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133. Sweet promise
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-03 14:04:26
Queen AshLovely readers, sorry for not being able to update two days ago; I was feeling unwell. Starting again today updating two chapters every day!
Kaugnay na kabanata
Second Chance For Him? 134. Chasing her
Clara's POVAfter checking out TasteTale in the evening, I headed home for a shower and changed my clothes before picking Layla up from school. Then, we headed back to the hospital since Layla wanted to check on how Diana was doing. When we got to Diana's room, my daughter dashed straight to the bed in a flash."Oh my! It's only been a few weeks since we last saw each other, and look at you, you've grown so much! What are you munching on while you're in LA?” Diana playfully teased her, causing Layla to burst into laughter.Their warm interaction never failed to bring a smile to my face. As Layla chatted with Diana, I found myself focused on the table stacked with a heap of fruit and food parcels. It looked like all of them were Diana's friends who had come to see her yesterday.Kevin got back home an hour ago and will return tonight. He managed to leave after Diana told him to. She said he needed a shower and some rest as well. If Diana hadn't asked him to leave, that man would have s
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-03Second Chance For Him? 135. Feel bad for him
Clara's POV"Hey," Keith greeted, smiling as he looked over my face.I stood there, trying to figure out what to say. I never expected it would be him I see here. Standing outside Diana's hospital room, which meant he fled from LA yesterday."Clara, are you alright?" He asked gently when I didn't respond. At that moment, I heard Diana's voice from behind me cutting in, "Who is that, Clara? Is that Kevin over there? He actually showed up?"Turning to her, I shook my head. Then I stepped away from the door to let her get a better look at who is her visitor tonight. When Diana saw Keith here, her reaction was pretty similar to mine from earlier. She shot him a glance, a playful smile dancing on her lips."Hello Diana, I'm sorry to hear you've fallen sick. You really should take better care of yourself," Keith said as he stepped into the room. “I hope you’re feeling better soon.”He's carrying a parcel of fruits that I can tell are all premium just by looking at them. Diana gave a shy
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-04Second Chance For Him? 136. Expectations
Clara's POV"Let me give you a ride home," Keith said, stopping me just as I was about to open my car door. "I'll arrange for someone to drive your car home, but you’re coming with me."His tone was firm, and in moments like this, I realized he wouldn't accept a refusal."But-""Clara, you're coming home with me." There was a warning in his voice, and I noticed a coldness in his eyes that I hadn't seen before. Yeah, we had a couple of fights. But Keith had never seemed this cold. He seems angry, and beneath it all, there's pain in his eyes.“Mommy? When are we heading back home?" My daughter called out from behind us, pulling my attention away. Yet Keith continued to hold his intense stare on me."Right now, sweetheart." I had no choice but to pick Layla up and then walk towards his car.I hopped into the passenger seat as Keith slid into the driver's side, and before long, we were on the road. The drive to my apartment felt different this time, more tense than usual.He also didn't m
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-05Second Chance For Him? 137. Please say yes
Clara's POV"What do you mean?" Keith asked, his brow furrowing.I felt my tongue tied, not knowing where to begin. A realization that he never truly meant it hit me. That he was never really serious when that night he said Selena was just a childhood friend for him. Keith could have lied just to keep me from getting upset.He might not have been serious at all when he suggested we start our relationship over. I'm the foolish one here, taking his words too seriously when I know we can't control others. People can change whenever they want, and the best way to protect yourself from getting hurt is to keep your expectations in check."I don't understand why you have to lie to me about Selena being just your childhood friend when, in truth, she's your fiancée." I finally said, "I don't understand why you think it's alright to ask me to begin a new relationship when you never truly meant it."A flicker of shadow crossed his eyes upon hearing that. His gaze turned darkened for a brief mome
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-05Second Chance For Him? 138. Hustle and bustle
Clara's POVI arrived at TasteTales a bit earlier today, and now I'm in the kitchen getting ready to start my work day. Being back in the kitchen, surrounded by customers' orders after such a long time, filled me with a fresh energy, and got me feeling excited again. I was pulling up a note on my phone to check my list of orders when I heard a car come to a stop in the parking lot by the back door.I caught Diana's voice as she thanked Kevin her boyfriend. Today, she’s returning to work again even though I asked her to take annual leave until she's fully recovered."Good morning, Diana It's great to have you back." I welcomed her when she walked into the kitchen, she was taken aback to find me there already."Ma'am, you arrived quite early." She headed to the changing room to stash her bag in a locker and grab an apron before coming back to join me. "I figured I’d be the first one here.""I meant to surprise you intentionally. Just wanted to check if you were truly going to be stubbor
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-06Second Chance For Him? 139. Before my brother
James's POVA few minutes ago. Clara's restaurant was the very place that popped into my head right after I touched down in this city. So today, I just hopped in the car and drove over there. The restaurant was just as lively as it was the first time I visited that night, the night I discovered that Clara was still alive.After parking the car, I walked into the simple yet comfortable ambiance. It's lunch hour so the space was dominated by employees from the surrounding office buildings who stopped by for lunch.I took a seat at one of the perfectly positioned tables. Not long after, a waitress came by to take my order.I glanced around, noticing a few people looking alert as if they recognized me, but I couldn't quite place who they were. I noticed a couple of chefs moving between the customers' tables and the kitchen, but I didn't spot the restaurant owner at all.Where is Clara? I want to see her today. In fact, I came here not to have lunch but I just wanted to see her.But she’s
