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Chapter 24
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-10 00:07:02
Kaugnay na kabanata
To Love Again Chapter 25
We ended up getting new dresses for the birthday party. Chloe literally dragged me into a store, and made us try on every single dress available. By the time that we each settled on something, everyone in the store breathed a sigh of relief.Chloe stayed back home on Friday to allow herself enough preparation time while I went to work. Party or not, Jordan Kingston walked into the building at exactly 9:00am, barely five minutes after I got in.To his credit however, he swung my door open at 3:00pm and asked me to go home. I protested, but he insisted. He was leaving too. He had to get to his parents' house in an hour, then he would pick us up at 7.I was home in half an hour. Chloe was gone for her spa appointment. After she'd tried and failed to recruit me on her slay mission, she'd decided to just do it by herself.Yesterday, she wouldn't stop talking about how she was convinced that this party was her chance to meet her Mr Right, and how she was tired of going on several dates with
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-10To Love Again Chapter 26
It was Jordan. I smiled at him and nodded. He'd disappeared earlier after his mother walked down the stairs, and I'd wondered where he went.Now, as I let him lead me back to the dance floor, I thought to myself that this night was going a lot better than I'd envisioned. I was actually having fun. The people here weren't stuck up like the people at that party that I'd gone to with Jordan.After the first dance, which for me was really just a chaotic movement of my feet, the tempo of the music changed to slow and sensual.“Nope. Certainly not me." I said with a laugh and made to leave, but Jordan held me firmly in place.“Why are you leaving?"“Because I'm terrible at this sort of thing." I said over the music. “I can't dance to save my life."His hands went to my waist and he pulled my body closer to his. "I can teach you.” He said in a voice that sent shivers down my skin."Just move with the music and follow my lead.” He guided me with his hands firmly on my waist.I didn't have to
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-11To Love Again Chapter 27
Marissa's POVI felt like a thousand butterflies had been let loose in my stomach as his lips roamed slowly over mine. At first, I was too stunned to respond, but then his tongue probed my closed mouth, and as I opened, it felt as if a switch was turned on in me.I placed a hand over his chest, as I let my lips run over his. His tongue sought mine and found them, and I heard myself let out a moan as his hands cupped my breasts through the dresss.It was he who pulled back. He rested his forehead over mine and let out heavy gasps of breath. His hands were still on my breasts.As I fought to catch my breathing, the realization of what had just happened suddenly hit me, and I jumped to my feet. What had I been thinking?I took one step back, and then another. He rose to his feet.“Marissa….”“Excuse me.” I said, and left the enclosed garden in a near run.I went into the hall and walked straight towards Chloe who was at this time, holding a glass of wine in one hand, and staring into Cal
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-12To Love Again Chapter 28
Jordan's POVWhen Marissa ran off after the kiss that we shared that night, I didn't know whether to follow her or to just let her be. I called after her and was about to go to her, then I sat back down, confused.I got into the hall a few minutes after and saw that she and Chloe had left. I didn't understand why, but I sent Dane to find them and get them home safely. If she'd run off on me in the garden and had even left the party, then I wasn't sure that she'd be eager to have Mr come after her now.Over the course of the weekend, I stopped myself several times from sending a message. I just wanted to know what was running through her mind, and if she was open to a conversation about it. I stopped myself, though. Better to talk to her about it in person.Monday came with a lot of work and by the time I managed to get a few minutes away from all the work, she was… weird.There was an air of excitement about her that felt false and when I tried to bring up the kiss, she cut me off. Her
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-13To Love Again Chapter 29
Marissa's POVI looked at my reflection in the mirror one last time before going down to join Chloe who is already set.“All good?" She asks, and I nod. “Great. Whatever happens, you have to keep a cool head. Don't let that asshole get under your skin, and don't lose your confidence. You've got this, Rissa, okay?"I nodded again. “Yes, yes. I won't let him or anything get under my skin. Thank you Chloe.” I said, and we got out of the house and into her car. It was the second hearing for Anthony's and my divorce today, and I was nervous. Outside the courthouse, I clutched the strap of my purse so tightly that my knuckles grew white.Chloe walked over to my side and took my hand in hers. There were no words needed between us. I flashed her a weary smile and thanked the heavens for the day I met her.Chloe's parents were already seated inside. We walked over to their side and Mr Jenkins got up to hug me. Nancy mirrored the action.“How are you, sweetheart?" She asked.I sighed. “I just
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-14To Love Again Chapter 30
