The Second Marriage Chance

Sarah

I regained consciousness lying in bed. The room was dark, with only a faint light from outside reflecting within. I touched my forehead and glanced around, realizing I was in a guest room at Serenity Pines Estate.

Exhaling slowly, I recalled arms catching me and Philip’s scent before I blacked out. Exhaustion must have overwhelmed me. Suddenly, a wave of panic hit me.

“Oh no! Jane!” I shouted, remembering my friend was in trouble.

As soon as my hand touched the cool metal of the doorknob, a deep voice from the open balcony made me freeze.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The unexpected sound sent a shiver down my spine.

I spun around my heart racing, and saw Philip’s tall figure against the starry night sky. The moonlight highlighted his broad shoulders and messy hair.

“P-Philip?” I stammered.

He walked towards me confidently, commanding the room with his presence. As he came closer, I saw the intensity in his deep, dark eyes-a blend of concern and a hint of something more profound. His hand reached out, gently cupping my cheek with warmth and tenderness.

“I told you I’d see you again.”

Tears welled in my eyes, a mix of emotions stirring inside me. He gently laid my head on his chest. I breathed in his scent, gripping his shirt as if to hold onto this moment forever. Philip kissed my forehead softly, and I found myself rendered speechless, still trying to grasp the reality of his presence.

“I’m sorry if you’re getting exhausted because of my family,” he murmured, his breath warm against my hair. “This isn’t what I wanted for you.”

As tears began to spill down my cheeks, Philip continued, his voice thick with regret, “I’m truly sorry, my love. I promised I wouldn’t make you cry anymore, yet here you are, shedding tears because of me again.”

“It’s just that I miss our banter, you brute!” I retorted, hitting him on the chest.

“And I’ve missed seeing that fiery temper of yours,” he replied, a smile evident in his tone. “You’re still the bravest woman who ever dared to scold me, called me an idiot and a lunatic to my face.”

I couldn’t help but giggle.

“I heard you managed to escape and wanted to go to Romania because you made a deal with Madam Olsen,” he murmured.

“Yes… But I can’t take such risks, Philip. I’m pregnant.”

He froze, lowering his gaze to meet my eyes.

I took a deep breath before continuing, “That day, I didn’t hesitate to choose our child. I can’t bear to relive what happened before – I nearly lost my mind. I have to do what’s right. I have to-”

My words were cut short as Philip suddenly leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a passionate kiss.

His lips, which I had yearned for days to meet, finally touched mine, calming the turmoil inside my chest. Emotions surged as our lips connected. His fingers gently caressed my hair, and then he pulled me into a tighter embrace.

When we finally parted, Philip gazed at me with a tenderness I had only dreamed of during our previous marriage.

“Philip, we need to keep this baby a secret. For now, only Josh, Assistant Alex, and my family in Dubai know I’m pregnant-”

“What?” His expression winced instantly.

“Yes. I remember you telling me Mariano shouldn’t know about our remarriage. I’m not sure how I’ll hide this, but I’ll do everything I can to keep our baby healthy.”

Hold on…” He stepped back, frowning. “Are you saying Josh knew about your pregnancy before I did?”

“Well…” I couldn’t help it-Josh is a doctor! It’s not my fault he saw the baby’s heartbeat in my pulse! This rascal got jealous before understanding my situation!

“No, this isn’t right. We need to tell him there’s been a mistake. I can’t accept that my bodyguard found out before me!”

I was speechless, staring at him incredulously. “You’re unbelievable!” My earlier tenderness gave way to frustration.

Turning on my heel, I strode towards the door.

“Sarah!” Philip called after me, following me into the hallway. “You can’t do this to me. I should have been the first to know.”

“You and your small dick energy! Stop being ridiculous and take me to Jane!” I scolded Philip.

He pulled me close again, his strong arms encircling my waist. His lips met mine in a tender kiss. As we parted, his eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Let’s keep this between us. Agreed? You’ll stay here in Serenity Pines; promise me you’ll care for yourself and the baby. Oh, And one more condition-I demand at least ten kisses daily. Non-negotiable.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” I sighed, stepping back from him. Despite my exasperation, I couldn’t help but feel relieved that Philip was regaining his strength. As I descended the grand staircase of Serenity Pines, my stomach growled insistently, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten in hours.

Heading straight to the kitchen, I scavenged for food, checking the fridge like a thief, unable to tame my hunger. I should have brought Amanda!

“By the way, where is my team? Lexi, Jakob, Emily, and Bronn?” I asked Philip, my brow furrowing in concern.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, brushing off my question.

“Yes!” I admitted, feeling suddenly childish as I turned to face him, my cheeks flushing.

He approached and peeked into the fridge. “What would you like? I could have ordered lobster if you’d like.”

“No, I need something now! A big, juicy sausage, maybe?” I pouted.

“Hmm… my particular sausage isn’t on the menu at the moment,” he teased.

I felt heat rising to my cheeks. “You brute! I meant actual food, not your dick!”

Philip grabbed a pack of sausages. “Alright, alright… I’ll fix something for you. Just sit back and admire my handsome face.”

I followed him as he prepared the meal, frying the sausages and slicing fruit, offering it to me first.

Guilt suddenly washed over me as I realized I hadn’t even asked about his condition. “How are you feeling?” I blurted out. “Aren’t you weak after being bedridden for so long?”

“I’ve been a bit nauseous,” he replied. “Ethan gave me steroids and vitamins earlier before you woke up. It’s helped, but I’m not back to full strength yet.”

I looked closely at him. The coma had clearly made him leaner. Despite that, he was here cooking for me, acting like everything was normal.

But I enjoyed the attention. Despite my attempts to resist, I secretly liked how he doted on me like this.

***

After dinner, I asked Philip to drive me to Cornell Mansion, where Jane was currently staying. Despite the late hour, I was concerned for my friend and wanted to ensure she was alright, eager to see her.

The butler graciously received us upon entering the grand mansion. Some household staff appeared surprised by our unexpected arrival, perhaps unaware of the recent events.

I made my way to Jane’s room, familiar with its location, while Philip was summoned by his father to the library. Reaching Jane’s door, I took a deep breath before knocking softly and turning the knob.

The room was brightly lit, and every lamp was turned on, seemingly to keep away shadows. Jane lay still on the bed, her eyes fixed on the detailed ceiling above.

“How are you, love?” I asked gently, approaching her and giving her a hug.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Jane’s eyes sparkled with tears as she sat up quickly.

“Sarah…” she sobbed, her body trembling against mine.

“You’re so brave. You managed to escape from that terrible woman,” I reassured her, wanting her to understand she wasn’t to blame and that she was courageous.

Tears streamed down her face. “I was terrified. She threatened to throw me into the sea, to kill you if I said anything. I’m scared to be alone…”

I soothingly rubbed her back. “I’m here with you,” I promised, hoping to calm her. I held Jane’s hand until we both drifted off to sleep on her bed.

The following day, Philip appeared sullen from having spent the night alone in his room. But I no longer cared about him. I felt a renewed sense of strength knowing Madam Cornell was behind bars, LoveLogic was doing excellent, and I was confident Jane would soon be back with us.

***

Emily

As I held my daughter, memories of the last time Bronn and I were together four years ago flooded my mind.

“Do you love me, Mr. Martin?”

He stared back at me, devoid of any emotion. “I’m paying you to play my lover. You know perfectly well your part in this messed up situation.”