Chapter-3

Everything appeared the same as always.

The mansion was still breathtaking—immaculate, grand, and cold. But that beauty had lost its meaning three years ago, the moment Samaira began living here.

“Welcome home, Young Mistress.”

Samaira paused at the entrance and nodded politely.“Thank you, Uncle Tom.”

Uncle Tom, the head butler, managed every detail of the mansion. Mr. Black had never liked involving himself in household affairs, leaving everything in Uncle Tom’s capable hands. Now in his fifties, the man had served the Black family for as long as Samaira could remember—tireless, disciplined, and unfailingly respectful.

“Master is in his study,” Uncle Tom informed her gently.

“Hm,” Samaira responded, offering no further comment as she walked past him.

Once inside, she closed the door quietly and moved toward the closet, changing into something comfortable. After washing up, exhaustion crept over her like a heavy blanket. She sat on the bed, set an alarm for an hour, and lay down—allowing herself a short escape into sleep.

Meanwhile, Uncle Tom made his way toward the study.

He knocked lightly on the door.

A deep, authoritative voice responded,“Come in.”

Uncle Tom entered respectfully.

“Mistress has arrived, Master.”

The man seated behind the large mahogany desk paused his work. Adam Black lifted his gaze from the laptop, his eyes drifting briefly to the wall clock.

"She’s in her room now," Uncle Tom added—understanding the unspoken question.

A faint reply followed.“Hm.”

“Is there anything you need, Master?”

“No. Need”

"I’ll take my leave, then"

Uncle Tom exited silently, leaving Adam alone in the vast study.

Adam Black—master of the mansion, and master of his own loneliness—leaned back in his chair. He rolled the paperweight between his fingers, eyes closing slightly as a recent phone call replayed in his mind.

“Hello, Adam.”

“You know what day it is today, right?”

“Yes.”adam replied

“You’re coming home today?”

“Hm.”

“Bring Samaira with you. Your mother would be happy seeing you together.”

“She’s at work.”

“She’ll return early. Don’t leave her alone.”

He hadn’t replied.

A pause followed.

“If there’s nothing else—”

it's like the man understood then the voice came from other end

“Take care. See you in the evening.”

The call ended

Adam opened his eyes and stood up.

Leaving the study, his steps slowed as he reached a familiar door.

He had entered it countless times before.

Yet tonight, his hand paused on the handle.

After a brief hesitation—one he did not bother to analyze—he opened the door quietly.

After a brief hesitation—one he didn’t bother to analyze—he opened the door quietly.

Samaira lay restless on the bed, the sheets tangled around her legs. Sweat clung to her forehead, her brows drawn together as if trapped in something she couldn’t escape. Her lips moved, whispering broken, desperate words.

“Don’t go… I’m sorry… please… I won’t do it again…”

Her voice trembled.

Adam moved closer.

“Samaira,” he called softly.

No response.

“Samaira. Wake up.”

He shook her shoulders gently, but there was still no response—only the trembling of her body, caught in fear.

"

He hesitated for a second before sitting beside her. Slowly, he placed a hand against her forehead. It was damp.

A single tear slid down her cheek.

Without realizing it, he held her steady—careful, controlled—and brushed the tear away.“It’s okay.”

The moment the words left his lips, he froze.

Adam Black had never comforted anyone in his life. He never expected those words to come from him.

The instant she felt his touch and heard the soothing voice, her body reacted instinctively. She grabbed his hand and turned toward him, clinging tightly—curling into his arms like a frightened child seeking safety.

It was new. Very new to Adam—especially coming from his wife.

Unknowingly, he lifted his hand and patted her hair, the gesture slow, awkward… almost gentle.

Feeling the unfamiliar warmth, Samaira stirred.

Her eyes opened slowly.

The first thing she saw was him. Adam Black—sitting beside her bed, her head resting on his lap, her arms wrapped around him like a koala.

Reality crashed down.

She jerked back instantly.

Adam clenched his fists as she pulled away and stood up, whatever flickered in his eyes moments ago already hidden.

“What are you doing here?” Samaira demanded, her voice sharp, defensive.

The air between them turned cold once again.

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