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CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Last Updated:
2024-04-30 17:18:57Related chapters
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
The big day had finally arrived! I pulled on my t-shirt and athletic shorts, ready for all the Founder's Day festivities. As I headed into the office, the parking lot was already bustling with employees decked out in sporty gear too.I had just settled in at my desk when Alex emerged from his office, also wearing athletic attire though he still managed to look intimidatingly professional."McDermott," he said gruffly. "I trust those employee gift items arrived without any further delays?""All present and accounted for, sir!" I assured him, maybe a little too eagerly. "I had the staff put them in the supply closet near the event area."Alex gave a curt nod before heading out to oversee the final preparations, likely hoping for no surprises from me.Soon enough, everyone had gathered outside. Alex took the small stage and tapped the microphone, instantly commanding the attention of the assembled employees."Good morning everyone! Welcome to our inaugural Founders' Day celebration here
Last Updated : 2024-04-30Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
"That was a blast! We need to do this kind of thing more often around here," Derby said with a satisfied smile as the Founder's Day festivities wrapped up.I managed a half-hearted nod in return, prompting Derby to give me a concerned look. "You okay, Soph? You seem...I don't know, off.""Yeah, just..."I trailed off, debating whether to unload everything on her about the awkward showdown with Alex and Mia earlier. Finally, I decided to keep it to myself for now. "I'm fine, just wiped out from all the activities.""Fair enough, you did take quite the header during the sack race," Derby laughed. "Get some rest this weekend, you’ve earned it after organizing this whole event.”She looped her arm through mine as we began walking toward the parking lot. "Hey, Rob is coming to pick me up anyway. Let me give you a ride home.""You know you don't have to do that," I protested. "I can just take the bus."Derby waved me off. "Don't be silly, it's no trouble at all. Plus you look like you're abo
Last Updated : 2024-05-01Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
I cried the entire bus ride home from the office, feeling completely deflated after my confrontation with Alex over Sky Park. The harsh dismissal of something that meant so much to both of us, however fleetingly, cut me deeply.The moment I stepped into my home, the dam burst and the sobs came in billows. I laid down on the sofa, tucking myself in a ball as the tears flowed freely. Alex's cold rebuffs and corporate disregard for the sentimentality of our past replayed on a brutal loop in my mind.I'm not sure how long I lay there, so consumed by hurt and heartache that I barely registered the outside world. But eventually, I became aware of a gentle hand on my shoulder and my mother's concerned voice."Sophie? Sweetheart, what's wrong?"Startled, I looked up at her with red-rimmed eyes. "M-Mom? What are you doing here?"She settled onto the couch and pulled me into a warm embrace. "I heard your crying voice. What's wrong, my baby?"Fresh sobs wracked my body as the emotional turmoil c
Last Updated : 2024-05-01Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Today was the day I had to show I meant business. It's a workday, which means keeping my promise to myself and my mom. I took a deep breath as I got to the office. "Easier said than done," I thought with a sad frown.Just being in the same space as Alex, knowing he was lurking around somewhere, made my heart ache for him. But I can do this. I have to. I decided to dress super professional today, my own suit of armor."Mr. Hernandez, good morning,” I greeted politely as he walked by my desk to his office. I didn't make eye contact, I just resumed my work."Morning," he mumbled back in that rude, forced way of his.I made sure not to look up until he was gone. "Not a bad start," I told myself with a little nod of encouragement.I was working away when suddenly I got a Slack from Alex: "Sophie, need you in my office right away."I sighed heavily. "What does he want now?" I muttered, rolling my eyes. I got up and went to knock on his door."You wanted to see me, Mr. Hernandez?"Alex was t
Last Updated : 2024-05-02Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
I was spacing out at work when my phone buzzed with a new text. It was from an unknown number."Hey Sophie, it's Evan. Derby gave me your number - hope that's okay! I'm really looking forward to grabbing those drinks tonight if you're still free?"My heart skipped a beat as I read his message. Right, the date with Derby's friend that I had agreed to. Part of me still felt apprehensive, but I knew getting out could be good for me.Before I could overthink it, I typed back: "Hi Evan! Yes, drinks tonight sound great. Did you have a place in mind?"He quickly responded: "How about the new chicken spot that just opened downtown, Chicken Bistro? They have been getting really great reviews."I smiled slightly at his eagerness. "Chicken Bistro works for me. See you at 8!"After sending the confirmation, I felt a little excited jitter. Maybe this could be the refreshing change of pace I needed."Earth to Sophie!"I snapped out of my daze to find Derby grinning at me from across my desk. "So...
