How can I explain to them? How can I articulate the turmoil inside me?
Xavier then speaks with a newfound strength, "She agrees to this engagement and marriage proposal just because of the joint project. She wants to protect her company. Everyone refuses to help her due to the Jones family's influence. But she has me. If the Joneses want to withdraw from this project, they can. I'm now 15% shareholder of Smith Corporation. As a member of the board of directors, I can make the decision. I'll help her with funds, so she doesn't need to continue this farce."
Eric stands there, speechless, his mouth agape. He utters a single word, "You...!!!"
My father is also stunned, his expression one of disbelief, as if he's seen a ghost.
I am beyond amazed, my heart racing at the implications of Xavier's words.
Then, in a bold move, Xavier interlocks his fingers with mine, his grip reassuring. He leads me to the podium, and the crowd watches us with a mix of curiosity and shock.
He raises his voice, "This engagement is a trap for her. Most of the people here are actually aware of this. I can't imagine how hard this fiasco might be for her. But she is never alone. I'll always be there for her. I'm hers, and she's mine. I'm reclaiming my lifeline."
He looks deep into my eyes, and I can see the sincerity in his gaze. "I love you, my Sam, my beloved. I love you so much."
I dare not interrupt him in front of so many important people. His career is just beginning, and he has to navigate his entire life in this world. I cannot risk it. So, I simply avoid his intense gaze. But his declaration hangs in the air, heavy and electrifying.
The crowd is silent, absorbing the gravity of his confession. I can feel the tension in the room, a palpable mix of shock and intrigue. Whispers ripple through the audience, and I sense the undercurrent in the air.
"Xavier, please," I finally manage to whisper, my voice barely audible. "This isn't the time or place for this," I warn him.
He shakes his head, his expression unwavering. "No, Sam. It's exactly the time. You deserve to be free from this charade. You deserve to be happy, and I won't let anyone take that away from you—not Eric, not your father, not anyone."
Eric's face contorts with rage, and he steps forward, fists clenched. "You think you can just waltz in here and claim her? You're nothing but a glorified servant! You have no right to speak for her!"
Xavier's gaze hardens, and he stands tall, unyielding. "I may have started as a caretaker, but I've grown into something more. I've worked hard to earn my place, and I won't let anyone belittle that. Sam is not a trophy to be won; she is a person with her own dreams and desires. If you truly care for her, you'll let her choose her own path."
My father steps forward, his voice booming with authority. "You're out of line, Xavier. You think you can just come in and disrupt our plans? This engagement is for the good of our family and our business. You're jeopardizing everything!"
"Everything?" Xavier scoffs, his voice rising. "What about Sam's happiness? You're willing to sacrifice her for your own ambitions?"
The room is charged with tension. I glance at Eric, who looks furious, and then at my father, whose face is a mask of disappointment.
Then I look back at Xavier, who gazes at me with a loving but extremely possessive look. His possessiveness doesn't make me feel secure; it rather feels like a shackle, strangling my freedom.
Everyone is busy with their motives and tries to manipulate my life. I don't want to be a pawn in anyone's game. I should decide my own path, which means Samantha's life.
"Enough!" I finally shout, my voice breaking through the chaos. All the guests are shocked. The room falls silent, all eyes on me.
But I leave the party hall resolutely.
Xavier blocks my way in the outer yard and asks me, "Where are you going, Sam?"
"Far away from hypocritical guys like you. Look, Xavier, I didn't protest before because of the many influential people present there. You may love me, but I don't. You should respect my opinion," I say, trying to maintain my resolve.
"I know you're lying. Why are you so adamant about denying your feelings?" he challenges, his eyes piercing into mine.
"Because I have to go." The words slip out before I can stop them.
"To where?" His tone turns threatening, and I can feel the tension in the air.
"I can't tell you the details," I respond, my heart racing.
"Then I won't let you go anywhere," he asserts, his grip tightening around my hand.
"You can try to stop me," I retort.
I may love him, but his intense, domineering attitude bothers me. I feel a pang of defiance, a quiet resentment at his controlling nature. I want to rebel against it. Love should be equal, and lovers should be understanding.
In that moment, I impulsively and somewhat sulkily decide to leave this body behind. He can have Samantha Smith all he wants.
And I do just that. Samantha's body falls unconscious, and Xavier is stunned at first. Then, he looks in the direction where my spirit is now floating. I can feel that he is truly seeing me, and a shudder runs through me. This eerie sensation is overwhelming! What is happening?!
Then, I witness an unbelievable sight. Xavier's body also collapses, but it shrinks abnormally before vanishing completely!
A white light, which had guided me at first, exits from his body just before it disappears. That light has possessed him all these years!
Suddenly, everything makes sense—this light saved me before. It possessed Xavier's body all those years ago; this is why Xavier has protected me all these years! But what about this white light, this eerie sensation, and this type of devilish possession?! It can only be a demon!!!
Why is a demon protecting me? Who is it? The questions swirl in my mind, and I feel a mix of fear and curiosity. I need to understand the truth behind this connection, the nature of the being that has intertwined its fate with mine....