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159. Peonies
Last Updated:
2025-03-20 23:10:37
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Second Chance For Him? 160. Numb
Clara's POV"I haven't forgotten about you, Selena. I was actually planning to get you some flowers too. I just haven't given it to you yet." Keith said, "Hey, don't feel down."His voice faded slightly. As if watching her become sad brought a wave of sadness over him too. “So, where is it? I don't see any flowers for me." Selena offered a wistful smile, "It's okay, Keith. If you weren't planning on buying me flowers, you didn't need to do it."She then returned the bouquet to me. And I accepted it right away. Keith gave flowers to me, didn't he? I suppose I should be the one to keep it then. Selena glanced back at us one last time before turning and walking away. I could sense her disappointment. She's truly sad; the best friend who was always by her side every years on her birthday seems to have been overlooked this time. Suddenly, the bouquet in my hand felt heavy, as if holding it was somehow wrong.That's when Keith stopped her "Wait, Selena."Selena came to a sudden halt. I
Last Updated : 2025-03-20Second Chance For Him? 161. Spoiled
Clara's POVA few days later."How could you let that happen? How could you let Selena stay in the same apartment as him? Sure, you can say you trust him, but shouldn't you have put a stop to it right away in case the worst happens?" Diana exclaimed.Her voice was quite loud. I was worried that some of the people at the nearby tables might overhear her."Sshh. Not too loud." I whispered to her.We were at a coffee shop, having a great time and sharing some juicy gossip. Making the most of the short break we had from work. It’s a little odd but also enjoyable since we usually share our stories and gossip in the TasteTales kitchen."She doesn't live with him. Keith has one of the units in the apartment for her to live in; he intentionally chose the same building to ensure her safety. But he said she could come over to his place whenever she wanted. He did it because Selena was upset and said it wasn't fair that I was given access and she wasn't." I responded.It's what Keith shared wi
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Second Chance For Him? 162. Leave me out
Clara's POVTo my relief, Keith showed up by himself, not with Selena. He showed up with a bouquet. The stunning display of pink flowers in different varieties, even larger than the last one he gifted me.Before I got into his car, I looked over at the coffee shop and caught sight of Diana beaming at me, giving me a thumbs up. It made me chuckle. I checked my phone and saw she sent a message wishing that dinner tonight went well.I was typing a response when I heard Keith ask. "What's going on? What’s with the surprised look on your face? Sorry for running a little behind. The road was somewhat busy.""No problem at all," I answered quickly. I breathed in the lovely scent of the bouquet resting on my lap, and it instantly brightened my mood. "I honestly didn't expect you to bring me flowers again."He gave a faint smile. "This is a replacement for the one from a few days ago. You know I have no option when I have to take it from you and hand it to-”"Never mind. I really love this
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Second Chance For Him? 163. Left behind
Clara's POV"Sorry, Selena. What do you mean you're invited to come along as well?" Keith asked, both of us puzzled by Selena's words.I know Keith didn't invite her since Selena wasn't meant to be there.As he said, this dinner would be the occasion when he would officially tell his family about his proposal to me. And that he would make our relationship official. This was meant to be an intimate dinner with just a select few attending.Selena to gaze at us, especially at Keith, with disappointment. "I'm not surprised you forgot it. Because what's important to you is you're going with Clara, you don't care anymore that you were supposed to take me along too."Upon hearing that, I turned my focus to Keith. My hand that had been resting on his arm fell away as I processed Selena's confession.But Keith just shook his head in his response "That must be a different dinner. Not this one." He answered.My heart raced a little faster. Why is Selena saying that she is supposed to come too?
Last Updated : 2025-03-22Second Chance For Him? 164. Sabotage his plan
Clara's POV"Oh my dear, You're finally here. I was so anxious that you might not be able to come since you hadn't said anything to me at all." Iris Morgan said to Selena after they wrapped up their hug.Iris welcomed Selena as if it had been a decade since their last encounter. She glanced my way for a moment, but of course, she didn’t say anything to recognize I was there, much less offer a greeting."Come here, take a seat." Iris invited Selena, and they sat down in the chairs next to each other. Keith settled in beside her mother, and I took the chair right next to him."Sorry, we had a little trouble earlier. Keith almost forgot that I was invited too." Selena said to Iris with a small giggle.Iris shot her son a disapproving glare as she turned to face him. "Seriously, Keith? Did you forget that I invited Selena as well? How is that even possible?""You didn't say anything to me that Selena would be there too, Mom," Keith replied.Then Iris's gaze flicked to me for a moment.
