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2024-12-24 06:57:34Related chapters
Second Chances Under the Tree The Good news
LUCAS I leaned against the cold wall, staring at the closed ICU doors. My hands were trembling, clenched into fists, my knuckles white.This was my fault.Sebastian was lying in there, barely clinging to life because I had dragged him into my mess. I’d told him to follow me out.I squeezed my eyes shut as the memory flashed back. Sebastian had been so excited earlier that day, his usual stoic demeanor softening as he talked about Callie.“I want to get her something special,” he’d said, pacing in front of me. His voice had been lighter, almost boyish. “Something she’ll remember. A purple bouquet… her favorite color.” He’d paused, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll grab it later in the day and surprise her during the New Year’s countdown.”I’d laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “Purple flowers? That’s what you’re going with?”He’d shot me a mock glare. “It’s not about the flowers, Lucas. It’s about what they mean to her. Callie deserves something beautiful.”I hadn’t argued wi
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Second Chances Under the Tree Heartbreak
CALLIEI gripped my phone tightly, pacing back and forth in my tiny living room. My heart was racing faster than the snowstorm brewing outside. This was it. Tonight was the night.Without overthinking it, I hit Sophie’s name in my contacts and she picked up after the second ring.“Callie?” she answered. “Do you know what time it is?”“Sophie, I can’t wait anymore, and besides, it's just 9 p.m,” I blurted out. “Tonight is the night.”“What are you even talking about?” Sophie asked with a groan.“I’m confessing!” I replied, feeling a surge of excitement coursing through me. “I’m going to tell Ethan how I feel.”There was a long pause on her end.“What?” Sophie finally said.“I’ve been holding it in for too long,” I explained, clutching the phone closer to my ear. “And I just know he feels the same way. He’s probably just scared I’ll turn him down or something. But I’ll make it easy for him. I’ll tell him first.”Still no response from Sophie. The silence stretched awkwardly, and I frown
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Second Chances Under the Tree It was her
CALLIEI arrived at the VIP section 112 of the club where we had agreed to meet, my heart pounding harder than the bass shaking the walls. I paused at the door, smoothing down my dress as I glanced inside.And then, I saw him.He sat casually on the couch, sipping a drink. His appearance took me by surprise- too refined, too elegant, and way too good-looking for someone in his line of work."Get it together, Callie," I whispered, straightening my back and summoning a confidence I didn’t feel as I walked toward him.“You’re late,” he said, raising his head to meet my gaze with those gorgeous brown eyes.Ignoring the formality, I sat into the seat across from him and crossed my arms. “Let’s skip the small talk.”His brows lifted slightly, but he didn’t reply.“I didn’t come here for pleasantries,” I continued. “I came here for one thing. So let’s get to it.”He gave me a surprised look, but I didn’t care. Reaching for the zipper of my dress, I tugged it down, and it slid off my shoulde
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Second Chances Under the Tree This wasn’t happening
CALLIE I closed my car door, glanced up at the sleek glass building that housed my workplace, and took a deep breath to collect myself.Then, my phone buzzed in my bag. I hesitated, already seeing Ethan’s name flashing on the screen.The first instinct was to ignore it. After last night, the last thing I wanted was to hear his voice. But then I thought better of it. I wasn’t about to let him think I was sulking. Sure, I was still hurt, but I needed to keep my composure.The phone buzzed again. With a sigh, I picked it up. “What is it, Ethan?”“Callie,” he started. “I just… I wanted to say I’m sorry. About last night. I should’ve told you the truth earlier.”“It’s fine,” I said. “I’m over it.”“Really?” His voice was filled with disbelief. “Because…”“Ethan,” I interrupted, trying to keep my tone light. “It’s fine. I’ve got work to get to, so if that’s all…”“Wait,” he cut in. “There’s something else you should know.”What now?“My stepbrother,” Ethan said, “he’s taking over as CEO o
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Second Chances Under the Tree What are you doing here?
