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10.32% Serendipity - A Chance Encounter / Chapter 39: I Feel So Useless (3)

Chapter 39: I Feel So Useless (3)

Samantha felt a sense of panic, Daniel was walking away... her hands trembled, "Y-you're leaving me? You're walking away?", Samantha couldn't control her emotions anymore, a tear fell from her eyes.

When Daniel saw this, he fought with all his might to prevent himself from running towards her and hold her in his arms. But he was feeling too hurt and angry so he stopped himself.

Daniel ran his hands on his face, he didn't want this to happen but he didn't think he could handle any more surprises like this in the future. Are they always going to be like this? Samantha keeping something from him and Daniel knowing about it when it has become a huge problem? His heart truly ached. He thought that their relationship progressed, but instead, he only felt that he wasn't trustworthy enough for Samantha to rely on him.

And with that thought in mind, he said, "I'm not leaving you Samantha, and I'm not walking away from you. I'm just... getting out of your way."

As soon as he finished talking, he turned around and left her office through the elevator. Samantha slumped on her chair as tears escaped her eyes in a steady stream. She was hurt that they had to argue like this and was feeling terrible that unknowingly, she had hurt Daniel.

No matter how smart she was, she thought that she was so stupid when it comes to relationships. Her thoughts brought her back to the time when Nathan broke up with her.

Back then when Samantha asked him why, he replied, "It's not that I don't love you anymore. But I feel like you don't need me. You're very independent and I respect that, that's one of the things I like about you... but I think that, it's also why we can't be together."

Nathan Yun loved Samantha but maybe because he was younger back then that he didn't think he's able to handle how capable she is. He felt so small even though he already passed the board, he felt like Samantha never needed him.

When Samantha thought about her past with Nathan and what's currently happening to her with Daniel, her heart ached some more. Was she really unlovable? Her thoughts ran wild as she continued to sob.

While Samantha was feeling desolate, her door opened and Hannah entered.

Hannah saw Samantha's state and she was shocked. Actually, when Daniel left about 20 minutes ago, he called Hannah and told her to go to Samantha and keep her company. He didn't say anything else and just hung up the call right after he spoke, but there was a hint of misery in his voice despite trying to sound emotionless. And with anything concerning her best friend, she would never think twice. So without delay, Hannah went to Samantha as fast as she could.

"Hey... what's wrong?"

Samantha probably didn't know that she had suppressed a lot of emotions within her that when she saw her best friend, she broke down.

Hannah embraced Samantha and let her cry. "It's okay... Shhh...", she repeatedly said.

Samantha cried for a few more minutes before she told Hannah everything that happened before she came.

Hannah knew very well that this was bound to happen in the future because no matter how much she tried to persuade Samantha, she just wouldn't listen to her.

Samantha's quite stubborn like that, once she has decided on something, nothing's going to shake her. Very rare were they able to influence her decisions.

---

Daniel came back to his company after he went to see Samantha. He rested his head at the back of his chair and closed his eyes. He was getting a headache. 'Was I too rough on her?'

After some time, a knock was heard from the door.

"Come in."

The door opened and Assistant Ahn walked inside his office. "President, these are some documents that need your signature."

Daniel nodded and received the folder. After signing the papers, he spoke, "Gather everything about Quantum Solutions."

Ahn already knew what his boss is asking him to dig up. "Yes, President.". He said before leaving the room.

The day was annoyingly long. Before Samantha left the office with Hannah, she had already instructed her assistant some things that they needed to do to take care of the problem. Alexander Li was busy trying to get everything that he can about Quantum. Although Samantha could just hack into their system, this won't be possible for now since they're also facing a software company. She knew they wouldn't be able to see any digital footprints.

Samantha drove the car with Hannah on the passenger's seat. She headed towards her brother's club, Zero Gravity.

As they were approaching the club, Hannah noticed the big sign outside her window. She was checking her emails and didn't notice that Samantha was heading towards Seo Joon's club.

"Uhhh... Why are we here?", she suddenly panicked.

"I feel like drinking."

"We can go to The Fortress!", Hannah spoke faster than she could think. She placed her hand over her mouth.

The Fortress is the name of Liam's club.

"Sorry, I spoke without thinking."

"Why don't you like it here?", Samantha found it weird that Hannah would pick other clubs than her brother's.

"It's not... that. Nevermind, Let's go inside."

When they got inside the club, the attendant recognized Samantha right away, thus she led both Hannah and her to a VIP room.

Samantha drank her frozen margarita. She started slow but then after her second glass, she ordered a couple of extra-boozy cocktail drinks. Her favorites: Zombie and Hurl Hurl. Hannah, on the other hand, is being responsible, she didn't drink too much today; she's determined to take care of her best friend.

Hannah had to go to the restroom so she left the private room for a bit and when she came back, she found Seo Joon sitting beside Samantha. She stopped but then walked towards the other end of the sofa away from him.

"It's been a while that I see you like this, Dopey. What's wrong?" he asked.

Samantha just smiled at him, she grabbed his brother's face and gave him a big smack on the cheek. "MWWAHH!!"

