Chapter 120

"Emily?" Samuel paused, recalling that she had been present that day. His entire focus, however, had been on the little girl he was worried about, not on Emily.

"Indeed. Was she not your former girlfriend?"

"Jealous?" Samuel teased, playfully pinching Layla's cheek.

"Not at all. Everyone has a past. I'm not that petty." Her words held a mix of truth and pretense. She wouldn't argue with Samuel over an ex, yet she couldn't ignore a faint sense of discomfort at the thought.

"Heh, you say that, but your tone says otherwise. I was with her for a year, but I was so absorbed in building my career that I can't say I was really into her. She was more of a comfort during that time."

Back then, Emily was merely a dancer, scraping by with a modest income. They had supported each other through tough times.

"She didn't willingly follow your brother, did she? It sounded like he gave her a hard time." Layla couldn't shake the memory of Emily being humiliated by Jovan at the desk, and she felt a surge of pity for her.

"Why don't you... save her?"

"She doesn't need saving. It was her choice to break up and be with my brother willingly. I was just a bystander, watching her snuggle up to him in his RV." Samuel's deep voice recounted the events of that night.

He had felt anger and thought she was materialistic. But in hindsight, Emily didn't owe him anything. He had no right to make decisions for her.

Years later, he felt nothing for her; it was as if the whole episode had happened to someone else.

"So, you're saying she was after the money?"

Samuel nodded, "She was your age, vulnerable to the allure of wealth. I never blamed her. But you've got to live with your choices. The moment she got into my brother's RV, the Emily I knew became a stranger to me."

Layla pondered, unsure of what to say. Neither party was really at fault, and she could understand Emily's perspective to some extent. Although she wouldn't trade love for money, not everyone thought the same.

"You know she still has feelings for you."

"That's irrelevant now." His response was firm.

Layla breathed a silent sigh of relief.

As long as Jovan had moved on from Emily, Emily and Samuel couldn't avoid future entanglements. It was best to cut emotional ties completely; she despised messy complications.

"Still pleading her case? Weren't you supposed to be jealous?"

"Jealousy is just an occupational hazard when you've got charm like yours, Holland. They say women would travel the world for you. How can I compete with that?" Layla scoffed, a playful pout coloring her tone.

"That's one sour note," Samuel teased, his mood visibly lifted.

He kept replaying the words she'd said-how her heart skipped a beat for him.

And judging by her reactions, she was getting more and more invested in him.

"Okay, let me up, I should get to work."

"Still half asleep? It's Saturday. You're staying put for the next couple of days. Don't even think about leaving."

"Fine." Layla had been through a rough patch recently, and she didn't mind the idea of resting for two solid days.

"Get some more sleep. I'll take a shower and then bring you breakfast."

"Mmm," Layla complied, her eyes obediently closing.

Her youthful face, innocent as a ten-year-old, filled Samuel with delight, his heart brimming with the warmth of a treasured discovery.

He left the room quietly, closing the door behind him.

Later, Layla stirred from her drowsy state upon hearing the door open.

Samuel, fresh from the shower, walked in draped in a robe, his muscular chest and defined abs testament to his fit physique. The stubble on his jaw was gone, leaving his skin smooth, the air carrying the subtle scent of his aftershave.

His fragrance was always so intoxicating, mixing allure with the comfort of safety.

Could it be once the heart flutters, emotions rocket skyward, making everything about him utterly enchanting?

Mr. Morris entered, carrying a tray with soup.

"Let me feed you," Samuel offered, taking the bowl.

Layla blushed slightly, "I can eat by myself..."

"Just lie back," he said."Okay." She rested against her pillow as Samuel brought the soup to her lips. Sipping gently, a rosy blush spread across her face.

Her previous boyfriend, Vincent, was good to her too, but he never pampered her quite like this. She felt like a child being doted on.

"I never would've imagined, a male bodyguard could be so caring to a girl," Mr. Morris remarked happily.

Samuel grinned. He hadn't expected it either. Ever since he met her, he'd broken so many of his own rules, and he was enjoying every moment, finding new joys and becoming more addicted by the day.

Once considering women a nuisance, he now found them to be cherished.

"Starting this month, your pay is doubled," Samuel declared buoyantly.

"Thanks, boss. The salary you already give is more than generous. I don't need much, just knowing you and Miss Adkins are happy is enough for me."

"Make it four times."

"Pfft." Layla had never pegged Samuel for someone who loved flattery, but there he was, throwing money around like it was nothing when his ego was stroked.

With a quick flash of wit in her eyes, she seized the moment. "Boss, about that raise..."

"Silly girl, once we're married, all my assets are yours anyway. Why fret over such small change?" he teased.

All his assets?! The thought of the billions that could mean was almost too much for Layla to fathom.

Could she be on her way to becoming the world's wealthiest woman?

Terrifying thought!

...

Layla had spent two days living it up in the villa, pampered and cared for like a prize pig, and Samuel was her dedicated farmer.

After those two days, she rubbed her belly, suspecting she had gained more than a couple of pounds.

"Mr. Morris, is there a scale somewhere in the house?" Layla inquired.

"No, Miss Adkins, but if you need one, I can have someone fetch it," he offered politely.

"Such a hassle. Never mind." She pinched her belly. "Hey, take a look at this. Does it seem like I've gained weight? It feels like I'm developing a spare tire."

Mr. Morris shook his head. "Miss Adkins, you're in fine shape. If anything, you lean towards the thin side."

"But I feel like I've been gaining weight too quickly. Just sitting down, I can feel a ring of fat squeezing me."

"It's normal for pregnant women to gain weight."

"But isn't the baby bump supposed to show at around three or four months? Right now, this is just pure fat."

Layla finally understood the true meaning of 'happy fat house life.' It was indeed pleasurable to stay home and get chubby. But after just one weekend, she had gained this much? If she stayed at home for a few months during pregnancy, wouldn't Samuel end up feeding her into a 200-pound heavy-weight?

"We'll see if there's any extra weight after you try on the evening gown," a deep chuckle came from behind.

Samuel walked in, followed by several staffers who respectfully carried a stunning gown.