Is this destiny?

Samantha saw that Merve is chatting with that Rebecca person. Are they friends? It seems so. Samantha scowled. She never heard of the Casano family. It seems that Gabriel picked up a nobody.

The more Samantha thought about it, the more upset she was.

Why do random girls with shady background get to sit at the main table, while she is shunned at the far edge? Where is justice? She is a Long, damnit! Why is she treated as an outsider in her own family?

Corey is right there, looking more dashing than ever before, yet his eyes are stuck on Merve, and Samantha even saw him smiling at Becca. What the hell?

If Merve is not there, Samantha would get her chance to approach Corey on her own territory. She would use the excuse of showing him around, and who knows… maybe they end up in her room? It\'s such luck to have him on her turf, surrounded by her family, in an environment where she could play the role of a host, but with Merve around, Samantha has no way to reach him.

Samantha was confident that if Corey is her boyfriend, everyone would be super-supportive, and she would be sitting at that main table now, exchanging pleasantries with the patriarch and the Smiths. Even Jeffrey White would have to acknowledge her presence, just how he is talking to Merve and Becca.

Unfortunately, Corey Smith was always out of reach for Samantha. At school, he was not interested in hanging out with girls, and Samantha assumed that it\'s because he was focused on his studies. During a few events that were organized by the school, Corey would always hang out with guys, and she didn\'t get a chance to attend the same parties he did outside the school setting. And then, there was the prom. When he ignored invites of numerous girls who came to him with requests to go to the prom together, Samantha assumed that Corey will come with his buddies, but he showed up with Merve and it only went downhill from there. Corey came to the events hosted by the Long family only two times, and both of those times he came with Merve. Samantha felt that bad luck is following her, and the name of that bad luck is Merve!

Samantha was confident that Merve is an odd case, but now that Becca appeared, Samantha realized that there is more than one Cinderella. And even Emma married Charlie Smith without any background! How is that possible? How can she accept that? Samantha never wanted an upgrade, she only wanted what rightfully belongs to her! But as the time passed, she was losing her standing and her every next day was worse, and these nobodies who are sitting at the main table are like salt that is dripping on her open wound.

As the lunch progressed, anger and jealousy simmered in Samantha and she felt like she is about to blow up.

When the dessert was served, Steve wanted to use this chance to talk to the guys gathered before they start walking around and mingling.

"We are still recuperating from the effects of the attacks that happened two months ago, and even though we avoided major losses, I feel that we are vulnerable. I would appreciate it if you can join me in the study to discuss some strategies, and maybe collaboration.", Steve said to Jeff, Charlie, and Gabriel.

"Aiden should attend such discussion and he is not here.", Jeff stated the fact. "Michael can represent him as he knows everything about our resources…"

It is not uncommon for the guys to step away from the party and lock themselves in the study for an hour or two during these events. Mixing business and pleasure comes naturally because they have business ingrained in every aspect of their lives.

Gabriel never thought much about going with the guys and leaving his date (aka Victoria) on her own, but he didn\'t want to leave Becca\'s side. "Can we do that some other time?"

Bridgette noticed Gabriel\'s reluctance and she guessed the reason behind it. "Don\'t worry about Becca. We will keep her safe."

Hearing Bridgette\'s words, Charlie understood the situation. It was not that far back when he needed to protect Emma from his malicious relatives. He spoke to Corey: "It would be good if you join us as well, and Merve can give Becca company. They are getting along well."

"Yes, yes.", Merve immediately confirmed. "It\'s not my first time here, and I can show her around." She looked at Becca. "What do you say?"

Becca was grateful for Merve\'s offer and everyone\'s concern. She saw that Gabriel is looking at her with anticipation and she nodded at him to go. She was nervous as hell, but she didn\'t want to be perceived as the one who is holding him back.

Gabriel leaned close to Becca and spoke only for her to hear: "Keep your phone handy. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, give me a call and I will be right there." He didn\'t wait for Becca to respond, as he kissed her on the cheek and moved away.

With that, Steve, Jeff, Charlie, Gabriel, Michael, and Corey left their seats and went inside the villa.

Since Michael and Gabriel left, Oni took a seat where Gabriel was previously, flanking Becca from the other side as they enjoyed the tasty fruit cake.

Oni didn\'t mind sitting at any of the tables, but Sarah told all of them from the Cliffside Villa that their mission is to ensure that no one bullies Becca.

When Bridgette shared with Sarah during yesterday\'s brunch, that she is planning a big party for Gabriel to introduce Becca, Sarah was concerned because she knows how malicious people can be. The older generation will scrutinize the lack of Becca\'s status, and the younger one will look down on Becca as not worthy, and no one will bother with getting to know her as a person or to think why Gabriel decided to date her. Every newcomer gets such a treatment in a family like Longs and it takes thick skin, quick wits, and sometimes more than that to fight them off, and Becca is a gentle soul who wouldn\'t hurt a fly. That is why Sarah told Bridgette that kids from the Cliffside Villa should attend as guests, but they are actually Becca\'s security.

Becca thought that Oni is a good friend as well. They have in common that they are dating guys with a big age gap. That should count for something.

Becca was tense because Gabriel left, but she was also glad that now everyone here knows that she is with Gabriel. Gabriel told her that he is divorced and that there is no need to hide, but somehow she still felt like they are hiding in the closet. But not anymore.

Having Merve and Oni next to her and a bunch of other kids from the Cliffside Villa present made the whole situation more bearable.

In Becca\'s opinion, there was only one more thing to do: meet Gabriel\'s parents. But that will need to wait for Gabriel to return.

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