Chapter 3 Samuel Collins

• "Mom, now that the White Financial Group has taken back the betrothal gifts, what's our move? Should we still let Mila marry Leon?"
• "Absolutely not! How could we allow Mila to wed that country bumpkin?" Lillian retorted.
• "Even if she doesn't tie the knot with the White Financial Group, she needs to marry into another well-off family!"
• "Didn't Samuel Collins mention a marriage proposal to us earlier? I'll get in touch with Samuel right away and set up a wedding for them tomorrow!"
• The Simpsons found themselves in a precarious situation, eager to seal Yamila's marriage while they still had the chance.
• Delaying any further might make it tough to find her a suitable match! They couldn't afford to play into Leon's hands, that rustic fellow, and they'd have only themselves to blame if they did!
• The news of the Simpsons retracting the betrothal gifts stirred immediate chatter.
• Among elite circles, it became the talk of the town.
• Even within her own company, Yamila often felt like whispers followed her. It was an unsettling sensation.
• As Yamila sat in her office, a colleague approached her.
• "Ms. Simpson, there's a man downstairs claiming to be your fiancé ... "
• The office abruptly fell silent, everyone anticipating the drama unfolding.
• It was common knowledge that Yamila had a fiancé from the mountains, a humble lad from the countryside.
• Yamila, the scion of the Simpsons and the director of the Simpson Group, was strikingly beautiful. Surely, even if she didn't marry into wealth, she deserved a suitor befitting her status, right?
• There had been a slew of suitors vying for Yamila's affection previously. Rumour had it that even the notorious playboy from Lunaria, Samuel Collins, had once mulled over proposing to her.
• Unfortunately, the Whites' proposal had overshadowed the rest. But now that the Whites had backed out, it seemed Yamila would be tying the knot with the Collins.
• At the mention of Leon downstairs, Yamila's expression soured as she replied, "Forget it," before returning to her work in the office.
• Reflecting on the events of the previous day, Yamila felt a gnawing unease.
• She and Leon had been acquainted since childhood, but as they matured, their divergent backgrounds became increasingly evident. Society deemed Leon increasingly unfit for her.
• Even when Leon dropped by with medicine, the Simpsons always tried to shield her from him.
• The upper crust of society gossiped behind her back, making disparaging remarks.
• Despite this mounting pressure, Yamila never entertained the notion of giving up.
• However, Leon did something unforgivable.
• Just as Yamila wrestled with her thoughts, her phone rang abruptly.
• "Mom?"
• "Mila! The Whites have rescinded their proposal. It seems they're no longer interested in linking up with our family. In that case, you should just go ahead and marry Samuel. We can't afford to lose both options!"
• "Mom! I've already told you I'm not ready for marriage!"
• "What nonsense are you spouting! If not Samuel, then who? Are you seriously considering that rascal, Leon? Have you forgotten how he treated your sister yesterday? He's not just penniless, he's heartless!"
• "Mom, Leon's been a part of our lives for a decade. I can't accept that he'd do something like that. Let's not dwell on it," Yamila declared, concluding the conversation crisply.
• Yamila disconnected the call, her resolve unwavering.
• Leon lingered downstairs at the company premises for more than an hour, hoping for Yamila's appearance or at least a response to his incessant calls. Yet, his efforts were met with silence, leaving him with no recourse but to bide his time.
• The desire to elucidate his side of the story to Yamila simmered within Leon. He found it incredulous that after a decade-long companionship, Yamila would reduce their bond to a matter of finances.
• As Nova approached the company entrance, her disdain for Leon was palpable, evident in the derisive snort that escaped her lips.
• "Why are you still loitering here?"
• "I'm awaiting your sister."
• "Do you honestly think my sister would spare a moment for you? She's on the brink of marriage!"
• Leon's brow furrowed in consternation. "Wasn't the proposed gift from the White Financial Group retracted?" he queried.
