Blackmailed Merger

by Kelly, Marie

Sam looking in the mirror had not been able to hold back her own smile. The dress was stunning. The fitted bodice showed off her slim frame, the cut-away neckline revealing her milky skin, a small strap on her upper arm of embroidered lace, so delicate in its design. The long skirt had fallen out from her waist and as she had moved, the long train had followed her and for the first time Sam really had felt like a bride, feeling the tears coming to her own eyes, Bella rushing forward to hug her.

  “It is perfect......it is you” she had declared as Sam had been only able to nod, her eyes unable to move from the dress she wore. Bella had quickly found the owner, organising for the minor alterations to be done that day and matching the dress with shoes and a veil, Sam not wanting a tiara, but instead settling for a headdress which floated over her long hair. She was so glad to have Bella there, knowing that she was the closest thing to a sister she had ever had, happy to have her there to share in the whole experience with her, and giving her an unexpected hug she had made the other girl laugh.

  The night before the wedding Dante had declared that as was customary, he would not be staying at the apartment, but would stay at a hotel, flashing a grin at Bella.

  “Also I believe that it is customary for the groom to spend time with the best man, doing best man’y things”.

  While Bella had giggled, Sam had looked down at her feet, not wanting to seem interested in where he was going, knowing that she had made it very clear to him on their second meeting that as far as she was concerned he could do what he wanted, but feeling the tightening of her gut at the thought of it. Since their lunch together at the beginning of the week, Sam had noticed that whenever Philippe’s name was mentioned her friends would go quiet, often blushing slightly, fobbing her off as to how the lunch had gone.

  That morning Bella, who had been staying with her that night had burst into the room, her eyes shining nearly as brightly as her smile

  “Wakey wakey....it’s wedding day” she had laughed parading comically around the room humming the wedding theme as she had mimicked a royal bride, waving delicately to Sam, who had laughed back flinging a pillow at her. To her surprise she had slept well that night with no dreams to disturb her much-needed rest. With a sigh she had pushed back the covers of Dante’s bed, having moved into his bed the previous night so as not to make Bella suspicious of the fact that the two till that night had slept in separate beds. With a frown she had wondered if being in his bed had given her the first good night’s sleep since she had arrived, chiding herself that it was more likely his non presence in the apartment.

  True to his word he had not even attempted to persuade her into sleeping with him “to catch up” as he had put it only a few weeks previously, and Sam had told herself that she was pleased with this, not prepared to admit to the many times she had kicked herself for her lustful thoughts. He had ensured that they were not alone for long, moving straight into his room after returning from the events they had attended every night since they had announced their engagement. As he had predicted the press had indeed bayed for a story, and she had been glad that she was able to hide inside his well protected apartment. While he had been aloof, but polite, there had been times when she had caught him watching her with a look which had sent tremors through her body. Sam once more reminding herself that this was Dante, the man who had so nearly destroyed her life, the memories of the past pulling her through keeping the anger warm in her belly.

  Bella had grabbed her hand, pulling her into the kitchen, where Sam had smiled warmly seeing the assortment of breakfast dishes, sinking down into the comfortable chair and eaten some delicious eggs and salmon. While she felt nervous and sick at what was to come, she had known that without eating something she might actually be sick, Bella laughing telling her horror stories of brides not so wise, Sam finding herself in hysterics really enjoying their time together. As the two women had eaten, Bella had pulled out a large envelope handing it to Sam.

  “Kate asked me to give you this, but only on the morning of your wedding” flashing her a large grin. With a start of surprise and delight she had taken it, both she and Bella so disappointed when she had been unable to attend the wedding due to being seven months pregnant and unable to fly, both Bella and Sam so happy for her. Kate had been upset that they would not delay the wedding for six months or so, laughing as Sam had replied “erm......nooo”

  Tearing open the envelope she had gasped at the most beautiful garter belt which had fallen out, heavily laced with silk ribbon holding the delicate accessory together, so chic not like one of the many store sold ones, Sam instinctively knowing that Kate, a gifted seamstress had made it herself.

  “Oh My God” Bella had mouthed.

  “That is beautiful”.

  Lifting the letter she had smiled gently reading Kate’s wishes for her, telling her how much she missed not being there and telling her how much she loved her, Sam feeling the small tear in her eye. Reading the PS at the bottom she had given out a laugh, nodding.

  “What did it say?” Bella had chuckled as Sam had handed it to her. Reading the final line she too had laughed nodding her head.

  “Yep, she was right...we did both forget the garter” both girls feeling their spirits rise, before Bella had leapt to her feet.

  “OK bridezilla, enough we have a BIG day ahead of us”.

  That morning and afternoon the time had flown past. The girls had to have their hair and make-up done with Bella not only organising the wedding, but also being the maid of honour. She had spent much of the time on the phone to her assistant, going over and over details, until Sam had thrown her hands up.

  “Bella, Stop!”.

