Chapter 415

"When was it?" Shelmaine asked. "You don't know? It was back when you were still around. You handled the order yourself." "Really?" Shelmaine blinked, trying to recall. She had no memory of ever doing business with Samuel, no matter how hard she tried. Beatrix nodded earnestly. "Really, Ms. Clarke. The jewelry set is still at the studio. Mr. Hasting asked us to hang it in your office." Beatrix pulled out a photo of the set. Seeing it jogged Shelmaine's memory. There had been such a piece, but the recipient's name hadn't been Samuel's. It was under someone else's name, which meant that he had used another identity to place the order. On her way back to the hotel, Shelmaine couldn't stop thinking about it. Once she was in her room, she called Samuel. The moment he picked up, she got straight to the point. "When did you use someone else's name to order jewelry from me?" "I did," Samuel admitted without hesitation. "That was about two and a half years ago." "Samuel, you're unbelievable!" "Honey…" "Don't call me that! I've had enough of you. Is there a single moment in your life where you're not scheming against me?" "I wasn't scheming, Honey. I just wanted to talk to you. Back then, you were ignoring me completely. I had no other way to get your attention. I didn't do anything else, I swear." "Samuel, what else have you lied to me about?" "Nothing, absolutely nothing. Honey, please don't misunderstand. Where are you right now? Let me come to you and explain everything face to face, okay?" Shelmaine scoffed. "Fine. Come to the hotel. I'm in Aurich." "I'll be there right away." About thirty minutes later, Samuel arrived. When Shelmaine opened the door, she glared at him coldly. Without missing a beat, he slid to his knees and wrapped his arms around her. "Honey, don't be mad. Let me explain." "I'm listening." Her voice was icy, devoid of emotion. "I used someone else's identity to place an order for a custom jewelry set from your studio. It wasn't for anyone else. I just wanted an excuse to talk to you. At the time, you were dating Julien and didn't even spare me a glance. You acted like I didn't exist. I had no choice, Shelly. It was the only way I could talk to you." "You…" Shelmaine's anger flared again. "What else have you been hiding from me?" "Nothing, I swear. I wouldn't dare lie to you anymore. Really…" As he spoke, Samuel reached out and pulled her into a hug, clinging to her like a vine. "Honey, I know I was wrong. I won't do it again. I just… I missed you so much. I missed you more than anything." Shelmaine narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "Can't you talk without holding onto me?" "Not if you're still mad at me." "Samuel Hasting!" "I'm here," he murmured, his arms tightening around her waist as he pressed a kiss to her neck. Shelmaine leaned back, trying to dodge him, but he followed, pinning her gently against the wall. His lips covered hers, stealing her breath in a relentless kiss. "Sam—Samuel!" Shelmained pushed at his shoulders, trying to break free. But no matter how hard she struggled, his hold was unyielding. Gradually, her resistance waned. Sensing her surrender, Samuel deepened the kiss, his voice soft and intoxicating as he whispered, "Honey, I miss you… I still miss you so much." Shelmaine turned her face away, covering her eyes with a trembling hand. "Just this once. I have things to do later."