The voices of the women woke her up and she opened her eyes to see Anna standing in front of the bed, alongside Hailey, the brown skin maid. She had been asked to move out of the maids' quarters last night and she wondered what the girls were doing in her room.

"Mrs Clyde ordered us to prepare your bath," Anna said softly.

"Your glam team is waiting outside to get you ready for your big day," Hailey said with a little bit of excitement.

"Big day? I don't get it," she scoffed as she sat up right.

The girls helped her up the bed and prepared her bath. Her glam team arrived after her bath, and they helped dress her up in a white short flared dress with bogus sleeves. Her short brunette hair was styled in a bob and her face adorned with beautiful makeup. Her feet slipped perfectly into silver glittery heels, adding to the beauty of her outfit.

"You look beautiful, ma'am," Anna whispered.

"Thank you," she said with a satisfied smile.

She was led out of the room by madam Kate who arrived to pick her up. As they walked to the foyer, she met Mrs Clyde who was on the phone.

"This is perfect," Mrs Clyde said as soon as she turned her attention to her.

"Thank you ma'am," Samantha responded humbly.

"Your husband is waiting in the car for you. Now be a good girl out there," she said and touched her shoulders.

Samantha nodded with a smile before walking out of the foyer.

She was led to the green Lamborghini where Ryker was seated, dressed handsomely in a black turtleneck long sleeve shirt and black jeans pants. A pair of frameless glasses were sitting on his eyes, and his long black hair wrapped neatly in a bun.

He is the type so hard to resist, just like his brother, she thought as she sat beside him in the car and his cologne filled her nostrils.

Without taking a single glance at her, he warned, " Don't you try anything stupid out there."

She nodded and swallowed hard as the car drove out of the mansion slowly.

**

She sat elegantly in her chambers, scrolling through her phone, as she read the rumors flying on the internet about the Clyde's family and their new bride.

"Ryan did carry out his threat," she said with a smile and sipped from her cup of coffee.

"Mother, mother!" Sophia called, running into the chamber.

"Yes, daughter," she answered, looking up at the anxious Sophia.

"Mother, rumors of how Samantha is being mistreated have been flying all around the internet. Who's behind this?" Sophia asked in confusion as she took her seat beside her mother.

"Of course, your brother. I knew this was gonna happen,.but don't be scared. I've got this all covered," Mrs Clyde said with a smile as she patted Sophia by the shoulders.

"Were you able to visit Mr Ken at the hotel?" She asked and Sophia nodded.

"As soon as we secure the deal, you'll secure the man. I can't wait to see you and Claris get married," she continued.

"He really likes me . Claris is the only problem I've got, mother. She's trying to get Ken," Sophia said worriedly.

"I'll speak to her about it, okay? For now, I need to speak with Ryan," Mrs Clyde said and stood up.

"I can't believe Ryan did this to us, what will he benefit in ruining the family's name?" Sophia asked sadly.

"He's done it before and he'll do it again," Mrs Clyde said and walked out.

Walking into Ryan's room, she found him on the bed, scrolling through his phone.

"You actually carried out your threat," she said with a smile as she helped herself to the sofa opposite the bed.

He scoffed and sat up right.

"Oh, you saw the news too? I was about to come talk to you about it," he said nonchalantly as he grabbed a stick of cigarettes in his drawer.

"And you're satisfied with your victory, uh?" She asked with a smirk.

"I didn't do it," he said and lit up his cigarette.

"Oh, spare me that," she scoffed.

"But I'm glad someone else did," he said and smiled.

"Someone? You're trying to shift it on someone else? When it's glaring at your face?" Mrs Clyde scoffed.

"I told you I didn't do it, I take no pleasure in humiliating my family," he said and puffed out smoke from his mouth.

"You've done it before, you're doing it again, Ryan!!" She slammed.

"If I take so much pleasure in bringing down your reputation, Vanessa's case wouldn't have been buried so easily," he said with a smirk as he took a glance at her face.

She kept silent and swallowed hard.

"And what do you know about Vanessa's death?" She asked, trying to form a smile on her face.

"I know Ryker killed Vanessa," he said and poured whiskey into a glass.

She laughed and shook her head in amusement.

"And who would believe you with that statement, you clown," she scoffed.

"You buried Vanessa's case with your power and influence, because she had no one to pick up her case. But I tell you mother, the universe never forgets, her death will haunt you someday," he said confidently, pointing a finger at her face.

"Oh, shut it!" She flared and stood up immediately and he laughed.

