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Chapter 33: The Rift

Penulis: Author Jessica
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-14 12:50:03

Emma's Point of View

~~Flashback~~

I never thought love could hurt this much. Sitting in front of the mirror, towel wrapped around my damp hair, I tried to steel myself against the bubbling anger that refused to subside. Adrian’s footsteps echoed down the hall before the door creaked open, and the moment he walked in, I knew we weren’t going to have a peaceful night.

He strode into the room, his briefcase landing heavily on the bed. “Has it gotten to the point where you insult my mother now?”

I froze mid-motion, slowly lowering the towel from my hair. “What are you talking about?” My voice was steady, but my heart thudded in my chest.

“Don’t act like you don’t know!” he snapped, his hand slicing through the air. “You removed the cake slices my mother wanted just to spite her.”

My jaw dropped. “That’s what she told you?” I rose from my seat, incredulous. “Did she mention how it was Celia switched my choice of dessert, calling muffins low-class?”

Adrian’s laugh was bitter. “Who even use
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  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 34: Truth Revealed

    Adrian’s Point of ViewMy reflection staring back at me from the mirror wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped to see. My eyes were underscored by dark circles from nights of restless sleep, and the tension in my jaw felt permanent. I adjusted my tie, trying to focus on the day ahead, but my mind was somewhere else or rather, on someone else. Emma.For the past three days, the house had been like a graveyard. Her silence was deafening. I’d catch glimpses of her at a distance, always avoiding me. The space between us felt insurmountable, but I didn’t blame her. I knew I’d crossed a line, siding with my mother without hearing Emma out. I had let my own insecurities and misplaced loyalty blind me.As I grabbed my briefcase and stepped into the hall, I hesitated outside her door. Should I knock? Apologize? The words lingered on my tongue but never left my mouth. Coward. That’s what I felt like. With a sigh, I moved past, trying to shake off the nagging guilt that clung to me.Downstairs, the cook

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 35: Rekindled Love

    Emma's Point of ViewThe chill of the morning dew still clung to my skin as I stepped back into my room. I didn’t expect to find anyone there, let alone Adrian, waiting in my room like some brooding storm ready to unload its fury. The sight of him froze me in place. His disheveled hair, the crease in his shirt, he looked like a man who hadn’t slept a wink.But why would he care?I’d spent the morning sitting by Brandon’s grave, letting my tears mix with the cool earth as I whispered my fears to the only person who had never let me down. Brandon had been my anchor, my reminder that I was worth something even when the world made me feel like I wasn’t. But now? Adrian’s actions, his easy belief in his mother’s lies, had left me adrift.“Emma,” Adrian’s voice cut through the haze of my thoughts.“What are you doing in my room?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.Without answering, he closed the gap between us and, before I could pull away, wrapped me in his arms. The embrace ca

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 36: Head Over Heels

    Emma's Point of ViewI woke up to the steady rhythm of Adrian's breathing, his chest rising and falling beneath my cheek. This had become my favorite way to start the day, wrapped in his warmth, feeling his arm draped protectively around me. But today wasn't the day to linger. The memory of last night's passion brought a small smile to my lips, but the responsibilities of the day ahead tugged me out of bed.Sliding out carefully so as not to wake him, I padded over to the closet and pulled out a navy-blue sleeveless dress. It was sharp, professional and confident, the energy I needed for today's interviews. Pairing it with a black blazer, stilettos, and my favorite shoulder purse, I laid everything out neatly before heading to the shower.The warm water cascaded over me, but my mind was already racing. This wasn't just about finding the right candidate, it was about proving myself worthy to Adrian, to his mother, and most importantly, to me. I had to get this right.When I stepped out

