Share

41. The proposal

Author: Queen Ash
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-12 23:31:47
Clara's POV

Lucas slid a chair out and gestured for me to take a seat, just like he always did whenever he had the opportunity.

He took a seat across from me and signaled for a waiter.

"Thank you." At times I felt a bit guilty about how someone like him treated me with such care.

"No problem. What do you think of this place? If you don't like it we can look for another location."

"No. I like this place so much. Thank you for taking me here." I replied.

This was a recently opened restaurant that we had checked out. This venue, in contrast to TasteTales, caters exclusively to wealthy customers.

We lounged in the open space beneath a sleek white canopy, enjoying an unobstructed view of the cityscape. A white tulip vase stood between us.

The waiter approached us soon after to take our orders. As she walked away, Lucas remarked, "I should be the one thanking you. For willing to accept my invitation to lunch."

I knew Lucas wasn't being intentionally sarcastic, yet I still felt compelled to
Queen Ash

Thank You for reading đź’•

| 2
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
random ness
well that escalated quickly
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • Second Chance For Him?   42. Undermine his plan

    James' POVThis afternoon was bright and sunny, and I began to feel that I was truly starting to enjoy life here. Taking a break from work feels refreshing. While I continue to keep an eye on my office online, I find myself feeling less stressed than before. This morning, I wrapped up leading a meeting and then caught up with an old friend.We meet to reconnect about life and share insights on our respective businesses.Sadly, Zoe could not join as she was out with her friends. If she could be here, I would introduce her to my colleagues and share just how lucky I feel to have her as my wife."This way, sir." The server swung open the door to the outdoor space. I intentionally selected it to savor the fresh air. It's pleasantly less crowded here compared to the indoor area, which suits me perfectly. I scanned my surroundings. Dain said this is a new dining spot in town. But I found this place boring. If it hadn't been for his recommendation, I might not have considered it at all.M

    Last Updated : 2025-01-13
  • Second Chance For Him?   43. The game

    James' POV"Mr. Morgan you..." Clara trailed off, her words hanging in the air. The look of genuine surprise on her face was a sign that she hadn't anticipated my presence here at all. But I was pleased that her expression didn't abruptly turn to pout like it always did since we first crossed paths at TasteTales."I didn't expect to run into you here. Though I see you wanted to leave soon.""I was having lunch with my friend, Lucas." Friend? What kind of friend suggests a proposal during a lunch outing?"Lucas Brown." He held out her hand.I paused to consider it briefly before giving it a shake."James Morgan." Lucas' eyes grew large at the mention of my name. I anticipated his question, so before he could speak, I said, "I'm Keith's brother. I'm pretty sure you're familiar with him, aren't you?"My response didn't quite meet his expectations, "But how do you know Clara?""Clara is my brother's close friend, of course I know her. We crossed paths quite some time back." While I wa

    Last Updated : 2025-01-13
  • Second Chance For Him?   44. Pity

    Clara's POVBeing in the car with James alone isn't something I would choose, yet here I am, left with no alternatives! Throughout the ride I directed my gaze outside to avoid his face, he wore that annoying smirk after winning our argument."This is the first time I've seen someone fight with their couple on a date. That's quite unexpected."James' comment was so predictable it made me roll my eyes. I knew that he would bring this up. I was still frustrated with Lucas, and I wasn't sure I could remain calm if I had to deal with James' questions as well."We're not on a date, just having lunch together. Lucas Brown is a friend of mine, and that's all."I didn't intend to clarify my actions. I just didn't want to be perceived as a person who engages with many men whenever it pleases me."Really? Your friendship with him seems truly one-of-a-kind, cause this is the first instance I've seen someone proposing to his friend." My face was hot with embarrassment. Who would have thought Luc

