All Chapters of Second Chance At Love: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The big day had finally arrived! I pulled on my t-shirt and athletic shorts, ready for all the Founder's Day festivities. As I headed into the office, the parking lot was already bustling with employees decked out in sporty gear too.I had just settled in at my desk when Alex emerged from his office, also wearing athletic attire though he still managed to look intimidatingly professional."McDermott," he said gruffly. "I trust those employee gift items arrived without any further delays?""All present and accounted for, sir!" I assured him, maybe a little too eagerly. "I had the staff put them in the supply closet near the event area."Alex gave a curt nod before heading out to oversee the final preparations, likely hoping for no surprises from me.Soon enough, everyone had gathered outside. Alex took the small stage and tapped the microphone, instantly commanding the attention of the assembled employees."Good morning everyone! Welcome to our inaugural Founders' Day celebration here

I cried the entire bus ride home from the office, feeling completely deflated after my confrontation with Alex over Sky Park. The harsh dismissal of something that meant so much to both of us, however fleetingly, cut me deeply.The moment I stepped into my home, the dam burst and the sobs came in billows. I laid down on the sofa, tucking myself in a ball as the tears flowed freely. Alex's cold rebuffs and corporate disregard for the sentimentality of our past replayed on a brutal loop in my mind.I'm not sure how long I lay there, so consumed by hurt and heartache that I barely registered the outside world. But eventually, I became aware of a gentle hand on my shoulder and my mother's concerned voice."Sophie? Sweetheart, what's wrong?"Startled, I looked up at her with red-rimmed eyes. "M-Mom? What are you doing here?"She settled onto the couch and pulled me into a warm embrace. "I heard your crying voice. What's wrong, my baby?"Fresh sobs wracked my body as the emotional turmoil c

I was spacing out at work when my phone buzzed with a new text. It was from an unknown number."Hey Sophie, it's Evan. Derby gave me your number - hope that's okay! I'm really looking forward to grabbing those drinks tonight if you're still free?"My heart skipped a beat as I read his message. Right, the date with Derby's friend that I had agreed to. Part of me still felt apprehensive, but I knew getting out could be good for me.Before I could overthink it, I typed back: "Hi Evan! Yes, drinks tonight sound great. Did you have a place in mind?"He quickly responded: "How about the new chicken spot that just opened downtown, Chicken Bistro? They have been getting really great reviews."I smiled slightly at his eagerness. "Chicken Bistro works for me. See you at 8!"After sending the confirmation, I felt a little excited jitter. Maybe this could be the refreshing change of pace I needed."Earth to Sophie!"I snapped out of my daze to find Derby grinning at me from across my desk. "So...

Mia strutted into the office area, carrying a box of her belongings with a smug look on her face. “Well, Well if it isn’t my new neighbor!” She exclaimed. “ Isn’t this just perfect? I’m finally right where I should be - at the center of everything important around here.She dropped the box loudly on the desk next to mine, making a mess of my papers and pens. I grimaced but remained quiet as Mia started shoving my workspace over to make room for hers without any courtesy “This is how it should have been from the start,” Mia said, with a cunning smile directed at me. “The queen reclaiming her throne and her man from the clutches of some loser." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her overdramatic flair. "We're just co-leading a software launch, Mia. No need for the palace intrigue."She laughed derisively. "Oh please, don't play dumb. You know Alex brought me in for more than just professional reasons." Leaning in, she lowered her voice conspiratorially. "He trusts my...perspective on

I was enraged, stepping back to my desk with my fists tightly closed so hard that my knuckles were flashed white. However, I had to pull myself together and just work my ass off to make sure this project was a success. I needed Mia out of my space as I could no longer cope with her toxicity. Determined, I decided to do whatever was necessary, so I called the client's office, and his assistant answered"Hello, this is Sophie from Polo Enterprise," I said, striving to keep my voice steady."You kept the entire team waiting. Mr. Kelvin is quite displeased," the assistant responded sternly."I know, I'm truly sorry. Is there any way I can rectify the situation?" I asked, hoping for a chance to make things right."I don't know about that." He paused. "He felt his ego was utterly bruised from being stood up today. He's absolutely furious."Anxiety was setting in. "Can I at least schedule a meeting with him?" I implored."I'm afraid I can't assist you with that," he stated.”Please, my enti