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 37: Sabotaged

    Emma’s Point of ViewTonight was supposed to be perfect.Standing before the mirror as the stylists worked their magic on me, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far I’d come. The Steele Charity Ball had always been a highlight of the year, a grand event where the city’s elite gathered to flaunt their wealth under the guise of philanthropy. I’d attended the ball three years in a row as an employee, a mere assistant relegated to the shadows. But this time? I wasn’t just attending, I was running the whole thing as Adrian Steele’s wife.The thought filled me with a heady mix of pride and nerves. Adrian’s support had been unwavering, even when his mother, Evelyn, had thrown a fit about me taking over her long-held position as the event organizer. Adrian had stood firm, demanding she step aside. The memory of his defense warmed me, but Evelyn’s parting words lingered like a shadow: “You won’t last, dear. This world will eat you up alive.”A sharp ringing interrupted my thoughts. I reached fo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-16
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 38: The Game Begins

    Emma's Point of ViewAs I approached Adrian, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor, I felt the weight of a thousand gazes. Adrian still engrossed in his conversation as he hadn't noticed me approach them. Celia's hand was looped around his, the sight sent a ripple of irritation through me.This was what she wanted. For me to cause a scene. To look unhinged and petty in front of these people. No, I wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. Squaring my shoulders, I plastered a dazzling smile across my face and cleared my throat as I stood behind them“Good Evening Babe,” I said sweetly, my voice cutting through the murmurs around us like a polished blade.Adrian’s head whipped around, and the instant our eyes met, I saw the longing in his gaze. It was as though he wanted to sweep me into his arms and lose himself in me right then and there. The blush that warmed my cheeks didn’t go unnoticed by him.“My Love,” he murmured, disentangling his arm from Celia's harsh grip wi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 39: Far from peaceful

    Adrian's Point of ViewI couldn't understand how difficult it is for my mother to accept the fact that I love and want to be with Emma not Celia, Now I'm stuck between the conflict of the people I love most in the world. For weeks, I’ve tried to balance between Emma and my mother, but it feels like I’m standing on a fraying tightrope, seconds away from a devastating fall. Tonight, I was determined to fix it. I refused to let another day go by with the two most important women in my life at each other’s throats.A light knock on my office door interrupted my thoughts. Gabrielle, my new assistant, stepped in with her usual efficiency. “Sir, the reservation has been confirmed,” she said, her voice pulling me from my spiraling thoughts.“Thank you,” I replied, nodding absently. As she turned to leave, something struck me. “Gabrielle, take the rest of the day off,” I added, watching her freeze mid-step.Her face lit up with a rare, genuine smile. “Are you serious, sir? Thank you so much!

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 40: "I Want A Divorce"

    Emma's Point of View The silence in my room felt heavier than the air, pressing against my chest like an unbearable weight. Staring at the ceiling, Evelyn’s words kept echoing in my mind, each one sharper than the last. "You Are not worthy of the Steele name" I clenched my fists, the sting of her disdain impossible to ignore. I knew I wasn’t Evelyn’s ideal choice for Adrian, Celia was but why did she have to despise me with such venom? Shouldn’t she care more about her son’s happiness than maintaining her illusions of perfection? The untouched breakfast and lunch trays sat on the side table, a testament to how I’d shut myself away all day. Adrian had knocked on the door earlier, but I pretended to be asleep. I loved him, but I couldn’t bear to face him, not after last night. I was tired of the constant rivalry with Celia and the suffocating humiliation Evelyn never hesitated to heap on me. Part of me wanted to run, to escape this toxic environment. Yet another part, one I didn’t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-18
  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 41: For Us

    Adrian's Point Of View Waking up felt like climbing out of a foggy abyss. My head pounded like a drum, the aftermath of too much whiskey and too many regrets. The morning light was merciless, seeping through the heavy curtains and stabbing at my eyes. But none of that mattered. As soon as my mind stirred awake, her words slammed into me like a freight train."Adrian, I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning."The memory hit me so hard, I bolted upright. Panic clawed at my chest. She couldn’t leave. Not after everything. Not after she promised me forever. I swung my legs off the bed, ready to race to her room and beg her to stay if I had to, again.But then, I froze.There, curled up on the other side of the bed, was Emma.My breath hitched, and my heart thudded in my chest as relief coursed through me. She was still here. Her dark hair spilled over the pillow in soft waves, her lashes fluttering lightly against her cheeks. My chest tightened at the sight of her, peaceful and warm, li

