Chapter 3

Jacob's Residence…

Jacob sat in his room, deep in thought. He wanted to take a shower, but first decided to try calling Gloria. After several unsuccessful attempts, he gave up for the moment, promising to try again later. He sat on the edge of his bed, lost in his thoughts. His sister Sophia, who shared his home, came in at that moment to tell him dinner was ready.

— I'll join you in a few minutes, he said absentmindedly.

Sophia, noticing the worried look on her brother’s face, sat next to him and looked at him with concern.

— Big brother, don't you think it's time to reconsider your thoughts on Gloria? It's true that you've shared a lot together, but that doesn't mean you're necessarily meant for each other. You need to find a way to heal from the feelings that are eating you up inside. She doesn’t even seem to notice how you feel about her.

Jacob smiled sadly before replying:

— Sophia, you can't understand what I feel and the bond that exists between Gloria and me. I'm sure she feels the same way about me. She’s just waiting for me to be direct with her, to stop beating around the bush. That's why I want to organize a romantic evening to confess my feelings and, if possible, ask her to marry me.

Sophia sighed and sat down on the sofa near her brother’s bed. She looked at him with a tenderness mixed with pity.

— Are you sure you won’t end up with a broken heart after that? If not, I was going to suggest you give Charlotte a chance. But it seems like you're already planning your...

— Charlotte? Gloria’s sister? Jacob interrupted, surprised.

— Yes, is there a problem with that? You know very well that, unlike Gloria, she gives you the value and attention you deserve. Why not try something with her? I know you're madly in love with her older sister, but maybe it’s the younger sister who’s your other half. Maybe Gloria is just the path that leads to your destiny. I’m just saying. So stop looking at me like that.

After these words, Sophia stood up and left Jacob alone with his thoughts. He sighed deeply and headed to the bathroom to take a shower before going to dinner.

On the Other Side...

Gloria stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed. She looked at herself in the mirror, wondering what the future held. She thought about Samson, the mysterious and charismatic man she had met. Her phone rang on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. She looked at the screen and smiled when she saw Samson’s name. Without hesitation, she answered the call.

— Hello, good evening, Sam.

— Good evening, Miss Gloria, the one and only woman who keeps haunting me in the best way possible. I hope I'm not disturbing you, am I?

— No, not at all, in fact, it’s a pleasure to get your call. Are you already home?

— Yes, I'm already home and about to sit down for dinner when I decided to hear your beautiful and melodious voice.

— Oh, I’m flattered.

— I mean it. God gave you everything, and honestly, I don’t even have the right words to describe your captivating beauty. I hope the beauty inside matches the outside.

— Well, I’ll let you discover that and give me your opinion on it. I know I’m not a bad person, so that’s something.

— I see. Tell me, do you like going out at night? I’m thinking of going to a party hosted by one of my business partners this Wednesday, and I was wondering if you’d like to come with me.

— Are you sure it’s a party from one of your partners, or are you inviting me on a date?

— Well, let’s say it’s a date, simply because you’ll have all my attention during this evening. Also, I’ll see if the winds will blow in my favor for you to give me the chance that many other men haven’t had. Because I still have a hard time believing you’re single with no man in your life.

— Well, about that, I’ve had romantic relationships in the past, but none of them worked. So, I decided to abstain from romantic relationships. But, you never know, as you just said.

— Is it possible for you to give me an idea of your type of guy?

Gloria smiled before replying:

— Well, to not talk too much, I can take you as an example of my type of guy.

— Great, so I’m lucky then.

Gloria, smiling:

— Yes, let’s say that. But, let’s let time take care of the rest. I like to take my time with things. Rushing is not my thing.

— Just like me, so don’t worry.

— Cool.

— Thanks for the time you’ve given me. Well, I’ll take my leave. Say hi to your sister for me.

— I’ll be sure to. Thanks to you as well and enjoy your meal.

— Thanks.

Samson hung up. Without delay, Gloria left her room with a smile on her lips and went to join her sister Charlotte, who had already prepared everything and was enjoying the croissant she had made herself, sitting on the sofa in the living room.

Once in the living room, Gloria approached to grab a piece of the croissant, but Charlotte refused.

— Really? You don’t want to give me a croissant?

— No, unless you tell me what has you in such a joyful mood.

— Are you serious?

— Oh, yes. I know you’re hiding something from me. So, if it’s not Jacob who’s the cause of this, who is this man who’s making you feel this way?

— Do you really want to know?

— Yes, my dear sister.

Gloria sat next to Charlotte on the sofa and spoke, still smiling:

— His name is Samson Johnson. He’s a man I met today at the restaurant...

Gloria recounted everything that had happened at the restaurant, how she had met this man, and described his beauty and charisma. It was clear in her eyes that she had fallen for Samson.

She finished speaking and took a piece of the croissant. Charlotte, who had been watching her closely, spoke up.

— But it’s strange, huh? A man you’ve just met has this much effect on you, while the one you’ve known for years and who does everything to show he wants you has no effect on you. It’s really strange. In any case, it’s your life and you’re free to make your own choices. Only you know what you want in a man and your criteria.

— Charlotte, can I ask how much Jacob paid you to keep bringing him up every time we talk about this? You know what, if you want us to get along in this house, you need to start respecting me and stop pushing me to always see things your way. As you just said, everyone knows what they want in life, and Jacob is very far from having a place in my heart. So, please, stop making it an issue every time.

— I understand, big sis, and I’m really sorry about that. Can we move on to dinner now?

Without saying another word, Gloria stood up and headed for the dining room. Charlotte got up and started teasing her to get her to smile again.

Samson’s Residence...

After finishing his conversation with Gloria, Samson headed to the dining room where his Aunt Marie was waiting for him. Upon seeing him enter, she couldn’t help but tease him.

— Who’s the lucky one who managed to touch my Sam’s heart? she asked, smiling.

Samson answered with a mysterious smile.

— You’ll meet her soon, Aunt Marie, he replied as he took his seat at the table.

Marie continued to tease him as she served dinner, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had never seen her nephew so excited.

Jacob's Residence...

A few hours later, Jacob had finished dinner and checked his emails on his laptop. Still preoccupied with Gloria, he decided to try calling her again. He picked up his phone and dialed her number. A few seconds later, she answered, her voice a bit groggy.

— Hello, Sam...

— It’s not Sam, it’s me, Jacob. Gloria, is that you?

— Oh, sorry Jacob, I’m a little sleepy. I’m exhausted. I hope you had a good day?

— Yes, thanks. I called you earlier, but...

— Yes, I left my phone in the room and was in the living room with Charlotte.

— I see. Can I pick you up tomorrow morning?

— Yes, I’d be happy to. Well, see you tomorrow then. I’m really tired. Have a good night.

— Thanks, good night to you too.

Jacob hung up and gently lay down in his bed, his mind swirling with thoughts about Gloria and the evening he was planning.