Joshua found himself back at his villa, feeling a bit bewildered. Samantha practically dragged him to the car and insisted that he drive them home. She was eager to be with him, touching him throughout the ride and making suggestive offers. She even stole a few kisses from his lips.
Now that they were at his place, he felt uneasy. This was the first time Samantha had ever been to his place, and he didn't know why he had allowed it. She was just a casual fling he used to relieve stress; he didn't want her in his home.
"Where is she?" Samantha asked, dancing around. "I thought she would be waiting for you."
Joshua felt uncomfortable when the word "her" was mentioned again. Samantha's presence made him feel like he was cheating, even though he barely knew Claire. He secretly cursed himself for thinking about his new wife.
"She probably has her own life," he replied casually.
But thoughts of Claire lingered again, making him feel more agitated.
"Don't look so sad, darling," Samantha cooed, wrapping her arms around him. "Don't you want me here? I missed you these past few days!"
"I actually don't," Joshua asserted suddenly. "I don't feel comfortable with it."
"Don't be such a killjoy," Samantha pouted. "I'm worn out of your office spaces. This should be a change, don't you think?"
She directed him to the sofa and pushed him down. Joshua's body felt weak, but his brain was racing. He wondered if he should go along with this. He didn't understand why he felt so strange about the situation.
"Do you want me to take charge this time? I promise to satisfy your needs," Samantha asked as she straddled him. "Should I go slowly and work my way up?"
The door suddenly opened. Joshua was stunned and ready to push Samantha away, but he quickly stopped himself. This was his home, and he made the rules. As he relaxed, Claire suddenly entered the room. She stood by the door, staring at them. She showed a fleeting shock but managed to compose herself, acting calm.
"Oh, is this the wife?" Samantha's voice cut through the awkward silence.
"Wow, Joshua, I thought you couldn't sink any lower, but I'm wrong!" She's no special!" Samantha added with a mocking smirk while looking at Claire from head to toe.
Joshua's mouth opened to retort, but he held back. Claire seemed decent and attractive—actually, more than he had expected. But she didn't need to know that.
"Some situations are out of my control," he replied with a forced smile.
"You could have done better and chosen a better woman like me," Samantha whined.
"It's done now, Samantha. There's no chance to change it," he said firmly.
Samantha sighed and leant heavily on him. "I suppose I could take pity on you and let you join me in bed if you're feeling... unfulfilled, you know?"
Joshua felt insulted by Samantha's behavior. She had followed him here just to compare herself to his wife and throw insults at him when she meant nothing to him. It bothered him, but what annoyed him even more was Claire's silence. She didn't seem upset; she just looked at them calmly, as though their situation amused her.
Joshua didn't like that at all. He anticipated that Claire would hurl tantrums.
"Now, babe—" Samantha started.
"Let's go to the car," he said, cutting her off. "I don't want an audience while I'm with you."
Claire blinked several times as if processing the situation.
'The nerve of this man to utter such insulting words when he brought his mistress back home!'
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said loudly. "I'll give you some privacy if you want."
Joshua was stunned. He wondered if she was serious or just trying to control the situation. Claire looked around awkwardly before starting to leave. It became clear to Joshua that she was indeed serious and didn't care that he was with another woman. Suddenly, she stopped and turned back to him.
"You know, I think the car would be better, so you don't ruin the sofa," she said in a mocking tone.
"What?!" Joshua exclaimed, trying to process her words.
"I said the car would be better, so you don't ruin the sofa," she repeated, furrowing her eyebrow.
"I heard you the first time," Joshua snapped back.
"Did you? It didn't seem like it. I'm just saying, I'd like to sit here without feeling like the place is smelling something, you know?"
She smiled at him, then walked away to her room. Joshua was actually amused by her calmness. He waited for the anger to bubble up from her, but it didn't.
"Was that an insult?" Samantha inquired as she sat on the sofa, glancing at Claire's fading back.
"I think it's time for you to leave," Joshua changed his tone abruptly, urging Samantha to leave.
"What?"
"We both need to go," he clarified. "I have work to attend to, and you need to stop showing up unless I specifically call for you."
She frowned, trying to maintain her composure. "Is this because of your wife?"
"Yes, it is, Samantha. It's also about respecting my boundaries. I don't want you coming around unless I specifically ask you to."
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"No, I'm serious. Get up!"
She looked stunned for a moment, then reluctantly got up and grabbed her bag.
"I can't believe this is happening," she hissed, running her fingers through her hair.
"If you cause a scene here and she figures out we're fighting because I'm not attracted to you right now, I'll really make things difficult for you."
She shut her mouth instantly and turned to leave.
Joshua followed her out, partly because he couldn't stand Claire at the moment and partly because he was in denial.
'I liked her, and I was in denial. But why? She made one smart comment, and suddenly, I thought she must be smarter than I thought?'
'Stupid.'
There was nothing special about her, and I certainly wasn't leaving the house for her. She was my grandfather's pawn, and I would soon discover her purpose here. Simple.'