Chapter 5 You Again

• “It's no wonder you've always been either traveling or so tied up with work for the past six months, Maverick. I suppose she's the 'work' you were referring to?” Samantha pointed at her sister, demanding an answer in a stern voice.
• “That's enough, Samantha. I'll hit you with the truth: Maverick's heart belongs to me now. He doesn't love you anymore, so it's high time you let go of your feelings and stop standing in the way of our love,” Alicia stated smugly.
• To put it simply, seeing Samantha struggle to suppress her pain brought her joy. From a young age, she had always harbored resentment toward this sister of hers who was more beautiful than her. Whenever an opportunity to add to this woman's misery arose, Alicia wouldn't hesitate to twist the knife.
• Her sole purpose was to witness Samantha's agony and sorrow.
• “You stole your own sister's man, Alicia. Have you no shame?”
• “Who are you calling shameless? Watch your language.”
• “That's enough, Alicia. Stop arguing with her. It won't look good if someone sees us,” Maverick advised with a hint of embarrassment in his tone. All the while, he couldn't bring himself to meet Samantha's gaze.
• “Let me tell you this, Samantha: Maverick and I are getting married next month,” Alicia announced. “Considering you're my sister, I'm offering you the role of the maid of honor. Be sure to dress up nicely for our wedding.”
• The stark insult was like a myriad of delicate needles, all striking at once and ruthlessly piercing Samantha's heart.
• It hurt so much that she felt as if she was suffocating.
• “You'll never have a happy ending, because I'll curse you both to hell.” Despite the pain in her chest, Samantha uttered these words heart-wrenchingly.
• Though overwhelmed and suppressing her inner anguish, she sprinted away from Nightbeam, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
• She wasn't sure how she managed to leave; it was as if a demon was chasing her from behind. She could do nothing but run for her life, away from this godforsaken place.
• Tap, tap, tap.
• The moment Samantha stepped out of the club, the tears she'd been holding back began to fall one by one onto the concrete floor.
• She had told herself a thousand times not to cry, yet the tears came on like a relentless tide, crashing over her. The pain in her heart was so intense, it almost robbed her of breath.
• Her own sister had stolen her man. She couldn't believe that such an absurd situation that seemed straight out of a novel was actually happening to her right now.
• Meanwhile, Cassius' exclusive, limited-edition Bugatti Veyron had just pulled out of Nightbeam's underground parking lot when a call came through.
• “Mr. Lockwood.”
• The voice on the other end of the phone was frail and cautious.
• “What do you want?” Cassius' voice was beguiling yet frosty, exuding a chill that made one's heart quiver.
• “It's just a small matter, but you guys can't handle it and have to call me? What am I even paying you for? What a bunch of useless trash,” he continued after a pause.
• Visibly upset, the man tossed his phone aside, aggressively stepping on the gas pedal. His black Bugatti Veyron, like a hunting cheetah, darted off into the distance.
• Suddenly, a harsh burst of light pierced through Samantha's swollen red eyes, causing her intense discomfort. She stared blankly at the car that had abruptly appeared, so taken aback that she completely forgot to dodge.
• “Godd*mmit.” Cassius' eyebrows furrowed as he caught sight of the woman who suddenly darted out in front of him. Cursing, he quickly slammed on the brakes.
• Screech!
• “Ahhhh!” As the car barreled straight toward her, Samantha out a terrified scream, collapsing onto the ground in fear.
• “Sh*t!” Cassius stopped the car and got out to have a look.
• The woman's shock, coupled with her existing sorrow, converged all at once. Emotions crumbling instantly, Samantha slumped on the ground, succumbing to a fit of heartbreaking sobs.
• Cassius moved closer, using the light in his surroundings to peer at Samantha's startled face. It's her. Surprisingly, there was an unexpected hint of sympathy in his cold gaze.
• “Hey, woman, are you alright?” he asked icily.
• “Of course I'm not! How could I be after almost getting hit by a car? What the hell are you doing, driving like that?” Samantha yelled while crying loudly.
• She was already humiliated enough to see her boyfriend cheating on her with her own sister. Then, to make matters worse, she was nearly hit by a car on her way out. The woman's heart was beyond bleak by now.
• “You didn't watch where you were going, but it's my fault?” Cassius' handsome face held a hint of coldness. He couldn't believe this foolish woman had the audacity to lecture him.
• The nerve she has.
• “I was just walking along and minding my own business when you came speeding toward me in your car!” Samantha sobbed, her tears flowing even more fiercely as she looked up to clearly see the man standing before her. “And it's you again, of all people?”
• D*mn it! Not this jinx again! Nothing good comes out of seeing him.
• Cassius grew increasingly annoyed by her constant wailing.