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Benefit of doubt
Last Updated:
2024-12-01 04:25:56
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Second Chances Under the Tree Final blow
CALLIE“What the hell?” I blurted, my heart racing as I stared at the screen.Ethan was at my side in an instant. “What happened?”Wordlessly, I handed him the phone. His eyes scanned the message, and his jaw clenched.‘I’m giving you a few days to leave Ethan, you harlot. He’s mine.’Ethan’s face darkened. “What the… who sent this?” he demanded, his voice laced with anger.“It’s from an unknown number,” I muttered, collapsing onto the bed. My hands trembled as I rubbed my temples. “I can’t believe this. I just got back, Ethan. I’m still trying to process everything that’s happened, and now this?”Ethan sat beside me, his expression shifting from anger to concern. “Callie, don’t let this get to you. Whoever sent that message is just trying to mess with your head.”“But why? Who could hate me this much?” I asked, my voice breaking. “I’ve already been through so much. I’m not ready to dive into another nightmare because of some delusional person who thinks they have a claim on you.”Eth
Last Updated : 2024-12-02Second Chances Under the Tree Now we’re talking
CALLIEThe soft hum of the elevator surrounded us as Ethan and I stood side by side. His hand enveloped mine, grounding me. It was my first day back at work after everything that had happened, and though I had been itching to return to work, I still feel very nervous.“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Ethan asked, his voice low and gentle. “You could take more time if you need it. No rush.”I glanced up at him, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow. “I’ve been cooped up at home long enough, Ethan. I need this. I’m ready.”He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But if you need a break or feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to step away. You’ve been through a lot.”I smiled, used to his caring nature, that was one of the things I loved about him. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”“Good morning, Mr Anderson. Good morning, ma'am,” the receptionist said with a bright smile, offering a respectful nod in my direction.“Good morning,” Ethan and I replied in unison. His tone was
Last Updated : 2024-12-02Second Chances Under the Tree Room 120
ETHANSophie’s predatory smile deepened as she walked toward me. The sharp click of her heels against the floor was the only sound in the room. My pulse quickened as she stopped mere inches away, so close I could feel her breath on my face.“I’m not asking for much, Ethan,” she murmured. “All I want…is you.”I stiffened, a cold chill racing down my spine. “What the hell are you talking about?” I asked, trying to steady my voice though the tension in my body was undeniable.She chuckled softly. “Oh, don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. You and me, back together. But this time, we keep it private. No one has to know…not yet, at least.”I took a slow step back, putting some distance between us. “That’s not happening, Sophie. I’m married. Callie and I… ”“Don’t!” she snapped, her voice rising as she jabbed a finger at my chest. “Don’t you dare say her name.”Her sudden outburst echoed through the room, and I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. “This isn’t a negotiation
Last Updated : 2024-12-02Second Chances Under the Tree Heartbreak
SophieI sat on the edge of the bed, smoothing the silky fabric of my robe with a smile that could rival the devil’s. The thought of Callie walking in on us was delicious… I couldn’t wait to see her reaction.She had no idea what was coming.Ethan thought he was clever, thought he could resist me. But men like him? They always came crawling back, driven by their own desires and weaknesses. And Callie? I was going to mess with her head until I decided to eventually end her.The knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I stood, letting the robe fall open just enough to reveal my curves. Taking a steady breath, I walked toward the door, my bare feet sinking into the soft carpet. I opened it to find Ethan standing there, looking so tense.He stepped inside, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “You were really prepared for this, weren’t you?” he muttered, his hand settling on my waist.I smirked, leaving the door slightly ajar, just as I’d promised. “Always, Ethan,” I purred, circl
Last Updated : 2024-12-02Second Chances Under the Tree Still, no answer
