All Chapters of Second Chance At Love: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The next morning, Alex summoned Mia and me into his office, a stern look etched on his face."You two better thank whatever you worship," he said without preamble. "Because Mr. Kelvin just called, and he has agreed to reschedule the pitch meeting."I felt a surge of relief but kept my expression neutral, not wanting to reveal what I'd gone through to make this happen.Mia, however, looked skeptical. "And he's just willing to give us another chance? Just like that!""Not exactly," Alex replied, eyeing me knowingly. "He didn't disclose the details, but it's clear that some...persuasion was involved from our side."I shifted uncomfortably, hoping Alex wouldn't press further on how I had convinced Mr. Kelvin."Regardless," Alex continued gruffly, "Mr. Kelvin has made it crystal clear that he expects our absolute best this time. No more screw-ups. He specifically requested that Sophie lead the pitch."You could hear a pin drop with how quiet it got. Mia's whole body went stiff as she turne

By the time I got home, Mom and Dawson were already asleep. I tip-toed to Dawson's room, planted a soft kiss on his head, and dragged myself to my room, so tired. I fell onto the bed not even bothering to wash off. I was out within seconds.The following morning, my mom had to wake me up. “Sophie, you are about to be late for work,” she said, lazily nudging me.I jolted awake. "It's time?" Searching for my mobile phone, I sprang from the bed and ran to the bathroom as if my life was hanging on it."Be careful, don't slip!" Mom called after me. "I'll get your breakfast ready."I'm sure I shattered some records for the world's fastest shower. Still damp, I hurriedly threw on the first work-appropriate outfit I could find, simultaneously attempting to towel dry my hair. Just as I was wrestling myself into my skirt, my phone started ringing. It was Alex.Hello Mr. Hernandez, is something wrong?" I asked apprehensively."Pack a bag, we're leaving for a three-day business trip this morning

I dragged myself back to the present, the happy memory fading away. I glanced at my phone – it was almost 7 pm, time to meet the client according to Alex’s instructions. With a wistful sigh, I headed back inside from the beach As I made my way down the hallway, I paused outside Alex’s door. Part of me was really aching to knock, to talk to him and ask why he forgot about today but I knew doing that would be a wrong move. After standing there for a long moment, I forced myself to keep walking to my own roomOnce I was inside, I began preparing for the meeting, and in no time I was dressed. As soon as Alex saw me, his eyes swept over my outfit choice and he frowned slightly. “You can’t go like this. For the kind of client we are meeting, impression is everything.”"Oh..." I felt my cheeks get hot with embarrassment. "I didn't really pack decent business clothes for a trip like this.""A client important enough to have this meeting scheduled at a place like this is going to be big on lu

Derby's car horn was blaring like crazy. I had totally spaced on Celine's birthday party, and I rushed around like a headless chicken trying to get ready. When I was finally done, I hurried downstairs and headed for Derby's car with an apologetic look on my face."Girl, I was expecting you to look all dolled up for how long you kept me waiting," Derby teased, raising an eyebrow."I'm so sorry. You wouldn't believe what went down," I said, throwing my hands up."You forgot. That's what I'm thinking," she grinned knowingly."Did you get her a gift? I don’t know if we can stop somewhere to get her something, but I have no clue what she's into or wants," I admitted with a frown."Your presence is enough. I'm sure she's not expecting you to come bearing gifts," Derby reassured me, focused on the roadIs this how we'll get to the place? I'm sure a snail is faster than you," I teased, sticking my tongue out playfully."I'm trying, but I can't move any faster," we both laughed, shaking our he

I pulled out my phone to call us a ride. But before I could, Celine emerged from the building looking exhausted. I palmed my phone and turned to face her."Let’s just go to my place, okay?" I said gently. "You don't need to be alone right now."Celine nodded wearily, looking so downtrodden. “Thank you...I owe you one, for real.""Don't even worry about that," I waved it off. "Just focus on taking care of yourself right now, okay?"I called a ride and we waited outside until it arrived. The short drive to my house was silent. When we arrived, I led her inside and up to my room.Here, you can borrow some clothes to freshen up if you'd like," I offered, rummaging through my dresser. "And take the bed, I can crash on the floor."Celine shook her head. "No, Sophie, I can't put you out of your own bed. The floor is fine for me."You're the guest though," I insisted. "You should be comfortable."After some back and forth, she finally relented and accepted the t-shirt and shorts I passed her.