The Ninth Bride (Samantha and Finley)

Chapter 268 The Forgotten Task

we head to our room and have our meal there?"

Samantha and Finley exchanged a frosty glance at Emily before turning their eyes away, only resuming their gaze once Emily had retreated into the kitchen. Samantha broke the silence, her voice laced with concern. "Elias and Emily are preparing a meal here. How about Finley's brow furrowed. "This is my home. There's no need for us to retreat to our room just to avoid Emily."

"I understand," Samantha said, her tone softening. "We don't need to avoid her. It's just that I'm worried you might feel uncomfortable eating with her around." Uncomfortable? What could cause him discomfort?

Finley looked at Samantha with a gaze full of affection. He reached out and gently wiped the corner of her mouth. "I'm wearing a mask. She won't see me."

"I know, but wearing a mask makes it difficult for you to eat," Samantha replied.

"It's alright. You should eat."

She regarded him in thoughtful silence. After a moment, she sighed gently. "What's the point of eating alone? I'd much prefer it if you joined me."

"Then, I'll take my time and keep you company."

Samantha continued to watch Finley with a quiet intensity. In the end, she said nothing further and simply settled beside him, and together they enjoyed their meal.

After breakfast, they frolicked in the yard with Unity, their dog.

As Finley observed the radiant smile on Samantha's face, he pulled out his phone and snapped several photos of her. Each image turned out beautifully, likely due to her natural beauty. No matter the angle, the photos were stunning. Noticing him capturing her in candid moments, she held Unity close and said, "Finley, take a picture of both Unity and me."

"Of course," he replied.

He took several more pictures of Samantha with Unity. Once he had finished, Samantha, still holding the dog, approached him and examined the photos. "These turned out so wonderfully. Have you ever studied professional photography, Finley?" Finley shook his head. "No, I haven't."

"If you haven't, then how are you so adept at capturing my beauty?"

"Because you're already so beautiful," Finley said with a smile.

Samantha, touched by the compliment, let a soft smile spread across her face. "Why are you being so charming today?"

"Because you have such sweet lips. After kissing them, I became a sweet-talker as well."

"You're annoying." After a brief pause, she asked, "Don't you have work to attend to this morning?"

Finley's smile widened. "Isn't my job to spend time with you?"

Samantha was quiet, after which she mentioned, "You don't have to stay with me. If you have work, go ahead and take care of it. I'll be fine on my own."

Sensing her subtle push for him to leave,

ey drew closer and said, "It

away." aid, "It

seems Tike you are trying to push me to

"I'm not. I'm just emphasizing the importance of work."

Finley pulled Samantha into a warm embrace. "To me, nothing is more important than you, Sam."

With Finley's words echoing in her heart, Samantha had no more objections.

They spent a little more time playing in the yard before returning to their room. Suddenly, Samantha's face lit up with realization, and she turned to Finley with an apologetic look. "Finley, I just remembered something important."

"Hm? What is it?"

nov

Samantha glanced at Finley with a hint of worry. "I forgot to ask Mr. Cyan to help me record a video yesterday."