Samantha Chan - Vivian Leung Siu Bing
Joshua Lin - Aaron Kwok Fu Sing
The million dollar home was what the reporters called it. It was a huge mansion in the middle of 30 acres of green meadow. The privacy couldn't be more perfect for Josh. He didn't like the city life, there were too many people trying to steal his money, especially girls. Most of them pretended to be his friend then eventually tried to steal his ownership papers for the mansion. He only let one girl see his mansion and she too turned out to be fake and decietful. Closing his eyes as he breathed in the mountain air, it was fresh from the spring rain.
Looking down in is acres of grass, he spotted a girl walking towards the home. She seemed to be holding a piece of paper. He saw his butler run over to her. Josh walked downstairs in time to see his butler come running back to him. "Mr. Lin, she fainted. What are we going to do?"
Josh walked outside calmly as he stood over the unconscious girl. Bending down as he took her pulse along her neck, she was still alive, but very weak. She opened her eyes carefully as she looked up "You..." her eyes closed quickly.
He stood up and waved to his butler "Take her inside." he followed her inside as his butler carried her to one of the 30 furnished rooms in the mansion. Setting her carefully on the bed as Josh waved them out. "Call for a doctor." his voice was calm and cool as he spoke. Sitting next to her bed as he stared at her. He wasn't about to let another girl use him for his money again. He made a promise to himself that he would not weaken from a girl's sweet smile again. Taking in her beautiful features as he thought suspiciously 'What does she want from me?'
The doctor soon came and took her temperature. Josh never left the room, he stood by the balcony and looked outside. "Mr. Lin, this girl is fine. She just seems to be a little weak, maybe from exhaustion. Do you know her?"
"No, I found her on my property. I very well could have her arrested." his voice was cold.
"Well, its up to you. She should wake up after she's well rested."
The doctor left the room. Josh sat next to the bed again, staring at this girl. He didn't know what to do with her. He wasn't about to call the police before he knew exactly who she was. The girl finally opened her eyes after two hours, she saw the guy again. "Where am I?" she bounced from the bed.
"In my home. Now its my turn to ask. Who are you and what do you want?" he scanned her face for any lies.
"My name is Samantha Chan. This is actually my home." she said calmly.
He snickered "What? I think you might have been mistaken Miss Chan. I bought this home half a year ago by the original owner..."
"Mr. Chan Yiu Hung, right? He's my grandfather." Josh looked at her in shock, wondering how she knew. Was she really his granddaughter? "Let me explain. I'am his only decendent and so he made a will about a year ago to leave the home to me. But half a year later, he was pushed into selling this home and he really didn't want to. I don't know what happened during that time but he soon got sick and died. Now you're telling me that you've owned this home for six months?"
"Im sorry to disappoint you but this home is mine. I have the legal documents and everything. I don't think I should have to show anything, you may talk to my lawyer if you need any answers." Pulling out his wallet as he gave her his lawyer's business card. "Now if you are feeling better, please leave my premises."
"Gladly." she quickly got up and felt faint so she leaned on the bed post to support herself.
He watched as she stumbled out of the room, every once in a while she would hold onto something for support. He didn't want to be cold hearted but he wasn't going to let his guard down.
After a few days, she didn't contact him nor his lawyer. He began to get suspicious, so he hired a detective to do a backround check on Samantha. As it turned out she was exactly who she said she was. Not to mention he found out that the home was suppose to be hers. But he knew his papers were legal because he saw the old man sign his name. Why he didn't tell his granddaughter that he sold the home was never explained. Its too late to ask since the old man had died months before.
After he got off the phone with the hired detective, he felt a little bad about treating her so coldly. When the doorbell rang, he got up to see who it was. Surprised by her sudden appearance when opened the door "I really don't appreciate you having your people follow me around like that."
"I apologize for that." he stared intently at her. She looked even more pale then the first time he saw her. "Miss Chan, are you feeling okay?"
She leaned on the door and shook her head. Suddenly she toppled over the doorway, Josh quickly caught her. Picking her up with ease as he put her on the couch. Running to the kitchen to get a cup of water as he searched the cubbords for a cup. His maids and butler were gone for the weekend. He preferred to be alone when it was the weekend. He couldn't even find a glass in his own kitchen. Slamming the cubbords shut as he angrily searched in the other cubbords. When he finally found one, he got water from the fridge. Holding her head up as he put the glass to her lips. She seemed to be a little more conscious as she took in the water. After a few minutes, she was fully awake. "Thank you." she said softly.
