her shoulder at Marian, who was halfway toward the kitchen.

Marian pulled a face and then dismissed the rude woman from her mind as she began to wonder what she should prepare for Sam and Lilly for dinner tonight.

A few moments later, Nina came up onto the third level and headed straight to Sam's room. She gave it a couple knocks before entering. There, she expected Sam to be in his seat behind the desk, working. Instead, she saw him lying on the couch, his eyes closed as though he were asleep.

Frowning, she silently made her way to him. She peered at him for a while, taking in his handsome features. Then slowly, she smiled. All these years, she thought. She still couldn't stop herself from wanting him.

Gently, she sat beside him, gazing at him long and hard, thinking how off their timing was. If only Sarah hadn't met him first. If only he wasn't dating her. If only he and Sarah weren't married, why then, he would have been Nina's husband instead, and they would have lived happily together as a family. Because of Sarah, however, she couldn't have him. That was until Sarah passed away in that accident.

Of course, Sam moving on with another woman so soon after his wife's death would be suspicious and frowned upon, and Nina fully understood that. But heck, it had been three years, and now was a perfect time to restart his romantic life. She'd been helping him out ever since Sarah's death, staying close to him, ensuring any woman who showed any sign of even crossing the invisible boundary she'd drawn and moving into her territory was banished.

Yes, Sam was hers, and from this day forward, she vowed she'd step up her game, ruthlessly eradicating any potential love interest that came Sam's way, ensuring she was the only love interest available for Sam.

Lovingly, she stroked his hair, his cheekbone, and then moved down to his masculine jawline. She sighed as she lifted her head, dreaming about their future together.

It was then she saw a car parked across the street. Nina narrowed her eyes in suspicion, and then she stood up. She walked across the room over to the side that had a view of the street. She folded her arms across her chest as she watched a young woman come out of the car, carrying containers and some books. It was Chandra Chandler. Nina gritted her teeth as she glared at the younger woman. Then she turned her eyes to Sam. Slowly, a sly smile formed on her lips, and her eyes sparked viciously.

* * *

By the time Chandra woke in the morning, her sisters had left for work. Alone in the apartment, she went about her routine. She had breakfast, showered, and then settled down to writing her book. By lunchtime, she had a couple chapters done, which pleased her immensely. It was after lunch and she was just starting her digital art for her cover, this one of a Garuda, when she remembered Lilly and the books.

"Damn! I forgot," she muttered. But then again, she reminded herself she couldn't possibly go now since she didn't have the car. Thus, she'd have to wait until her sisters returned from work. Luckily, she didn't have to wait long because half an hour later she heard a loud argument from across the hallway and knew Dara and Soriya were home.

She headed out the door and folded her arms across her chest as her sisters came her way.

"You two are fighting again," she stated.

Soriya looked heavenward. "It's Dara's fault. I didn't start the argument. She did. I don't know what the heck is wrong with her today."

"Right," Chan said. "And why are you guys home so early? It's not even five yet." In fact, it was only just after two in the afternoon.

Dara stalked off into the living area and straight to the kitchen. "I officially hate my job," she announced as she retrieved some aspirin from the cupboard.

"So that's what's wrong with her," Soriya said, rolling her eyes.

"Is that why you decided to come home early?" Chan asked, taking a seat on the couch.

"No." Dara then popped two pills into her mouth and took a long drink of cold water. When she finished, she continued. "I'm taking a half day because I have a horrible headache."

Chan and Soriya looked at each other, concerned.

"Is your headache serious?" Chan asked. "Want to go and see a doctor or something? I'll drive you."

Dara shook her head. "It's not serious. I should feel better after some rest." She came back into the living area, sighed deeply, and then said, "I just found out the silver Ferrari dude is my boss, Noah Cooper."

Chan was expressionless, while Soriya widened her eyes in shock.

Soriya said, "You mean the hot Ferrari dude you drove our car into only a few weeks ago is your boss, boss?"

Dara sighed. "Yes. He is my boss, boss, as in the Cooper of Cooper & Hunter, as in the bigger of the share of the company, as in the seventy percent half."

"Oh my God!" Soriya exclaimed. "You're so screwed!"

Dara rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it." She placed the empty glass down and then headed to the door. "I'm going to lie down for a bit now."

"Take care of yourself, Dara," Chan said. "Your job is stressful enough as it is."

"Yes, I know," Dara replied, rubbing her temple.

"The headache must be from the unfortunate news, I suppose," Soriya teased, referring to the silver Ferrari dude.

Dara gave her sister a death glare before disappearing from sight.

Chan said, "And what about you? Why are you home early?"

"I met her on the elevator, believe it or not," Soriya began. "She was already in a foul mood. Anyway, I got permission to continue my project at home. Right. Better go up and continue with that project." She shot up and headed to the door.

Before Soriya was gone, Chan said loudly, "I'm going out for a bit."

Instantly, Soriya volleyed back into the room and asked, "Where?"

Chan shook her head, knowing her sister wanted to accompany her.

"You've got an important project, sweetheart. I'm just going to drop off some strawberries and books for Lilly."

Soriya smiled. "Aww, that's so sweet. Well, have fun." Then she was gone.

Chan went back to her office and got the books. Once she had the strawberries nicely packed into two containers, she grabbed her bag and keys and then headed out the door.