SEBASTIAN I hated putting her in this position. Seeing the tears threatening to spill from her eyes twisted something deep inside me.But this was the only way. If I didn’t frame it this way, there was no way she’d accept the offer I was about to give her.Her hand hovered over the doorknob as she turned back to face me. Her voice wavered, though she tried to keep it steady. “What’s the condition?”I took a deep breath. “You can keep your job,” I began, “but you have to agree to one thing.”Her brows furrowed, and she crossed her arms, waiting.“You’ll act as my date for my family’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations,” I said, watching her expression carefully. “You’ll have to pretend to be my girlfriend. After that, everything goes back to normal. You’ll keep your job, and I’ll stay out of your way.”Her jaw dropped. “You’re joking.”“I’m not,” I replied. “My father has been breathing down my neck, insisting I bring someone home. If I don’t, I’ll never hear the end of it.”She bl
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Second Chances Under the Tree On one knee
CALLIEI was really satisfied to see Ethan’s expression. Oh, this was priceless. Exactly what I hoped for.Sebastian, ever the opportunist, stepped forward with a smirk on his lips. “I’m sorry, Ethan, I don’t understand your question,” he said. “Callie is here with me. She’s my girlfriend.”As he spoke, his arm slid around my shoulders, pulling me close. I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips as I glanced at Ethan. He still looked like he was trying to process what he was seeing.“Shall we?” Sebastian murmured, brushing past Ethan without waiting for a response.I matched his pace as we walked into the parlor, his hand still comfortably resting on my shoulder. And then I saw her… Sophie. She was resting on the armrest of the couch, with a glass of wine in her hand. The moment her gaze landed on me, her eyebrows shot up.“Callie?” she said, her voice filled with surprise.I met her gaze, letting a smirk curl on my lips. “Sophie,” I replied coolly, before turning my attention
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Second Chances Under the Tree Something felt… off
CALLIEI was stunned. Was he seriously asking me to marry him? Right here, in front of his parents?This felt surreal… like a scene from one of those over-the-top romantic movies where the heroine swoons and says yes. Except, this wasn’t a movie. It was my life, and I wasn’t sure what to say.I glanced at the ring, the diamond glittering under the soft glow of the Christmas lights. It was beautiful… almost as beautiful as the man kneeling before me. My heart wavered as I met Sebastian’s gaze.I loved him. There was no denying that now. But we’d only known each other for a week. Was this crazy? Yes. But did I want to lose him if I said no?My thoughts scrambled for clarity, and in a moment of desperation, I silently asked, ‘Santa Claus, what do you think I should do?’The room felt like it was closing in on me, with his parents watching and smiling widely.I needed a second. Just one second to think.As I took a slow step back, my foot caught on something and before I could steady myse
Last Updated : 2024-11-23Second Chances Under the Tree A set of panties
CALLIEBefore Sophie could finish her sentence, the door swung open, and Mr Thompson stepped in, his eyes flicking between us.“What were you two discussing?” he asked.Sophie froze, her face turning pale. She glanced at me quickly before murmuring, “Nothing, Mr Thompson. Just… just helping Callie.”I could feel the tension in the air as Mr. Thompson studied her for a moment longer. Then, with a nod, he turned his gaze to me.“I wanted to speak with Sophie,” he said, his voice oddly cold. “Excuse us.”Sophie dropped what she was holding immediately, and as she followed Mr Thompson out of the kitchen, I felt a strange sense of unease crawl up my spine.What was going on?A few moments later, Sebastian, Ethan, and Charlotte returned, their laughter and voices filling the hallway.“Callie, you should come to the parlor,” Sebastian said with a grin on his face as he extended his hand. “It’s almost time for the gift exchange.”I nodded and followed them. As we entered the parlor, I saw th
Last Updated : 2024-11-23
Latest chapter
Second Chances Under the Tree The Good news