"You should see the doctor for that. Its not healthy to faint so much." he was being more sincere this time.
"Well, I suppose you're right. My grandfather did sell this home to you. I just don't understand why he would promise me something and not do it?" she dodged his concern look.
"Maybe he forgot, you know old people forget easily."
She had a smirk on her face "Yeah, I suppose. Anyways, Ive taken too much of your time." she began to get up.
"Did you live here?" he asked curiously.
She smiled "Yes, a long time ago." she had a far away look in her eyes "I remember grandpa use to take me out horseback riding in the huge land of acres. It was the happiest days of my life." she looked down at her hands, saddened by the loss. "I won't bother you."
He laughed "Bother me? Look around you, there's no one here."
She glanced around, barely realizing that the huge mansion was empty. "They all left you?"
"Well, actually they get the weekends off. I like to be alone." he said quietly. Actually, he's been more lonely than at peace. His so called friends only called him when they needed money and his parents were too busy with their own divorced lives to care about him.
"You know what I do when no one's home?" she had a michevious grin on her face. He shook his head "I take my horse and I go down that trail into the woods. It's so dangerous and dark, kinda gives me a little excitement."
"Would you like to go riding with me?" he rarely went because it was funner with other people.
"You didn't break down the stable?" she was shocked.
"Of course not, I love the horses. Its just that no one really goes with me."
"Well, if you don't mind, I would love to go with you." her eyes lit up with delight. He chuckled as he watch her race him out the door to the stables. She knew exactly where it was. "Wow...you're horses are beautiful!" she gushed.
"Yeah, they are." he smiled proudly.
"Which one is yours?" she was petting a white stallion. He smiled a he nodded to the horse she was petting. "Looks like we both have the same taste."
He insisted that she take his stallion while he took the black one. They rode up the hill a few miles from the mansion. Samantha turned around to look at the view "The mansion looks tiny from here."
He turned back, following her gaze. Smiling as he led his horse up further to a little gazibo. She quickly followed him. They stopped on top of the hill, tying their horses to the tree as they walked to the gazibo. "My, this hasn't changed a bit. Just a little rusty but it looks the same." she stroked the wooden gazibo which was twisted with vines that crawled around the poles. "I guess everything has to change one day." her voice was sad as she spoke.
"Im sorry. I know you have more memories of this place than I have in the past six months. Although I feel your pain, I couldn't bare to leave this home. Its the only thing I have control over."
"I know how you feel. When your life seems to be in some kind of a cycle, you look for another object that you can somehow be in charge of." the setting sun shining through her beautiful hair. With a tint of red, she looked like an angel in the light. She noticed that he was staring at her "Mr. Lin?"
He shook his head from the daze "Don't call me that, Im not 40 yet. Everyone calls me Josh." he smiled warmly.
"Well, since we're on a first name basis. How about you call me Sammi? Not that it matters since I don't know how long it will be until we meet again."
"I know this sounds a little forward, but if you agree. I would love for you to come stay with me." it was almost ridiculous to ask. But he found out that her parents had past away in a tragic plane crash over a year ago. He guessed that was why she went travelling for a year.
"I would love to." her answer surprised him. Not wanting her to change her mind so he nodded.
They rode back slowly this time, taking in the darkening night. Within hours, he had helped her move into her new home. She chose the room that she was in the first time they met. He was glad since it was a few doors down from his room. For a few weeks, they lived their peacefully, never once arguing over anything. She often cooked for him, fixing different types of food that she learned while travelling. He was amazed by this girl's talents, yet he still warned himself over and over again to be careful. She could just be like the other girls who tried to take his money. Eventhough she gave him no reason to be suspicious, he couldn't help but wonder what a perfectly nice girl like her didn't have a boyfriend.
He woke up early the next morning to run out into the city to do some business, when he noticed her room door open. Looking inside, he found it empty. It was 6:00am, where could she have gone? Opening his front door to walk out, he found her in a white spring dress that flowed to her knees. She was watching the sunrise and he instantly noticed a little white bunny next to her. "Where did you find him?"
She turned around, smiling sweetly at him "I don't know. He just followed me here, I guess." picking up the little bundle of white fur, she smiled at it with interest. "Can I keep him?"