CALLIE Time slowed as his voice echoed in the room. Ethan stood there, frozen, naked, with Sophie lounging smugly behind him, as a smirk appeared on her face. She looked like a queen reveling in her conquest.“Callie, I…” Ethan’s words faltered, his expression shifting from shock to panic.I didn’t move. My hands clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I tried to steady my breathing. The rage inside me burned hotter than ever, but I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.“Don’t.” I raised my hand, stopping him in his tracks. “Don’t you dare.”Ethan took a cautious step toward me, his hands raised as if to placate me. “Callie, it’s not what it looks like…”I let out a bitter laugh, cutting him off. “Not what it looks like?” I gestured to the bed, to Sophie lounging like a cat that got the cream. “So what is it, Ethan? A business meeting? A friendly catch-up?”Sophie chuckled softly, sitting up and adjusting her robe with deliberate slowness. “Oh,
Last Updated : 2024-12-02Second Chances Under the Tree Yeah, that’s him
CALLIEMy apartment was cold, dark, and eerily quiet as I stepped inside. I closed the door behind me, leaning against it for support. Sliding down to the floor, I buried my face in my hands and sobbed.How did it come to this? How did my life spiral so far out of control?I had nothing left. No family, no friends to call on. Every man I had loved and trusted had betrayed me, and I felt utterly alone.Each breath I took felt like shards of glass slicing through my chest. The deep, gnawing ache in my heart made it hard to focus on anything else.I pressed a hand to my chest as though that could keep it from shattering completely. But it was too late. Ethan had taken the last unbroken piece of me and crushed it underfoot.My body trembled as I gasped for air between cries. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold the pieces together, but it was futile. Every tear that fell felt like it carried a part of my soul away with it.I couldn’t stay like this. I needed someone… anyone… to
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Second Chances Under the Tree One Chance
CALLIE The loud sound of Nora’s voice jolted me awake the next morning. "Callie, wake up! Oh God, I overslept!" I blinked groggily, my eyes still heavy with sleep. "Nora?" I mumbled, struggling to sit up. She was already on her feet, grabbing her coat. "I’m late for work. Seriously, I need to go," she said in a rush. I rubbed my face sluggishly, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. "Thanks again, Nora," I whispered. Nora stopped mid-motion, turning to face me. She gave me a concerned look, her gaze softening. "Callie, you need to take care of yourself, okay? Be good to yourself. Don’t bottle it up. You’ve been through a lot." I smiled weakly, the gesture more to reassure her than myself. "I will, I promise." She stepped forward and pulled me into a tight hug, the warmth of her embrace grounding me. "Good. And don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. Seriously. Anything." "I will," I replied, holding onto her a little longer than I meant to. Then I pulled away, heading t
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Second Chances Under the Tree Still nothing
CALLIE"What?" Nora's voice echoed through the phone, laced with disbelief.I sighed, pacing the room with my phone pressed to my ear. "I don’t know, Nora. I feel like... everyone makes mistakes, you know? Maybe I should give him one last chance."Nora’s laugh was dry, humorless. "Oh, baby girl, no. Are you sure about this?"I scratched my head, glancing out the window. "Kind of? I mean, I’m not sure about anything, honestly. But... I want to try. Just this once."There was a heavy pause on the line, the sound of Nora exhaling slowly. "Look, Callie, you know I love you, right? And I’ll support you no matter what, but I’m not cool with this.""I get it," I said quietly. "I’m not really sure I’m cool with it either. But it’s my decision, and I need to see it through."Nora groaned softly. "Alright, fine. It’s your call. But if he messes up again, I’m coming for him. You hear me?"I chuckled, despite the weight in my chest. "Loud and clear, Nora."She was about to say something else when
Last Updated : 2024-12-05
Latest chapter
Second Chances Under the Tree Unstoppable
