The moment the words left the man''s lips, Samuel was the first to let out a sharp bark ofughter. He shot a look at Hannah, jerking his head toward the world- ss liar standing behind her.


    Hannah sighed and gave a helpless shrug, silentlymunicating that she didn''t understand how the man had such thick skin either. If it were her, she could never bring herself to say something so brazen. It just went to show, people destined for great things had a certain shamelessness about them; anyone else would have already found a hole to crawl into.


    Though Lionel couldn''t see their expressions, he could tell from their stifled movements that they were mocking him. He lowered his deep-set eyes, a flicker of irritation clouding his brow.


    "Ah, is that so? Well, you and Ms. Woods are a perfect match, truly made for each other. It''s only a matter of time, I''m sure. When the wedding bells ring, you must remember to send me an invitation!" the man said, offering onest sycophantic remark before scurrying away.


    Samuel had nned to ignore him, but the opportunity was just too good to pass up. He spun around, his voice dripping with faux sincerity.


    "Oh, Mr. Rosenberg! When you and Ms. Woods finally tie the knot and throw that grand banquet, you simply must invite me! I know we don''t know each other well, but I''m close with Hannah-I''m her cousin, you see. My sister and I will be sure to get you a huge gift. We wish you and Ms. Woods a lifetime of happiness and a whole brood of kids!"


    Samuel didn''t bother to lower his voice, and his announcement immediately drew the attention of those nearby, who swarmed over to offer their own congrattions.


    "This is wonderful news! Congrattions, Mr. Rosenberg!"


    "Yes, I heard rumors of your engagement to Ms. Woods three years ago. I can''t believe it''s really happening! You must let us share in your joy!"


    "Congrattions, Mr. Rosenberg! When is the big day?"


    "I saw all those videos of you two trending online. The love you have for Ms. Woods is impossible to hide. Anyone with eyes can see it!"


    "Absolutely!"


    Before Lionel could even process what was happening, he waspletely mobbed. The crowd pressed in, threeyers deep, all chattering excitedly, each person hoping to use this chance to get acquainted with him.


    Hannah watched the scene unfold, the chorus of congrattions sounding like a bitter mockery in her ears. Through a gap in the crowd she saw the helpless, cornered look on Lionel''s face. She felt no O sympathy for him, only a cold satisfaction. He deserve every second of this.


    This was the price he paid for refusing to make their marriage public. It was all his own damn fault.


    "Samuel, let''s go."


    With a dismissive smirk, Hannah turned and walked away, Samuel trailing behind her.


    "You got it, Hannah!" he said, grinning from ear to ear as he followed her to the


    car.


    Once they were settled in the back seat, Samuel couldn''t help but ask, "Hannah, are you mad at me for what I did back there?"


    Hannah shook her head. "Why would I be? Everything you said was the truth."


    Samuel crossed his arms, reying the scene in his mind. "It''s a shame, though," he mused. "I feel like I held back. I should have asked him why he didn''t lift a finger to help the Woods family when they were in troubles then could have brought up Sandra jumping off that building. That would''ve really made him squirm!"


    Although Hannah had only given him a brief overview of what Lionel had put her through, Samuel could seez the profound disappointment and heartache behind her calm


    ver


    demeanor. Only someone whose heart had beenpletely shattered could speak of such pain so matter-of-factly. He hadn''t known Hannah for long, but he understood the kind of person she was.


    "Don''t you worry, Hannah," he said, his voice firm. "I''m always on your side. If that bastard ever tries to give you trouble again, I swear I''ll help you beat the hell out of him. You can count on it."