I didn't dare look back as I left the room. All I heard were Tara's whimpers as the door closed behind me.

Samson and I stood right outside her bedroom. He commanded for me to follow him.

We walked downstairs to what could only be associated as his study. It was like a miniature library, organized and neatly adorned with small trinkets.

Samson locked the door and motioned for me to sit on a padded red chair. I did as he asked, and tried not to quake under his menacing mood.

He sat on the padded red chair across from me and stared at me. He said nothing, nothing at all. The man just stared at me with eyes that threatened to turn me into bow wow mutton.

At last, I collapsed under pressure and broke the silence.

"Sir, I'm deeply ashamed of what you had to witness and hope you will accept my sincerest apology."

He inhaled sharply and let out a huge exhale.

"All I ask is why? How long has this been going on?" I could tell he was trying his best to maintain his temper.

"It's been going on for about a week," I estimated. Truthfully, it was only six days. Damn, she really did move fast.

"I don't want you to think I'm one of those gal-sneakers who go from woman to woman," I continued. "No. I... I'm here because I've fallen in love with your daughter. Her beauty captivated me from the first time I laid my eyes on her. Since then, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I found out she felt the same for me. Please don't separate us. Your daughter means everything to me, and she would be heartbroken if you did so. I only ask for your blessing."

"Are you proposing to marry my daughter?" He asked calmly.

"Pardon?" I said, almost falling out of my seat. I laughed nervously. "It's too early for that. I meant- your blessing for us to be seen together as an unmarried couple... That is, until further notice."

Samson laughed good-heartedly and I let out a sigh of relief. I wouldn't die today.

"You seem like a polite gentleman," he pointed out.

Gentleman. Had he really forgotten? I'd made sure to finish buttoning up my shirt on the way to his study.

"Thank you sir," I laughed awkwardly.

"Though it won't be bad idea if you do decide to marry her soon," he winked.

I forced a smile. I'd only known her for a week. The truth was — is, I don't know if I'm in love or infatuated. All this mystery surrounding the Wakersfields has made me think twice about wanting to join in.

"I'll be sure to let you know if it happens," I assured him.

"When it happens," he nodded while grinning.

I laughed and nodded hesitantly, not giving a clear answer.

"Oh," I remembered. "I meant to ask you something."

"Yes?" He smiled.

Octavia had told me to fabricate a scene with a maid. I decided I might as well tell the truth, as I was beginning to gain Samson's trust.

"I accidentally wandered into a room.. and I came across a familiar portrait. I thought it was Tara, but I realized the woman in it was from an earlier time."

Samson's giddy expression shifted into a serious one.

"Do you know who she is? Or why she's not in the hall with everyone else?" I inquired.

Samson looked down, deep in thought.
Alas he looked up. His eyebrows were furrowed.

"She's an ancestor. I can't tell you her name."

"Why?" I leaned closer, though we were at least two feet apart.

Samson looked to left and right. I followed his gaze, but no one was in the room.

He leaned in too. "It's forbidden to speak her name."

"Who said that?"

"My father, his father, everyone before us and after her," Samson shook his head disapprovingly. "She harbored some sinful secrets."

"What secrets?" I ventured.

"Unspeakable secrets," he whispered.

I restrained myself from letting out a heavy sigh of frustration.

It was evident that I wouldn't find any answers from him. I'd have to return to Octavia and ask her herself. Unless...

"I overheard a maid here.. she mentioned a medieval woman who fell in love with another wo-"

Samson's eyes widened and he hushed me loudly.

"You shall not speak of her past either," he warned.

My heart sank. Had this woman really been disowned by all her descendants? I couldn't help but feel empathy. Is this the fate I would suffer? Disowned by my father I already am, but to be disowned by my mother and sister...

I stood up. "Would you look at the time? I think I've outstayed my welcome."

He stood up as well. "Nonsense! You're welcome anytime. Now that you'll be courting my Tara, feel free to visit whenever you like." He winked.

"Thank you sir," I laughed. "You won't have to worry about me sneaking in."

"Good," he grinned. "Let me show you out."

...

And that was how I got on Samson's good side.

From my investigation, I had Tara and Jeffrey confess the fact that Tara had other men over. However, she claims they all came before I did.

Samson revealed that to speak Octavia's name was taboo. Later, I'll ask her to explain where her first son or daughter came from. I'm curious whether the father was a human or a vampire.

It may seem a tad suspicious of me to be packing my bags right after Samson speculated I might be intending to marry his daughter. However, I'm only visiting for two days to tell them of my great fortune. Also, I do miss my mother and sister dearly.