The morning after the hearing, I woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. My body was heavy and my mind even heavier. Anthony’s words kept replaying in my head like a broken record. Get ready for hell. I didn’t know what he was planning, but I knew him well enough to know he wasn’t bluffing. He’d always been the type to double down when he felt cornered, and now, with the restraining order in place, he was definitely cornered.Yesterday, we'd gone to Chloe's parents, and in those few hours, I had almost forgotten about my predicament. Almost, but I hadn't forgotten. The lies and threat still lingered in my heart.I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, letting the hot water wash over me until my skin turned pink. It didn’t help much, but I continued anyway. I got out of the shower and dressed up for work sluggishly.By the time I got down the stairs, Chloe was already in the kitchen, humming to herself as she made coffee. She looked way too cheerful for someone who had
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-15To Love Again Chapter 31
Nancy threw a birthday party a week after I got the car gift from Sam. She was turning 55, and she wanted to spend the day with friends and family.It was a Tuesday, and Chloe and I came straight from work to the house which was already bubbly with people. We'd been in the house over the weekend, and had also come after work yesterday to help with the planning.Of course, helping with planning basically meant that we'd planned the entire party, and Nancy had squealed excitedly over the stuff that she liked, and vehemently crossed out the things that she didn't.The party seemed to be in full swing, and we joined in on the fun. Chloe's parents had never been fans of alcohol so there was none available at the party. Instead, we had mocktails, juice, and some nonalcoholic wine.We both hugged Nancy tightly and gave her the presents we'd got her. Her eyes watered when I said I loved her and was so grateful for her existence. Some old friends soon came to pull her away.Chloe went outside
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-16To Love Again Chapter 32
I woke up to find Nancy in the kitchen dancing and singing along to some country music. I smiled at the sight. I'd picked up the habit from her. I danced in the kitchen too.I wrapped my arms around her from behind. “Morning, Nancy."She turned around to hug me properly. “Morning, baby. How are you?"“I'm okay. I'm gonna be late for work." It was almost 8. The distance from their house to Kingstons was almost an hour.“Well then, pour yourself a cup and go get ready." She said.I opened the cabinet and took out a cup. I poured some coffee, and Nancy handed me a slice of leftover cake. With how much I loved my fluffy chocolate cake, I wonder how I survived on Anthony's blasted wheat cake for three whole years.He'd talk down on all the things that I liked and would always go on and on about how they were unhealthy and I had to pay more attention to my health. Not like he cared much, anyway.As I ate, Nancy turned down her music and watched me for a few seconds.“So, how do you feel?" S
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-16
Pinakabagong kabanata
To Love Again Chapter 83
I didn't get home until evening. Brenda's book club's tea party was only a few days away, and I had to meet with the ladies for some last minute adjustments to the menu. I'd never wanted to impress anyone like I wanted to impress these women. They were some high caliber people, and this was my chance to win them over before the business opened.I sighed and kicked off my shoes before plopping onto the sofa in the sitting room. I still didn't have a name it. I'd stopped stressing over it, thinking that it would come to me naturally, but at this point, it looked like I might be needing to start making conscious efforts to get a name again. We couldn't have a grand opening without a business name now, could we?I heard someone rush down the stairs and looked up to see Chloe with a box of steaming noodles in her hands.“You're alive!"I chuckled. Why wouldn't I be? It's not like Layla had claws or fangs or anything. Plus it had been almost six years since we left college. We were all diff
To Love Again Chapter 82
Chloe made more noise than a hurricane as she rushed down the stairs with her bag in one hand and her six inch tall shoes in the other. For someone who was already tall, it was interesting how she never wore anything other than heels.“I’m late. I’m late. I’m so damn late,” she muttered as she skidded into the kitchen.I was leaning against the counter, sipping coffee and reading a recipe draft on my tablet. She glanced at me, then did a double-take.“You’re dressed.”“I am.” I said with a small smile.She narrowed her eyes at me as she shoved her arm into the sleeve of her coat. “That's suspicious. Didn't you say y'all found a replacement and you don't have to go to work anymore? What are you going to do?"I laughed. Suspicious indeed. "I'm not going to work.”"Then where?” Obviously impatient, but not willing to leave without knowing where I was going."I'm meeting Layla.”Her eyes bulged. "Layla as in Layla Freeman? Same Layla that we ran into a couple nights ago?”"Same same.” I r
To Love Again Chapter 81
Chapter 81Chloe and Caleb were already seated at a table when we walked into the restaurant. It buzzed with life and I smiled at the sight. This was the same restaurant where I'd first seen Jordan. It almost felt like it had been ages since that day when Chloe and I sat across from each other, and I stepped out to take my mother's call. The scowl that had been on my face when I came back in after that encounter with Jordan outside still made me laugh till date. The fact that he'd actually asked me to ‘look after myself'. Oh, the nerve of the man! I chuckled and glanced at Jordan. I wondered if he remembered too. We walked over to the table where Chloe and Caleb sat, already sipping from the cocktails in front of us.Chloe saw us first. She hurried to her feet and pulled me in for a hug. She hugged Jordan next. Caleb had a big smile plastered on his face as he rose to hug me too. God, had we all missed that smile. It is true what they say. Being with the person that you love makes a
To Love Again Chapter 80