    Last Updated : 2025-01-14
  • Second Chance For Him?   45. Parents' concerns

    Clara’s POVMy heart dropped when I noticed that Keith wasn't alone; my daughter was with him. “What’s he doing here?” I brushed off James’ question and quickly got out of his car. Upon spotting me, Layla dashed over and enveloped me in a warm embrace. “Mommy!”I embraced her just as firmly. Has school finished today? It was unusual for her to be home at this hour. I was about to ask when I realized her temperature was a bit elevated. "Are you alright, darling?"“Layla’s teacher reached out to you, but you didn’t answer her call.” Keith turns his gaze at me."What?" I quickly checked my phone and realized I had unintentionally turned on do not disturb mode. “Oh my- I didn’t mean to-”“Forget it. What matters is that Layla is back home now. She’s just feeling a bit unwell today." I could hear the disappointment in Keith's response.Aside from mine, Layla’s teacher had his number as an alternative contact available for emergencies like this. "Mommy, can we head home right now?” Coul

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • Second Chance For Him?   46. Who is the father?

    James POV"What have you been up to today?" My beautiful wife asked.After wrapping up our inspection of the building she leased for her new bussiness, we opted to have dinner at a nearby restaurant."Just catching up with a longtime friend."What happened afterward I don't think Zoe needs to know, I don't want to upset her. But I'm satisfied enough that I have left the impression that will make Clara and Keith's relationship tense."Are you sure you didn't meet that bitch Clara?" Zoe still felt restless.She had been like that since that night in the park. The fact that Clara was still alive troubled her more than it did me.I understand her perspective, Zoe must be afraid I will remember my past, she is my ex-wife after all.But Zoe is the only woman I love and she shouldn't worry that I will be swayed by Clara."Are you still upset with her?" I asked gently and took her hand.It's heartbreaking to see her without a smile on her face; I can't bear the thought of losing her joy again,

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • Second Chance For Him?   47. His secretary

    Clara's POVAfter a restful night, Layla's fever finally subsided and I couldn't feel more thankful to see her healthy again."Hey, are you still feeling that guilt?" I heard Keith's voice as he stood behind me.Today, I visited his penthouse after dropping off Layla, and we spent some of the morning making snacks together.He knew that I was restless and I spent the whole night without sleep, burdened by the weight of not being a good enough mother."I've never overlooked calls from Miss Olivia before."She's Layla's teacher, and occasionally reaches out to inform me about changes in the pick-up time or to share updates on how my daughter is doing. She engages with all parents to guarantee that the school provides them with good care."I won't make the same mistake again.""Hey, didn't I mention that it's all alright? Making mistakes is a part of being human, Clara. Perfection is just an illusion." Keith placed his hand gently on my shoulder.His words lightened the lump in my chest.

    Last Updated : 2025-01-17
  • Second Chance For Him?   48. Something more

    Clara's POV"I understand that you are his trusted secretary and have worked with him for a long time. But It's just that this has nothing to do with that, I just want to respect his privacy."I tried to make Stephanie understand. If she is his personal assistant, shouldn't she be familiar with Keith's personality and habits?"You are just wasting my time. Get out of my way." Stephanie was on the verge of shoving me out of the doorway when, out of nowhere, she paused."Clara? What is this? Who are you talking to?" I turned around at the sound of Keith's voice. Upon spotting Stephanie, Keith's expression darkened; it looks he was taken aback by her presence. "Stephanie? How long have you been here?” His tone conveyed a blend of surprise and displeasure.Stephanie beamed as soon as she saw his face. Her earlier grumpy and gloomy expression vanished in an instant. Now she smiled brightly and her vibe was completely changed. How can someone change her mood with such finesse? "Mr. Morga

    Last Updated : 2025-01-17
  • Second Chance For Him?   49. Haunt me

    James’ POVThe gathering was hosted at a five-star hotel in the heart of the city. Upon my arrival, the place was already bustling with people. As we stepped into the room, the attention shifted entirely to us, and a sense of pride washed over me.They must have instantly admired Zoe's beauty. I felt satisfied because if you want to see how successful a man is, just take a look at his wife."Mr. James, it's been quite a while since your last visit."I caught up with some employees I hadn't seen in ages."Yeah, I“I just didn’t have the time. Managing everything in LA was quite time-consuming." "Mrs. Morgan, it's a pleasure to finally meet you for the first time." A woman staff said to Zoe."You are very beautiful Mrs. Morgan."Zoe smiled brightly as she accepted their compliments with warmth. I felt a sense of ease knowing she was in a good mood tonight, so I didn't feel guilty for asking her to attend this gathering.She refused at first, saying that she didn't know these people and s

