Chapter 261

Shelmaine had spent the entire night plagued by nightmares. When she jolted awake, she found herself still in Samuel's arms. Concern etched on his face, he asked softly, "Did you have a bad dream?" For a moment, she felt disoriented, as if time had rewound to when they were still married, before the divorce. But reality hit her hard the next second. Without thinking, she shoved him away and tried to get up. Before she could fully stand, his arms tightened around her waist, pulling her back against his broad chest. Annoyed, she snapped, "Let go of me!" "No," Samuel said, holding her tightly in his embrace. "Did you have a nightmare? I heard you calling for me." "I didn't." "I figured you wouldn't admit it." Samuel chuckled softly as he pulled out his phone and played a recording. Shelmaine heard her own voice from the phone, pleading, "Samuel... don't die! Please don't leave me! What will I do if you're gone? I hate you... Samuel, you jerk! Scumbag!" Her voice in the recording t