LUCAS I leaned against the cold wall, staring at the closed ICU doors. My hands were trembling, clenched into fists, my knuckles white.This was my fault.Sebastian was lying in there, barely clinging to life because I had dragged him into my mess. I’d told him to follow me out.I squeezed my eyes shut as the memory flashed back. Sebastian had been so excited earlier that day, his usual stoic demeanor softening as he talked about Callie.“I want to get her something special,” he’d said, pacing in front of me. His voice had been lighter, almost boyish. “Something she’ll remember. A purple bouquet… her favorite color.” He’d paused, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll grab it later in the day and surprise her during the New Year’s countdown.”I’d laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “Purple flowers? That’s what you’re going with?”He’d shot me a mock glare. “It’s not about the flowers, Lucas. It’s about what they mean to her. Callie deserves something beautiful.”I hadn’t argued wi
Second Chances Under the Tree Nothing left
CALLIE My legs carried me down the hallway, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. I followed the group of doctors as they hurried toward the stairwell. Lucas was right behind me, his heavy footsteps matching my own frantic pace.As we reached the top of the staircase, I gasped, freezing in place.Sebastian was there, at the bottom of the stairs. His body lay sprawled on the tiles as if he’d been tossed down like a discarded doll. Blood smeared the sides of the steps, and his shirt was stained crimson.“No… no, no, no,” I whispered, my voice breaking. My knees nearly gave out, but Lucas grabbed my arm, steadying me.The doctors rushed past us, barking orders. “Get the oxygen mask! We need a stretcher, now!”One of them knelt beside Sebastian, checking his vitals. “Oh my God, he’s still alive!”The words barely penetrated the haze of shock gripping me. My hands trembled as I gripped the railing, staring down at the scene below. Nurses were swarming around him, carefully positionin
Second Chances Under the Tree Where is he?
CALLIEI turned to Lucas, confusion written all over my face. “Quiting? Lucas, what are you talking about? You love your job.”He took a step closer, his eyes heavy with emotion. “I can’t do it anymore, Callie. Working for the Thompsons… it’s too much. Sebastian did the right thing when he walked away. They’re monsters, Callie. If Sebastian’s own father could do this to his son… put him in the hospital, what do you think they’d do to me? To anyone they consider expendable?” My heart sank as his statement settled in. Lucas was never one to back down from a fight, but the fear in his voice now was unmistakable.“Lucas…” I began, but he held up a hand.“I mean it, Callie. I’ve been trying to convince myself for years that I could handle it, that I could stay one step ahead of them. But this?” He gestured toward the smoking remains of my house. “This is too far. They’ve crossed every line. Sebastian was my best friend, and they’ve nearly killed him… nearly killed both of us in that accid
Second Chances Under the Tree The Fire
CALLIE I swiped to answer, pressing the phone to my ear. “Mrs Reynolds?”“Callie, oh my God!” Her voice trembled. “Your house… your house is on fire! I called the fire service, but it’s bad. They’re here now, but… but so much is gone.”The room tilted. “What?” “I… I tried to help! I saw the smoke and called for help as soon as I could, but…” Her words trailed off into a sob.I shot to my feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “How bad is it? Is it still burning?”“The flames are mostly out, but it’s… oh, Callie, it’s terrible. You need to come home.”My legs felt like jelly as I stumbled toward the door. Lucas stepped forward, alarmed. “What’s going on?”“My house,” I said, my voice hollow. “It’s on fire.”Lucas’s eyes widened, and without hesitation, he grabbed his jacket. “I’ll drive.”I nodded numbly, unable to think past the chaos swirling in my mind. Sebastian’s lifeless form behind me. My burning house ahead.The ride to my neighborhood was a blur, my heart poundin
Second Chances Under the Tree Bad News
CALLIEIt wasn’t Sebastian’s voice that greeted me.“Hello? Is this Callie?” a woman’s voice came through the line.My heart skipped a beat. “Y-Yes, this is Callie. Who is this? Where’s Sebastian?”There was a brief pause, as though the woman was trying to find the right words. “My name is Nurse Erica. I’m calling from Fairview General Hospital. Sebastian was… involved in an accident. He’s in critical condition, but he’s stable for now.”The phone nearly slipped from my trembling hand. “What?” I whispered, my voice cracking. “What happened? Is he okay?”“I can’t share all the details over the phone, but it’s important you come as soon as possible,” she said. “He’s at Fairview General. Please hurry.”The line went dead before I could respond.The phone clattered to the floor, my hand too weak to hold it any longer. For a moment, the world blurred. My legs gave way, and I sank to the ground. Tears welled in my eyes, streaming down my cheeks as sobs escaped my lips.“No,” I whispered to