Last Updated : 2024-05-02Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
“You can have all if you want," I said to him with a slight grimace. "No, I'm fine with this. They sell the best chicken in town, don't you think so?" "I have not even had anything without you asking or taking my food so how would I know?" I thought, frowning. I opened my mouth to respond, but he kept going, barely taking a breath. "I'm glad you came out today though. I heard you were in charge of the Founder's Day event at your company and let me tell you, I watched so many clips and you did such good work on that." He beamed proudly. "Thank..." I started to reply, but he instantly cut me off, not even looking up from shoveling food into his mouth. "I'm always like that with my work too, going above and beyond, you know? Like this one time..." Evan waved his fork animatedly. And just like that, Evan launched into a very long self-indulgent story without ever letting me finish my thought or ask him a question in return. I sat back with a resigned sigh, picking at my food as his
Last Updated : 2024-05-03Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Mia strutted into the office area, carrying a box of her belongings with a smug look on her face. “Well, Well if it isn’t my new neighbor!” She exclaimed. “ Isn’t this just perfect? I’m finally right where I should be - at the center of everything important around here.She dropped the box loudly on the desk next to mine, making a mess of my papers and pens. I grimaced but remained quiet as Mia started shoving my workspace over to make room for hers without any courtesy “This is how it should have been from the start,” Mia said, with a cunning smile directed at me. “The queen reclaiming her throne and her man from the clutches of some loser." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her overdramatic flair. "We're just co-leading a software launch, Mia. No need for the palace intrigue."She laughed derisively. "Oh please, don't play dumb. You know Alex brought me in for more than just professional reasons." Leaning in, she lowered her voice conspiratorially. "He trusts my...perspective on
Last Updated : 2024-05-03Second Chance At Love CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
“I just got off the phone with our potential client," Alex said, his voice laced with anger as Mia and I entered his office. "Care to explain why neither of you showed up for the 2 pm pitch meeting today?"I felt my face drain of color as Mia shot me a panicked look. The big pre-launch meeting with our highest-priority client...how could we have spaced on something so crucial?"M-My apologies, sir," I stammered, my voice trembling with embarrassment. "We must have had our calendar dates mixed up. That's an inexcusable oversight on our part.""You both had one job!" Alex slammed his hand on the desk, making us both flinch. His face was contorted with rage. "To confirm the meeting time and be there representing our team. Do you two have any idea how unprofessional this makes us look to a partner we're trying to woo?"I opened my mouth to continue apologizing, but Mia beat me to it."Mr. Hernandez, I'm really sorry and you're absolutely right, this was an outstandingly bad and unacceptab
Last Updated : 2024-05-04
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Second Chance At Love CHAPTER HUNDRED
My gut twisted as Alex and I entered the hospital. I couldn’t believe I was here to visit Herbert. The antiseptic smell hit me as we stepped inside making me wrinkle my nose."You okay?" Alex asked softly, squeezing my hand.I simply nodded my head. It was at this time that I saw my mother in the lobby looking so worried yet relieved to see me.“Sophie, honey,” she called out and ran to us. "I am happy you are here."Alex greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, Mrs McDermott. How are you holding up?""As well as can be expected, Alex. Thank you for bringing Sophie."I frowned, crossing my arms. "Mom, why are you even here? I still don't understand."My mother sighed, her eyes pleading. "Sophie, I'm human before anything else. He has nobody to look after him. I'm just doing what's right.""He has money, Mom," I argued, feeling my frustration rise. "That can get him all the care he needs. What makes a man who didn't support you so important to you?""Sophie, I didn't raise you to hav
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY NINE
We just settled into a more comfortable conversation and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. They kept asking several questions about Dawson and couldn’t help smiling at his antics "He sounds like quite the character," Mrs. Hernandez said, her eyes twinkling. "Just like his father at that age."Alex chuckled. "I wasn't so mischievous, was I?"Mr. Hernandez lifted an eyebrow. "Son, you once convinced the gardener's boy to help you 'redecorate' my study with finger paint. It took weeks to get the walls clean.""Oh, I remember that!" Mrs. Hernandez laughed. "You were so proud of your 'artwork'. We couldn't stay mad at you for long."As laughter filled the room, I felt myself relax. Alex's parents were so different from the harsh, condemning individuals I remembered from years before.There was a faint knock on the door. Duncan entered, his face serious."Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez, I apologize for disturbing but there is urgent news," he said.Mr. Hernandez's smile vanished. "What
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY EIGHT
The day had finally arrived. Alex had informed his parents we were coming, and my nerves were in shambles. I put on a brave face for Alex, assuring him everything was fine, but inside I was a mess. When he went to get Dawson ready, I seized the moment to steady myself.My fingers shook as I dialed my mother's number."Mom, it's happening," I muttered. Today."On the other end, there was an unexpected rapid intake of air. "Oh, sweetheart. Are you ready for this?"I closed my eyes. "I have to be. For Dawson. For Alex.""And for yourself," Mom added gently. "You've carried this weight for so long. It's time to put an end to it all.""But what if history repeats itself? What if they-""Stop right there," Mom interrupted. "You're not that young girl anymore. You're a strong woman and an incredible mother. Stand tall, Sophie. Her words gave me strength, but I still doubted myself and I knew I needed one more boost. I quickly called Celine."Sophie! What's up? Everything okay?" Celine's voi