    Last Updated : 2025-01-18

Latest chapter

  • Second Chance For Him?   185. Truly loves you

    Clara's POVI regained consciousness an hour ago and now I'm just lying quietly while the doctor finishes his check-up. He took my blood pressure, examined the areas where I had injuries, and asked how I was feeling. He also ensured that I remembered everything, just to make sure I didn't lose my memories.“How is her condition, doctor? Is she alright?" Diana was the one who asked, and she seemed more worried than I was."I’ve had her checked out, and aside from the sprained ankle and the cut on her temple from hitting the hard surface, there are no internal injuries." External injuries can recover in just a few days with proper outpatient care and sufficient rest." The doctor said and I could hear Diana's sigh of relief.I let out a sigh of relief. My head was pounding, my vision felt foggy, and the bandage on my temple was really uncomfortable, but thankfully, I didn’t have any internal bleeding or anything like that. I heard from Diana that I took a tumble down the stairs to the

  • Second Chance For Him?   184. I'll help you relax

    Keith's POVFor a moment, I was just frozen, unable to look away. I felt a wave of guilt hit me immediately. What did I do? I’ve hurt Clara. I've hurt her for the second time today.I blinked. Once I regained my composure, I took the first step I knew I needed to take. I should go to the hospital to check on Clara and see how she's doing. I took out my phone and called Diana.As I waited for my call to be accepted, my eyes drifted to the stairs. My hand slightly trembled as I looked at how high and steep the stairs were. Clara fell from there and was immediately knocked out. She might have hurt herself or could be experiencing internal bleeding in her head. Oh god.It rang for just a few seconds before Diana finally sent my call to voicemail. “Shit!” I became increasingly frustrated.She has to be furious now. Diana probably believes I was the one who hurt Clara. L"I just want to find out how she's doing, and you won't even let me? Pick up the phone, Diana!" I let out a sharp hi

  • Second Chance For Him?   183. Horror

    Keith's POV“Didn’t I mention that Selena’s asthma was flaring up and she needed help? So when she called me, what should I do? Are you saying we should just overlook her?" I snapped back at Clara. "You're really selfish."I'm not sure what went on with me. I’ve never even shouted at her before. My anger towards her had just blown up since earlier at the restaurant the moment I saw her with James. I never thought that all this time she was going out with my brother without me knowing.Clara just shook her head. Her left cheek bore a faint purple mark, the spot where I had slapped her earlier, I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. But if I didn't do that, how would I help her realize her mistake? She crossed the line and I needed to guide her back to the right way."How many times do I have to tell you that Selena isn't a child, Keith? She ought to understand what actions to take to avoid situations like this, particularly when you're not around her-"I interrupted Clara abruptly. Ye

  • Second Chance For Him?   182. Hurt me but not my daughter

    Clara's POVAs soon as I got to the apartment, I plopped down on the couch. I felt both disappointed and angry. Now that I'm alone, I can clearly feel the pain in my face. I ran my fingers over the place where Keith hit me. What just happened felt like a nightmare that would never actually happen.“Did he really just slap me? Did he really hurt me? How could he do that to me?" I kept asking myself over and over. He is the man who has always been so kind to me, my best friend and the only one I had with me during my lowest time, and he just used his hand to hurt me. I really didn't want to accept that what just happened was actually real.However, there are times when our denial leads us to dismiss the truth, and that's not a positive indication. I know I have to face the reality that Keith had hurt me and he did it without a second thought.I got up from the couch and headed to the sink to wash my tear-streaked, messy face. I glanced out the window and noticed it was already evening.