"And what are you gonna do about the rumors flying on the internet?" He asked as she walked to the door.

"You'll see the work of my hands soon, loser," she mocked and walked out of the room.

He sighed and just then, his phone beeped. As soon as he unlocked his phone, all he could see on the internet was pictures of Ryker and Samantha stepping out for lunch.

His brows gathered deeply and he threw his phone on the bed violently.

"Fuck!!" He cursed, running his hand through his hair.

**

It was evening when the Lamborghini pulled up in front of the building. Samantha stepped out, her face beaming with a smile.

She was glad to have stepped out of the mansion today, not that going out with Ryker really made a difference. He never paid attention to her and all he could do was make her pose for the flashlights and cameras. At one point, he left her with the bodyguards and walked away only to return after a long time.

As they stepped into the foyer, they were welcomed by Mrs Clyde who was waiting patiently for them to walk in.

"Great, perfect! You did great!" She exclaimed and patted Samantha's shoulders.

Samantha pulled a surprise face, wondering the purpose of this outing all along.

"I'm tired, mother, I need to rest," Ryker grumbled and tried to walk away.

"Did you see the news? Ryan gave us away, he tried to tarnish our image..," Samantha stood in her spot, watching Mrs Clyde gossiping with her son.

"Hey, you can leave now, go back to your room," Mrs Clyde ordered.

She nodded and walked up the stairs. She walked to the third floor where her room was, and as she opened the door, a strong hand pulled her in.

She tried to catch her breath as her back slammed against the wall. The room was dim but she could see Ryan's charming pair of blue eyes gazing at her face, with his head only an inch away.

"Ryan, what are you doing?" She cried, trying to pull away from him.

"I've been looking all over the mansion for you, only to find your picture on the internet with Ryker," he whispered in her face.

"I..I..we went out," she stammered, trying to look away from him.

"No, he went out and took you along for pictures. They're just doing damage control, they're using you," he scoffed.

"Stop it, Ryan. Was that why you told the world I was being mistreated?" She asked.

"I didn't do it," he said seriously.

"Then who did?" She asked with a scoff.

"My family believes I did it, but I didn't," he said.

She sighed and tucked her hair behind her ears.

"This was just staged, it was all planned to silence the rumor which it really did. They're using you, Sam. The earlier you get out of here, the better for you," he warned.

"Why..why are you so adamant that I should leave?" She asked.

"Because I'm scared for your life," he said seriously.

She gasped and glanced at his face in surprise.

"Ryan, is there something I should know?" She asked.

He kept silent and swallowed hard.

"You..you look beautiful," he said, shifting away from the topic as his lips broke into a flirtatious smile.

"Thank you," she said and looked away from him shyly. "But that's not what we're talking about. Is there something I need to know?" She asked again.

He slipped his hand behind her hair and pulled her head a bit closer as he gave her a flirtatious look.

"Ryan, don't think about it," she said, trying to pull away.

"I haven't gotten you off my head," he said, bringing his head closer to hers.

"I'm your brother's wife now, we can't do this anymore," she cautioned, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

His hands caressed her shoulders softly and she twitched. In a blink of an eye, he plunged his lips into hers and kissed her red soft lips deeply.

She tried to resist but ended up succumbing to the kiss with her hands wrapped around his neck. Just then, a knock came on the door.

"Who's there?!" She panicked.

"Your mother-in-law," Mrs Clyde's firm voice answered from the door.

They both pulled away from each other and she quickly dashed to the door.

"Hide," she whispered to Ryan who was still unmoved.

She watched him hide in the closet and then she opened the door for Mrs Clyde to come in.

"Mother," she called humbly as she stood behind Mrs Clyde who was looking all over the room.

"I thought I heard a voice," she said as she sat on the single sofa in the room.

"Not really, " Samantha cut in sharply and walked to the bed nervously.

"You did well by being a good girl out there. But there is something else I'll need you to do," Mrs Clyde said with all seriousness. "I don't care whatever relationship you once had with Ryan, I want you to stay away from him," she warned.

Samantha swallowed hard, her heart racing fast.

"Mother..," she tried to speak.

"I believe I'm clear," Mrs Clyde cut in.

"I..I will ma'am," she replied.

"Good," she said and walked out of the room.

As soon as the door was shut, Ryan sprang out of his hiding, his face now red with anger as he stared at Samantha who was walking away from the door.

"I'm..I'm so sorry, you heard her right," she said.

"And you're gonna comply?" He asked in disbelief.

"I think so, I need to save my marriage," she said fearfully.

