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75. The banquet
Last Updated:
2025-01-29 23:12:59
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Second Chance For Him? 76. Captivated
James' POVClara looks stunning tonight. I have to be honest, even if it's hard to say. She had never applied heavy makeup to her face before. And though she is always lovely, she often looks bland.Tonight, she donned a gown that wealthy women heading to an extravagant banquet would wear. Why has she never dressed like this before? It looks good on her.I was completely captivated by her while she spoke with Mrs. Sofia Martinez, a close friend of my mother who was coming over at her invitation. Zoe stood next to me, her eyes fixed on them as well.I hadn't noticed my wife until it struck me that she seemed unwell."What's wrong? Are you okay?" I placed my hand on my wife's shoulder, feeling a bit concerned as I noticed her looking somewhat troubled.Zoe just shook her head and offered a faint smile. "I'm good."Still, I knew she wasn't being honest. Then I realized what was making her look a bit cloudy like this.Mrs. Martinez praised Clara but entirely ignored Zoe during their earli
Last Updated : 2025-01-29Second Chance For Him? 77. Humiliated
Clara's POV"Where are you taking me? Just leave me alone!" I yelled as James pulled me to the corner by the wrist as if I were just some animal.I politely asked him to let me go, but he ignored me. So now I didn't care anymore if anyone heard my screams.When James finally released me, my wrist was bruised and aching from what he had done. I held it tightly with my other hand. I shot him a look full of anger, but he met it with a completely unrepentant face. Yesterday, I believed he had changed from the terrible man I once knew, but today he proved me wrong. "What do you want?" I snapped."First things first, go ahead and change your clothes and wash that makeup off your face," James said.That instantly triggered my anger. Who does he think he is to give me orders like this? He really crossed the line this time. "No." I was on the verge of leaving when James stopped me and held me in place. I glanced around. Where's his wife who looked so upset with me before? I searched everywhe
Last Updated : 2025-01-30Second Chance For Him? 78. Tainted
Clara's POVTheir disdainful glances, the way they make me feel like I'm less than human, it's all just too much to bear. I just couldn't keep it in any longer. I spun on my heel and hurried away. I didn't pay attention to the hall buzzing with guests and servants moving about.I didn't see when a servant walked in my direction with a tray full of drinks. We collided and the drinks splashed onto my dress before I had a chance to prevent it."I'm so sorry ma'am. I wasn't focused" The servant said, swiftly assisting me in getting to my feet."It's alright." She offered to help me, but I declined and quickly made my way to the bathroom.Looking into the mirror, I see that my dress is stained all over. This stain isn't going to budge, no matter how hard I try to clean it. So I went upstairs to my room to completely change my clothes.I put on my other gown, which is still new and clean. Checking my reflection in the mirror before heading downstairs.I wasn't really in the mood to return t
Last Updated : 2025-01-30Second Chance For Him? 79. Alone
Clara's POVThe following morning, my head is pounding with pain. I opened my eyes and got out of bed to grab a glass of water from the nightstand. The pain in my head clouded my vision and threw me off balance; rather than grabbing the glass, I inadvertently bumped it, causing it to shatter on the floor. It fell apart right away."Shit,"Just as I was about to pick up the shards of glass strewn across the floor, the door to my bedroom suddenly swung open. Sarah and Layla rushed into my room."Mommy?" My daughter shouted and rushed to my side. She noticed the broken glass and glanced at me with concern. "Mommy you okay?""Just leave it, ma'am, let me clean it up." Sarah made me go, and then she gathered the pieces. "Did all the guests leave already, Sarah?" I asked. I needed to check that the house was clear before stepping out of my bedroom.I'm feeling dizzy and just can't deal with anyone else today. I needed a moment to clear my head."Yes ma'am," Sarah answered."Mr. James and h
Last Updated : 2025-01-30Second Chance For Him? 80. Dearest Sister
Clara's POVKeith offered to take me anywhere I wanted, but honestly, I just don't feel like going anywhere today. So we just go along with Layla's wishes; where else would we go but the amusement park? After trying out a few rides, she looked a bit worn out, so we decided to take a break at a restaurant for a bit.I sit down the moment I spot a chair. I didn't have any appetite when my daughter went to place her order."Maybe you want something to eat? You haven't had breakfast." Keith inquired as he took a seat next to me."I'm not hungry.""Are you not feeling hungry, or did Zoe make you lose your appetite?" He asks.Keith gazed at me softly, and then he said. "No need to stress, I've got someone handling the removal of those shitty news."Does he know? Of course, he knows. He probably noticed the same thing while scrolling through his social media."Thank you so much," I said. Despite all his pressing matters, he still found time to attend to something as minor as this. "Zoe wasn'
Last Updated : 2025-01-30Second Chance For Him? 81. Shattered heart
Clara's POVI move by instinct. I have to prioritize keeping my daughter safe first. After regaining composure, I hurried over to where Layla was standing. Her eyes were wide with pure terror as she heard the sound of the gunshot.I lifted her and nestled her face into the crook of my shoulder, placing my hand over her, trying to shield her from everything.I looked around, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from."We have to leave this place right now." Keith insisted. He positioned himself over me and Layla, trying to shield us."What's going on?" I was at a loss.Just a moment ago, everything was peaceful and okay. Then the sound of gunshots made everyone in the restaurant scatter on their own and rush for safety."I’m not sure. There might be a mass shooting, or maybe the police are searching for a fugitive nearby." Keith said. "We have to leave right now."I nodded.I held my daughter close despite my hands trembling with fear. As I was about to leave, something caugh
Last Updated : 2025-01-31Second Chance For Him? 82. Trouble
Clara's POV"Clara?" Lily swallowed hard, swiftly shutting off her phone and slipping it into her pocket. "Why are you here? You should have a rest.”She pointed to the bandage on my arm with her chin. That just made me smile with a hint of irony. She’s the one who needs to take a full rest. Lily looks as pale as a ghost, and I can tell it's not just because I saw her talking to David; she really is unwell. She must have lost a lot of blood due to the earlier incident. "What about you?" I extended my hand, "Is that David? Can I talk to him right now?"I used to steer clear of talking to him. No one at home dared to argue with him. My uncle and auntie pamper him, treat him like a fucking king, and that's made him grow up thinking he can treat everyone around him like a servant.If I didn't do what he wanted, he would hurt me.I was always scared of David, yet this was the first time I wanted to talk to him."What do you need?" Lily's voice was raspy as she moistened her dry lips. "No.