Second Chances Under the Tree Five minute drive
CALLIEThere was silence. None of us said anything for a while. My heart clenched painfully, and I found myself struggling to form a response.Finally, I swallowed hard and spoke. “So… when is the date?”Sebastian exhaled deeply, his gaze dropping to the floor. “In two days. January 2nd.”I nodded slowly. “That means you’ll have to fly out tomorrow.” “Yeah,” he said softly. “I don’t have a choice.”The words stung, even though I knew he didn’t mean them to. I straightened my shoulders, meeting his gaze. “Then I’ll go with you.”Sebastian’s head shot up, his eyes narrowing. He took a step closer, his hands gently wrapping around mine. “No, Callie,” he said softly. “You don’t have to do that.”I frowned, my chest tightening at the seriousness in his tone. “Sebastian, you don’t have to do this alone. I want to be there for you.”He shook his head, his grip on my hands tightening slightly. “Lucas will be there. He has to be, as part of the team. I’ll go with him. You… you’ve been through
Second Chances Under the Tree What's wrong?
CALLIEI couldn’t help but laugh as I leaned back on the couch. “What do you mean by that? You’re something else.”He grinned at my reaction, his sharp features softening. “Who knows? You might start crying again tonight. You’re just a softie.”His playful tone was such a contrast to everything that had happened that I couldn’t stop smiling. For a moment, it felt like we’d stepped out of the storm. The warmth in his gaze, the way his lips curved just enough to let me know he was teasing… it was exactly what I needed.But before I could respond, Sebastian closed the space between us. His hand gently cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear I didn’t even know was there. “I mean it, Callie,” he murmured, his voice low, sending a shiver down my spine. “I love you. More than anything. We’re going to get through this together. You hear me?”His eyes bore into mine, searching, waiting for my answer.I nodded, my throat tightening with emotion. “I love you baby,” I whispered.An
Second Chances Under the Tree White and Black
SEBASTIAN I opened the door, and there she was… Charlotte. Her hair was disheveled, her face pale, and her eyes bloodshot, swollen from tears. “Sebastian!” she spat my name, her voice cracking with raw emotion. Her eyes darted to Callie, who stood frozen behind me. “You… both of you… you’ve done it. You’ve killed my son!”“Charlotte, stop,” I said firmly, stepping in front of Callie to shield her. “We didn’t…”“LIARS!” she screamed, her voice cutting through the tension. She shoved past me into the room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.Callie took a step forward, her own tears flowing freely. “We didn’t do this, Charlotte. I swear to you, we had nothing to do with Ethan’s death…”“Shut up!” Charlotte whirled on Callie, her face twisted in grief and rage. “How dare you even speak to me? You! You’re the reason my son is gone!”“Charlotte, that’s not true!” Callie’s voice cracked as she tried to defend herself.“Not true?” Charlotte sneered, her lips curling in disdain. “D
Second Chances Under the Tree Complicated
CALLIEA scream tore from my throat, echoing through the empty warehouse. My hands clutched the edges of my coat as if they could hold me together. My knees pressed against the cold concrete floor, the image in front of me searing itself into my mind."What the hell is happening?" My voice cracked, the words ripping out of me like shards of glass. "Why is Ethan here? He was supposed to be… "My thoughts fractured, and I pressed a hand to my mouth, trying to suppress the rising panic. My stomach churned as I stared at his lifeless body.Sebastian's hurried footsteps echoed behind me, and then he was there, dropping to his knees beside me.He froze beside me. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he didn’t move. It was as if the sight of Ethan’s bloodied body had rendered him incapable of action.“Oh my God,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “Ethan? No, no… this can’t be happening.”I turned to him, my voice trembling. “Sebastian… he’s dead. Ethan’s dead. What are we supposed to do?” His