"Your marriage? Do you call this marriage?!" He scoffed, shaking his head in perplexity.

"I don't care what you think, Ryan, you've got to stay away," she warned and walked away from him.

"That includes to stop fighting for you?" He asked calmly.

She kept silent and he nodded and heaved a sigh.

"I should have left earlier, I made a mistake coming back for you," he said and walked out angrily.

She watched him walk out of the room and she sat on the bed, looking devastated. He had proved to be a nice guy but also an obstacle to her marriage. She needed him out of the way, she thought as she laid on the bed.

Mrs Clyde stood beside the passage wall, watching Ryan walk out of the room and a small sinister smile appeared on her lips

**

Samantha joined the women in the kitchen as soon as it dawned, and she could see the surprised look they all gave her.

"Thought you've been pardoned," Anna said with a smile.

"I didn't get the green light yet," Samantha replied as she joined her to sort fresh vegetables.

"Oh, and who's gonna pardon you just yet?" Betty asked, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, Betty, I don't know why I feel like you're jealous of Sam," Hailey put in.

"Why would I be?" Betty scoffed. "She's not going to be different from Madam Essa," she added.

"Betty!!" They all exclaimed.

Samantha swallowed hard.

"And if I may ask, who is Madam Essa?" She summoned the courage to ask.

The girls glanced at each other and then returned to their duties immediately. Not long, the male chef arrived and the kitchen began to bustle with activities.

After preparing breakfast for the family, she sat with Anna at the dining table in the kitchen, having breakfast. Anna was friendly and easy going, unlike Betty who acts like a psycho.

"They still didn't call you to the table for a family meal," Anna said as she stirred her cup of coffee.

Samantha kept silent, munching a piece of mozzarella cheese stick.

"I wanna know more about Madam Essa," she requested.

Anna's eyes bulged and she looked if Betty and Rick were watching.

"You didn't do your research before coming to this place?" She whispered to Sam.

"I didn't, I only tried my luck and it worked. Everything happened so fast," she lamented.

Anna sighed and tucked her blond long hair behind her ears.

"I'm sorry, Sam. I can't tell you anything," she said.

"Anna, I need to know my fate," she said, her voice dripping with fear.

"Sam, it's confidential. If anyone is caught talking about Madam Essa, we'll be punished severely," Anna explained with fear written all over her brown, almond shaped eyes.

"Is she dead?" Samantha asked in low whispers.

Anna gulped and looked around carefully.

"She disappeared mysteriously and was later declared dead," she spilled.

Samantha opened her mouth agape and exhaled.

"Was she murdered?" She asked Anna who seemed to be so uncomfortable at the moment.

"Yes she was, and...," she tried to speak when Hailey walked into the kitchen angrily, holding a tray of food.

"Did the girls get on your nerves again?" Anna chuckled.

"Nope. Sir Ryan didn't show up at the table, and I was asked to return his meal," Hailey answered.

"I hope he is okay," Anna said, turning away from Hailey.

Samantha felt her heart sank and she wondered why he didn't show up for breakfast.

She kept silent, thinking about their encounter last night. Just then, Madam Kate walked into the kitchen.

"You've been pardoned. Mrs Clyde asked that you move back into Sir Ryker's bedroom at once!" Madam Kate announced.

"What?!!" The girls exclaimed.

Samantha's eyes bulged and she stood up immediately.

"I'll be there," she said and smiled unflappably.

**

"I'm so over the moon, thank you, doc. Tomorrow, we'll begin the insemination process, we've got no time left," Mrs Clyde spoke on the phone with her legs crossed elegantly.

Ryker listened attentively as his mother conversed with doctor Jean on the phone. After a few seconds, the call ended and her attention was turned towards him.

"He has promised to start the insemination process tomorrow, since she's been diagnosed to be fertile," she said with excitement, sipping from her glass of red wine.

"Can we really trust him?" He asked thoughtfully.

"Oh, come on, Doctor Steve gave the recommendation that we can work with him, we can trust him," she said assuringly and Ryker nodded.

"Sam will move into your bedroom, and we'll begin the process tomorrow. I'm so happy she's fertile, everything is turning out for our favor," she said excitedly.

Ryker remained silent and heaved a sigh.

"You know, son, if Vanessa didn't die, she would have proved to be an obstacle . She wouldn't have succeeded in giving you a child, and we'll have lost. it's a good thing she died," Mrs Clyde continued as she gazed at Ryker whose face was stone cold.

"I don't know if I can stand her, I mean, this Sam girl," he complained.

