Chapter 19

After Lionel managed to remove all the online statements that smear Samantha, the matter with Lydia temporarily came to an end. He prepared two concert tickets, planning on taking Samantha out to relax. It was a summer night, and the open-air concert venue was a dazzling ocean where neon lights and starlight seemed to merge together. Samantha looked up to the stage where her favorite band was performing. The lead singer's husky voice felt like it reached straight into her heart. She hummed softly along with the melody. Her fingertips unconsciously tapped with the rhythm, and her face hadn't looked this relaxed in a long time. Lionel stood beside her, his gaze never leaving her. When fireworks blossomed across the night sky, he suddenly took her hand. His tone was gentle but resolute as he said, "Samantha, I don't want just to be your friend." Samantha froze and turned to meet his gaze. Lionel's eyes, which always seemed to carry a hint of mirth, were now looking at her seriousl