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Chapter Thirty Seven
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2024-05-29 03:17:20
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A Second Chance   Chapter Thirty Eight
Caesar felt like a complete failure as he watched Amaliah sleep. It was his fault she was lying there, and the weight of guilt pressed heavily on him. He doubted he could ever forgive himself for hurting her so deeply. He had to admit, she had been right all along. He had convinced himself that he could handle her rejection, but the reality had hit him far harder than he expected. Even Anastasia's indifference, the way she treated him like he wasnât worth her time, hadnât stung as much as this. He reminded himself that Amaliah still belonged to someone elseâher late husband. Despite the man being gone, her love for him lingered, and Caesar knew he could never force her to feel the same way about him. She was carrying her husbandâs babies, a constant reminder that Caesar had no place in her heart or her future. He paced the room, his eyes never leaving her face as he anxiously waited for the doctor. The pain etched on her face when heâd first brought her in had disappeared, replaced
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-11-01A Second Chance   Chapter Thirty Nine
Caesar applied the brakes, bringing the car to a stop in front of Amaliah's house before turning off the ignition. He stepped out when she did, quickly moving to open the back door to retrieve her bag and laptop before she had a chance. Shutting the door, he walked around the car to meet her."Thanks for the ride," she said, accepting the bags from him."I'm sorry againâĶfor everything," he replied."It's okay." She gave him a warm smile, waved, and headed up the steps to the front door."Take care of yourself," he called after her as she unlocked the door."You too," she replied. "Drive carefully.""I'm always careful," he grinned.With that, Amaliah stepped inside, shutting and locking the door behind her. She set her things on the hallway table, then cautiously walked to the window. Pulling the curtains back just a little, she watched as Caesar climbed back into his car, started it up, and drove away.Sighing, she collected her bags from the table, made her way to the living room, a
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-11-02A Second Chance   Chapter Forty
As the car pulled up to the curb across the road, Caesar gazed up at the apartment building and sighed. The building had aged gracefully, showing signs of wear but still retaining the charm of being one of the oldest structures in New Ashfordâa city roughly an hour's drive from HavenHill Central."Pick me up in a few hours, Ashton," Caesar instructed the chauffeur, grabbing his bags from the floor and opening the door. "I'll give you a call.""Alright, sir. Enjoy your visit," Ashton replied with a nod.Caesar returned the nod with a smile, stepped out, and closed the door. As Ashton drove off, Caesar ran a hand through his hair, exhaled deeply, and crossed the street. He caught his reflection in the building's glass doors, hoping he hadnât overdone it for the party. Black jeans, a black shirt, and a brown bomber jacket paired with black shoes gave him a relaxed yet polished look. His only accessory was his fatherâs Rolex, adding a subtle touch of sophistication.He pushed open the do
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-11-04A Second Chance   Chapter Forty One
As they tidied up the apartment after the party, Sheila glanced at Amaliah with a knowing smile. "So, am I allowed to assume you've finally decided to give Caesar Masterson a chance to woo you?" she asked.Caesar had left just five minutes earlier after Sheila playfully pushed him out the door. It was late, and heâd mentioned having a breakfast meeting with his father's friends the next morning. Though heâd wanted to stay and help clean up, Sheila insisted he go, even threatening to ban him from any future birthday parties if he didnât. He finally relented, giving each of them a hug. Before he left, he reminded Amaliah of her promise to let him accompany her to her next hospital appointment.Amaliah chuckled, glancing over her shoulder. "Woo me? What are you talking about?"Sheila huffed. "Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I watched you two all night. You were practically glued to each other, talking and laughing. I think I saw you laugh more tonight than you have all year
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-11-08A Second Chance   Chapter Forty Two
Amaliah stood at the lectern, double-checking her slides on her laptop one last time before starting her presentation. Nerves churned inside her, but she trusted herself enough not to let them get the best of her. Caesar had even reassured her, confident she'd do well, and she was determined not to let him down.Her heart pounded as the double doors to the conference room opened, and the board members filed in with expressions that gave nothing away. These were the same people who had watched her stumble through her previous presentationâs opening minutes, and she could almost feel their silent doubts, wondering if today would be a repeatâand if Caesar might consider giving her presentation to someone else.But she had other plans. That wasnât going to happen; she was set on making sure everyone left this room impressed. Caesar and Francine entered last, and as the doors closed behind them, she watched them take their seats before she took a steadying breath and dimmed the lights with
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-11-09A Second Chance   Chapter Forty Three
