Chapter 5

Samantha finally had a day off and was enjoying some much-needed rest at home when her phone rang. It was Layla on the line. "Samantha! Are you off today?" she asked. Half-asleep, Samantha groggily responded, "Yeah." "Come over and hang out! Let me show you around." "Thanks. But I don't want to bother you." "It's fine. I'm the only one here in the villa. Mr. Garrett is very busy. He's never been here, so you don't have to worry." Samantha found herself somewhat swayed by this information. Without Leonard around, she would feel more at ease. Before she could respond, Layla quickly declared, "That's settled then! I'll have someone pick you up right away!" Samantha found it hard to decline Layla's enthusiastic invitation. Ultimately, Layla arranged for a chauffeur to personally pick her up and take her to the villa. The villa was designed in a sleek modern style, featuring charming gazebos, intricate pathways, and a lake, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. The maid had thoughtfully prepared coffee and snacks in one of the gazebos. After their stroll, they could relax there, watching ornamental carp swim in the clear lake while enjoying their coffee. The leisurely life was truly enviable. Layla had scheduled an appointment for a rejuvenating facial and initially hoped to bring Samantha along. However, Samantha wasn't fond of the idea. Thus, Layla could only go alone. "If you wish to eat or drink anything, just let the maids know. If you find yourself feeling bored, feel free to take a walk. But please avoid the backyard. There's a fierce dog there." "Alright." Samantha was bored and tossing food to the well-fed carp in the gazebo, each one plump from frequent feedings. After finishing the feeding, she felt aimless and decided to walk around. Unexpectedly, a merle Border Collie dashed toward her. She instinctively stepped back, but the Border Collie stopped at her feet and sniffed around her. She froze instantly, too afraid to move. "Woof! Woof!" The Border Collie circled around, barked at her, then rubbed its head against her legs. "Huh?" She expected the dog to be aggressive, but it was actually well-behaved. As the Border Collie stayed near her, Samantha's fear melted away. She crouched down and began to stroke the dog's irresistibly soft and fluffy coat, reveling in the delightful sensation. She glanced toward the backyard. Though the area was close to it, she was sure it didn't belong there. This dog seemed calm and well-mannered, nothing like the fierce one Layla had mentioned. Feeling at ease, she petted it confidently. "Buddy, what's your name?" "Woof!" "You're so beautiful." "Woof!" "Buddy, how about a handshake?" To her surprise, the dog lifted its paw. Samantha reached out and shook it, unable to contain her admiration for the Border Collie's remarkable intelligence. "Who gave you permission to touch it?" The chilling voice shattered the cozy moment between Samantha and the dog. It startled her so profoundly that she instinctively pulled back her hand and turned around. A man stepped forward against the light, the sunlight outlining his tall, slender frame in a striking silhouette. Though his features remained partially obscured, his magnetic presence kept her eyes locked on him. "I'm sorry," Samantha said, rising to her feet. It was only then that she got a clear view of him. It was Leonardo. Layla mentioned that she had never seen him around before. She wondered what could have brought him back so unexpectedly. Her beautiful face drained of color, and she nervously bit her lip before turning away. She was determined to avoid making eye contact. "Did I scold you? You seem quite distressed." "No." Samantha's response was unconvincing. It was clear that he was reprimanding her, yet she didn't dare to admit it. "Did you wash your hands before petting the dog?" Leonardo asked, trying to explain his earlier words. "Stone is old and easily gets sick." "I washed my hands before drinking coffee," she replied with a hint of guilt, then glanced at him. "Does that count?" Leonardo found her adorable expression amusing. He softened his voice. "Wash them again." "Got it. I'll wash my hands right away." Samantha promptly rushed to wash her hands, diligently scrubbing them with soap before returning. Leonardo lounged casually on the lawn, one leg bent while the other stretched out. He tossed a ball back and forth, playing with Stone. Stone had been obedient until Samantha's arrival. The moment it spotted her, it abandoned Leonardo without hesitation, dashing toward her. It jumped up, lifting its head eagerly, waiting for a pat. Leonardo was speechless. Samantha knelt beside Stone, softly running her fingers through his soft fur. Its excitement was simply irresistible. Suddenly, Stone turned and bounded back toward Leonardo. He smiled and remarked, "Ah, so you finally remember me!" Stone leaped in front of Leonardo, urging him to throw the ball. Without hesitation, Leonardo threw it, and Stone jumped up and caught it flawlessly. Samantha cheered enthusiastically beside them. "Good job, buddy!" Leonardo smirked, certain Stone would return the ball to him. However, it made a smooth turn and trotted straight to Samantha without so much as a backward glance. In the end, it delivered the ball to her instead. Leonardo was taken aback, feeling utterly foolish at that moment. Samantha felt slightly awkward after receiving the ball. The dog's owner was still present, and the situation made it appear as though she was taking his place. She turned to Leonardo, silently asking for permission. Leonardo nodded. "Just throw it like I did." Samantha mimicked his actions and tossed the ball. Stone caught it effortlessly each time, even displaying various techniques. It seemed to show off his catching skills like a cocky kid. Leonardo commented, "Stone usually keeps its distance from strangers, but it seems to stick close to you." Samantha casually ran her fingers through Stone's fur, and it beamed with joy, even leaning in closer to her. It hardly seemed like a shy dog at all. "Oh? It seems pretty friendly to me." Leonardo sat nearby, watching the scene with a soft gaze. The usual stress from work seemed to melt away at this moment, leaving him feeling refreshed and at peace. At first, he had been annoyed that Adrian had brought the woman to stay at his villa, which was why he had avoided visiting. But today, as he happened to pass by, he decided to stop in to see Stone and unexpectedly ran into her. He felt that it seemed acceptable to have her in his life. Just as this thought crossed his mind, a woman in a sexy suspender dress and delicate makeup appeared on the lawn. Her dress swayed in the breeze, making her look enchanting. "Mr. Garrett, you're back!" Layla hurried over from afar and crouched beside Leonardo, gently taking hold of his arm. "I was busy a moment ago and couldn't greet you right away. You're not upset with me, are you?" Leonardo frowned, his displeasure evident. He pulled Layla's hand off his arm in disgust. "Who are you?" "I'm Layla Hamilton." Leonardo recognized the name. She was the woman Adrian had brought home for him. "Then, who is she?" Layla looked at Samantha and explained with a smile, "She is a friend I invited over for a visit."