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-06Second Chance For Him? 140. Something fun
Clara's POVI raised an eyebrow at his unexpected request. How did James thinks it's okay to ask me out for dinner now that we're nothing but strangers, while he never even thought to invite me to dinner when I was his wife."I'm sorry, but I can't. If you have something important to tell me, just go ahead and say it now." But an undeniable curiosity tugged at me, what kind of important topic that James have to wait until dinner to share? It can't be that important, can it? Our marriage is ending, and there's nothing more for us to talk about.“No, Clara. I can't share that with you here." But he insisted, "You don’t work at night; it’s just your employee who works after sunset, right? So why are you turning down my invitation?"His tone really got to me, as if he believed I had nothing better going on. Besides, I have a daughter now. He should understand that I’m busy taking care of Layla when I’m not working.Aside from that, I have my own dinner plans for tonight. The agenda I'm p
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-07Second Chance For Him? 141. Pampering day
Clara's POV"Diana, you just gave me an idea. But I don't want to spark a civil war among them."I knew James hated the idea of me being around his family, even around the brother he hated. Keith will go to any lengths to keep me away from James. He'll be curious about how James even managed to show up, and besides, I wouldn't want to disrespect Keith by inviting him to the same event as James."It's the perfect way to get back at him for wasting your time on another woman, ma'am. Is regret all that's left for him now? Let him drown in it." Diana remarked a wicked sparkle in her eyes.Damn, for a moment, her suggestion really caught my attention. And I was so close to doing what she said.But I soon changed my mind about it. No, I won't hurt Keith's feelings just to satisfy my desire for revenge against my ex-husband. What makes Diana so certain that James regrets divorcing me? No, James doesn't regret it. He just didn't want to see me happy."Diana, what's making you smile? What’s s
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-07
Pinakabagong kabanata
Second Chance For Him? 224. His ex-wife
Selena's POVAs soon as I received a call from Mrs. Iris Morgan, I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs right away. I hopped in a taxi to her penthouse and told the driver to speed like the wind. Keith is free.Can you even believe that? At last, he's out of prison. I'm not sure what finally clicked for James Morgan and made him see things differently. I'm glad he finally understood that his actions towards Keith were unacceptable. How could he possibly lock up his brother just for that woman?As soon as I got there, I settled up with the driver and made my way to Iris's floor. As I reached the door, I pushed it open just like she instructed and stepped into the main room. Seeing Keith there made my heart burst with joy. I held back the impulse to shout with happiness and strolled over to him."Keith!" I exclaimed, "Oh thank God! You are finally free! You finally made it out of that awful place! At last, James had a change of heart and let you go!" I couldn't hold back my joy, s
Second Chance For Him? 223. He's free
Clara's POVThe dinner was great. I have no regrets about accepting James' invitation. He's sticking to his word about just wanting to have dinner together and nothing more. And now, we’re strolling through the vast green fields that stretch out on either side of us. Pine trees standing tall, white cobblestone path under our feet."What does Layla think of this trip so far? Is she feeling happy?" James asked. As I glanced over at him, I noticed a worry etched on his face. “She is.” He probably noticed it on his own. Layla hasn't stopped smiling since we got here. I'm thankful that I agreed with James when he decided to invite her on this trip. Took a break from my hectic daily routine and flew to this gorgeous place made me feel like I didn't want to go back. Why can't I just stay here forever? I took out my phone to snap some pictures of the stunning scenery when I heard James ask. "How about you?""Sorry, what did you just say?" I wasn't quite catching what he was asking abou
Second Chance For Him? 222. The trip
Lily's POV~ Tuscany, Italy ~Stepping off the plane, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of vacation in the air.The air was filled with the scent of summer, and the sun blazed down fiercely. But I wasn't bothered at all when my eyes were treated to the stunning landscape and the azure blue sky of Italy. Yes, I’ve finally made up my mind to accept Clara’s invitation to hang out with her and James.Honestly, I was planning to head back to LA, but after hearing from my friend Josh, I chose to stay away from both NYC and LA. Clara's offer arrived just when I needed it the post, it popped into my mind exactly when I was out of ideas for what to do next. “So, what’s my next move?” I asked Josh a few days ago at the cafe where we met, biting my nails out of anxiety. “Why didn’t you return to LA? If Dominic found you here, he’ll definitely take you with him, Lily." Josh mentioned.I closed my eyes as I heard his name again. Yes, Dominic Marco. Someone from the dark side of this business
Second Chance For Him? 221. Someone who knows her
Keith's POVThe warder come to me again, the old, wrinkled man, bringing breakfast with him. But I pushed it away with my hand, and the plate crashed to the floor. Giving the cell its sickening echo. My ears are aching, and my head is throbbing. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. The warder quickly walked away as soon as I stood up. But it wasn't long before that dick Criston showed up. A frosty look, that haughty grin I desperately want to erase right away."Tell him to come here! I wanted to talk to him!""Who are you talking about?" Criston asked."Who else? James. There's no way he's still scared now that I'm behind the bar and he's out there with all the power in his hands" I made sure to add a touch of mockery to my tone. James should have been here since yesterday when my mom asked him to come. But naturally, his arrogant self wouldn't go for it. He would show up only when he thought it was necessary. Criston's lips formed a tight line before he responded, "A
Second Chance For Him? 220. You have to go!
