Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Chapter 51 – Win His Heart

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The black car came to a steady stop at the lawn in front of the entrance. The rear door opened and a man’s long legs were the first to appear.

Samantha’s gaze trailed up from those legs. When she saw Timothy’s slender body and handsome face, she could not control her heart from beating even faster.

He wore a simple white shirt and a pair of trousers, but like a masterful painting, he drew attention to himself and made it difficult for people to look away.

It was not until the car door on the other side opened up and another figure walked over, catching Samantha’s eyes instantly.

The figure belonged to a woman and a very pretty one at that. Her big wavy hair draped behind her nape, giving off an amorous air. Her tight-fitting skirt accentuated her curves, while her makeup was thick and her lips were red. The shade of lipstick she used could capture the heart of any man, and she walked gracefully to Timothy’s side while glancing at him.

Despite being some distance away from them, Samantha could clearly see the amount of reverence and adoration in that woman’s eyes.

Samantha held her breath slightly. She never expected Timothy to come back, much less bring another woman with him.

Who was that woman? Was it the same woman with that sweet-sounding voice who picked up the phone the other day?

Did Timothy decide to let himself loose after seeing the text message she sent him about his grandma being away for a couple of days?

Samantha clenched her fists slightly as her hands hung beside her thighs.

Timothy and Tiana walked over together, but before Samantha had time to leave, the two of them met head-on.

The man’s gaze landed on Samantha’s face. Her expression was dark and uncertain at that moment, making it difficult for him to discern her emotions.

Timothy did not speak and neither did Samantha. Tiana, on the other hand, seemed slightly surprised when she saw Samantha.

Samantha had made the headlines and trending searches a few days ago. She used to be Timothy’s former fiancee too and nearly married into the Barkers. It was only natural that Tiana would recognize her.

What surprised Tiana was Samantha’s presence there. Why would she be at Timothy’s private villa when she ought to have nothing to do with him?

Tiana looked back and forth between Timothy and Samantha. She saw that Timothy did not seem too surprised about Samantha’s presence. Could it be that Samantha lived there?

Tiana was quite taken aback when she thought of that. At the same time, she raised her guard and became even more vigilant.

For the record, Penelope had been with Timothy for two years but had never successfully managed to set foot into Timothy’s private villa. The fact that Timothy’s former fiancee Samantha could be there was enough cause for worry.

Tiana made sure not to let her emotions show on her face. She put on a decent smile, pretended to not recognize Samantha, and broke the silence by asking softly, “Mr. Barker, who is this lady?”

Her first mission was to figure out who Samantha was to Timothy.

Samantha’s gaze finally turned to Tiana’s face.

Although Tiana had tried her best to act dumb, she could not escape Samantha’s discerning gaze. Tiana clearly knew who she was but still pretended not to know.

Timothy’s answer was not going to be a pleasant one, and Samantha was not about to give him such an opportunity. She smiled and retorted emotionlessly, “I…was invited by Old Madam Barker. I’m staying here as a guest.”

A dark glimmer flashed across Timothy’s eyes after he heard her words. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, almost like a smile, but he continued to keep quiet.

“Is that so?” Tiana was starting to find it difficult to hide her emotions under a smile.

In her mind, she believed that Samantha merely self-declared herself as a guest. The woman probably could not get over Timothy and relied on the old lady’s affection for her to insist on living there—she was simply using the old lady to get close to Timothy!

How shameless!

Deep down, Tiana poured scorn on Samantha and raised her chin slightly. She opened her mouth and spoke condescendingly, “Let me introduce myself, Ms. Larsson. I’m Tiana Reece, Mr. Barker’s…secretary.”

Before uttering the word ‘secretary’, Tiana deliberately slowed her tone, adding a layer of ambiguity.

One would easily get the wrong idea.

At that moment, Samantha was 100% sure that Tiana was the same woman who answered Timothy’s call that day!

She knew that the scumbag had plenty of close female acquaintances, but she could not understand why he had to bring Tiana back.

It was obvious that Samantha could not ask Timothy right in front of Tiana. She curled her lips ever so slightly and merely replied, “Oh,” without making much ado about it. She no longer looked at that eyesore of a scumbag and turned around to go back to the house.

Tiana was baffled that Samantha did not take the bait.

What was the meaning of that? Did Samantha look down on her? Or did Samantha feel that there was still a chance of one-upping her? What was going on!

Tiana turned to look at Timothy and pretended to joke around as she spoke, “Mr. Barker, this Ms. Larsson…really is a laid-back person… It’s like she really does treat this place as her home.”

She was trying to imply that Samantha—aside from being rude—was acting like the owner of the house despite being a mere guest.

Tiana knew that Timothy was extremely repulsed toward such women!

Timothy looked askance at her. The dark glow under his eyes became more intense, making it impossible for anyone to peek into the workings of his mind. His lips opened slightly and he asked, “Really?”

Tiana could not figure out whether he sounded happy or angry. The man’s mood had always eluded comprehension, and there were times she did not know how to continue the conversation due to moments of apprehension.

Fortunately, Timothy did not seem to care much about Samantha. That topic no longer continued, and his long legs stepped foot into the house as he strode in.

Tiana was thoroughly relieved because Samantha did not seem worth mentioning at all!

It was important for her to win Timothy’s heart while taking care of him. That was the only way she could become his woman fair and square!

Tiana started walking and followed Timothy in.

…

Inside the dining hall.

Samantha sat down again and looked at the wonderfully arranged candlelight dinner. Her appetite had long disappeared and she could not bear to stomach the food anymore.

The anger and sadness she felt were indescribable, and it was all because she was reminiscing about that scumbag Timothy.

She was the only one who remembered the beautiful memories she had on her lunar calendar birthday. Those used to be the days that were exclusive to her and Timothy.

It was not that big of a problem if Timothy forgot about it, but to make things worse, he brought another woman home that day!

Unfortunately, Timothy was the owner of that villa and Samantha was in no position to stop him from bringing other people back. She did not even have the right to object to it.

Why should she let him affect her birthday mood? She was not going to let that happen!

Samantha took a deep breath, held the knife and fork in both hands, and started slicing the steak. The force she used was so great that it was as though she was cutting Timothy up instead of the steak!

Footsteps were then heard, followed by the sound of the chair being pulled back. Timothy had taken his seat opposite Samantha.

Samantha did not look up and continued to eat her steak.

Soon after, she sensed Timothy’s gaze on her. The man opened his lips and spoke in a melodiously sonorous voice, “I’ll be staying here for the next few days to recuperate.”

After a few seconds’ pause, he did not hesitate to add, “So will Tiana..”