Last Updated : 2025-02-03Second Chance For Him? 83. Safe
Clara's POVThe clock strikes past midnight. I dozed off around an hour ago, right after the doctor came by to check on Lily's condition. I waited until she was sound asleep before I settled down on the sofa. I was flipping through a magazine, but eventually, sleepiness got the best of me."Miss?" A man's voice causes me to open my eyes. As my vision sharpened, I was finally able to see the man standing before me. Gazing at me with an expression of shock and disbelief. "Clara?""David?" A warning bell rang in my head immediately. I stand up.David stepped back. His face was pale as he looked me over from head to toe. "What do you want, David?" I snapped.I can still vividly recall what Lily mentioned during her earlier conversation with him. I see how he treats her, just like he treats me, even worse, and it frustrates me. Lily is his sister; how could he possibly do that to her? "I should be the one asking. What are you doing in my sister's room? And how!? How on earth are you stil
Last Updated : 2025-02-03
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Second Chance For Him? 119. Sanity
James' POVHer eyes went wide. Shock adorned her face. Zoe stared at me in disbelief, as if she couldn't believe what she just heard from me. I pulled my arm away from her touch. Which made Zoe even more surprised because I had never refused when she touched me before. “You must be joking.” Zoe said. She might think I would take back my words but unfortunately, I wouldn't."Don't make me repeat what I said, Zoe." I reminded her. "I gave you trust all this time but you broke it. Will you also refuse and just confirm that my suspicions are true?"Zoe pursed her lips for a moment. Then she looked at me, her eyes filled with unmistakable pain. "The trust you're talking about is a basic thing that you should have with your partner. I don't owe you anything just because you trust me, James."Watching her look at me with such pain made my heart feel like it was being crushed. I always try to keep her smiling and free from pain, but now I was the reason for that hurtful look on her face."Y
Second Chance For Him? 118. His trust
James' POVEach second that ticked by was incredibly frustrating. I just couldn't stay put. I got up and started pacing back and forth to calm my head which felt like it was about to burst. Running a company was stressful enough and I've always craved comfort whenever I got home. For a long time, I always dreamed of a home that would let me relax my mind even just for a while.But lately, that feels hard for me to achieve. I'm not sure what was missing. Zoe was always being a great wife to me. She would check in on my day and always offer to give me a massage whenever she noticed I was feeling under pressure.But there was something she couldn't provide me while I was still living with Clara.I looked at my watch and frowned in irritation just as I heard the sound of a car engine. That has to be my wife, Zoe finally made it home. Walking over to the window, I see a red Lamborghini pull up in front of the gate of my house. The sight made me frown right away.Just as I thought I mistoo
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"No." She shook her head quickly. "This. You left this on your table."She then passed me something. It’s my wallet. It had my ID and cards inside. Damn. I can't believe I left it on my table like that. If someone else found it, they might use it for their gain. No, it’s not the money that concerns me; it’s the possibility that they might misuse it to do something harmful in my name and tarnish my reputation.I was being too careless."Thanks," I said as I took my wallet from her. My voice was back to normal, and I noticed the smile that had formed on her lips."Anytime sir. Have a nice day," With that, she turned around and was about to return to the cafe where she worked but I stopped her."Yes?" She walked back to me with a frown on her face. Gazing into those beautiful eyes, I found myself enchanted in just moments.Shit. Even with minimal makeup and no extravagant outfit, I could see just how beautiful she was. She looks so sweet, especially when she smiles."What is your name
Second Chance For Him? 116. The first meeting
Keith's POVClara was livid. She has a frown on her lovely face and looks so offended. I expected her to feel relieved and happy when I shared this with her. Because after such a long wait, we finally found a ray of light. And now we can put an end to whatever our status is now and move to a more serious level."What do you mean?" I didn't mishear her say I had a fiancé right? "What do you mean I have a fiancé, Clara?"She seems unsure. She went quiet, and I could tell she was trying to find the right words to respond to me. But then it dawned on me where her current assumption came from. A bit of annoyance began to bubble up inside me."Is it because you saw me with that woman yesterday and then you make the assumption I'm engaged to her?" I asked.Why is it so easy for her to jump to conclusions on her own?"You were having a dinner with her-""Yes. And my whole family is present as well. It wasn't me and her alone.""That's the point, Keith. Your family is holding the dinner to
