THE BILLIONAIRE'S COLD DEAL

Chapter 7: It Can't Be!

Samantha POV

"What's wrong with you, Samantha? Are you okay?" Adrian asked, helping me up.

"Are you fine, dear? You startled every one of us," Adrian's mother rushed to my side, worry etched across her face.

I couldn't form a single sentence. My eyes remained glued to Steven, who was staring back at me with even more shock than I felt. His face had gone pale, his lips slightly parted, as if he had seen a ghost.

"What's wrong with you?" Adrian's father asked sternly. "Why are you staring at my younger son in that manner?"

Younger son? The words slammed into my chest.

I wanted a miracle, anything to prove that Adrian and Steven were not brothers. But no. They were brothers. They were blood, a family.

Someone wake me up from this nightmare, because there is no way my ex and my husband are brothers.

"Is she even with us?" Adrian's mom asked anxiously. "Maybe she's shocked because of the pregnancy. We need to take her to the hospital to keep her and my grandchild safe."

"Hospital? No," I said quickly, shaking my head. "I'm fine. It's just that your youngest son looks like someone I know."

I hoped desperately that was true. But the look on Steven's face told me I was lying to myself.

"I'm sorry for causing such a scene," I muttered sincerely. "It wasn't my intention."

"It's nothing, as long as you're fine," Adrian's mom said calmly. So far, she seemed to be the nicest person in the family.

"Thank you so much, ma," I said, trying to return to my seat, but she quickly pulled me back.

"No! You can't do that. There are pieces of broken glass all over the place. It could harm you."

"You shouldn't put yourself at risk like that," she added firmly, guiding me away.

"Yes, Samantha, you shouldn't play such dangerous games with your life, especially now that you're pregnant," Adrian's sister said. It was the first time she was addressing me directly.

"Let's go to the parlor and relax," Adrian cut in. "I'll ask one of the maids to massage you."

I looked at him, wondering what was going through his mind. He had seen the way I stared at his brother. I prayed he wasn't forming dangerous conclusions.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll take her to the parlor," Adrian said, leading me away.

There was a light smile tugging at the corner of his lips, but somehow, I felt more uneasy than comforted.

As we walked away, I looked back one last time. Everyone's eyes were still on me, but Steven's gaze spoke louder than all of theirs combined. It was filled with uncertainty, recognition, and a question neither of us dared to ask aloud.

There was no doubt about it. He recognized me.

And I was shocked that he didn't cause a scene, just like me, he swallowed his shock whole.

"I'll be in the bathroom," I heard him excuse himself and walked away, leaving the rest of the family to wonder the strange chemistry that had just erupted between him and I.

"What did you mean when you said my brother looked like someone you know?" Adrian's question caught me off guard.

I turned to him, unsure of what to say. My lips quivered in hesitation as my mind scrambled for an answer.

"I asked you a question, Samantha," he repeated, his eyes fixed on me, cold and unreadable as always.

"I... yeah," I stammered. "He looks like a close friend from my former neighborhood."

I hadn't realized I could come up with a lie that fast. I searched his face, hoping he bought it.

"Your neighborhood?" he repeated slowly.

My heart skipped. What if he had caught the lie? I knew it wouldn't end well.

He went quiet, and somehow, his silence terrified me more than his words ever could. I studied his face, wondering if he was already piecing things together.

"I just hope you're telling me the truth, Samantha," he finally said, that deadly smile creeping onto his lips. "I don't treat lies fairly. I just thought I should inform you early."

He tucked my hair behind my ear. The touch felt more like a warning than affection.

"Sit here. I'll get a maid to give you a massage," he added, the smile still plastered on his face as he walked away.

I followed him with my eyes and his words echoed loudly in my head.

"I don't treat lies fairly". What have I gotten myself into?

What if the truth comes out?

What if he starts digging?

What if he finds a clue?

My thoughts spiraled and my chest tightened. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed.

I glanced around, no sign of Adrian or a maid. Taking advantage of the moment, I hurried toward the bathroom.

I was feeling pressed and had to button it down.

I took the stairs leading to the toilet immediately. Halfway there, a strong grip wrapped around my wrist.

My heart shattered as I realized who it was. Steven.

He stood right in front of me, his hand gripping mine more firmly.

My eyes spoke the words my mouth couldn't, shock, disbelief, fear. I tried to pull away, forcing myself to react.

"What are you doing? Let me go," I whispered urgently.

But my efforts were useless. He pulled me closer.

"Come with me," he said quietly.

Before I could protest, he dragged me into the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind us.