Chapter 235

"Samantha, if you're still hung up on Joseph, why did you bother with me?" Xander's voice cut through the air, sharp and bitter. He let out a hollow laugh, not waiting for a reply. Without a second glance, he turned on his heel and walked away. It felt like a part of Samantha had been ripped out, leaving an aching hollow in her chest. She stood frozen, watching Xander's back as he walked further away, her heart sinking deeper with every step he took. Joseph caught the look on her face—the panic, the tension. She looked like she actually cared about Xander. Did this mean she was starting to fall for him? That thought tightened like a fist in Joseph's chest, darkening his expression. No. Samantha could only belong to him. She could only love him. He wouldn't stand by and watch her fall for someone else. "Stop staring at him," Joseph's voice came out cold, laced with warning. "If you keep this up, remember what I promised you last night? That's off the table." Hearing Joseph's warn