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160. Numb
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2025-03-20 23:28:05
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Second 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
Dernière mise à jour : 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
Dernière mise à jour : 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?
Dernière mise à jour : 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.
Dernière mise à jour : 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
Dernière mise à jour : 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
Dernière mise à jour : 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
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-03-24Second Chance For Him? 168. Difficult choices
Clara's POVI found myself lost in thought as I drove into Keith's apartment. Layla's words kept echoing in my mind, and I just couldn't shake them off.How she wants a father figure to be present at the performance. She wouldn't care if it was all just a facade, even if it was only for a day, as long as she could experience a moment with both of her parents there. My heart felt like it was being crushed, and I didn't pay attention to driving until I nearly went off the road.I blinked and let out a deep breath. I always made sure she never felt like she was missing out on anything. I was overly sure that I had managed to provide her with a joyful perfect life, not realizing there was one part she needed that I could never truly provide.I would never be able to provide a father figure for her.The life she lives now is a result of the choice I made six years ago when I chose to conceal my pregnancy and leave James behind for good.'It's all your fault.' A voice in my head starts to w
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-03-24
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Second Chance For Him? 206. Changed
Clara's POVI locked my eyes on James, watching his expression shift from panic to a pale, speechless state.I overheard their conversation, and he asserted that Keith was the one responsible for my daughter's disappearance. Part of me wished I had just misheard it, that James was just making things up. Of all people, why Keith? Why him?"Clara I-" James gulped. He looks to be deeply troubled by uncertainty about what to say. Diana nibbled on her nails, her eyes flitted back and forth between me and James.“You said you would fly to Paris to bring my daughter back since Keith is the one responsible for this? You want to go there by yourself, without me." I said what I had heard about his earlier conversation with Diana.An intense surge of anger hit me. I’m the mother of Layla. I won't just sit back and let James take care of this on his own. "I'll give you both some space to discuss this," Diana said, and then she turned around and walked away, leaving us by ourselves."Can we head
Second Chance For Him? 205. The right time
James' POV"Zoe left on the same day Mr. Keith departed the city, sir." Dain gives his report. "What?" I blurted it out, could barely wrap my head around the fact that Zoe was gone as well. For a moment, I could only remain quiet. I didn't need any more proof to see that they were working together. Keith is taking Layla out of the city, and Zoe is involved. I hold my phone so firmly. I had never thought that my brother could do something like this. Since the first moment I first saw Keith and Layla, I felt that he genuinely cared for her. I never thought that he would stoop so low and take a step like this."It happened right after the last time when she crossed paths with Mrs. Clara at the restaurant," Dain said.I didn't respond. I came to understand that Zoe's actions were influenced by more than just her last encounter with Clara at the restaurant. I recall our final argument on the day of our divorce when she mentioned that she thought Clara and Layla were the reasons for our
Second Chance For Him? 204. Weak
Clara's POVI’ve never felt anything like this before. When my body feels like it doesn't truly belong to me. As I opened my eyes, I could see everything, yet felt completely drained. Suddenly, I felt a hand on me and turned to see Diana smiling next to the bed.My IV pole was next to her. I realize that I ended up in the hospital. “Hey, just stay put for a moment. The doctor advised you to stay on your bed." She mentioned. "Water," I murmured faintly.Luckily, Diana got what I was saying and quickly went to the table to fill a glass with water. She returned and passed me the glass. She also assisted me in getting into a comfortable position to avoid choking while drinking.I finished the water in an instant. Diana took the empty glass from me and put it back on the table."How are you feeling?" She asked.I paused for a moment. My body feels ache with pain. But it’s nothing like when I think back to why I came here in the first place. "Where's Layla? She should be here by now."