Last Updated : 2025-03-22Second Chance For Him? 165. You have changed
Clara's POV"I’ll let you handle it since I believe you can make your own choice. It's up to you now, Keith. You just have to choose what to focus on more: your desires or the interests of the company." James continue.And it made Keith, who was about to respond, fall silent instantly.He went quiet, and I could feel his thoughts clashing with each other at that moment. Under the table, I didn't let go of his hand from my hold. I know this gesture is just something small and insignificant, but at least I could offer him some support. And let him know that I will always be there for him."Well said, James. That's what I try to explain to your brother, but he refuses to listen to me because he insists that I'm just a woman and don't understand the details of your father's business." Iris replied, her eyes reflecting a sense of satisfaction.Then when she turned towards Selena, they both exchanged a satisfied smile."I can find another investor-""Sure you can find another investor. Ho
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Second Chance For Him? 166. He chose his mother
Clara's POVIris Morgan's cry echoed through the room as Keith pulled her close with his arm.I was standing in the corner of the room, feeling completely out of place and unsure of what to do. I wanted to do something to support Keith and comfort her, but I wasn't sure if they would be open to it. I came to understand that, I was partly responsible for this situation."Mom you may stop your cry. Look I'm not going anywhere. So stop worrying." Keith said as his mother now stopped sobbing.But tears still streaked down her face now as they stared at each other.Iris said with a shaky voice, "How can I not worry when this is the first time I've seen you change so much? I hardly recognize the son I brought into this world anymore."Keith shook his head. He let out a sigh that sounded tired "What do you even mean? Nothing has changed here? I'm still your son."Selena walked over with a glass of water and passed it to Iris. The woman accepted it and expressed her gratitude to Selena. Sele
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Second Chance For Him? 167. The fear
Clara's POVA week later.I stood with the other parents, listening for my daughter's name to be announced. The classroom was nearly vacant when the teacher finally called my daughter's name. With a sigh of relief, I stood up from my chair and walked over to the stunning woman wearing square glasses.Olivia Webber, Layla's teacher, welcomed me with a warm smile. “Miss Russel, it’s great to see you again after such a long time. I'm so excited to share Layla's accomplishments with you!" She said.I took a seat in front of her and smiled. I felt relieved because, despite the long vacation that required me to take her to New York, Layla managed to keep up with the lessons. "I’m sorry Layla had to take such a long day off from school a few months back," I said.Miss Olivia flashed me a knowing smile “No worries. Layla is an incredibly smart kid, and I have no doubt she can keep up effortlessly. See? She proved it through her outstanding academic performance this semester."Then she we
Last Updated : 2025-03-24
Latest chapter
Second Chance For Him? 230. A friend of hers
Clara's POVI finally met up with Lily on the same day. But not at the penthouse where her friend took her; instead, it was at one of the cafes. Lily said that her friend is somewhat shy and doesn't like to meet new people. I don't mind about the meeting location, as long as I can finally see her and make sure she's okay."Clara," Lily got to her feet as soon as I got to her table. I was silent, completely at a loss for words. What left me utterly speechless wasn't her, but rather her 'friend.' So this is the man she has been calling friend all along? I needed to raise my gaze when he finally got up. I'm not sure of his exact height, but it's pretty obvious that he's around 6,7 feet tall. He's so handsome, but not in the typical way that most looks. I have no idea where Lily even met him. "Hey, you must be Clara. Great to meet you." He said, reaching out his hand. I accepted his handshake even though the way he was looking at me made me feel a shiver down my spine. It feels like
Second Chance For Him? 229. What she has in mind