  Her friend looking at her in surprise

  “She is more than capable; you are going to have the poor girl a nervous wreck”.

  Bella chuckling as she had hung-up nodding.

  “I guess you’re right”.

  Finally home, Bella had been the first to get ready, Sam telling her how lovely she looked in the stunning gold cocktail dress that they had chosen for her to wear, neither girl liking the frumpy bridesmaids dresses many had to endure. Next it was Sam’s turn to get ready, and as she had risen to change the door bell had rang, Bella moving to answer it. She had returned carrying a large arrangement of flowers with a card and two long boxes, Bella smiling widely.

  “From Dante” she had grinned, placing the beautiful flowers on the table before handing the other items to a surprised Sam. Opening the card she had read his words.

  Thank you for bringing such joy to my life.

  Bella had clapped her hands, sighing romantically as she had read it. Sam had not been prepared to tell her the true meaning behind the words, that finally he had the company that he had always wanted, her father’s. Opening the first box she had groaned, tentatively lifting from it a diamond bracelet, Bella “oooing” at how beautiful it was. The second bigger box had seen Bella smiling widely at her.

  “I helped pick it” she had declared happily, as Sam could only stare at the diamond encrusted necklace with the solitaire drop, knowing that it was both incredibly expensive and also perfect for her dress.

  “I...I ...don’t know what to say” she had finally muttered, her eyes taking in the way the exquisite piece of jewellery had caught the light. Bella was excitedly jumping from foot to foot.

  “I know............ are they not the most beautiful things?” she had chuckled.

  “Dante came to me and wanted some help choosing.........it has been so hard not to tell you” she had laughed, seeing Sam’s surprised look.

  “Dante came to you?” she had queried, seeing as her friend had nodded her head laughing.

  “Yep.......you are sooooooooo lucky” she had chucked, taking the items from Sam.

  “But now ........move it and get ready”.

  The trip in the limousine had been when nerves fully took hold of Samantha, the whole thing seeming so surreal to her. She was having the wedding of her dreams marrying the one man in the world she h
ad ever loved, and yet sadness had filled her with how twisted it all actually was.

  She knew that her father was waiting for her at the other end, Dante insisting that he be the one to walk her down the aisle, the press eating up the whole thing. She had read the stories of how true love had brought together two great corporations and mended the divide between father and daughter, Sam feeling so sick at the time, as Dante had insisted on Daniel playing a role in the wedding.

  As she had stepped from the car, Daniel Trey had stepped forward taking her hand. She had seen the approval in his eyes, so different from the last time she had seen him at a party four years ago. Together the two had taken their place at the top of the aisle within the church, Bella appearing behind her as she had sorted out the skirt, fluffing it to ensure that it would flow well as she walked. She had given Sam a “good luck” grin as she had then taken her place in the procession.

  Hearing the music start to play, Daniel Trey had moved forward, Sam on his arm the wedding march playing loudly in the wonderful area. She could hear the exclamations of approval as they moved forward, her eyes solely focussed on the man stood at the end of the carpet, seeing as he had stood with his back to her, his head slightly raised as though looking at the many saints delicately chiselled into the stonework. Beside him Philippe was glancing around, a big grin on his face, as he had seemed to be whispering to the man beside him.

  Finally taking her place, Dante had turned, feeling the flip flopping of his stomach. So sure of everything, so used to dealing with heads of state and other powerful figureheads, this day had floored him, nerves making his hand shake slightly, frowning not understanding his feelings. He had orchestrated everything leading up to this day, and soon would see his dream come true. Soon he would be the head of the biggest corporation of its type in the world. Sensing Sam beside him, he had finally turned to look at the woman who had made this all possible, his eyes wide with wonder.

  As they had stopped the Minister had asked who gave this woman, Daniel Trey stepping forward, a look passing between the men as he had placed her hand into Dante’s, Sam once more feeling like a pawn in the vendetta between these two men who were destroying her life, but feeling emotions flooding through her. Looking at Dante, she had seen the way he had looked back, the glow in his eyes so familiar to her. This was the man she had loved so many years ago, the man she had dreamt of marrying, the man who had hurt her more than she would ever have thought possible. As he had taken her small hand, she had been astonished to feel his shaking slightly, even more surprised as he had moved closer whispering to her.

  “You look so beautiful”.

  This making her smile up at him, her heart filling with warmth as she had mouthed gently to him “thank you” his smile widening.

  The rest of the service had progressed in a daze for Sam as they had read the traditional vows, Sam finding herself watching Dante, seeing how handsome he looked in his wedding suit, with the gold vest, Sam knowing that Bella had ensured that all of the party matched. As they had been declared husband and wife she had expected a small kiss from him, but was surprised as he had pulled her harder to him kissing her fully on the lips, Sam feeling herself mould into him as she had given a soft sigh. Pulling back his eyes had glowed so brightly, his focus fully on her as hers was on him. It was only the sound of the music that had seen them both laughing nervously and pulling back from the other.

