All Chapters of A Second Chance With Mr Steele: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Emma's Point of ViewBreakfast should’ve been a calming start to the day, but the tension hung thick in the air, making every bite feel like a struggle. I stared at my plate, pushing scrambled eggs around with my fork as my appetite vanished. Across from me, Adrian sat, his sharp blue eyes darting between me and his coffee cup.“Alright,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “What’s going on, Emma?”I glanced up, feigning a weak smile. “Nothing. Just... stressed. You know, mentally preparing for another delightful day with your mother.”Adrian chuckled softly, though the concern in his eyes lingered. “Come on, she can’t be that bad. My mother's just... strong-willed.”I arched an eyebrow. “Strong-willed? Adrian, she practically lives to tear me down. Every time we’re together, it’s like she’s sharpening knives with her words.”He reached across the table, covering my hand with his. “Then how about you don’t go. Skip the food tasting. Or I can go with you, I’ll handle her. You don’t

Adrian’s Point of ViewMy reflection staring back at me from the mirror wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped to see. My eyes were underscored by dark circles from nights of restless sleep, and the tension in my jaw felt permanent. I adjusted my tie, trying to focus on the day ahead, but my mind was somewhere else or rather, on someone else. Emma.For the past three days, the house had been like a graveyard. Her silence was deafening. I’d catch glimpses of her at a distance, always avoiding me. The space between us felt insurmountable, but I didn’t blame her. I knew I’d crossed a line, siding with my mother without hearing Emma out. I had let my own insecurities and misplaced loyalty blind me.As I grabbed my briefcase and stepped into the hall, I hesitated outside her door. Should I knock? Apologize? The words lingered on my tongue but never left my mouth. Coward. That’s what I felt like. With a sigh, I moved past, trying to shake off the nagging guilt that clung to me.Downstairs, the cook

Emma's Point of ViewI woke up to the steady rhythm of Adrian's breathing, his chest rising and falling beneath my cheek. This had become my favorite way to start the day, wrapped in his warmth, feeling his arm draped protectively around me. But today wasn't the day to linger. The memory of last night's passion brought a small smile to my lips, but the responsibilities of the day ahead tugged me out of bed.Sliding out carefully so as not to wake him, I padded over to the closet and pulled out a navy-blue sleeveless dress. It was sharp, professional and confident, the energy I needed for today's interviews. Pairing it with a black blazer, stilettos, and my favorite shoulder purse, I laid everything out neatly before heading to the shower.The warm water cascaded over me, but my mind was already racing. This wasn't just about finding the right candidate, it was about proving myself worthy to Adrian, to his mother, and most importantly, to me. I had to get this right.When I stepped out

Emma's Point of ViewAs I approached Adrian, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor, I felt the weight of a thousand gazes. Adrian still engrossed in his conversation as he hadn't noticed me approach them. Celia's hand was looped around his, the sight sent a ripple of irritation through me.This was what she wanted. For me to cause a scene. To look unhinged and petty in front of these people. No, I wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. Squaring my shoulders, I plastered a dazzling smile across my face and cleared my throat as I stood behind them“Good Evening Babe,” I said sweetly, my voice cutting through the murmurs around us like a polished blade.Adrian’s head whipped around, and the instant our eyes met, I saw the longing in his gaze. It was as though he wanted to sweep me into his arms and lose himself in me right then and there. The blush that warmed my cheeks didn’t go unnoticed by him.“My Love,” he murmured, disentangling his arm from Celia's harsh grip wi

Emma's Point of View The silence in my room felt heavier than the air, pressing against my chest like an unbearable weight. Staring at the ceiling, Evelyn’s words kept echoing in my mind, each one sharper than the last. "You Are not worthy of the Steele name" I clenched my fists, the sting of her disdain impossible to ignore. I knew I wasn’t Evelyn’s ideal choice for Adrian, Celia was but why did she have to despise me with such venom? Shouldn’t she care more about her son’s happiness than maintaining her illusions of perfection? The untouched breakfast and lunch trays sat on the side table, a testament to how I’d shut myself away all day. Adrian had knocked on the door earlier, but I pretended to be asleep. I loved him, but I couldn’t bear to face him, not after last night. I was tired of the constant rivalry with Celia and the suffocating humiliation Evelyn never hesitated to heap on me. Part of me wanted to run, to escape this toxic environment. Yet another part, one I didn’t