"You'll have to try. We need to make everything look real. You know, this is the only way we can take Ryan out of the way too," Mrs Clyde said with a smirk.

"How?" He asked almost immediately.

"Did you see him at the table for breakfast today?" She asked with a cunning smile on her black lips.

"No," he answered calmly.

"Because I asked Samantha to stay away from him, he got mad. I know they both have something going on. Ryan isn't lying when he claims to know Samantha," she continued with a smirk.

Ryker's eyes bulged and he looked at his mother in disbelief.

"And you.. you let everything slide by?!" He barked.

"Yes, I let everything slide by, because that's the only way to get rid of him. That's the only way he would leave and never return," she said.

"How?!" He growled impatiently.

"Because he likes Sam. I believe they met by accident from Aiden's information. He had seen them drive out of the mansion at the company's 20th anniversary party," she explained.

"Mom, I can't believe this!" He cried.

"Be calm, it's nothing deep. I've got everything in place. She's the reason he's still here, and she'll be the reason for his departure," she said with a smirk.

"How? Mother?" He asked in disbelief.

"That's where you come in. Ryan can't stand the sight of you and Sam being all loved up, he'll go crazy and lose himself again," she said.

Ryker kept mute, thinking about his mother's words.

"Yes, he'll lose it and definitely return to rehab. I guess he's trying to break free at the moment. And the moment he breaks free from his addiction, we're doomed," she explained.

Ryker sighed heavily and nodded slowly.

"That's why I let the situation between him and Samantha slide by, because I was using it to our advantage. He has finally found someone he cares about, and we're gonna take that someone away from him," she said and grinned evilly.

Slowly, she walked into Ryker's capacious bedroom. She looked around slowly, and memories of her wedding night saga flooded her head.

The door opened, and Ryker walked into the room boldly. Samantha gasped at his sight, and moved towards the king sized bed slowly.

She lowered her gaze from his face as she saw the dark stare he gave her. He made a few steps towards her and stopped right in front of her. Her feet began to tremble and her palm became sweaty.

His palm cupped around her chin and he lifted her face. She shut her eyes fearfully and he let out a cold breath which swept across her face.

"Look at me," he ordered with the coldest voice possible.

She opened her eyes at once and their eyes met. His grey fierce looking eyes burned deeply into her eyes and she felt like urinating on her underwear at the moment.

"Now that you've been pardoned, you've restored your glory as my wife. Now, look," he ordered calmly.

Her lips quivered as their eyes locked again.

"If I ever find you anywhere close to Ryan, I will deal with you mercilessly. Your journey as my wife begins from today," he declared and withdrew his palm slowly from her chin.

She began to pant heavily as she watched him walk to the door.

"You'll have dinner with me at the table tonight, be prepared and don't act silly out there," he said and walked out.

She sat on the bed as soon as he walked out and she began to gasp for breath. How long can she stand him? She thought and held her chest with both hands.

**

"I'm so happy you'd finally be at the table today," Anna said with excitement as she helped Samantha dress up in a red satin short dress.

"Thank you, Ann," Samantha responded with a smile while looking at her reflection in the large mirror.

She was looking so beautiful that night in her red dress, and her long pretty face which wore beautiful makeup was a sight to behold. Her brunette hair was styled in a side-part, which added to her outstanding look.

"Sir Ryan is gonna be mesmerized," Anna whispered to her ears.

"What?!" She exclaimed.

"Oh, no. I meant, Sir Ryker," Anna cut in sharply.

Samantha gave her a silly look.

"You meant that, Anna, it's no mistake," she said as she wore her gold earrings.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Anna apologized immediately.

"It's.. it's fine," she said sadly as she turned to Anna. "There is nothing going on between us, we just met by accident. I know there are rumors flying in the mansion that we both have something in common," she said with a smile.

Anna nodded and smiled sheepishly.

"The way he defended you added to our suspicions. We've never seen him stand up for someone in that manner," she said.

Samantha kept silent and her countenance changed into a somber one.

"He's a nice guy. Unfortunately, I've been asked to stay away from him. He won't be defending me any longer," she said sadly.

"And..and you're gonna stay away from him? Gosh, he really stood by you!" Anna said almost aloud.

"Shh!! Ann, I can't be found talking about him!" Samantha hushed her with her palm.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am," Anna apologized quickly.

"Come on, I need to be at the table, I don't wanna keep the family waiting," she said with a smile as she wore her black comfy slippers.

At the table was Ryker and Mrs Clyde, alongside Sophia and Claris. They all turned to look at Samantha who was walking to the table, and Mrs Clyde's face pulled into a satisfying smile.