Clara's POV"We’ve located the address. It's still in New York." James said. I quickly got up and made my way over to him and his subordinates who assisted us in locating Lily. Since I didn't have much information about her actual location, we just tracked her using the number she called me. I have no idea whose number it was. James shared with me the outcome of Lily's whereabouts. And sure enough, it's still in New York City. I narrowed my eyes, spotting the spot where the phone number was located. The area felt somewhat familiar.I realized it's due to its spot in the city center; the location is pretty upscale. But Lily mentioned that she was kidnapped. I never even thought about this place before. The person who kidnapped her definitely wasn't poor; they could afford to live in that neighborhood. "Do you happen to know anyone who lives there, Miss? Could it be her friend?"I just shook my head. Unfortunately, I don't know who Lily's friends are around here. I don't have their
Second Chance For Him? 228. Proposed
Lily's POVAshley snatched the phone from my hand just as I was about to wrap up my conversation with Clara. Shit! “You said you were only going to order food? Who did you just ring up?" She asked, her voice raised. "I-" For a moment, I found myself hesitant, too anxious to answer after just being caught red-handed. But suddenly, it dawned on me that I really shouldn't have. Cause there's no chance I'm sticking around here forever, right? Iits my right if I tried to find a way to escape this place.I don’t need to be scared. Especially since Dominic's actions went against my wishes. I can't just accept this and remain quiet. I have to stand my ground. "Answer me." "Yes!. I just called the cops!" I responded with just as much intensity. Ashley was mistaken if she thought I would feel intimidated simply due to my status as a captive. She just confronted Lily Russel. She had no idea how headstrong I could be. “Cops?”"Yes! Soon they'll come and arrest your master. Does he believ
Second Chance For Him? 227. Got kidnapped
Clara's POVWhen I woke up, my body was aching. I spent a few minutes stretching before getting up to check on Layla. She was still asleep, so I went to the kitchen to get a drink and then headed to the living room. I settled into the couch, my gaze locked on the door.I was kind of hoping it would open and that Lily would appear. She really should have come back to let me know that she was okay. Instead of just vanishing without any trace.Lily already mentioned she wouldn't be staying in my apartment forever, but she hasn't said when she's planning to move out. I didn't expect that she would move out this quickly, especially without giving me a heads-up. Opening my phone, I tried to dial her number. "Can you please answer it, Lily?" I began to feel that anxiety creeping back in.Once more, an automated voice picked up the call. I didn't have the number for her friend to reach out to and I had no idea where to find her. She really shouldn't have just vanished like this.Her careles
Second Chance For Him? 226. My girlfriend
Lily's POVMy head hurt, I blinked a few times, trying to lift myself. I reached out for anything nearby to steady myself."Ouch, what just happened to me?" I rubbed my temples. It feels just like that moment when I dozed off at three in the afternoon and woke up all confused. I can't even tell if it's day or night. I can't even tell where I am right now.I shifted my gaze to the unfamiliar room around me. This isn't Clara's place. I didn't even like the apartment I checked out to live in. This feels like it’s straight out of a penthouse, something I could never dream of affording. How did I end up here in the first place?I tried to remember what was happening before I lost consciousness and the memory slowly came back into my mind. Oh, god....Keith Morgan came to Clara's apartment. He claimed that he wanted to see me. And then...That dick! He drugged me! He applied something to that cloth that caused me to pass out. Before he did, I recall him mentioning that someone wanted to m
Second Chance For Him? 225. He's free, and I'm trapped.
Lily's POVA week later.I got back to Clara's apartment in NYC three days ago. Clara, James, Layla, and I are heading back to New York today. I had to leave before them because of some things I needed to take care of. I just finished my shower and answered a call from my mother, she asked how everything was going. Before I left LA, I told them that besides meeting Clara, I was going to look for a job here. It wasn't a lie, I want the opportunity to work in this city.My phone buzzed with another incoming call. “What’s up, Josh?” I nervously bit my tongue, waiting for his response. Why did he call me? Is it related to that man again? "Are you still in Italy?" "No. I'm back here again. What is it?" “Sounds good, let’s meet up. I have so much I want to share with you."“Yeah, of course.”I'll head to the airport to pick up Clara in the evening and I don't have anything planned for today beside it. It's still early, and rather than sitting here feeling bored, why not take Josh up on
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