Lily's POVClara has agreed to the trip that James suggested, taking Layla to Europe. It's a great idea for a gift, however I'm still feeling a bit wary. I was just about to tell Clara to reconsider when I noticed how thrilled Layla was to hear about this trip.That got me thinking, I suppose I should just believe that he has changed this time. I suppose I need to let go of my negative thoughts and fully trust Clara. She's Layla's mom, and she knows what's best to do.We're at the shopping center in the city now to grab a few things before we depart. We were in the women's and children's section when Clara called out to me. "Hey, you should grab some sunscreen. The UV is strong in the summer, you'll need it when we go swimming in the sea, Lily." She said. “Huh? Why would I head to the sea for a swim?"I'm feeling a bit lost. It seems like I missed something"Because you're joining us on this trip to Europe!" Clara responded. It instantly made me widen my eyes. What? "James agrees.
Second Chance For Him? 219. No turning back
James' POVI was glad to hear that Clara is back to her usual activities. It's good, it means she no longer feels down. Lily's in town, so I suppose that's why she was able to leave Layla. But when Lily gets back to LA, who’s going to look after Layla? Thinking about it, it's time to bring in a professional assistant for her. To look after Layla and ease Clara's responsibilities at home. I'm not sure if she'll go for it, but I'll bring it up with her later. Dain entered my study and said, "Sir." I intentionally asked him to come today. "Did you take Layla to school?" "Today, Mrs. Clara's cousin is the one driving her," Dain replied. I gave a nod. “Should I go to her school to pick her up this afternoon?” I think Clara has already asked Lily to grab Layla as well. Perhaps her cousin would like to hang out with Layla while she's in town. "No. Not necessary.""Alright, sir. Anyway, how was your dinner last night going?" Asked Dain.Oh, dinner last night. It was nearly flawless
Second Chance For Him? 218. To cross her
Lily's POVToday I spend my time with Layla, and we make an awesome team. We got up early and went for a jog. We headed home for a quick shower and then went cafe hopping until noon. Later in the afternoon, we kept strolling through the city park. We just got home in the evening as Clara was getting ready to head out for dinner with James. Before she left, I made sure to remind her multiple times that she needed to call me if she sensed even the slightest hint of his behavior. I recall how that man used to treat her and to be honest, I didn't want my cousin to have dinner with him by herself tonight. But if I went with Clara, then who would look after Layla? Also, Clara asked me to stay home and look after her daughter. I didn't have any other option."Auntie, did you just call mommy?" Layla asked as I stepped back into the TV room. I sat down beside her on the carpet. She was focused on her Lego, completely tuning out the cartoon on the TV. "Yeah, I did. I just made sure to be re
Second Chance For Him? 217. The least
Clara's POVEverything was going smoothly. James showed up, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me because we could finally begin our dinner before diving into the main topic tonight, to discussing the trip he wanted to take Layla on.But then the door swung open and Selena burst in. Yes, Selena. She's at the restaurant we were at. I’m not sure when she got here, but I didn’t notice her at all before. Her face was a mask of rage that was impossible to conceal. “You!" she snapped, pointing a finger at me. Her teeth clenched. "What did you do to Keith? How could you do all of this to my future husband?"Her voice trembled.I jumped up right away. Watching her on the brink of tears pulled at my heart, but just as I was about to reach out, Selena smacked my hand away forcefully."Answer me bitch!"Her words made James stand up immediately. And the atmosphere felt like it had shifted. Selena, who was saying something, fell silent under James's piercing gaze. She looked at him with des
Second Chance For Him? 216. Mother's request
James' POVThe night to have dinner with Clara has finally arrived. I spent three hours getting ready, feeling pretty anxious, searching for the right word to persuade Clara to go along with this trip. This would be a good chance for me to connect with my daughter and learn more about her. And a chance to resolve what happened between Clara and me. No, I didn't expect her to just forgive me so easily. I just expected her to be more open to me.'Good luck trying to win her heart.' Keith's words rushed into my thoughts, and once more, I felt disheartened. I grabbed my phone and chose to call Dain. He accepted it a moment later. "How's it going, sir? How's everything going?""I haven't even gone yet. Do you think she’s going to give me this chance or not?" I hate sounding like a downer.But I really need to hear from Dain because he was the one who noticed Clara's reaction when she got the invitation to her apartment yesterday. Clara gave her agreement the very same day. She texted m