"She's beautiful and would definitely make beautiful babies," she whispered to Ryker who sighed and looked away from Samantha quickly.

"You're looking great," Sophia complimented her as she joined them at the table.

"Thank you, sister in-law," Samantha replied and sat beside Ryker.

"I love your look for tonight, it shows how much you honor this family," Mrs Clyde added.

Samantha smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, mom. I owe this family a lot," she replied shyly.

"Enough of all these trash talks, when are we touching our food?!" Claris barked and rolled her eyes in disgust.

"Ryan is yet to join us," Mrs Clyde said.

"Why is he still allowed at the table? He's not supposed to be here!" She slammed.

"That's not in your power to decide," Sophia countered her and she kept shut, fuming heavily.

"Mother, Ken and I will be going out on our first date tomorrow," Sophia continued.

"Aww... congrats my baby girl!" Mrs Clyde said excitedly.

"Congrats sister in-law," Samantha congratulated Sophia.

"Are you all congratulating her for stealing my man?!" Claris cried.

"Your man?! He doesn't want anything to do with you!" Sophia fired.

"Stop fooling, you both!" Ryker slammed his fist on the table and the girls kept mute.

Samantha swallowed hard and rubbed her palm on her forehead slightly.

"Mom, why do we have to wait for Ryan?!" He thundered, looking at his mother.

Mrs Clyde pulled an angry face. She was about to speak when Ryan showed up at the table. He was dressed in an ash coloured t-shirt and black jeans pants.

Samantha's heart skipped as she saw him walking to the table. She hasn't set her eyes on him since the night they kissed and she became nervous as she met his charming blue eyes gawking at her body.

"Oh, thank goodness," Claris said in relief as Ryan took his seat beside Sophia.

He couldn't take his eyes off Samantha who was seating directly opposite him. He wondered why she was here at the table, looking so beautiful tonight.

Her words last night really broke his heart, and he couldn't believe he would one day feel so broken for a woman, one he doesn't even know; his brother's wife, he thought as he continued staring at her.

"Does my wife look so beautiful that you can't take your eyes off her?" Ryker said calmly as soon as they began to eat.

Samantha shifted uncomfortably and she buried her gaze on her food, praying there is no outburst between the brothers at the table.

An outburst might lead to Ryan spilling the truth about them having a fling a night to her wedding. He might decide to taunt Ryker and thereby hurt her for rejecting him, she thought as her heart continued to skip.

Ryan didn't respond and he looked away from Samantha and continued eating.

"Your brother and his wife look good together, don't they?" Mrs Clyde asked.

Ryan didn't respond, he was getting provoked at the moment but he tried to maintain his cool.

Ryker smirked, seeing the look on his brother's face. He turned to Samantha and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Samantha shrieked as she felt cold lips on her cheek. She turned to look at Ryker who had kissed her cheek and she tried to maintain calmness, wondering what he was up to. She looked at Ryan whose eyes were on them and she felt pity for him at the moment.

"You're so beautiful," Ryker commented and caressed Samantha's cheek while Mrs Clyde giggled.

"This public display of affection is for what exactly?" Sophia asked, looking irritated.

" Ryker is finally finding favor in his wife," Mrs Clyde said to Sophia who rolled her eyes.

"Oh, really? I hope she can give him a child, unlike Essa," Claris put in.

"Why not? Sam and Ryker are going to make beautiful kids. Isn't that sweet?" Mrs Clyde awed, her eyes on Samantha.

Samantha nodded uncomfortably and her gaze trailed towards Ryan. Their eyes met and she could see the emotions written all over his face.

He stood up immediately and left the table while they all kept calling after him.

"Is he in love with Sam, or what?" Sophia chuckled.

"I thought they don't know each other. Why is Ryan jealous? Is there something you're not telling us?" Claris asked immediately.

"I..I..," Samantha stammered.

"Let the girl be, continue with your meal," Mrs Clyde ordered and they all continued eating.

Ryker smirked and turned to his mother who made a nod of satisfaction.

**

Pissed by what happened during dinner, he rushed into his room and grabbed his car keys. He began to pant in front of his large mirror as the scene of Ryker kissing Samantha flashed in his head. Without a word, he marched out of his room.

From the balcony where he stood, Ryker watched Ryan drive out in the white Ferrari. He quickly reached for his phone and dialled a contact.

"Feed him enough of his drugs, and make sure he loses himself," he said on the phone and hung up.

He looked around carefully and stepped back into his room.