Her brother was surprised by his sister's weird action, "Eww. What's up with you!!", he said as he wiped his cheek.

Samantha tapped Seo Joon's face... "As long as I have you, as long as you don't leave me and just stay by my side. I'll be fine."

Seo Joon felt a prick in his heart, he doesn't like seeing his sister like this. "Was it Daniel?! Did that bastard hurt you? I swear!!", he said loudly.

Samantha held him back and shook her head while she smiled, "It's me. It's my fault.", she said as she patted her chest.

Seo Joon looked at Hannah and she raised her brows as if to say, 'Yup.'

After talking for a bit more, "Call me if you need anything. I'll drive you both home.", Samantha's brother said before he left.

"Hey han..", Samantha called her best friend after she took a sip from her glass of zombie.

"Yes?"

"Did something happened between you and Seo Joon?"

Hannah's eyes grew wide but quickly composed herself. "What?! Hehe.. why would something happen?", she downed her drink like she was very thirsty.

"Since you're not telling me, I'll just go and ask my brother then!", Samantha tried to stand up but Hannah held her hand.

"I... I'll tell you.", she said before she gulped.

----

Cho Corporation CEO office.

It's 9 in the evening and Daniel is still in his office. A knock on his door was heard and after his command, his assistant came inside.

"Boss, it's late. Are you not going to head home?"

Daniel checked his watch and sighed, "Go home. I'll stay here a bit more."

His brother came in when Ahn left, "Hey, wanna grab some drinks at The Fortress?"

"You go ahead, I still have some stuff to do."

Liam pursed his lips and turned around but decided to tell his brother what he wanted to say, "Bro, go easy on Samantha. She might have kept it from you but I'm sure she didn't mean to... hurt you or anything."

Even though Daniel didn't tell Liam what he was feeling, his brother understands the reason for his anger. Seeing that Daniel didn't respond to what he said, he closed the door and left.

Daniel stood up and walked over to a counter where a crystal decanter is placed. He poured himself a shot of whiskey and drank it in one go.

His phone beeped, it was a message from Seo Joon.

Seo Joon: [ I don't know what's going on between you two but you better fix it. ]

Seo Joon: [ She's at my club with Hannah. ]

Daniel pondered for a moment before he replied.

Daniel: [ Is she okay? ]

Seo Joon: [ She's drinking. I'll bring them home if you're worried about that. ]

Daniel no longer replied. He went back to his desk and started typing on his computer but after just a few seconds in, he stopped and got up from his desk. He grabbed his coat and headed downstairs.

When Daniel got in his Maybach, he drove towards Zero Gravity.


next chapter

Chapter 40: I Feel So Useless (4)

As he parked his car outside the club, he recalled about this afternoon's conversation with Samantha. He blamed himself partly because it could've been handled better. But he's just human, he wasn't perfect. His emotions got to him and he couldn't bring himself to just stand quietly at the side and do nothing. This is when he realized that maybe... Samantha means so much to him more than he thought. Because if not, even after all the incidents, he shouldn't be affected like this, right? If he didn't like her so much, he could've probably just ignored the things that have something to do with her.

So when he knew about it this afternoon, the things that he bottled up and decided to ignore before just exploded. But he didn't hate her, he couldn't hate her. He's just feeling hurt. Although it has just been a month since they dated, the emotions that he felt and is currently feeling isn't something that he can control. It's not as if he can dictate himself not to feel this and that. He is hurt, what can he do?

Thinking about it, he still understands her. Though not completely, he understands why she didn't want to burden others. Aren't most people like that? Sometimes even if he does not notice it, he's also like that. Disturbing his train of thoughts, his attention was brought to the noise by the club's entrance.

"Watch your step, sis.", Seo Joon said as he held Samantha up with her arm draped over his shoulder.

"Seriously, Samantha. Are you trying to kill yourself?", Hannah complained.

Samantha just beamed at her best friend.

Daniel Cho remained seated in his car and watched them from afar. At first, he opened his car door but then he closed it after a few seconds. He thought that maybe this is something that they both need.

When Seo Joon drove home, Daniel turned his car around and headed towards The Fortress. And when Liam saw his brother, he smirked. "Come, I'll treat you tonight."

"I'll take you up on that. Also, we need to do something tomorrow."

--

The next day at the Cho Corporation.

Assistant Ahn just entered Daniel's office and said, "Boss, everything's ready. Just waiting for your signal."

Daniel nodded, "Let's wait a little longer."

"Yes, Boss."

2 hours later, Liam came into Daniel's office with a tablet on his hand. "Look. It's time.", he said as he handed a tablet to Daniel.

Daniel read the article that was published by Trident's PR. It contained an explanation and proof to clear their name. At the end of it was a warning that they are going to take legal actions after a thorough investigation against the person who is slandering their company.

When Daniel finished, he turned to face Liam, "Execute the plan."

In Quantum Solutions Company, the CEO and some of his loyal employees were currently on a high thinking about all that they will gain once they successfully have their hands on the new project from Cho Corporation. They were pretty confident that they could win the bidding of the Cho corporation's project now that their competitors are in a bind. As they were in the middle of their conversation planning out their next course of action, the CEO's secretary came and told them about Trident's statement.