• Nova sneered in response. "Well, aren't you well-versed in our affairs? But even if it was rescinded, Yamila has no shortage of suitors. Don't delude yourself into thinking you're irreplaceable."
• "Tomorrow, Mr. Collins will arrive to finalise the betrothal arrangements. It's time to relinquish any false hopes."
• Leon's fists clenched involuntarily, his countenance darkening with displeasure.
• "I refuse to accept that."
• A sleek BMW glided to a halt near the company entrance, drawing Leon's attention. A dapper young man alighted from the vehicle, clutching a bouquet of flowers, his gaze fixed on Leon.
• "Are you Leon?"
• "And who might you be?"
• "I'm Samuel."
• Leon's expression shifted imperceptibly, a tinge of annoyance creeping in at the sight of the floral offering.
• "What brings you here?"
• Samuel's lips curled into a sneer. "Isn't it crystal clear? I'm here for a date with Mila. Heh."
• Leon bristled, ready to retaliate, but before he could, Yamila emerged from the building.
• Concern etched her features as Yamila caught sight of the brewing tension. She hastened down the stairs, intent on defusing the situation.
• Upon noticing Yamila, Samuel beckoned to Nova, goading her into a confrontation. Nova rushed towards Leon, their interaction escalating into a struggle.
• "Leon! How dare you lay hands on me in front of our company in broad daylight?!"
• Leon's countenance shifted, his voice tinged with frustration. "Nova! Don't make unfounded allegations!"
• Yamila descended the steps, her heart sinking at the sight unfolding before her—Leon and Nova locked in what appeared to be a contentious embrace, Nova's attire slightly dishevelled.
• Despite Leon's efforts to disengage, the altercation took on the appearance of an assault, leaving Yamila disheartened as she turned away, retreating from the scene.
• "Mila!" Leon called out, pushing Nova away in his haste to pursue Yamila, only to be intercepted by a group of security personnel.
• Watching Yamila's receding figure, a profound sense of remorse washed over Leon.
• ...
• Samuel, clutching the bouquet, arrived at the office entrance, only to be met with rejection.
• Nova, somewhat abashed, addressed him, "Mr. Collins, please accept my apologies for my sister's behaviour."
• Samuel's displeasure was palpable as he flung the flowers towards the door.
• "Tomorrow morning, I'll arrange for the betrothal gifts to be delivered, expediting the marriage proceedings," he declared tersely before turning on his heel and departing.
• Left standing at the entrance, Nova's demeanour remained frosty.
• "Why bother, Mila? Tying the knot with Mr. Collins is as good as a done deal. Just gear up to play the bride."
• In the confines of the office, Yamila's fists clenched tightly, an unconscious action accompanied by the faint taste of blood as she gnawed on her lower lip.
• What on earth is driving Leon to act like this?
• ...
• The following morning, the resonance of gongs and drums filled the air outside the Simpsons' residence, signalling the auspicious occasion.
• Within Yamila's chamber, a stern-faced elderly woman presided, flanked by Lillian, Nova, and others, their demeanour akin to prosecutors interrogating a suspect.
• "Yamila! Today marks the presentation of the Collins' betrothal offerings. There can be no further delays."
• Yamila's countenance darkened considerably. "Grandmother, I refuse to proceed with this marriage!"
• "Samuel's reputation as a womaniser precedes him, along with a string of illegitimate offspring. Entering into such a union would be akin to voluntarily descending into the inferno!"
• Her grandmother's brow furrowed in disapproval. "What nonsensical talk is this! The Collins' fortune dwarfs that of ours by a factor of five. Marrying into it promises unparalleled opulence! Moreover, it would greatly fortify our family's enterprise. Why cling to fantasies involving that impoverished mountain lad?"
• Her grandmother brandished a dragon-adorned cane, her visage stern.
• "How can a rustic from the hinterlands ever be deemed suitable for a daughter of the Simpsons?"