SAMUEL SAAVEDRA

“DAD TEXTED ME. I’m being sent to San Simon today. Let’s have dinner there too.”

He did not wait for my answer because he quickly changed and deviated from the road. His face

immediately turned cold; hardened eyes stared straight ahead.

I firmly bit my lip and watched the car move as we left the city. I think we are running at a speed of

ninety at these times.

He was just quiet the whole trip. His sudden coldness already shook my heart. Ice seemed to cool his

gaze on the dark road.

I adjusted my seat as we entered San Simon. My thoughts are getting heavier, my pulse beyond wild

now. This is actually my first time meeting his father. I’ve heard a lot of good about him, but the

consequence is that he is strict and far from everything.

“We’re here,” he whispered in a low voice. I cleared my throat, looking up at the open and lofty fence

that seemed to be waiting for our arrival.

When his car parked opposite the luxurious door, he turned to me. His cold eyes were freezing me. I

can’t even utter a word, even the blink I did not do.

He grabbed my hand, slowly caressing it like I am the most precious gem he had. He carefully followed

the finger between it and tightened our grip.

“Stay by my side whatever happens,” he said carefully.

His cold expression is gradually replaced by warmth and flattery. He licked his lower lip and looked at

me with hot fiery that soothing in away that melted my heart.

I was no longer surprised at the beauty of their house, but I still could not help but roll my eyes inside. I

feel like I’m getting smaller from standing up. The glass chandelier above my head and the two grand

stare-case welcomed me. The windows are also large, and the curtains deliberately kiss the white floor.

“Lawrence, son!”

I immediately looked up at the main staircase. And I saw the man at his old age staring down at me.

I quickly turned to Lawrence. His perfectly sculptured jaws were tightly clenched, and his dark,

brooding eyes looked intense.

“Dad,” he said in a baritone voice.

He started down the luxurious staircase. I can’t deny that they have a lot in common. They had the

same features—started from his tousled not-so-dark hair, down to his prominent cheekbone with high

arc nose and thin lips. But his face blanks like a catalog model, but he had a neat, smooth, and

magnificent beneath his aristocrat skin.

I held my breath as I waited for it to descend. His eyes were fixing on me. It openly visits my whole

being, and I find it difficult for me to breathe in.

“Dad,” Lawrence greeted him again from the bottom.

He patted the child on the shoulder before glancing at me. His thick eyebrows were furrowed together

as he looked at me with profound scrutiny.

“I’d like you to meet Margaux Collins, my girlfriend.”

My body just froze as my lips pursed tight. I never thought he would introduce me as his girlfriend to his

father.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Collins?”

“Yes, Dad. The daughter of Rudolfo and Leticia Collins.”

“The owner of Collin’s Hotel?” His tone casual and light.

He just nodded then turned to me again.

“Uh, nice to meet you, Sir!” I gave him a frugal smile.

Like Lawrence, he just nodded at me before facing Lawrence again.

“How was the resort? I want you to make sure we don’t have a problem there. I also want you to talk to

Franco about the upcoming harvest.” Every word that comes from his mouth had an authority.

“Yes, Dad, I fixed the problem there,” Lawrence said.

I was left speechless as he walked straight away from us.

“Carolina!” His loud voice calls. His voice was echoing in my head that made me quivered.

“Why, Samuel?”

An older woman is approaching. He was wearing an apron and gently wiped it with a wet hand.

“Is dinner ready?” He asked in a deep voice to the newcomer. But instead of answering, the woman

quickly turned to Lawrence next to me.

“Is that you, Lawrence?! It looks like you are even more handsome today!” she exclaimed. She also did

not hesitate to hug Lawrence by my side.

“I miss you so much, son!” she delightfully said.

Lawrence chuckled. “I’ve missed you too, Auntie!” Lawrence answered while hugging her tightly.

When they parted, that’s when the lady glanced at me.

“Ah, this is Margaux, my girlfriend.”

The amusement smile appeared on her face as she looked at me boldly.

“Why, she’s such a beautiful lady, Rence!” she said before grabbing my two shoulders and glancing at

me.

“G-good evening,” I said timidly.

“Good evening too, hija. You should come to the dining room. Samuel and I prepared a lot of food.”

He finally let me go and walked into the dining room first.

We approached the table at the same time as Manang Carolina said. He cooked a lot of dishes for us.

It looks like we’re having a fiesta with the amount served on the table.

Samuel Saavedra sat down in an oversized mahogany chair elegantly. It was in the capital while

Lawrence and I were on his right.

“What do you like to eat?” Lawrence muttered close to me.

I bit my lower lip and glance over the five dishes and two soups in front of me. Not only that but there

are also three types of dessert served at the table.

“Uh, anything,” I just whispered to him.

I heard his small grin before he served me the tenderloin steak with potatoes. He also served me some

warm soup and creme brûlée in front of me on a saucer.

I was secretly disappointed. Does he want me to ruin my figure by eating that fatty food? I cleared my

throat and just nodded.

“Okay, thanks,” my lips said.

Since I had no intention of refusing to eat, I quietly found out that I had eaten it.

The table sank into silence. Samuel remained stoic, and he was just as quiet as Lawrence. I feel there

has been tension between the father and son since he introduced me as his girl.

His sudden seriousness occupied my mind. I became more alert to what might happen between the

two of them.

***

MY HEART SPEEDS up as I notice Samuel put down his pork gracefully. He was very subtle when it

comes to acting as if it is flawless to think.

I slowly lift my eyes to meet his gaze. Once again, my heart was pounding with nervousness because

of his earnest gaze on me.

“Margaux, I heard about Rodolfo retiring soon, and you will be the new president of Collin’s hotel?”

I cleared my throat first before nodding affirmatively. “Yes, Sir, I’m actually starting to work as the new

president of hotels and other family businesses.”

He just nodded and did not respond to what I said. Even though the truth is, he obviously has no real

interest in me. Instead, he turned to Lawrence.

“Son, am I not making you take care of our dinner meeting with Del’fierro’s?”

I quickly looked down at what I was eating. I no longer need to ask who he is referring to—Elliesse’s

family.