Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

"Samantha?"

A flicker of suspicion crossed Effie's eyes as she glanced at Lyman. Could it be

that the Samantha Angelo mentioned was the very same Samantha she was thinking of?

Lyman nodded, confirming her guess. "That's right. Angelo's girlfriend is Samantha-the Oscar-winning actress. But they're keeping their relationship under wraps, so it's a secret."

Angelo shrugged. "It's not like I want to sneak around. It's just that Samantha's career makes things... complicated. I'm just going along with what she needs."

Lyman gave Angelo's shoulder a knowing pat. "I get it."

Angelo eyed him, not quite convinced. Did Lyman really get it? Still, there was something about Lyman's expression that made it hard to doubt him.

Angelo wanted to ask more, but Lyman was already leading Effie toward the private dining room.

The room was one Angelo had set aside for Lyman, Vinson Elliott, and a few of their close friends—a sanctuary where the guys usually met for meals. This was the first time Lyman had ever invited a woman up here.

Next time Effie wasn't around, Angelo decided he'd have to ask about it. How had someone as indifferent to women as Lyman ended up married, just like that?

He grinned to himself. Lyman and Effie's story had to be something epic-nothing less would explain how Effie managed to win over a guy like him.

of course, took its time, and with only Angelo manning the kitchen -he insisted on handling every dish himself the meal stretched well past lunchtime. By the time Effie finally left for

over.

they stepped outside, a striking woman approached, all elegance and poise— black-and-white polka-dot dress, a

Samantha's tone was bright and

her mind,

than on screen, her presence putting

Samantha rarely appeared on TV or at public events. She was in her forties now, already decorated with every award and accolade imaginable, and had

had

Lyman greeted her, "Samantha."

nodded back, her gaze curious as it

emerged from inside, beaming. "Hey, sweetheart,

introduce you the

Effie, Lyman's wife."

is

to meet you." Effie quickly reached out to shake her hand. "It's a pleasure, I'm Effie.”

at all—you're the real beauty here," Effie replied, cheeks flushing. Lyman chuckled. "Alright, that's enough mutual flattery. You're

Samantha exchanged an amused glance, both breaking

"I'm starving-I need to get something to eat

"Of course."