  After they had signed the relevant documents the two had moved back down the aisle, this time her husband holding her hand as both of them had smiled and waved happily to the many people sitting in the congregation. Behind her Sam had noticed that Philippe had taken Bella’s hand, also noticing with a grin that the other girl had only smiled at him.

  Finally in the limousine the two had been alone for the first time, both sitting back against the seat exhaling with relief. With a laugh he had turned to look at her, his eyes taking in the lovely woman beside him.

  “That was........intense” he had chuckled as she had nodded in agreement, giving a small smile.

  “Yes it really was” her voice tinged with a little sadness.

  Dante had looked over at Samantha, his wife, the thought suddenly causing a small lump in his throat. She looked incredible, enveloped in the ivory satin, her bejewelled auburn hair framing her lovely face. Looking at the necklace which sat on her throat, he had inwardly thanked Bella for picking such a perfect accessory. Moving his hand he had lifted her fingers, seeing as she had looked over in surprise, not pulling away from him as she had the first time they had met again. He had entwined their fingers to admire the two gold bands they now wore, seeing as she had done the same, before more seriously he had looked into her lovely green eyes.

  “Will this be so bad Sam?”

  He had surprised her, her face showing that surprise.

  “I will make a good husband to you”.

  Samantha had fidgeted nervously, an almost mournful look coming to her eyes.

  “When we were first together Dante, I loved you. I loved you with all my heart, and you broke me. You used me and are continuing to use me, so please do not do this”.

  He had sat silently watching her, seeing an almost grim determination in her before sighing again.

  “I was wrong all those years ago Sam, but in some way good came out of it”.

  Seeing the disbelieving look on her face he had continued.

  “If I had not done what I did then, we would never have met, and I know it was wrong but I still can’t help be pleased that we did meet”.

  He had seen the shadow pass her eyes pressing on.

  “Truth is Sam that I had never been happier than when we were together, and there were many times I wanted to come after you”.

  Giving a small self-deprecating laugh

  “But I was too stubborn, too sure that I was right...even though I knew I wasn’t”.

  Sam had looked down at their hands once more, confusion on her face Dante holding his breath with expectancy, before something seemed to cross those lovely eyes, some memory that had seen her pull her hands from him, her eyes once more hardening.

  “Please do not do this. We have an agreement and the bottom line Dante is that this whole marriage has nothing to do with you wanting to be with me. It has everything to do with you wanting my father’s company. You have chosen your company at the cost of your own child, so please.....do not romanticise this whole thing”.

  Sam had been surprised to see a hurt look on his handsome face, for some reason feeling the need to offer the smallest of olive branches.

  “However... for our time together I would prefer that we were not constantly at each other’s throats”.

  Her eyes darting back to his, seeing as he had nodded softly, an almost determined look coming to his face.

  “I can take that as a start” he had replied softly, his mouth curving into a gentle smile.

  Chapter Six

  The rest of the day had passed quickly; with the two slipping comfortably into their new ceasefire. After the wonderful meal Philippe had everybody laughing with his stories of his and Dante’s childhood. Sam once more aware of how Bella sat beside him seeming so happy to be there, also taking in the way that he had looked at her throughout the night, his eyes full of such warmth.

  Finally it was time to leave and Sam had slipped into the room provided for the two, quickly changing into a soft silver blue suit which Bella had insisted she buy, despite that fact that it cost more than she normally made in a month. After throwing the bouquet to the many women who had gathered, Dante had taken her hand and hugging Bella tightly the two had left the reception, many paparazzi still clicking pictures of the couple. In the car Sam had peeked over at Dante.

  “So....where are we going?” she had queried, seeing as his lips had twitched gently. For the two weeks she had been there neither he nor Bella had been prepared to tell her where they would be spending their honeymoon, Bella only smiling and sighing softly declaring it to be “so r
omantic”.

  “Well.......we have a flight, Philippe has leant us his private jet”.

  Sam laughing, “Wow, you two and your toys”.

  Seeing as he had grinned back, “Yep we have the spectrum pretty well covered “.

  “Then tomorrow...you will know” Smiling mischievously at her as she had given a sigh and a frustrated frown.

  “Won’t I find out when we take off?” she had finally stated thoughtfully, as he had shaken his head.

  “Nope they are under instructions not to tell” Sam groaning, but smiling in spite of herself.

  She had been amazed as they had driven up to Philippe’s plane. It was bigger than she had expected and on the inside there were couches and tables and what appeared to be a bedroom. He had helped her to fasten herself in as the plane had taken off.

  The two had shared a bottle of wine, watching a movie together, her choice making him groan as he had declared it to be a “chick flick” but settling in beside her to watch it anyway. It had been a long day, full of so many emotional changes and as the credits had rolled, Sam had found herself curl her feet up on the soft leather and yawning softly had gently slipped into a deep sleep, slowly falling against Dante.