Chapter 17 : Revelations Over Dinner Chapter 17 : Revelations Over Dinner ( Samantha's POV ) I watched as Hector froze momentarily at my pregnancy announcement , the Seahorse Corkscrew suspended in mid - air . His dark gray eyes widened slightly - the only visible reaction to my unexpected news . Then , with remarkable composure , he continued uncorking the bottle of Crimson Count Reserve . The cork came free with a soft pop . " Congratulations , " he said , his voice steady as he poured the deep crimson liquid into his glass . " This is wonderful news . " I nodded , suddenly feeling vulnerable . " Thank you . It's … very recent . " Hector set the wine bottle down and reached for a crystal pitcher . " Then spring water for you , " he said , filling a matching glass with crystal - clear liquid . " The purest in the Northern Territories . " He raised his wine glass , the ruby liquid catching the light . " To your long - awaited success . " The words hit me unexpectedly hard . Long - awaited indeed . Years of treatments , disappointments , and failures had preceded this miracle . I raised my water glass to meet his , fighting back the sudden burn of tears . " Thank you ." " I imagine this is bittersweet , " Hector observed , his perception cutting straight to the heart of my emotions . I took a sip of water to compose myself . " Yes . It should be the happiest moment of my life ." " And yet ? " he prompted gently . " And yet everything else is falling apart . " I set my glass down carefully . " The timing is … complicated . " Hector nodded , not pushing for details I wasn't ready to share . " Life rarely gives us perfect circumstances . " We ate in comfortable silence for several minutes . The food was exquisite - each bite perfectly seasoned and prepared with obvious skill . " This is incredible , " I said , genuinely impressed . " I had no idea you could cook like this . " His lips quirked in that almost - smile I was beginning to recognize . " There's a lot you don't know about me , Samantha . " After we finished the main course , Hector brought out a simple dessert of fresh berries with honey . The sweetness was exactly what I needed . " May I ask you something ? " I ventured , setting my spoon down . Hector inclined his head . " Of course . " " Why did you accept the role in the sequel to ' The Minister's Return ' ? " I asked . " You don't seem like someone who needs fame or fortune . " A flicker of surprise crossed his features . " You've done your research ." " I was curious about my co - star , " I admitted . " Though I still haven't decided if I'm taking the role . " Hector set his wine glass down . " Diana Grayson is my aunt . " " The director is your aunt ? " I blinked in surprise . " That explains a lot . " Chapter 17 Revelations Over " She's been ill recently ," he continued , his expression softening slightly . " The project means a great deal to her . " +15 Puntos I could hear genuine affection in his voice when he spoke of his aunt . It was the most emotion I'd heard from him all evening . " I didn't realize you had family in the film industry ," I said . " There's much about my family that isn't common knowledge , " he replied . " We prefer it that way . " I thought back to our first meeting four years ago . " When we worked together on that healing mission in the Southern Territory , you never mentioned any of this . " A hint of amusement touched his eyes . " You were quite focused on teaching me proper healing techniques . " " Was I that bossy ? " I asked , embarrassed by the memory .. " Confident , " he corrected . " You were vibrant , passionate about healing . Everyone respected your expertise . " His words transported me back to that time . I had been different then - more assured , more alive . Before years of fertility treatments and disappointments had worn me down . Before I'd slowly dimmed my own light to accommodate Ethan's growing shadow . " That feels like a lifetime ago , " I murmured . " The essence of who you are hasn't changed , " Hector said , his gaze steady . " It's merely been … subdued . " The observation was uncomfortably accurate . I glanced at my watch , surprised by how late it had grown . " I should be getting back . " " Of course . " Hector stood smoothly . " I'll have William drive you . " " That's not necessary , " I protested . " I can call a car service . " Hector's expression became firm . " I'm not letting a pregnant woman travel alone at this hour . " The protective tone in his voice was oddly comforting . He pulled out his phone and sent a brief text . " William will bring the car around in five minutes ," he said , returning the phone to his pocket . " Thank you for dinner , " I said sincerely . " And for listening . " " You're welcome anytime , Samantha . " His dark eyes held mine . " And please , treat me as you did before - when we worked as equals . " I smiled at the memory . " You mean when I corrected your bandaging technique three times in one day ? " " Four times , " he corrected , the corner of his mouth lifting slightly . " And you were right each time . " ( Hector's POV ) We stood in the foyer waiting for William to arrive with the car . Samantha looked more relaxed than when she'd arrived , though exhaustion still shadowed her eyes . " May I ask you something personal ? " she inquired suddenly . I nodded , curious about what she wanted to know . " Are you seeing anyone ? " The question was direct , her gaze steady as she waited for my answer . " No , " I replied simply . " I'm not attached . " The admission hung between us , charged with unspoken possibilities . 2/3 < Chapter 17 Revelations Over .. " This is a beautiful home , " she observed , glancing around . " But it must get lonely sometimes . " I considered her words carefully . " It used to . " " Used to ? " she echoed . " It doesn't feel lonely tonight , " I said , my eyes holding hers a moment longer than necessary . +15 Puntos ights swept across the driveway , announcing William's arrival . I opened the front door as the car came to a stop . carriage awaits , " I said , gesturing toward the sleek black vehicle . Samantha smiled - a genuine smile that reached her eyes . " Thank you for everything , Hector . " " The pleasure was mine , " I replied truthfully . I watched as William opened the car door for her . She slid gracefully into the backseat , her golden hair catching the moonlight . As the car disappeared down the driveway , I returned to the dining room . The table still held evidence of our meal - two plates , two glasses , the bottle of Crimson Count Reserve . I noted that Samantha had barely touched her food , despite her compliments on the cooking . Pregnancy often affected appetite , I knew . I picked up her water glass , still half - full , and finished the remaining liquid . An oddly intimate gesture , I realized too late . After clearing the table , I made my way upstairs to my bedroom . Opening the door , I was immediately enveloped by the lingering scent of her perfume filling the air . I stood motionless for a moment , absorbing the reality that Samantha Reed - the pregnant , estranged Luna of the Northern Territory - had slept in my bed just hours ago . The political implications were explosive . The personal implications , perhaps more so . I moved to open a window , then paused , my hand on the latch . After a moment's hesitation , I turned away , leaving the window closed and her scent undisturbed in the room .