Chapter 6

Samuel was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. The fabric was quite luxurious and accentuated his wide shoulders and narrow waist. The light cast a shadow on his chiseled features. He was stunningly good-looking yet frighteningly cold. Under his tall nose rested his tightly pursed lips and a sharp jawline. His eyes were deep and distant. Each look carried an intimidating, stern, and majestic air. Anyone else would have buckled under Samuel's glare, their tongues tied. Surprisingly, his cold eyes warmed up when he spotted Nadia. The iciness was replaced by something resembling tenderness. Yes. It was tenderness, a word that she once thought would never apply to him. But it happened. Nadia froze on the spot, and her mind went blank. Why was Samuel here? Before she could recover, Samuel had made a move. Taking a step forward, he reached out and firmly pulled her into a hug. The door slammed shut, trapping them in their own world. Samuel's big hug was firm and reassuring. The calming, woody scent on him instantly enveloped her. He hugged her so tightly that it hurt. At the same time, Nadia surprisingly felt a sense of security like never before. He stroked her hair with unbelievable tenderness, from the top of her head to the end of her strands. His silent hug conveyed more than words could express—suppressed longing, quiet waiting, and unspoken worries. It had been three years. They hadn't seen each other for three years. "Nad, I'm back," came his low, hoarse voice from the top of her head. "It's been a long three years." To him, the three years apart felt like a century. Only after her outrageous sham marriage ended did he gather his courage to slowly approach her. "I will not let anyone bully you again," he promised her with resolution, making her tear up. She broke free from his arms, not because of aversion but just to catch her breath. Head hung low, she headed to the kitchen. "Do you… want something to drink?" "Just the usual," he replied while walking along. Nadia expertly grabbed the coffee beans, ground them, and brewed them. Every single move was muscle memory. The coffee was Callum's favorite, yet he had never tasted the coffee she made. Soon, she served Samuel a cup of aromatic coffee. When he took the cup, the temperature was just right. He lowered his head and took a small sip of coffee. It tasted bitter and pure, with a sweet aftertaste. He recognized the beans that Nadia always used and her unique brewing method. The coffee was a familiar taste etched deeply in his memory. "Why did you… come back suddenly?" Nadia finally looked up and questioned cautiously, her voice quavering. He placed the cup on the table. The clear clanking sound cut through the air. He looked at her with a faint smirk and a hint of overflowing confidence. "Did you forget about our bet after three years?" What bet? Nadia's heart skipped a beat. Some memories that she had purposely suppressed now resurfaced. "I'm back for you, of course." Samuel leaned forward and bore into her eyes. She immediately sensed his intimidating presence. He added, "I am waiting for your comeback." Her comeback… Those words struck like lightning. It was as if a bomb had gone off in her mind. "And…" He paused before continuing with a deep, charming voice, each word moving her, "you and I shall stand on the top of the world again." Nadia was totally taken aback. She felt a spreading bitterness in her heart. Forcing a smile, she thought of making a witty remark to hide her surging emotions. For example, she wanted to tease him, "Samuel, you're still as childish as ever", or something like "It must be freezing on the top of the world. I can't handle that". But she failed to speak. Tears rolled down her cheeks when she opened her mouth, falling onto the back of her hand. They felt hot to the touch. Samuel was her senior. When she was studying for her PhD degree alone in a foreign land, he took care of her like a brother, shielding her from troubles. He was also the research partner that matched with her the most. They spent countless days and nights in the research lab before Nadia came up with that formula that could change the world. However, she chose to retire at that time, marrying a man she had only met a few times. She agreed to the three-year marriage he suggested at the expense of her dignity. No one knew what was on her mind. Everyone, including Samuel, all thought she had lost it. When that happened, he nearly flipped a table out of anger. In the end, he gave her a meaningful look and made a bet with her that would come true in three years. After that, he left for another country to blaze a trail. As for Nadia, she had vanished from her social circles after her marriage. In the next three years, she led a peaceful yet stifling life, like a bird in a cage. The door of the cage was wide open now, and Samuel, who had once soared to great heights with her, was back to her side. He adamantly insisted on setting off with her. However, only she knew that she had to tie up some loose ends. Samuel didn't have the courage to wipe her tears. He feared he might lose control of himself. He merely advised her, "Nior's tears are precious. Don't waste them. Change your clothes. I'll take you to dinner. Look at you—you're so thin." Nadia nodded at him and walked into the main bedroom. 15 minutes later, they went down to the first floor, where a motorcade of luxury cars was waiting for them. Samuel opened the car door for her, and they took the same car. He loved the faint fragrance on her body. With her by his side, he felt like the world was in his hands. … Half an hour later, they arrived at Cypress Club. When the door opened, Nadia was greeted by a smiling, handsome face. She got out of the car. To her surprise, she saw Milo Fisher and Sarah Clarke welcoming her. These familiar faces were her peers in research. "Is everyone back?" Milo affectionately took her arm. "Nadia, we missed you so much! We have Samuel to thank—he brought us along to keep you company and help out at Global Medical Summit." Sarah took Nadia's other arm with a sweet smile. "Yeah. With Nadia around, we don't have to beaver away every day anymore! Samuel is so hard on us." "Sarah, you're growing into a woman! You're no longer that crybaby from before." Nadia pinched Sarah's adorable cheek. However, Milo immediately let go of Nadia in fear under Samuel's glare. That was terrifying! Samuel said, "Let's head in!"