Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Hold me tight
She took a deep breath and continued her story. "My parents said, 'Do you think you're responsible? Or are you saying we're irresponsible?' I didn't understand it then, but later I realized how much pain my actions caused them. There's no way to repay your parents with money. The only way to repay them is by taking on the responsibility they've carried for you."
Divya's voice cracked as she faced Sam. "I'm their only child. How could I just abandon my responsibility to them and live a carefree life with you?"
Sam looked at her, his heart heavy but his expression calm. "Divya, do you really think I don't understand?" He turned his gaze to the sky, his voice steady. "I'm proud of you for choosing your family. That's exactly why I love you. I chose you because of the strength of your character. As for your worries, leave everything to me. I'll take care of it all."
Divya, overcome with emotion, reached out and clutched his hand, her tears falling freely now, "I just don't want to become burden."
Without a word, Sam pulled her into his embrace, holding her close as they made their way back to the car while whispering in her ear, "You are not burden, you are my strength."
Carefully, he helped her into the front passenger seat, then slid into the driver's seat. Tossing the blanket into the back, he rested her head gently on his shoulder, stroking her hair. "I can counter any problem," he murmured. "If you are with.."
Before he could finish, Divya pressed her lips against his, catching him completely off guard. For a brief moment, Sam's eyes widened in surprise, but soon he melted into the kiss, his heart swelling with love.
Later, with her head resting gently on Sam's shoulder, Divya whispered softly into his ear, "Sam, you know I'm stubborn, but my feelings for you are real. Even if we argue in future, I just don't want anyone else involved."
Sam patted her head affectionately, his voice calm. "You don't have to worry about that. There won't be any arguments in future."
She looked up at him, her eyes searching. "Won't you ever get angry with me?"
"No. Never," he replied, his tone firm yet tender.
"Hold me tight."
Though Sam had never been in a relationship before, he understood human nature well enough. "You don't need to feel insecure," he assured her, wrapping his arms around her. "If anything, I should be the one feeling insecure, worried that someone might steal my amazing secretary."
Divya chuckled softly, the tension easing. "Don't you realize how perfect you are?"
Sam smiled, patting her head once more. Then, playfully, he leaned in and lightly nibbled her ear. "Don't you realize how perfect you are? From my perspective, you're flawless," he whispered, adding with sincerity, "I accept everything about you."
A faint smile tugged at her lips as she glanced down, noticing the delicate locket around her neck. "Sam?"
Gently kissing the top of her head, he replied, "I know it's probably not the right time to talk about this, but..." He took her hands in his. "This locket is customized. Inside is a figure of the two of us. But the most important thing is, I don't want you to ever take it off."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "We haven't even made any announcements yet, and you already—?"
He playfully flicked her forehead. "Silly! Do you think this is just a regular locket?"
"Ouch!" she exclaimed, rubbing her forehead. Examining the locket closely, she murmured, "It's beautiful, and yes, I can see the figure of us inside, but wait…" Her voice trailed off as she examined the material more carefully. "I've never seen anything like this. Is this a new kind of material?"
Sam was momentarily taken aback by her keen observation but quickly regained his composure. "Didn't I tell you how amazing you are? Your sharp mind never fails to impress me."
She playfully pointed at him. "You! You've turned everything into an excuse to flirt!" She gave him a light pat on the shoulder, laughing.
"Okay, okay! I surrender!" Sam said dramatically, holding up his hands in mock defense. Gently, he scratched her nose before explaining, "You're right. It is a new material, but only I can produce it." Pointing to the locket, he added, "You might not guess it, but even the richest people couldn't afford this."
Before Sam could finish, Divya slipped the locket from her neck and held it out to him. "Sam, I don't need something so expensive. Your care is more than enough for me. Besides, I read that the Curious Research Institute needs funding for—"
Before she could finish, Sam gently placed the locket back around her neck. "Divya, do you really think your husb—," he coughed and corrected himself, "I mean, your partner is incapable?"
A faint smile appeared on her face as she teasingly wondered, Did he almost say 'husband'?
"No, no, that's not what I meant," she replied with a soft wave of her hand.
"I know," Sam said, giving her a reassuring look. "But you can trust me. I'll handle everything." With a chuckle, he added, "I have a pretty good idea of who to drain for those funds."
"Then I'm reassured," she said, her eyes softening.
Sam decided to share something deeper. "Divya, I don't know what's going to happen in the next month, but I want to protect everyone I care about." He pointed to the locket. "This isn't just any locket—it's infused with supernatural energy," he said, patting her head gently. "It will neutralize any negative effects around you. You'll be safe."
Divya's eyes widened in disbelief as she glanced at the locket again. "Sam, I... I don't know what to say…"
He cut her off with a light kiss, silencing her with a gentle smile.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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