Chapter 179

In the quietude of the room, the pair nestled in each other's arms, cherishing the hard-fought serenity that now enveloped them.

Layla clung to Samuel, her arms wound tightly around his waist as if no degree of intimacy could satiate her. She had yearned for the familiar scent of him, the comfort of his embrace. Often, she would awaken from her dreams, her cheeks dampened by her own tears.

Samuel encircled her with one arm, his hand tenderly threading through her hair. "I'm sorry for all the pain you've had to endure," he murmured.

Layla shook her head against his chest, her voice barely above a whisper, "No, you've done well."

"If I were any good, I wouldn't have lost my temper to begin with," Samuel sighed, guilt lacing his words. It was the first time he had lost control in such a manner.

The deeper his affection, the less rational he became. Typically so composed, jealousy had seized him, driving him to actions he struggled to understand.

"You're not all-knowing; you couldn't have foreseen the schemes behind the scenes. Even I believed I was with Mr. Marley... how could you not have been angered?" Layla reasoned. To be human was to feel anger, she understood that.

"Moreover, you began investigating from the very start. When I wanted to end our unborn child's life, you stopped me. That tells me that you still trust me. I'm moved. I haven't loved the wrong person," Layla lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes brimming with love. "It's the trials we endure that strengthen our love, that allow it to weather the storms."

"You possess wisdom beyond your 21 years," Samuel chuckled, affectionately pinching her chin.

Girls her age were often whimsical and spoiled. Yet, she was always considerate of others.

"Well, no one coddled me as a child, so I had to mature quickly." Layla wasn't certain whether to feel joy or sorrow about that. Regardless of her past, it had shaped her into the unique individual she was today.

"No worries. The first twenty years without spoiling merely set the stage for the next eighty with you on a pedestal."

Layla's face brightened with a radiant smile. "Then, haven't I hit the jackpot?"

"It's me who's struck gold by finding you," Samuel whispered, his lips meeting hers in a tender, lingering kiss.

After a long moment, they pulled apart.

"Darling, I've missed you so much," Samuel confessed, his gaze locked on her luminous eyes, his voice thick with emotion. Missing her was akin to a persistent ache in his heart.

"I've missed you more," Layla quickly retorted.

"No way; I missed you more."

"Don't be ridiculous; obviously, I missed you more," Layla countered, playfully jutting out her chin and pouting.

Samuel grinned, "Are we really competing over this?"

Layla gave a cheerful "heh," reveling in the simple joy of being with the one she loved. Even the most childish exchanges felt blissful, particularly after weathering a storm together, deepening their emotional bond.

"I insist on it because I definitely missed you more."

"Alright, my sweet girl, you win," Samuel conceded lovingly, planting a kiss on her forehead.

In his heart, he thought: My dear, my love for you will always be just a bit more. Let me cherish and love you, keep you safe for a lifetime.

"Oh, by the way, what happened to Mr. Anastasia and his crew?"

A cold look flashed in Samuel's eyes. "They're where they belong."

"The police station?" Layla naturally assumed. "Yeah, those guys running the gambling ring have ruined so many lives. They should be locked up for good."

Samuel remained silent. He didn't care about the extent of their wrongdoings; what mattered was that they'd harmed his beloved. The place for them wasn't behind bars, but...

His tender moments were reserved for her alone. As for others, Samuel was never one to show mercy.

But she didn't need to know that.

"What about my dad?"

"He's in the hospital, just a minor injury. Don't worry," Samuel reassured her, gazing down at the girl in his arms. "Do you want to visit him?"

"What if I said... I want to snuggle with you a little longer, and visit him later? Would that be terribly unfilial?" Layla stuck out her tongue playfully.

Samuel chuckled, "Not at all. I'd say, 'Well done.'"

"Are you hungry?"

"A bit." Layla hadn't been able to eat well lately, her stomach in knots. "I'm craving..."

"Corn chowder?"

"Yes! You know me so well." Layla's heart swelled with happiness once again.

"It's already being prepared and will be here soon."

"Thank you, my love. You're so good to me."

"Of course. Who else am I going to spoil?" Samuel's heart stirred, the previous kiss still lingering, unsatisfying. Looking at the darling girl in his arms, he felt an intoxicating pull, and he pressed his lips to hers once again, rolling with tenderness and affection.

The kiss that began sweetly turned passionate, with hints of longing that couldn't be denied, as he began to caress her soft body.

For days, his mind had been filled with thoughts of her, craving her presence with every fiber of his being.

Layla was just as consumed by the yearning, surrendering to his fervor. Her arms found their way around his neck involuntarily as her body gently fell back onto the bed, arching to meet his kisses eagerly.

"Samuel... Samuel..." she whispered his name over and over again against his lips.

The buttons of her blouse gave way, revealing the graceful curve of her neck.

Samuel's passion intensified.

His hand moved toward the small of her back, grazing the button just as...

Knock, knock. "Boss, the corn chowder's ready." The bodyguard's voice, utterly out of place, broke the moment.

Samuel cursed under his breath, "Get out!"

But Layla couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight of his frustrated desire. It was just too adorable.

"What's so funny?" Samuel frowned, the discomfort evident in his expression. Did she enjoy seeing him suffer? What a merciless girl!

"It's hilarious," Layla giggled, unable to contain her mirth. "Poor guy, having it rough, huh?"

"Keep laughing, we'll see how I settle the score tonight."

Layla shrank back a little, his fiery gaze sending shivers down her spine.

It was bound to be an eventful night, and Layla experienced his prowess firsthand, ending up in tears begging for mercy; completely spent, she could barely even make it to the bathroom without Samuel carrying her.

The next morning, she headed to the hospital.

Jason was asleep, with Owen keeping vigil by his side. He approached quickly, eyeing the marks on her neck and spoke in a hushed tone, "It was a Holland who saved you guys, right?"

It wasn't a question, but a statement.

As the saying goes, even a mighty dragon can't crush a local snake, but in this city, Samuel was the very power that could pull off such a feat. He rescued people from the grips of the local tyrant and wiped out his operations overnight.

Layla nodded, "We've reconciled."

"Did he threaten you?" Owen clenched his fists audibly.

"No, he's been good to me."

"Good? Ha! Layla, have you forgotten how just two days ago he was with another woman, or how he slapped you? Then he gives you a sweet nothing and you're back wagging your tail? Are you his pet, devoid of dignity? You should break up with him now!"

"That was a misunderstanding, it's cleared up now. He's not like you say at all."

"Women in love are fools," Owen spat out, exasperated. "I'll lay it down right now, this won't be the last time you two fight. You're not right for each other, and it will end. Just wait and keep letting him walk all over you."

Layla felt a chill in her heart, a sudden sense of dread. It was as if Owen's words laid a curse she couldn't escape from.

But she immediately shook off the negative thought.

Adversity lay ahead, but with steadfast resolve, they could navigate through any crisis. Each challenge only served to fortify their bond.

"Layla, you're here" Jason stirred from his slumber.