All Chapters of Love's Redemption: A Second Chance Affair: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The day of the housewarming party soon came and Vivienne had been planning for it since the day she moved in. She could have hired a catering company or even house help to deal with this small but intimate gathering but she didn't want to do so. She'd rather do these things herself as it would seem more sincere to her guests and she'd be able to keep herself busy with physical labor, refraining her mind from being too active with chaotic thoughts.Vivienne was bustling through the kitchen and the pantry when Aurora came over. Since Vivienne had already told her the passcode for the door, she entered on her while looking around with an exaggerated and complicated look. She didn't know what to say to Vivienne about her choice right now."I thought you'd look for a cozy place," commented Aurora as she put down her duffle bag which showed that she came with the intention of staying over. "At least, you could have designed it with a homely feeling. It seems too lifeless just like your eyes

Downstairs, Aurora had to take on the role of the host as she inquired about what Noah and Liam would like to drink. She couldn't just leave these two men here unattended. "Vivi has prepared a wide variety of drinks," informed Aurora. "So, you both can ask for whatever you feel like drinking. We have iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, coffee, tea, and even fruit juice. We also have wine but I think it's too early for that. Oh, there is also a signature cocktail but you'll have to wait for Vivi because only she can make that signature cocktail.""I'm fine for now," replied Noah. "So am I," added Liam. He also looked at the interior of the house with an appreciative look in his eyes saying, "Your friend has impeccable taste, Ms. Brooks." "When did you become so formal?" questioned Aurora. "And there is no doubt about Vivienne's taste when it comes to things. But her taste in men can be quite questionable." Her eyes were directed toward Noah when she said that sentence which held qui

Noah did not expect to hear this from Vivienne. He had a complicated look in his eyes when he glanced at Vivienne. For years, he really thought she left because of him. It made him feel guilty at times too. He did not expect that his rejection had nothing to do with her departure. "Is that true?" asked Angelina but the question was directed toward Aurora who shrugged indifferently."It is true," responded Aurora. "It's not like intentionally hid it from you. I did tell you that Vivienne was supposed to leave anyway, don't be so hostile to Noah. Remember?"Angelina vaguely recalled having such a conversation with Aurora in high school right after Vivienne left. But she was too emotional at that time and did not take her words seriously, especially when everyone around them had something else to say about it. A lie spoken a thousand times starts feeling like the truth and rumors are the same. Angelina sighed to herself and drank the cocktail from the cocktail glass feeling the need to

Liam gave his cousin a very interesting look as he mentioned, "It's such a coincidence that Noah's dad also wanted him to study law so he could take over the Sullivan family's law firm. But Noah had other plans and dreams." Noah pursed his lips slightly as he took small sips of the drink in his hand. He also found it quite fateful that Vivienne had studied law. Although he didn't know why she wasn't practicing anymore, he was certain that she'd have been a very good lawyer. Someone as smart and empathetic as she was meant to study law. She had always been good at arguing but tried to restrain herself. She also was defensive, critical, and analytical thinking. All of those qualities are needed in a lawyer. Her fleeting emotions did not go by him but he intentionally didn't question anything else. Everyone had their own secrets and he had no reason to pry into her privacy when they weren't close enough.Anyway, he had one very good quality and that was his patience. He didn't think any

Hearing the hint of exasperation in her voice, Noah found it quite adorable."Is that so?" Noah replied, stepping even closer until their shoulders touched. "Maybe I'm trying to rub off some luck from you."Vivienne managed to focus enough to make a shot, the ball sinking into the pocket. She turned to Noah, raising an eyebrow, "Nice try but I don't let anyone take anything from me. Even if it's luck."The game progressed, each move more intense than the last. They were neck and neck, each shot more crucial than the previous one. Noah's competitive streak came through, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride every time Vivienne made a good shot.Finally, it was Noah's turn again. He lined up for what could be the winning shot, his expression serious. He shed away his flirtatiousness and teasing demeanor. His attention was entirely on the ball right now with only one thought that he wanted to win. He hadn't felt this competitive in ages and today, he had to win this bet and take