  • Second Chance For Him?   181. My fiancee

    Clara's POVJames couldn't find the right words. It was just a straightforward question from me, but it really affected him. He now resembles a criminal caught in the act, unable to provide any explanation for my questions."I just want to ensure that a child receives the right treatment she deserves from her parents." He finally asked, "Is that a problem?" I just shook my head. Actually, he has a point. This time, I won't dispute it since I know I'm at fault. I suppose I’ll just come clean.I got up from my chair. I got the explanation I needed from him, and that's good enough for me, so I don't want to stick around any longer. I've got to head back now. James came along to find his footing. “Okay, I suppose it’s time for me to head out. I’ve received your explanation and I've made up my mind to accept your help, but there's one condition." I said, "I'll pay you back for all the money you spent on renovating my restaurant because I don't want to be indebted to you."Before James ha

  • Second Chance For Him?   180. He suddenly cares

    Clara's POVI scanned the other customers in the restaurant and then spotted him sitting at one of the tables. It's not hard to spot him at all. A tall figure and a strikingly handsome face reminiscent of a Greek statue, and how he carried himself made him always stand out among the crowd.Calming my heartbeat, I made my way to James' table. My steps are steady and assured. I know that I need to have a conversation with him, but I just can't get Diana's words out of my head since I chose to meet him here today. And how she cautioned me to be always cautious.“Are you sure he doesn’t have any other motives, ma'am? You know receiving help from someone like him seems a bit too good to be true. And what would make him want to help his ex-wife?" Diana asked just before I headed out to this restaurant.I was the one who asked for this meeting with James. To my surprise, he actually agreed with where I wanted to go. "I'll find out if I go see him and ask him straight up. How else would I kn

  • Second Chance For Him?   179. She doesn’t want divorce

    James' POV"Why does my mother want us to have lunch together?" I asked Zoe who was now assisting me in cutting the food before me.It's a gesture she hasn't made since we tied the knot, and now, out of the blue, she's done it. She sliced the appetizer and was just about to bring the spoon to my mouth when I stopped her. We were at a restaurant, and I didn't want to get any kind of intimate gesture from her.She seemed let down but chose not to argue. Zoe just set the spoon back down on the plate. She smiled as she replied, "We're a married couple, is that really strange?""Did you tell her what happened and that we're getting a divorce soon?" I inquired.She mentioned that she would take it upon herself to explain things to my mother, as I had already tried to share what happened, but my mother just didn't believe me. However, the way she continues to encourage Zoe and me to reconnect suggests that she might not be fully aware of everything, and Zoe hasn't shared the whole story wit

  • Second Chance For Him?   178. He doesn't care

    Clara's POVI wiped the sweat that had trickled down my temple and took a sip from my water bottle. My throat was incredibly dry. My entire body is sore, and it hit me how infrequently I really engage in physical activity. This is so embarrassing. I’m still in my twenties, but I feel like I’m already carrying the weight of an old lady doing a tough job.But as I looked around my restaurant kitchen and took in the progress we've made in transforming this chaos, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. It wasn't instant, but little by little, we managed to fix it and even make it look much better."Excuse me, ma'am, what are your thoughts on the stove's current position? Should we move it or keep it as it was?" Diana approached me and pointed to the spot where the builders would be setting up a new cooking spot for the renovation.Even though the last place was nice and I used to enjoy it, I still feel a bit sense of trauma. My priority now is to make sure that the incident do

  • Second Chance For Him?   177. My daughter

    James' POVI shut my laptop right after the meeting wrapped up. I still had more work ahead of me, but I just couldn't concentrate on it. My mind was so scattered that I didn't even know what to do next. I suppose I need to reach out to Victor again to check on the results of the investigation he conducted regarding Clara.Yeah, I suppose I should. So I pulled out my phone and called him right away.Victor has been with me and my company for a decade, and I have complete trust in his skills. He said that he would share the results with me as soon as he finished his tasks. But this curiosity is driving me crazy, and I don't think I can keep it to myself any longer if I don't reach out to him now."Mr. Morgan, Good morning," He greeted me politely."Where's the result? Send it to me immediately, Victor. I need it right now!" I came off as really impatient, almost like a kid having a tantrum.What happened to me? You need to calm the fuck down, James."Oh, sure. I’ve wrapped up the inves

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status