The Ninth Bride (Samantha and Finley)

Chapter 262 The Fear of Losing You

"I don't need you to drive me anymore. A person who inflates the price is not worth my time," Samantha declared with finality.

She seized her bag, exited the car, and tossed two hundred dollars at the driver before setting off up the mountain alone. The driver watched her departure with disdain, spat out his cigarette, and drove off, cursing under his breath.

"If something happens, don't blame me for not helping," he muttered as he sped away.

Samantha, gripping her phone, turned on the flashlight and began her solitary ascent.

Fortunately, the area was populated by affluent and esteemed residents, so the likelihood of encountering unsavory characters was slim. Even if she did cross paths with troublemakers, she felt no fear.

Troublemakers would certainly scurry away at the mere sight of her.

Who would be foolish enough to challenge her?

As Samantha hummed a light tune and made her way up, a sleek sports car suddenly appeared in her path. She shone her phone's light toward the vehicle and saw Finley seated inside. Without a second thought, she flung herself against his car. "Finley, did you come here just to pick me up?" she asked, her voice full of relief.

Finley, squinting against the harsh beam of light from Samantha's phone, was struck by unwelcome memories-painful scenes he had long tried to forget. He raised his hand to shield his face, his head throbbing with sudden intensity. Samantha, noticing his distress, quickly opened the car door and climbed in, her concern palpable.

"Finley..." she whispered, her voice trembling with worry.

"What's wrong, Finley? Why do you look so pained? Are you unwell?"

When she didn't hear his response, she panicked. "Finley, say something. Finley?"Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Turn off the flashlight!" Finley groaned in discomfort.

Responding immediately to his pained plea, she turned off the light and enfolded him in her arms. "I'm so sorry, Finley. I didn't realize the light would hurt you. I won't make that mistake again."

Comforted by her soothing voice, he pulled her closer, holding her tightly. "Where have you been? Why are you home so late?"

"I went to sell a few things. Didn't I inform Edward? Didn't he pass on the message to you?"

"Why didn't you call me? Or at least send a text?"

Feeling a pang of guilt, Samantha

explained, "My phone was damaged by a woman at the academy. Although she later compensated me and bought a new phone, it didn't come with a SIM card. After selling my items, I planned to get a new card, but it was getting late. I didn't want to make you worry, so I came straight home. I'm sorry for causing you concern."

Finley inhaled the familiar scent of Samantha and spoke in a tender tone, "As long as you're safe and home, that's all that matters to me."

Samantha smiled warmly. "This is my home. No matter how late it gets, I will always return."

"But I was afraid you wouldn't," Finley murmured.

Her heart ached at his vulnerable admission. She gently stroked his back, her touch comforting.

"That would never happen. No matter where I go, I will always come home because I know that there is a man who loves me deeply waiting for me. I will never stay away." Bathed in the soft moonlight, Finley saw the earnestness in her eyes. He reached out, caressing her face, and then leaned in to kiss her deeply.

The night was alive with the rumble

of thunder, and flashes of lightning painted the sky. Finley adjusted their seats, cradling Samantha in his arms as he continued to kiss her tenderly.

When Edward arrived, he saw Finley's car halted in the middle of the road. Assuming something was wrong, he rushed out of his vehicle to check on him.