"I don't see why not." he smiled at her sweet composure. "Im going to be in the city for a while so let them know if you need anthing."
She nodded her head, still looking at the little bunny. He came back late that night assuming Sammi would be asleep. When he noticed his room was lit, he sneaked up behind it. He found Sammi snooping around his bed, he pushed the door open "What are you doing?"
Startled by his voice she spun around hiding something behind her back. "Nothing."
"Let me see." his voice was cold again. He walked up to her as he reached behind her and pulled out what she had in her hands. His face softened as he looked at the frame. Inside it was a little cross-stitched letters that spelled out 'JOSH', the design was from flowers. "You made this?" he instantly felt bad for being so mean.
"Yes, I was just trying to figure out where to hide it. See, if I put it under the pillow, you might hurt yourself when you sleep. If I put it in the drawer, maybe you'll have some stuff there you don't want me to see. Then there's under the bed, but you might never look there..." she stopped when he looked at her adoringly. "What's wrong Josh?"
"Im sorry." he put down the frame as he hugged her "I didn't mean to be so harsh on you. Im just very suspicious."
She pushed him away lightly "Im not mad. Actually, I shouldn't have entered your room like that. But I just wanted to surprise you. So you really like that?" she nodded towards the frame.
"Its very sweet of you. Thank you." he ended up hanging it above his bed.
The following months appeared to be wonderful for two new friends. He finally let his barrier down and trusted her with his full heart. She amazed him again with her creative talents. Knitting him a sweater and she even showed him how to cross-stitch. They had the best time during the weekends when everyone was gone. He had full respect for this girl, she was an amazing person in his eyes. So strong, yet still little vulnerable and delicate.
He even took her out to the public to see. They went to many different conventions and parties. He never liked those glamorous parties until Sammi came along. She lit up the room with her presence. She was poise like a model, yet still sweet like an angel. She was the only person in the room that he loved to stare at. It appears that most of the men thought the same thing Josh did. He watched as a few of them approached her while he was mingling with a rich man in the society. He was anxious to see her as he mumbled an apology as he walked over to where Sammi was. She instantly smiled as she saw him. "Josh." getting up from her seat as she smiled at him.
"Looks like you got your hands full." he teased.
"Do I sense a little envy in your voice?" she teased him back. Their comfortable atmosphere quickly changed as the CEO of Tai Hung Corporation approached them.
"Mr. Lin, Im glad to see you finally coming out of her shell." his voice was sarcastic as he leered at Josh. He instantly noticed the stunning Sammi next to him "I see why you've been hiding out. Didn't want to share this beautiful lady?" he pulled her hand up to kiss it when she pulled back. She heard about this man, he was the one that wanted to buy over the 30 acres of land that Josh owned so he could open some sort of an amusement park.
"I don't believe I have to share anyone." Josh said cooly. Sammi stood behind Josh as she dodged the man's gaze. Josh felt her tense up as he excused himself and led her to the dance floor.
Wrapping a safe arm around her as they danced along with the music. Her hands were cold and she couldn't stop staring at that man earlier. "What's wrong? Is he still staring at you? How about we leave?"
She shook her head "No, you have to stay, its your convention. He should be the one to leave." suddenly she gripped his hand tight "Im not feeling too good." she whispered. Leaning her head on his shoulder as he led her off the floor.
His face wrinkled with concern "Maybe I should take you home."
"No!" she looked frantic but eventually calmed herself down "I'll just have the driver take me home first. He'll come back for you later."
Josh knew the importance of his presence so he walked out to the driver. His gaze lingering after the limo that was long gone. Returning to his party, he couldn't help but worry for Sammi.
She was dropped off at the front door, the butler watched her go into the home safely before he sped off. Inside she quickly ran to his room. She knew exactly where he left the legal ownership papers. Pulling out the drawer as she dug through his clothes. Holding up the papers as she smiled to herself. Her job there was done.
After an agonizing hour, the party was over. Josh was anxious to return home to see how Sammi was. He waited for his driver outside the curb. "Mr. Lin, what's your rush? Worried about your little lady I see." the familiar annoying voice made him tense up.
"Mr. Lee, thank you for your concern." he said shortly.
"I believe you should be more concern about the young lady in your home right now." he smiled slyly at Josh.