Second Chance For Him? 203. Puzzle
James' POVI gazed at the monitor next to Clara's bed and her peacefully closed eyes in turn. I wish for a miracle that would make her wake up. It’s been a day and night since Clara passed out, and I can’t help but worry about when she’ll wake up. Our daughter is still missing, and I don't think I will be able to keep my sanity if something bad happens to Clara too.I pressed my face into my palm, while my other hand clutched Clara's delicate hand firmly. I wish I could pass my strength on to her. 'Clara, you might never forgive me, but please open your eyes.' Suddenly a voice called out from behind me. "Excuse me, I'm going to do a routine check-up, sir." I looked back and saw a nurse standing.With a slow motion, I released Clara's hand and then rose to my feet, giving some space for the nurse to check on Clara. I looked over at the door just as Diana came in, I made my way over to her.She stared at Clara who was lying unconscious and then back at me."She hasn't slept or eaten
Second Chance For Him? 202. The traitor
Clara's POV"Please you have to take a rest too"I quickly got up from the sofa; what Diana just said was hardly audible to me. How could she possibly tell me to calm down in a moment like this when my daughter was just missing? Layla has gone. My daughter is no longer here!I attempted to reach out to the police number where we filed the report once more. However, there's been no answer. I held back my frustration and attempted to call once more. Yet, the outcome remained unchanged.“They’re not helpful. They ought to have wrapped up the investigation!" We submitted the report yesterday afternoon, so they should have reached out to me with the results by now. I still haven't received the results at all.A fear that I had been most afraid of gradually started to drown me. I realized that reporting on someone as powerful as James would be a challenging task, to say the least. And deep down, I realized that my efforts were going to be pointless.Suddenly what Lily once said to me came
Second Chance For Him? 201. Earn it back
James' POVWhen I got to Clara's place, Diana and her boyfriend were already present. She was attempting to soothe Clara, who had burst into tears while her boyfriend was talking to someone on his phone. I heard him mentioning a CCTV recording or something like that.Seeing Clara crying like this broke my heart. Hearing from her that Layla didn't make it to Diana's place threw me off. I went up to her even though deep down I knew she would turn me down. I was right because as soon as she spotted me, Clara stood up straight, her eyes burning with fury."Get out of here!" She threw her hand to push me back. Although I haven't said anything at all. “Please. I need to find out what happened too. I'm confused by all of this." I made an effort to negotiate.In our earlier phone conversation, Clara mentioned that Layla didn't arrive at Diana's place. She claimed I took Layla somewhere else, but that's not true. I really took my daughter to Diana's apartment, the address Clara sent me. I fo
Second Chance For Him? 200. What happened
Diana's POVA little while ago."Are we ready to go?" Kevin, my boyfriend, asked me. He’s been here for three hours now, helping me get everything ready for today’s fun activity. Today, we're heading out with Layla for a picnic date. And I'm so excited.I’m so excited just thinking about it. We're just waiting on one more thing now—Layla still hasn't shown up. Mrs. Clara mentioned she would be dropped off around 9. "Hold on, Layla still isn't here." "Seriously? It's odd. Have you thought about giving her mom a call?" Kevin made a suggestion.I glanced at my watch which time was showing one in the afternoon. "Wait, you're right."I looked up Mrs. Clara's number on my contact and called it, but an automated response came on, it's clear that her cellphone was off. I gave it another shot, but the outcome was still the same."No answer?" Kevin asked."Looks like she's tied up right now. She has a ton of orders today, so she probably won't have a chance to check her phone. Or maybe, she
Second Chance For Him? 199. Missing
James' POVI got home from work right as night fell, but surprisingly, I didn't feel as worn out as I normally do. Today, Clara is letting me have some time with my daughter. Even though it's only a car ride of less than 30 minutes, it means a lot to me.I can't shake the feeling that Layla isn't afraid of me like I worry she might be. It gave me a sense of relief. I found myself reaching for Dain's number and dialing it without even thinking. This excitement has me restless; I can't sit still without needing to do something.“Good night, Sir. How's your plan coming along? Is everything alright?" Dain asked. He's the one person I share this with. "Yes. There's just one thing. Clara turned me down when I invited her to lunch and suggested I could pick her up. But she trusts me enough to drive Layla to Diana's place, which is pretty great, right?"Shit. I come off as silly when I'm craving validation this much."Yes yes. That's very great.""Just be honest with me, Dain! I didn't pa
Second Chance For Him? 198. A dream of perfect family
Clara's POVOnce I finished helping Layla to get ready, we headed to the down floor, and to my surprise, James was waiting for us. He's leaned back against his Bentley, hands tucked into his pockets. I paused for a moment. All of a sudden, I was hit with a wave of doubt. Am I seriously going to let my daughter spend the day with this man?"Uncle James," Layla ran straight towards him before I could say anything, catching me off guard. I noticed I wasn't the only one taken aback; James' eyes widened for a brief moment before he quickly masked his surprise with a neutral expression. It's quite weird to see him struggle to control his face in front of someone."H-hey," James even stuttered.Letting out a sigh, I walked over to them."My mommy said you're taking me to Auntie Diana's house today," Layla said with a smile. "Yes! Did she say that to you?" James seems a little taken aback. He looked at me, his face lit up with a joy I had never witnessed before. “Yes, she did!”"That's gr