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY SEVEN
I walked into Alex’s house feeling weary but relieved after talking to my mom. The living room was lit with the faint sound of a cartoon playing in the background. Rounding the corner, I was immediately struck by the cutest sight.Alex was lying flat on the couch with Dawson dozing on his chest. I had to bite back a smile at how cute they looked in their matching superhero pajamas. Alex noticed me, his eyes brightening and a lovely smile spreading across his face."Well, well, look who decided to join us," he teased softly, careful not to wake Dawson.I rolled my eyes playfully. "Miss me that much, huh?""Always," Alex replied, his voice husky. He carefully shifted Dawson and stood up, crossing the room in a few long strides. Before I could react, he had me in his arms, spinning me around."Alex!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Put me down, you goof!"He set me down but kept his arms around my waist. "You’re not getting away that easily," he whispered, his lips inches f
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY SIX
The ride up to our suite seemed to take a lifetime. My heart was like a drum as I tried to come up with something to say to her but as soon as the lift doors opened, everything I had planned to say vanished. I lightly knocked on the door, a slight trembling in my palm. I felt a rush of emotions when the door opened with my mom at the other end "Mommy.” I choked out, giving her a tight hug. “I’m sorry.”“Sophie, my baby,” she whispered and embraced me closely. We both dissolved into tears.After a moment, Mom gently pulled back. "Let's go inside, sweetie," she murmured, her voice filled with emotions. When I entered the room, I turned to face her and really took her in. She appeared exhausted, her eyes red and swollen. "How are you?" I asked softly She gave a watery smile. "I am happy you are here. I have missed you so much.""You didn't call," I said, unable to keep the hurt from my voice.Mom reached out, taking my hand in hers. "I know you needed time and space to process ever
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY FIVE
“Hey, toss it here!" Alex called out, waving his arms.Dawson laughed and aimed the ball toward Alex. With a slightly unsteady flight, he caught it by a dramatic leap."Nice throw, buddy!" he cheered, making Dawson beam with pride.I couldn't help but smile from my spot. Watching them play, hearing their laughter...it was a dream come true."You got this, Dawson," Alex encouraged as he rolled the ball back. "Just take your time."Dawson stuck his tongue out slightly, focusing hard on the ball. This time, his kick sent it flying straight and true."Goal!" Alex shouted, throwing his hands up in celebration. "We've got a little Messi on our hands!"Their game went on, there was clapping, laughing, and a little bit of ‘oh no’ when the ball went astray. Finally, it rolled to a halt right in front of me.“Okay, you two,” I said, as I grabbed it. “I believe that is enough for today”‘Mommy,’ Dawson complained, then his face twisted into a smile. "Did you see? I won!"Alex came over, ruffling
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY FOUR
I woke up with a start, having Alex’s arm around my waist. I was confused for a second about what had woken me up. Then I heard it… raised voices from downstairs."Mrs. Hernandez, please," a stressed female voice pleaded. "I'm only following Mr. Alex's instructions. You can't just barge in like this!""I am his mother," came a sharp reply. "I have every right to see my son!"My heart raced. Alex's mom was here? I turned to face Alex, who was still sound asleep beside me. "Alex," I muttered, softly shaking his shoulder. "Alex, wake up. Your mom's here."Alex groaned, his arm tightening around my waist. "Mmm, five more minutes," he mumbled, nuzzling into my neck."Alex, I'm serious," I insisted, though I couldn't help but smile at his sleepy affection. "Your mother is downstairs, and it sounds like she's about to break down the door."Alex cracked open one eye, a mischievous glint visible. "I don't hear anything," he said, his lips curving into a grin as he started planting soft kisses
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY THREE
I tried to reply, but the words would not come out. Rather, I pressed my face against his shoulder and sucked in a quivering breath."It's fine. I'm here now," Alex murmured soothingly, his arms strong and secure around me.After a moment, he gently pulled away and scooped up Dawson, securing him in the back seat, and guided me into the seat next to the driver. "I do not want to go home," I murmured Alex's eyes met mine, filled with understanding. "I didn't have any intention of leaving either of you. “We're going to my house."As we drove, Alex glanced at me like he just remembered something. “What about your mom?”"She's okay, but I'd prefer not to discuss her at this time." Alex took out his phone and made a call to one of his housekeepers. "Sarah I need you to get some new clothes and toiletries for a child. Yes, as quickly as feasible.”The rest of the drive passed in silence. When we arrived at Alex's house, he turned to me. "Why don't you go freshen up? I'll take care of Daw
Second Chance At Love CHAPTER NINETY TWO
My mother's eyes softened as she looked at me. "James was a good man, Sophie. He raised you as his own because he adored both of us.” "That is the father I have known my whole life and will know for the rest of my days. This man here can never be my father," I sobbed, my voice trembling with wrath. "Sophie, I know you are upset but please try to understand,” my mother begged. "We made this decision out of love.""Love?" I scoffed. "You call lying to me for decades love?""I wanted to give you a stable family, a father who would be there for you-"I cut her off. "By erasing my real father from my life? By pretending Dad was my biological father?""It wasn't that simple, sweetheart. I was young, afraid, and alone when I found out I was pregnant-""So you just decided to trap Dad into raising another man's child?"I spat, regretting my words instantly but being too hurt to take them back. "Sophie!" My mom let out a gasp, her eyes filling with tears. "That wasn't the case. Your father..