Elizabeth blinked as Jordan strolled with a quiet authority towards us. Even she seemed taken aback by his question.“I asked you a question, Elizabeth Colton. How much do you want?”She quickly collected herself and put on an indifferent air. "Well, she owes me a whole lot.”"I do not!” I said, gritting my teeth. What did she mean I owed her a lot? God, the woman never could pass up on an opportunity to milk me.Jordan raised his brows at her. His gaze didn't waver. “I asked you a question. How much?"Couldn't he see that I was seething? Why was he asking how much she wanted?She shrugged. “100,000."My jaw dropped. 100,000 dollars?"You freaking thief!” I shrieked, but neither of them seemed to be listening to meJordan slipped a hand into his breast pocket and took out a checkbook while Elizabeth looked on gleefully. I looked in stunned silence as he wrote calmly and deliberately on a single page, tore it out, and held it out to my mother. I moved fast. Just as she was about to tak
To Love Again Chapter 79
I dropped my resignation with a two week notice which meant that even though I'd resigned, I was still working until we could find a replacement for Jordan's assistant. We'd interviewed a couple people but none of them seemed suitable for the role.Meanwhile, I spent all of my free time searching desperately for a place to set up the business. I'd decided to go a step further in my plans. I wasn't just going to be catering to clients. I would make the space into a cozy bakery of some sorts. Cupcakes, pastries, scones, and if I could manage it, perhaps coffee.I knew it was a lot to aim for, but a certain someone had taught me to never let my mind limit me. If I put my heart to it, then I could most certainly do it. Nancy.Now, the next step was finding a good space that wouldn't cost too much. I was on a budget after all.I found the place on a Friday evening. I’d already seen three other options that day that made me want to set something on fire, and I had no doubts that even the re
To Love Again Chapter 78
Jordan's expression was unreadable. He took a step back, and shoved both hands in his pockets.“Erm… congratulations.I cocked my head at him. I'd been expecting better. “Thank you." I said, my voice laced with uncertainty.He nodded and remained quiet.“Is there a problem, Jordan?" I asked.“No." He said, shaking his head. He rocked back and forth on his heels, his hands still in his pockets.“Well?" I snapped, suddenly impatient. “If there's something you'd like to say to me, just say it."He ran a hand through his dark hair, and moved to sit at the edge of his desk. "I don't have a problem with you leaving Kingston, Marissa. If anything, I support your decisions. You know that.”"Then what's the problem?”"I just want to be sure that you've thought this through. Marissa, starting a business is no joke. It would demand—”"I've thought it through.” I said, cutting him off.“Marissa, I —”"What is this, Jordan!? I don't get it. A little over a week ago, you sat in that throne-like cha
To Love Again Chapter 77
Chloe and I sat cross-legged in the middle of her bed, bent over a stack of papers, some crumpled, some straightened, as we discussed names between ourselves. Chloe was elated when I told her that I had finally decided to start the catering business we'd been talking so much about.When I asked for her help in picking out a name, drafting a proposal, and doing all of the basics that starting a business would require, Chloe jumped on it. It was what she did for a living anyway so it only made sense that she would handle this for me.I tried and failed to convince her to let me pay for her services, and insisted that this didn't count as work. We were just having fun and making good use of our hands and brains while at it.There were springs in her feet that showed how excited she was for me. It wasn't that I had expected any less, It was in fact that her infectious joy was a reminder that despite the brief lull that we'd had when Chloe suddenly disappeared into her shell, my best frien
To Love Again Chapter 76
I dropped her off outside Caleb's house.“You want me to come in with you?" I asked as she fidgeted with the door handle.“No. I think I should do this alone. But I think you should wait for a bit. Just in case, you know.”I didn't think that Caleb would turn her out on her face, but I nodded and she got out. I waited to see him open the door. From where I was, I could see the dark stubble on his face. He looked tired. I couldn't hear them, but Chloe said something to him, and he held the door open. I drove off with a contented smile on my face. I had no doubts that they would fix things before Chloe came back home.I pulled to a stop outside the grocery store. Chloe and I had been talking about getting some supplies, but we'd both been too busy recently, and so now that I had some free time on my hands I thought I would pick up what we needed.The grocery store hummed with its usual afternoon bustle. There were mothers with carts full of screaming toddlers. There was an elderly coupl
To Love Again Chapter 75
I drove my black sedan into the garage of the Jenkins home with Chloe at my side. She drummed her fingers on her laps nervously and took deep breaths as I turned off the ignition.“He's not going to bite you, Chloe." I said, turning to look at her.“No, he's not, but he's going to be real mad, and I can't even blame him."I took her hand in mine. “Well, you can't turn back now."“No, I can't." She took another deep breath and unfastened her seatbelt. We walked hand in hand to the front door, and she knocked.When Sam pulled the door open, I saw his eyes register mild surprise. He looked between Chloe and me and held the door wider for us to come in. I stepped in, but Chloe remained on the porch.“Hi, Dad.”He kept his eyes on hers and nodded. "Come on in, Chloe." He said, opening the door even wider.She finally came in. I was already seated and she took the space next to me. Sam sat across from us and placed both hands on thighs. An awkward silence stretched between us all and soon b
