All Chapters of Second Chance At Love: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Axel.The morning air was light and cold. It was the kind of weather I usually found soothing, but today, it grated on my nerves. Every breath I took felt heavier than it should, as though the weight of the world pressed against my chest. My knuckles cracked audibly as I clenched and unclenched my fists, the movement both a habit and an outlet for the frustration boiling beneath my skin.I hadn’t slept. How could I? Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Cassie bruised, bandaged, and hiding her pain like it was a secret she couldn’t trust me with. That image had burned itself into my mind, each detail fueling an anger so fierce it kept me pacing my room through the rest of the night.By the time the sun began to rise, I knew I wouldn’t make it through the day without taking action. I summoned Warren and Jake through mind link as the first light pierced through the fog.“We need to figure out what happened to Cassie,” I said sharply, my tone leaving no room for argument.I tasked Warren wi

Cassie.It wasn’t until I returned to the lecture room that I remembered Violet had told me she’d be waiting for me in the cafeteria. My stomach churned at the thought of how much time had passed since our earlier conversation. She was probably wondering what had kept me. I stuffed my books into my bag in a hurry and darted out of the room, weaving through the scattered students lingering in the hallways.By the time I reached the cafeteria doors, my breath came in short bursts, and I was beginning to feel the weight of the day pressing down on me. Just as I stepped inside, my eyes caught sight of Violet near the far corner. She wasn’t alone. She was chatting animatedly with a girl and a guy I didn’t recognize.“Violet!” I called out, waving a hand in her direction.She looked up at me, her face lighting up in recognition. She waved me over with a smile, her carefree energy a welcome contrast to my own frayed nerves.I approached cautiously, my steps slowing as I neared the group. Vio

Cassie. When I opened the door to my apartment, the first thing I noticed was Axel sitting in my living room. His iPad was balanced in his hand, but he wasn’t looking at it. His gaze was fixed ahead, sharp and focused, like he’d been waiting for me. The moment he saw me, he set the device down and stood, walking toward me with measured steps. His commanding presence filled the room, and I instinctively stopped where I was, unsure of what to expect. Axel towered over me, and although I refused to meet his eyes, I could feel their intensity bearing down on me. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Did you go to the doctor like I told you to?” I gasped, the realization hitting me like a brick. “Oh no.” My eyes widened in horror as I remembered his strict instruction from earlier. I had completely forgotten. Between Jake’s strange behavior and my own frustration, I had stormed straight up to my apartment without giving the doctor’s visit a second thought. Axel sighed, lo

Cassie.Axel and I continued our walk towards the apartment, and though his hands held mine tightly, I couldn’t let go of the tension in my chest. My heart hammered against my ribcage, and the words “They’re coming for you” were on a loop in my head.I shook my head and tried to focus, as Axel led me into the apartment, but my attempts were futile. “Hey, how are feeling?” he asked me, with his hand pressed at the back of my head so I could look away from him even if I wanted to. “I’m okay,” I told him, trying to release myself from his hold, but he held me in place.“Come,” he ordered in a deep voice that sent shockwaves down my spine, seeping into my skin from where his hand held me, as he led me to my bedroom.“What are you doing?” I asked him, but I should’ve known he wasn’t going to respond. I folded my lips and let him lead me. Inside my room, Axel sat me at the edge of my bed and went into my restroom, staying there for at least five minutes before he came out with his sleeve

Cassie.“Mr. Pierson!” I called out, surprised and slightly embarrassed to see him standing before our table. My heart sank as I recalled the promise I’d broken the day before. I was supposed to meet him after lectures, and I completely forgot.His lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Seems you had a busy day yesterday,” he said, his voice calm and unbothered.I nodded quickly, fumbling for an explanation. “I did. I had to go to the hospital after school…a friend came to pick me up, and it slipped my mind entirely. I’m so sorry, Mr. Pierson. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”He nodded in understanding, his smile softening. “No need to apologize. I just wanted to make sure you were all right.”As he turned to leave, I felt an urge to make things right. “Wait!” I blurted, making him pause mid-step. “I still want to properly thank you. I promise I won’t forget this time.”Mr. Pierson chuckled warmly. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said before walking away, leaving me with a strang