Second Chance For Him? 115. Engaged to someone else
Clara's POVI took a taxi to the place. I need to get Arlo to leave before I go; otherwise, he'll definitely get suspicious. And he would trail behind me and then tell James that I'm meeting Keith tonight. I didn't tell Lily about this either. I just said that I went out to catch up with an old friend. I waited for thirty minutes, and my heart was racing like crazy as I anticipated his arrival.I felt something I couldn't quite put into words when I got his message yesterday. I’m excited that we’re finally going to meet, but I can’t help feeling a bit nervous about what he might say tonight. Is he here to say goodbye? From now on, we’ll need to maintain some distance between us.He is engaged. Even though some people believe that friends can stay friends regardless of one having a partner, I know this doesn't hold for friendships with the opposite sex.I stood up from my bench and strolled over to the koi pond. I admired the vibrant fish gliding through the crystal-clear water, but
Second Chance For Him? 114. Fatal
James' POVAs I walked into my office after the evaluation meeting with a few of my colleagues, I noticed a lunch box and a tumbler sitting on my desk. I scowled. I don’t recall placing any orders today, and it’s not lunchtime yet. I hate having anything unrelated to work in my office while I'm on the clock. I headed over to the telephone and quickly dialed my secretary's number.Jennifer, my assistant, walked into my office a minute later. A concerned expression so clear on her face. "Yes, Mr. James? Is there an issue with the letter document I sent you? Is there something that was overlooked?”"Was that your doing?" I gestured at the lunchbox on my table.I can't think of anyone other than Jennifer who might have done this. She was here when I was at the meeting, so even if she wasn't the one responsible, she certainly knows who brought it here. But her expression suddenly changed as if she recalled something. “My apologies for not letting you know sooner, Mr. James. You ha
Second Chance For Him? 113. Healing
Clara's POVThe following morning, I was awoken by the sound of someone knocking at my door. I was still feeling sleepy, but I managed to get up on my feet. My mascara had smudged under my eyes, and my face was still marked by the remnants of last night's makeup, half-washed away by tears. So I stopped infront of the mirror to tidy up my face a bit before heading to the door.I couldn't hide my puffy eyes right away, but a smile might just do the trick to keep it from being too noticeable. "Morning," Lily said as she stood in front of my door. She came in with a tray of a bowl of cereal and milk. “You've skipped breakfast and it's nearly noon now. I don't want your stomach acid to act up."I swung open my bedroom door and welcomed her inside. Lily placed the breakfast on my nightstand. As I pulled back the curtain, sunlight flooded the room immediately. It honestly feels like I’ve only gotten two hours of sleep. Did I really cry myself until dawn last night?"Is Layla awake y
Second Chance For Him? 112. Broken
Clara's POVWhen I stay silent, Zoe used the moment to speak right away."What do you expect her to say, James? Of course, she doesn't have any answer because what Krystal said is not true. I'm sure they have been working together, they have planned my downfall for a long time.""Yes, Zoe is right. I also don't believe your wife paid someone to do that disgusting job." Iris Morgan said to his son.James didn't respond to any of them; he was just waiting for me to say something. What would he even do if I told him the truth? Is he going to laugh at me? Is he going to believe that I've been innocent this whole time? But even if he did, what difference would it make? It was already too late to fix anything."Mind my words, Mr. James. I know not like the rest of them you still have some common sense. Clara was once your wife so there's no way you don't know how's her character at all. You must know she can't steal something that isn't hers." But Krystal spoke again.I was taken aback
Second Chance For Him? 111. Innocent all this time
Clara's POVZoe rushed into the room, darting over to Krystal in an instant, her hand reaching out to slap Krystal's cheeks. The sound when Zoe’s hand met Krystal’s face echoed so loudly. Krystal staggered back, she brought her hand to the side of her face where Zoe hit her. I could see she was trying to hide her pain, yet her gaze on Zoe remained unwavering."Please don't listen to what this woman said. She's been jealous of me forever she'll do and say anything to drag me down." Zoe said to no one in particular, her gaze swept across the room. She put a fake sad expression on her face even though there were tears in the corner of her eyes now.I didn't notice those tears at all earlier in the bathroom."Calm down Zoe. We won't believe her." Iris Morgan walked over to her daughter-in-law, gently resting her hand on Zoe's shoulder as she spoke. "We have full trust in you. We won't take the claims of this woman seriously, especially since she has no evidence to prove her silly claim of