"What does that suppose to mean?" Josh couldn't bare to think of anything happening to her "If she loses even a strand of hair, you will be hearing from me." he said through clenched teeth.
"Tsk tsk tsk...so blinded by love." he shook his head in disappointment. Looking up as a car pulled up to the remaining two men. A guy got out as he handed some papers to Mr. Lee. "Aww...just what I was waiting for. I believe this is how the game goes Mr. Lin. Whoever holds the ownership owns the property." holding up the papers as he smiled victoriously.
"How did you get them?!" he damanded.
"Why I shouldn't get all the credit. Afterall, it was giving up my most prized employee to go undercover for me. She had to give up her life for over 6 months to stay with you. I had her take over Samantha's identity and you know her sickness? That was all made up. It couldn't have been a more perfect plan." the man laughed as he got into his car and sped off.
Josh looked pale as he sat down on the ground. 'She double crossed me? But how could she? I trusted her' his driver was by his side "Mr. Lin, are you okay?" he didn't even notice his limo pulled up. He couldn't believe his eyes, the ownership papers were gone. He lost everything, his home, his dignity and his love. Anger came over him as he quickly stood up.
"Take me home!" he commanded.
He barged through his doors, running straight to her room. Her drawers were emptied. He ran over to his room and noticed the picture frame was still in its place. There was yellow envelope on his bed. It was a letter from Sammi. Angry thoughts crossed his mind as he picked up the letter. He understood what they meant by a broken heart, it was hurting him. Tears flowing from his eyes as he read it:
"Josh,
Im sorry. There really isn't a better way to say it. I lied to you, took advantage of your love and kind heart. I know you are very angry and hurt right now. The person you actually trusted has betrayed you. You know, when I first met you, I thought you deserved to lose your home, you were so mean and cold. But the more I talked to you, I came to realize that you were just hurt from all the other girls who you thought loved you but they just wanted your money. I thought about this for days before I actually decided on what to do. Not even my boss could have stopped me. Im sure you know by now that Mr. Lee is the culprit behind this perfect plan. But even the most perfect crime has flaws. My flaw is that I fell in love with you. Therefore I did not go through with the plans. Your ownership documents are placed behind the frame that I made for you. The ones my boss has are fake. On the real one, the seal will glow a light blue under a white light. Anyways, I know you cannot forgive me and I don't expect you to. The last months were the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. I really mean that. Eventhough my existance was a mere lie, I hope you will keep me close to your heart. Because I will always be beside you.
Love,
Selena Lau aka 'Sammi' "
His tears smeared the letters as he crumpled it in his hands. She was gone.
Needless to say, Mr. Lee was shocked to find out that his papers were fake. Josh brought the real one to the meeting with the lawyers. Even the look of anger on Mr. Lee's face couldn't make him feel better. He had lost the girl that he loved more than anything. He never stopped searching for her, even after two years. She was no where to be found. He kept his distance from the city as he peacefully lived in his mansion. Every so often, he would take a ride out to the gazibo to read her letter. After the fiftieth time, he realized something odd about her last words. 'Because I will always be beside you.' He looked around at the acres of land wondering was there a place that he missed? Riding back to his home, he called his lawyer who had all the property map. "James, do you know if there is another home inside the 30 acres?"
Just as he suspected there was a little cottage inside the border of the acres toward the east. It was over the hill where the gazibo was. Taking his horse out once again, Josh crossed the hill and surely there was the little cottage just a few miles away. Stopping a few yards from it as he jumped off his horse and walked slowly towards it. He saw a few white bunnies running around freely. Picking one up as he cradled it, he looked up when he saw a pair of feet. It was her, "Sammi..." his voice trailed off. "Or should I say Selena?" tears quickly welled up in his eyes.
"How did you find me?" her eyes were red as tears dripped down her flushed face.
"After two years of reading your letter, I finally got your hint. Why did you torture me like that?" his voice was quivering as he approached her. Touching her face affectionately as he wiped her tears away. "Why didn't you just come back?"
"I wanted you to find me. I know you couldn't forgive me, but I hoped that one day you will find it in your heart and maybe you will understand what I was trying to tell you in my letter. Im really sorry..." he slowly pulled her in for a hug.
"I know you are. Don't leave me again." he felt her nod her head. He was finally happy again after two painfully long years. Without her in his life, it was even worse than living alone.
**There are always exception to lies, but there shouldn't be exceptions to stupid decisions.**
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