Amaliah set her iced tea down, her gaze fixed on Caesar. âWas it because of you that Ms. Rodriguez called Mark to her office?â she asked.âNo,â Caesar replied firmly. âShe heard the rumors and assured me sheâd handle it herself. I had nothing to do with it.âAmaliah tilted her head thoughtfully. âHe seemed very upset when he came back. I wonder what she said to him.â she mused.âWhatever it was, it should stop him from spreading more lies about you,â Caesar said with a reassuring tone. âBut honestly, out of a thousand employees in the company, why did he choose to target you?âAmaliah shrugged, muttering under her breath, âHe thinks Iâm a snob. He doesnât like that I wonât answer his million questions about my personal life.â âHe should spend less time gossiping and more time focusing on his work,â Caesar said sharply, only to pause as his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. He ignored it at first, unwilling to let anything interrupt the moment with Amaliah. But when the buzzing pe
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-12-16A Second Chance   Chapter Forty Four
"Why have you been ignoring my calls, Caesar?" Anastasia demanded, frustration evident in her tone. "You never used to do that.""Past tense. I do it now," Caesar shot back coldly. His voice was sharp, laced with finality. "And before you ask whyâit's because you mean nothing to me anymore.""That's not true!" she retorted, her voice rising. "I'm your fiancÃĐe." Lifting her hand, she showed him the ring glinting on her finger. "Remember this? You put it on my finger on national television. The whole world knows we're engaged."Caesar raked his fingers through his hair, his jaw tightening as he struggled to hold back the anger bubbling inside him. His gaze flicked to Sarah, who sat at her desk, feigning disinterest as she worked on her computer. Taking Anastasia into his office to continue this conversation was an option, but he knew better. Sheâd likely attempt to manipulate him again."Sarah," he said, his voice strained but controlled, "can you give us some privacy? If you have work
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-12-26A Second Chance   Chapter Forty Five
Willowridge Manor stood as a testament to timeless elegance, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Fairfieldâs idyllic countryside. Spanning two acres of lush, meticulously maintained land, the estate exuded a quiet grandeur that was impossible to ignore.A long cobblestone driveway, lined with ancient willow trees, led to the stately manor. The house itself was a masterpiece of colonial architecture, its whitewashed facade accented with ivy creeping up its stone columns. Large bay windows reflected the golden rays of the sun, while a pair of wrought-iron lanterns flanked the grand oak door, offering a warm, inviting glow at night.The gardens surrounding the manor were a botanical paradise. Vibrant roses in every hue imaginable spilled over trellises, their fragrance carried on the gentle breeze. Lavender bushes bordered the winding stone pathways, which meandered through clusters of hydrangeas and peonies. In the center of the garden stood a marble fountain, its cascading water a so
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-12-31
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A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Nine
The midday sun bathed the rooftop garden in a golden glow, transforming it into a serene retreat above the hum of the tech company below. At a sleek glass table, Amaliah sat across from Caesar, the remnants of their lunch scattered between them. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers, lifting strands of her hair, and for the first time in a long while, she feltâĶ at peace.Returning to work had been refreshing, yet a part of her still longed for Tuscany. She wondered, almost absentmindedly, if Caesar would ever take her back. After their return, he had hired a landscaper to fill the once-barren rooftop with flowersâsimply because she had mentioned, in passing, that it would make the space more beautiful. But he hadn't stopped there. A gazebo had been built, complete with a glass table and two chairs. When he had shown it to her, she had been speechless, overwhelmed by the thoughtful gesture.Her fingers instinctively found the pendant resting against her skin. She had neve
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Eight
Amaliahâs unease deepened as the car wound its way through the increasingly narrow and secluded roads. Something felt off. Too isolated. Too far from the resort. Theyâd been driving for hours, and there was still no sign of the helipad Marco had claimed they were heading toward.âMarco?â she called out, her voice tight, laced with suspicion. âWhere exactly is this helipad?âSilence.Her heart kicked up a notch. She glanced at the girls beside herâboth lightly dozingâand reached for her phone again.No signal. Still nothing.âMarco, stop the car,â she said, this time with more urgency. âRight now.âHe didnât respond.She leaned forward, gently nudging the girls awake, her instincts screaming.Then she caught itâhis eyes in the rearview mirror. Cold. Distant. Unfamiliar.âStop the damn car!â she snapped, panic lacing her voice.When he still didnât, she unbuckled her seatbelt, lunged forward, and yanked the gear out of drive.The vehicle jolted violently, skidding to a halt.âOutâget ou
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Seven
Caesar lay stretched out on the living room couch, cradling a sleepy Amaliah against his chest as soft jazz filled the quiet space. The girls had already gone to bed after giggling their way through a movie, leaving the night to wind down in a rare, peaceful stillness.âYou look tense,â Amaliah murmured, sensing the weight in his silence.He hesitated for a moment before responding. âI ran into Anastasia earlier. She seemedâĶ unsettled. But someone like her doesnât back down easily.âAmaliah sat up slightly, concern flickering in her eyes as her brows drew together. âDo you think sheâll try something?ââI donât know,â he admitted, his voice low. âBut Iâm not taking any chances. When we leave tomorrow, I want you and the girls with meâin the same car. No splitting up.âShe nodded, resting her hand gently over his. âOkay. I trust you.âHis voice was low, steady. âIâll keep you safe, Amaliah. No matter what.âLater that night, when the house had gone still and the world outside lay quiet
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Six