CALLIEI slapped Sebastian’s chest, the frustration bubbling inside me. “You should’ve just told me all this sooner! You could’ve spared me all the stress and drama.”He winced slightly, “I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you’d be scared. You wouldn’t have agreed to let my guy shoot her. Not here, not today.”I was about to retort when I glanced around, my gaze landing on the guests who still remained eerily silent. My heart tightened with a sudden wave of discomfort. “Wait… have the guests been informed about all of this? About what’s happening?”Sebastian gave me that damn smile of his, the one that made everything seem like it was under control. “Oh, they know. I had to tell them. I didn’t want there to be chaos when it all went down.”I narrowed my eyes. “You’re not serious,” I muttered, lightly hitting his head playfully. "You had to make sure everything went according to plan, even the guests."He chuckled softly. “Callie, you’re the one who’s always thinking things throu
Second Chances Under the Tree Prove
CALLIEMy eyes were locked on Charlotte, blood staining the carpet around her. Why wasn’t anyone else reacting? Then, without warning, the doors burst open.Police officers flooded the room. I didn’t even have time to breathe before Nora walked in. She was followed by two other officers, their hands ready on their holsters.She moved toward Charlotte, her eyes scanning the scene slowly. The entire room seemed to tense as the officers approached Charlotte, who was still writhing on the floor, her hands desperately clutching at her bleeding legs."Charlotte Lawson," Nora’s voice rang out, echoing through the room, "You are under arrest for attempted murder. You’re also charged with the murder of Damon Wright and the murder of your son, Lucas Lawson."My heart skipped a beat. Attempted murder? Who’s Damon? Charlotte let out a painful, strangled scream as Nora and the officers knelt beside her. Her eyes were wide with terror, disbelief written all over her face. She tried to push hersel
Second Chances Under the Tree The shot
CALLIEIt was my day. My fucking wedding day.They were doing my makeup, but I couldn’t stop staring at my reflection. The brushes moved across my face like they were supposed to, but my mind kept drifting, wondering how the hell I had ended up here. This was supposed to be the day I’d dreamed about since I was a little girl, the perfect celebration of love and happiness. But instead, all I could think about was how surreal it felt. Was this really happening? Was I really about to marry Sebastian?The makeup artist was still blending foundation on my cheeks, oblivious to the whirlwind in my head. The soft smell of flowers, the faint noise of voices around me…it all seemed like a dream.How did I get here? How had I gone from feeling like I was losing everything to standing here, about to walk down the aisle with the man who’d promised me forever?I caught my reflection again, my eyes roaming over the dress. It was beautiful, something I never thought I’d get to wear.The past few mon
Second Chances Under the Tree One clean shot
SEBASTIANI kept my eyes on the road, but my attention was mostly on Callie. She was sitting there quiet, her fingers tapping nervously against her knee. I knew she was still upset about Charlotte… hell, I was too…but this surprise... it was meant to take her mind off things. It was meant to make her forget all about that witch and focus on us.I glanced over at her, and for a moment, our eyes met. I could see the worry still clouding her thoughts, but her lips curled up just slightly. That was all I needed. I wasn’t giving up. I had promised her everything, and I would keep that promise.I loved Callie more than anything. The thought of her standing by my side for the rest of our lives filled me with a sense of pride I couldn’t put into words. But today… today was about proving it. I wasn’t just going to let some meddling woman ruin our joy. Not today. Not ever.I pulled up to the curb, the tires rolling over the gravel, and stopped in front of the building. My heart was racing, my
Second Chances Under the Tree 21 cakes
CALLIEThe bell chimed softly as we stepped into the cake shop, the rich scent of vanilla and chocolate filled the air. The baker, a cheerful woman in her forties with flour dusting her apron, welcomed us with a bright smile.“Good afternoon!” she greeted. “You must be the Thompsons?”“That’s us,” Sebastian replied, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Or at least, soon-to-be Thompsons.”I smiled, still thinking about my wedding dress. I had just bought my dream wedding gown… a simple but stunning straight dress. I couldn’t wait to wear it as I walked down the aisle to marry the man standing beside me.The baker ushered us to a cozy table near the counter, where a variety of cake samples had already been laid out. “Alright, let’s get started. These are some of our most popular flavors. Feel free to let me know if there’s something specific you’d like to try.”We sat down, and I immediately reached for a small fork, eager to dive in. Sebastian, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair
Second Chances Under the Tree A family
CALLIEI was in the kitchen, still in my pajamas, hair tied up in a loose bun, trying to focus on slicing tomatoes without nicking my fingers.The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and I found it comforting as I hummed softly to myself.I was just about to layer the slices onto the bread when a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me gently against a warm chest.“My fiancée,” Sebastian’s deep voice purred into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine, “what are you cooking?”I smiled, not even bothering to turn around. “My fiancé,” I replied, mimicking his tone, “I’m making sandwiches for breakfast.”He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my back. “Sandwiches?” he murmured, his lips grazing my neck. “I don’t want to eat sandwiches.”I paused, raising an eyebrow as I turned slightly to look at him. “Oh? What do you want to eat then?”Sebastian grinned, his dark eyes gleaming mischievously as he leaned closer. “You.”I rolled my eyes, though I cou
Second Chances Under the Tree Don't fail me
SEBASTIANCallie looked at me, her eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong?" she asked gently, sensing the shift in my mood.I let out a deep breath, leaning back in my chair. "Charlotte was released from prison."She blinked at me, clearly not processing the news at first. "What? How? Why?""Yeah," I sighed. "Turns out, they didn’t have enough to hold her. So, she’s free."Callie’s eyebrows shot up, her lips parting in shock. "She’s free? Just like that?"I nodded. "Yeah, just like that. But it’s fine. I’m meeting with Nora tomorrow. We’ll figure this out."She leaned forward, concern etched on her face. "But if she’s out, doesn’t that complicate things? What if she comes after you again?"I smiled, a slow grin spreading across my face. "Charlotte thinks she’s smart, but I’m smarter. I’ve got a plan. A backup plan."She lifted her head. "Backup plan?"I leaned in a little, lowering my voice. "Plan B. It’s time to put it into motion."Callie sat back in her chair, eyes locked on mine
Second Chances Under the Tree She's free
CALLIE The videographer approached us, his camera now lowered. “Congratulations,” he said warmly, extending his hand to Sebastian. “This turned out beautifully. I’ll have the footage edited and sent to you by tonight.”“Thanks, Matt,” Sebastian replied, shaking his hand. “You did an incredible job.”Matt nodded at me with a kind smile. “You’re going to love this when you see it. Congratulations again.”“Thank you,” I said, still slightly dazed by the realization that this entire moment had been documented. As Matt packed up his equipment and walked away, Sebastian turned to me, his hand resting lightly on my back.“Come on,” he said, steering me toward a table set up a few feet away.The table was set with twinkling candles, a crisp white tablecloth, and an array of dishes and wines.I stopped short, taking it all in. “Sebastian… this is incredible.”“I wanted it to be perfect,” he said simply, pulling out a chair for me. “For you.”The music continued to play softly in the backgroun
Second Chances Under the Tree Important things
CALLIESebastian parked the car in a reserved spot, cutting the engine before stepping out. I barely had time to open my door before he was already there, holding out his hand for me like some kind of gallant prince.“Seriously?” I teased, slipping my hand into his as he helped me out of the car. “You’re making me feel like we’re about to walk a red carpet.”He chuckled, his grip gentle as we strolled toward the venue. The pathway was illuminated with fairy lights that twinkled like stars. The soft hum of live music floated through the cool evening air.I glanced at him, shaking my head with a bemused smile. “Sebastian, I don’t understand anymore. Isn’t this just dinner? You’re acting like this is some kind of royal event.”He stopped walking for a moment, turning to face me. His dark eyes softened as he brushed a strand of hair off my face. “It’s not just dinner, Callie. You’ve been through so much lately, and I wanted to give you something... magical. You deserve it.”My heart did t
