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78. Tainted
Last Updated:
2025-01-30 22:58:47
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Second 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 : 2025-02-03Second Chance For Him? 84. Fugitive
Clara's POVThe doctor had to restitch my wound because it opened up again. I’m not sure why, but it hurt a lot more this time, maybe because they did it while I was conscious. The pain clouded my ability to think clearly, I didn't even notice that I was gripping the back of James's shirt the whole time. He didn't protest. Just let me hold onto him to release the pain. At times, I could feel his hand softly gliding down my back. And when they finished, a wave of embarrassment washed over me. His tidy shirt is now wrinkled and I don't even realize I buried my face in his chest throughout the process, terrified at the sight of my blood. "I'm sorry," I said to him after clearing my throat.James looked unfazed by what I did, and I felt a wave of relief knowing he seemed to get it. "It's fine. You can sleep now. Your cousin has been dealt with; he won't be around to trouble you anymore."I know I need sleep but I simply can't close my eyes. Not after everything that occurred and thos
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Second Chance For Him? 85. Like a daughter
James' POVI can only smile and shake my head at her stubbornness. Just like she always has been. Clara has returned to her unfriendly demeanor as if just moments ago she hadn’t buried her face in my chest when the doctor had to re-stitch her wound. I didn't mind it, the fact that she needed me and was open about it filled me with pride. It was the first time she showed her vulnerable side to me; throughout our marriage, she always acted as if she didn't need me. Or maybe she did but I just always ignored her?I figured she must be tired, so I chose to let her sleep when the door to her room suddenly swung open. I was about to close it, but something made me want to take another look, so I walked into the room."Clara?" The room was so quiet because the owner had already dozed off on the bed. Clara's expression is calm, and her eyes are closed tightly. I repositioned her so her arm wasn't hanging off the bed, took off her sandals, and then pulled the blanket up to her chest."Sleep
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Second Chance For Him? 86. His help
Clara's POV"Be careful. Use my hand as a grip." I held Lily by the arm, ensuring her step was steady as I led her out of her room. She's being difficult, I want her to use the wheelchair but she refuses it. Then the nurse had to persuade her, but she insisted that only her shoulder was hurt, not her legs. We gave up eventually.Lily was supposed to go home tomorrow, not today. The doctor ultimately agreed to let her be treated at home, provided that a nurse would visit her regularly for check-ups. "I can't stay here any longer, Clara. I want to head back home. Could you please help me walk to the bathroom? I need to take a bath and get ready to leave this place." This morning, when I went to her room to see how she was doing, she said to me."But you’re not completely healed yet; the doctor still needs to keep an eye on you, Lily," I said. I don't want her condition to get worse if she leaves the hospital this soon.“If they find out I’m here, they’ll come for me.” I have to le
Last Updated : 2025-02-05
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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