âAre you okay?â Bryan murmured softly beside her.âNo,â she said on a soft breath, a faint laugh escaping her lips. âBut it felt damn good.âFrom the stage, Caesarâs eyes never wavered from Amaliah. His smile shiftedâno longer playful, but reverent, awestruck. He looked at her like a man who had just been handed the moon.As he stepped down and began walking toward her table, the crowd instinctively made way. He moved with purpose, never hesitating. When he reached her, he leaned in, took her hand gently, and pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles.âI didnât know you had that in you,â he said, voice low, just for her ears.âNeither did I,â she whispered back. âBut there was no way I was letting her win.âTheir eyes locked. Then, without warning, he pulled her into a kissâbrief but breath-stealing, bold and unapologetic in front of everyone.âIâll pay you back,â he teased, his smile wicked and warm.âYou better,â she replied with a smirk.Across the room, Anastasia stood frozen, her
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Five
âGirls, look!â Amaliah pointed out the window as their car wound through the rolling hills of Tuscany. The late afternoon sun bathed the landscape in hues of gold and green, with vineyards stretching endlessly across the countryside.âWow,â Amaliah breathed, her eyes wide as a picturesque resort came into view, its vines sprawling across the distant hills.Madisyn and Micaela pressed their faces to the windows, captivated.âMommy, it looks like a castle!â Madisyn gasped. âIs this where weâre staying?ââWith princess gardens! Itâs like a fairy tale,â Micaela added in awe.Caesar glanced at them through the rearview mirror, a smile tugging at his lips. âThatâs right. This is where youâll be pretending to be royalty for the next few days.âMicaela giggled. âCan we have pizza for dinner?ââOnly if you ask in Italian,â Caesar teased, casting a playful glance at Amaliah, who sat beside him, her hand gently resting on her slightly rounded belly.She chuckled softly. âYouâre enjoying this, ar
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Four
Caesar stood by the office window, the phone pressed tightly to his ear. His jaw tensed with each unanswered ring. This was the fifth call. Heâd already tried four times, but Sofia hadnât picked up once. Sheâd made it painfully clear she was upsetâstill, he couldnât stop trying.âCome on, Sofia,â he muttered under his breath. âJust pick up.âFinally, the call connected.âSofia,â he breathed, relief softening his voice.There was a long pause before her cold response cut through the line. âWhat do you want, Caesar?ââIâve been trying to reach you. Can we talk? Please.ââWhatâs there to talk about?â Her voice was sharp. âAre you still seeing Amaliah?âThe directness of her question knocked the wind out of him. He hesitated, but only for a second. âYesâĶ I am.ââThen we have nothing to talk about.ââSofia, waitâplease,â he pleaded, voice gentler now. âYouâre my sister. I know you donât approve, but Amaliah isnât the villain in this story. Sheâs not who you thinkâââYou made your choice,â
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Three
Amaliah had no clue how Francine had managed to persuade Caesar to bring in a new hire for the digital marketing team. But when she returned to work on Mondayâfollowing the mandatory day off Caesar had insisted she take on Fridayâshe was startled to find a woman occupying Markâs former desk.The newcomerâs high ponytail bounced with every movement as she swayed to the rhythm of whatever music played through her headphones, completely lost in her own world.Curious but not eager to engage, Amaliah held back, choosing to observe for now. She could only hope this new hire knew how to mind her own business. Just as she reached for her phone to text Caesarâwanting to avoid dealing with Francine as wellâa high-pitched voice nearly made her jump."Hello!" The woman greeted her with an infectious enthusiasm. "I'm Minerva. Just joined the company today."Amaliah forced a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Minerva. I'mâ""I know who you are," Minerva interrupted before she could finish. "You're A
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty Two
A week later Amaliah nestled into a quiet corner of the Chinese restaurant, absently tracing the menuâs edge with her fingers as she browsed the options. She rarely dined alone, but with Caesar tied up in meetings, she was left to fend for herself for lunch.The restaurant was warm and inviting, filled with the rich aromas of stir-fried vegetables, soy sauce, and freshly steamed dumplings. Around her, the soft hum of conversation mingled with the rhythmic clinking of chopsticks and ceramic bowls, forming an atmosphere that should have been comforting.Yet, something felt off.She had just settled on ordering kung pao chicken with a side of vegetable spring rolls when, on impulse, she glanced toward the window.Her breath caught.Across the street, near the curb, stood a manâpartially obscured by passing cars, his dark hair slightly tousled, his posture hauntingly familiar. Even from this distance, the resemblance was striking.Rafael Rivers.Her husband.Her dead husband.A sharp jol
A Second Chance   Chapter Fifty One
Amaliah knew it was wrong. Her husband hadnât even been dead a year, yet here she was, locked in a kiss with his greatest rival. But no matter how much she tried, she couldnât summon the will to stop.When Caesarâs arms slid around her waist, drawing her closer, she didnât resist. When he grazed her bottom lip with his teeth, asking for more, she yielded, parting her lips for him. Their tongues met in a slow, intoxicating dance, each stroke deepening the hunger between them. Her fingers wove through his hair, holding him to her as if letting go would shatter the moment.Caesar finally pulled away, his breaths ragged, as though heâd just run a marathon. He couldnât believe what had just happened. For weeks, he had imagined thisâfantasized about itâbut the reality was beyond anything his mind had conjured. He wanted to speak, to say something, anything, but the kiss had left his mind utterly blank.Just when she thought it was over, Caesar tilted his head and captured her lips once more
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