All Chapters of Second Chances Under the Tree : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

CALLIE I blinked at her, still trying to process what just happened. "Wait a minute. Nora, are you telling me you’re an undercover agent?"Nora scratched the back of her head, her smirk now replaced with a sheepish grin. “Yeah… kind of.”My jaw dropped. “So, the whole story about your dad killing your mom, the tragedy that supposedly brought you here… that was a lie?”She sighed, guilt flashing in her eyes. “Yeah, Callie. I’m really sorry for lying to you. I needed a cover. I’ve been tracking this guy- our ‘host’- for years. He’s a ghost. No one could get close to him. I had to take some risks to get here.”I crossed my arms, trying to contain the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. This was shocking, no, mind-blowing. Never in a million years did I expect this.I was supposed to be furious with her, but the anger just wasn’t coming. Sure, she’d lied… about everything. But when I thought about it, about the danger we’d been in, I realized something: if Nora hadn’t been here, I’

CALLIE“What the hell?” I blurted, my heart racing as I stared at the screen.Ethan was at my side in an instant. “What happened?”Wordlessly, I handed him the phone. His eyes scanned the message, and his jaw clenched.‘I’m giving you a few days to leave Ethan, you harlot. He’s mine.’Ethan’s face darkened. “What the… who sent this?” he demanded, his voice laced with anger.“It’s from an unknown number,” I muttered, collapsing onto the bed. My hands trembled as I rubbed my temples. “I can’t believe this. I just got back, Ethan. I’m still trying to process everything that’s happened, and now this?”Ethan sat beside me, his expression shifting from anger to concern. “Callie, don’t let this get to you. Whoever sent that message is just trying to mess with your head.”“But why? Who could hate me this much?” I asked, my voice breaking. “I’ve already been through so much. I’m not ready to dive into another nightmare because of some delusional person who thinks they have a claim on you.”Eth

ETHANSophie’s predatory smile deepened as she walked toward me. The sharp click of her heels against the floor was the only sound in the room. My pulse quickened as she stopped mere inches away, so close I could feel her breath on my face.“I’m not asking for much, Ethan,” she murmured. “All I want…is you.”I stiffened, a cold chill racing down my spine. “What the hell are you talking about?” I asked, trying to steady my voice though the tension in my body was undeniable.She chuckled softly. “Oh, don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. You and me, back together. But this time, we keep it private. No one has to know…not yet, at least.”I took a slow step back, putting some distance between us. “That’s not happening, Sophie. I’m married. Callie and I… ”“Don’t!” she snapped, her voice rising as she jabbed a finger at my chest. “Don’t you dare say her name.”Her sudden outburst echoed through the room, and I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. “This isn’t a negotiation

CALLIE Time slowed as his voice echoed in the room. Ethan stood there, frozen, naked, with Sophie lounging smugly behind him, as a smirk appeared on her face. She looked like a queen reveling in her conquest.“Callie, I…” Ethan’s words faltered, his expression shifting from shock to panic.I didn’t move. My hands clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I tried to steady my breathing. The rage inside me burned hotter than ever, but I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.“Don’t.” I raised my hand, stopping him in his tracks. “Don’t you dare.”Ethan took a cautious step toward me, his hands raised as if to placate me. “Callie, it’s not what it looks like…”I let out a bitter laugh, cutting him off. “Not what it looks like?” I gestured to the bed, to Sophie lounging like a cat that got the cream. “So what is it, Ethan? A business meeting? A friendly catch-up?”Sophie chuckled softly, sitting up and adjusting her robe with deliberate slowness. “Oh,

CALLIE The loud sound of Nora’s voice jolted me awake the next morning. "Callie, wake up! Oh God, I overslept!" I blinked groggily, my eyes still heavy with sleep. "Nora?" I mumbled, struggling to sit up. She was already on her feet, grabbing her coat. "I’m late for work. Seriously, I need to go," she said in a rush. I rubbed my face sluggishly, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. "Thanks again, Nora," I whispered. Nora stopped mid-motion, turning to face me. She gave me a concerned look, her gaze softening. "Callie, you need to take care of yourself, okay? Be good to yourself. Don’t bottle it up. You’ve been through a lot." I smiled weakly, the gesture more to reassure her than myself. "I will, I promise." She stepped forward and pulled me into a tight hug, the warmth of her embrace grounding me. "Good. And don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. Seriously. Anything." "I will," I replied, holding onto her a little longer than I meant to. Then I pulled away, heading t