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-19

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  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 120: The Chase

    Ryan’s Point Of ViewWe have been out here for hours, it took me a whole lot getting Celia’s residential address. For some reason she had this file hidden but I always had my way around it all. The air inside the car was thick with tension, the kind that came from hours of waiting with no payoff. Marian let out a dramatic sigh, stretching her legs as much as the cramped car allowed."Ryan, we’ve been sitting here for hours, ""So?" I muttered, my eyes locked on the house we were watching."So?" she repeated, voice dripping with irritation. "I didn’t think we’d be this useless. I thought we'd have gotten closer to the truth by now so everything will be over and done with."I shot her a glare. "If you are tired, why don’t you just leave? I don't remember asking you to tag along you know.""i tagged along because I want to catch Celia too. To get this damn complication out of our lives," she huffed, arms crossing over her chest. "I just didn’t sign up for a full-day surveillance missio

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 119: Celia’s Manipulation

    Celia’s Point Of ViewThe rich aroma of wine filled the air as I swirled the deep red liquid in my glass, my fingers lazily tracing the rim. The soft glow of the chandelier cast golden reflections against the pristine marble floors of my living room. Everything was perfect, just as it should be. My plans were working and it was just a few more cards to play before it all happens.I took a slow sip, savoring the taste of expensive indulgence, relishing the satisfaction of knowing that everything was going according to plan. Adrian was slipping further into my grasp, Emma was as good as forgotten, and soon, my life would be exactly as I had envisioned it.Then my phone rang.I didn’t even have to check the caller ID... I already knew who it was.Adrian. Again. This was the umpteenth time he was calling.I ignored it, continuing to sip my wine. But the ringing didn’t stop. Over and over, it filled the air, each shrill tone like a mosquito buzzing in my ear.Annoyance prickled through me.

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 118: A Victim of Assault

    Emma’s Point Of ViewI have spent so long in here that I have lost complete track of time. My body was getting weaker as the day goes by, my throat dry, my mind clouded with exhaustion. Time had lost meaning to me in this place. I wasn’t sure how many the outside world looked like now, All that rested in my mind was only that I was starving, they would usually bring food, on some occasions good food and most almost rotten food. When I heard the heavy creak of the door opening, I barely lifted my head because I knew what it was that was coming to me.The guard who always brought the food entered, his footsteps slow and deliberate. He carried a plate of food like always, but something about his presence today made my stomach tighten. His stare as he walked up to me lingered too long, his lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smirk but held just enough malice to set off every alarm in my head.I forced myself to sit up from my lying position. Ever since I'd been locked up in th

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 117: The Lead

    Ryan’s Point of ViewA sharp ringing jolted me awake.For a second, I was disoriented, my mind still trapped in the hazy remnants of sleep. Then I felt it... Marian’s head resting on my chest, her arm draped across my stomach.Memories from last night came rushing back.Her moans.Her nails digging into my back.The way her lips tasted warm, desperate, claiming.My phone rang again, cutting through my morning haunted thoughts.I sighed, carefully adjusting Marian so I wouldn’t wake her. I reached for my phone on the nightstand, my brows furrowing at the unregistered number flashing on the screen.Who the hell was calling me this early?I hesitated before answering. "Ryan speaking."A pause. Then a voice I hadn't expected."I know, Ryan."I froze. My grip on the phone tightened.That voice.. I recognized it instantly, anywhere, any day"Nanny Isidro?" I asked, sitting up straighter.She sighed. "Yes Ryan, it’s me. I had to call you."I swung my legs off the bed, my pulse quickening. "H