"What the hell is this? I thought everything is perfect? You said you'd take care of this?", CEO Nan yelled at one of his people.

The people in the meeting room all fell silent. They actually believed everything that Kevin had said and didn't think that he would be making up stories. They were so excited to topple their opponents over that they became idiots; idiots who didn't do any further investigation to make sure their information was true.

A few minutes later, one of the executives dashed inside the meeting room with a very horrified expression. "Sir,..."

"WHAT?!!", the CEO was already irritated because of the article from Trident earlier so his reaction was harsh.

"Sir, Cho Corporation has pulled out their investment on the new project and canceled all our collaborations with them."

The CEO stood up from his seat and stomped angrily, "What did you say?! How is that possible? That's a breach of contract! If they do that, they have to pay a lot of money!"

"S-sir... they just called. They said they don't care how much they have to pay. They want to sever ties with us."

The CEO's face paled. He immediately got out of his office and into his car. He drove towards Cho Corporation. When he got there, he was all sweaty and his appearance is disheveled. He was truly worried that he will lose his company.

When he got to the entrance, he walked hastily and asked the receptionist to see President Daniel Cho. The receptionist recognized the man before her and she was already briefed not to allow him inside.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Nan, the President is busy at the moment."

"B-but, this is something important, please tell him I'm here.", he said as he wiped his face with a handkerchief.

"President will not see anyone today. I apologize."

CEO Nan became nervous, but before he could say anything else, his secretary called him on the phone. "S-sir, Cho Corporation's PR released a statement. Take a look at their site."

He gulped and clicked on the link that he received, his eyes widened.

In the article were concrete pieces of evidence of Quantum Solutions' CEO and other executives involvement of underhand dealings, and immoral deeds towards their competitors. The statement says that Cho Corporation will not tolerate this, and the company doesn't want to be in any way associated with corrupt people.

After reading the article, the CEO noticed the stares around him. He was currently inside Cho Corporation's den and he's very humiliated. His business is finished. He did not only lose their chance to participate in the bidding process but he may also have to file for bankruptcy and most probably be thrown into jail; with Cho Corporation's influence, Quantum Solutions is beyond redemption.

CEO Nan quickly got into his car and sped off.

Meanwhile at the CEO office,

"Boss, CEO Nan was looking for you at the lobby. He ran away just now, I guess he has read the PR's statement."

Daniel was looking outside through his floor-to-ceiling glass window as he said, "Send someone to keep an eye on him."

"Yes, boss."

---

Trident Company.

Samantha was lying on the sofa with her arm covering her eyes when assistant Chen knocked,

"Madam, Vice President Li is here to see you."

"OK"

When Alexander entered her office, his nose scrunched, "Ooof! Rough night? You reek of alcohol."

Samantha didn't bother to greet him, her head was pounding like someone's trying to drill a hole. "Shhh... don't shout."

Samantha heard some footsteps and a sound of metal and glass clinking. She sensed a shadow hovering above her before she heard a cup being placed on the coffee table.

"Here, get up and drink this."

Though she was reluctant, she got up and sat properly. Alexander pushed the teacup gently towards her, "It's honeyed water. Finish it.", he said as he sat beside her.

Samantha picked up the cup and took a sip and as soon as she did, the aroma invaded her nose and the warm water relaxed her.

Alexander looked at Samantha from the side. He's been looking at her for years yet this is the most that he could do. His hand raised as if he wanted to pat her head but he retracted his hand when he realized what he was about to do.

He sighed before he said, "We don't need to find Minjae. It seems like Quantum will go bankrupt."

"What?"

Alexander showed the article from Cho Corporation's PR page and Samantha read it carefully.

"It's great timing actually, they probably noticed the bidding participants all had been having problems except for Quantum and decided to investigate on the matter. I heard when Cho Corp called off their collaborations with them, the CEO ran away. He might be in hiding somewhere, they won't trouble us now. Looks like an angel is watching over you, Sam."

Samantha was speechless, she knew how capable Daniel was but to witness it firsthand is still shocking; her admiration for him shot through the roof. Although they aren't in good terms because of what happened yesterday, she knew very well that he did this for her; and thus she was touched.

"Sam?"

Samantha snapped out of the daze and looked up at Alexander, "Huh?"

"I said an angel must be watching over you."

"Y-yeah."

Oh, he's an angel all right.

Samantha took out her phone, she thought about calling Daniel to thank him. But if she does that, would that mean she's surrendering? She's currently having an internal struggle, a part of her wants to go to him and make things better, admit that she's at fault and promise that she won't do it again but her evil side is preventing her to do that. 'He left, so why should I go to him?', despite knowing that she may have acted wrongly, she only did what she thought was right at that time. She's that kind of person, was she just going to change herself for a man? Was he worthy of her?

Another question is bugging her, 'Am I worthy of him?'

---------------

(A/N)

BTW, A big shout out to my big supporters and active readers :)

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CREATORS' THOUGHTS
NixxxiE NixxxiE

Ugh... I don't like seeing them like this, my heart hurts for them. T_T

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