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 116: A Drunken Realization

    Ryan’s Point of View"How dare he.." I slurred to my glass "To think she chose him over me" I raised the glass and made to pour the content into my mouth but unfortunately it had finished I raised a hand at the bartender and he came over and refilled my glass. "He got that suspicious bitch pregnant, I bet my entire life that she us behind Emma's disappearance" I gulped down the drink at a go and it stung my throat"Sir, my shift is over, and you look totally wasted, can I take you home?" the bartender offered. Looking at my glass, I felt it was time to go home, but Marian was there! Waiting for more nagging. But could I leave my home to her? I decided to go home. " It's fine I can still find my way" I dipped my hand in my pocket still staggering and took out my wallet, I gave him my credit card and in minutes I stumbled out of the bar, the night air hitting me like a slap. My head was spinning, but not just from the alcohol. Celia. Pregnant. With Adrian’s child.I gritted my tee

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 115: Suspect sighted

    Ryan’s Point Of ViewI watched as Celia’s car took a sharp right, her tires screeching against the pavement. She was trying to shake me off. Good. That meant she had noticed me and she was scared.I slowed down, letting her disappear into the highway as I went straight.I wasn’t here to catch her though. Not yet.No, I wanted her to feel some one lurking, to feel like eyes were always on her, like danger was around every corner. Once paranoia settled in, she would slip up. She’d get reckless while trying to cover her tracks, make mistakes that would give me an upper hand . And when that happened, I’d be there to catch her red handed.But for now, she could keep playing her little hide and seek game. She could keep thinking she was in control.I turned my car around and drove back home.The moment I set foot into my apartment, I knew something was off.I stood by the light switch, scanning the room. My instincts tensed, my fingers hovering near the glass vase by the door side.Then I f

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 114: Plan B

    Celia’s Point Of ViewI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the maternity dress that hugged my belly just right. It was subtle.. just enough to make myself look like a responsible soon to be mother but still graceful. If I played my cards right today, everything would fall into place. Adrian had asked to meet after days of absolute silence. Could this mean he had made a decision? Maybe he is finally ready to accept me and our baby into his life.A smile tugged at my lips, but I quickly wiped it off. No, I had to stay in control. I shouldn't be swayed by just a invitation. I had spent too much time, too much energy on this to get excited over an ordinary invitation. Emma was never coming back, and Adrian had to accept that.I grabbed my handbag and stepped out of my room, I had given my men strict instructions before leaving the hide out.. From now on, I didn't want Emma’s door opened for any reason. Not even to let her use the bathroom, if she ever wanted to relieve herself, she

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 113 - Determined to Escape

    Emma's Point Of ViewA loud clatter jolted me awake. My eyes snapped open, but all I could see was darkness. My body ached all over from sleeping on the cold concrete floor. My limbs felt stiff, my head pounded, and my throat was dry from dehydration. It had been days since I last ate anything, and my stomach twisted in painful knots.I turned toward the source of the noise, my heart pounding. A metal tray had been pushed through a small rectangular opening at the bottom of the heavy door, the same way you would feed a caged animal.My stomach growled at the sight of the food: stale bread, watery soup, and what looked like leftover rice. I wanted to reject it like I had before, to show them I wasn’t broken yet, but my body had other plans. I was weak, too weak. The last two times I had tried to escape, I had failed miserably because I had no energy. If I was going to make it out of here, I needed strength.Swallowing my pride, I crawled toward the tray and grabbed the bread first. It

  • A Second Chance With Mr Steele   Chapter 112: Confused

    Adrian’s Point Of View I sat in my car outside the café, my fingers tapping restlessly against the steering wheel. Ryan had sent me a new address an hour ago, telling me someone had been tailing him but he managed to get away so it's better they meet at the new address. He suspects that for someone to tail him like that meant he was onto something, something big. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after everything that had happened in the past few days, I was ready for anything.Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the car door and stepped out. The night air was cool, carrying the scent of freshly brewed coffee from the café. I walked in and spotted Ryan, his face covered with a baseball cap, he was sitting at a booth near the window, a cup of black coffee in front of him. His face was serious, his sharp eyes watching me as I approached.“About time,” he muttered, gesturing for me to sit.I slid into the seat across from him. “You said you found something. What is it? I have waited so

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