One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 43: He's cheating!

~~~I've given you the best years of my life. If I failed you then God, how I tried. But I've been hearing stories all over town that you've been cheating me... Oh, love, don't let me be the last to know if it is true then tell me so, I wanna hear it comes from you. Oh, love, don't

let me be the last to find that you are gone, no longer mine. Don't let me be the last know~~~

-The Nolans-

"Take it and use it for all the expenses you will make for her party. You can do what you want, choose what you want... the team, the color, her dress, the guests you want to invite and everything!"

I was left open-mouthed the whole time he speaks. I was shocked not because of the card he gave me, but from the idea that he's giving me all the decisions on planning the party.

"You can also buy her the Disney princess dress that she was asking me to buy her last week---"

"Are you fucking serious, Luke Marcuz?" He stopped talking as he looked at me. "What is this? You're leaving me your card for what? Does this mean you won't help me organize her party?" "Samantha---"

"You're helping me every year, Luke, so what is this?" I asked waving his card again.

"I said I have a meeting in Bangkok, so I'm giving you my card and leaving you the decisions for whatever you want for her birthday. You can ask Jack to help you! Besides, I didn't say I wouldn't come!"

A faint smile formed my lips. It's Jack again. There's nothing wrong with asking my best friend for help, but it's not her obligation but him.

"Fine! I won't bother you to help me prepare for Cali's birthday, but make sure you'll come on time!"

I no longer heard his words... only the 'Tss!'

before he continued with what he's doing.

I counted the days in my head. He's going to Bangkok and stay there for two weeks... while Cali's birthday is ten days. If it's important, how sure would he be that he could attend his daughter's party on that day?

That question left in my head until the day of his flight. But I don't know why there's something in me that doesn't want to believe with his excuses. As much as possible, I don't want to think about those negative thoughts, but they keep running through my head.

***

I marked the calendar application on my phone. I've been counting the days and getting too excited for my daughter's 4th birthday party as if I'm the one who's going to celebrate and not her. But at the same time, I've been waiting for Luke's calls or even a text message, but so far, I haven't received any of those from him yet.

Three days...

Three days before Cali's birthday, I received a call from Jack. She said we have to see each other as she just wanted to say something...

"You just want to tell me about what?" I asked her, confused as to why we should meet.

"It's important, Sam."

"Then why don't you just tell me now?"

"I can't." I heard her sigh on the other line. "I can't talk to you on the phone, Samantha, that's why we have to meet."

"Fine, but can you give me at least a single clue?" I chuckled.

"No, I can't."

"What the hell, Jack---"

passed before she spoke again. "This

my husband's name, faded

What is it

you, I can't talk to you on

You're making me

ignored what I

by 10:00 am. I'll wait for

"Wait---"

'tot... tot... tot...'

help blowing air as

the more curious I got of what she was about to say about

has agreed that Rory and Elaine will

arrived at the cafe exactly at 9:50, but Jack was still nowhere to be seen, so I decided to order our favorite drinks while I was waiting for her. And she entered the cafe and sat

it that you want to

She sighed.

to tell you this but..." she

what? Come on, tell

"Sam..."

"Yes?"

"Uhm..."

I frustratedly narrowed my eyes

Luke when I visited my classmate at the Marriott Marquis

don't know what to say or to ask her as I suddenly

"I saw him with---"

Bangkok and has a two-week business meeting

not in Bangkok, Sam, I saw him,

has already arrived from

She shook

do you

he didn't

the hell are you

suddenly intrigued and irritated at the same time, my voice came out loud. I glanced at the other

Williams that staying at the hotel and she said yes---" "That's impossible, Jackeline!" This time, I don't care whether all eyes

"Listen, Sam---"

I know you don't like him, but do you really have to

Samantha. Why would I do that? You're my

You are

She breathed.

was him.

"No!"

each other's company! Your husband's hand was on the

lying, Jack! So what if his hand was on the girl's waist? What's the problem with that? I couldn't

no, the right word is hungrily. They kissed as if they didn't care what the world will tell them. He kissed her like she was

his record the day he checked in and she told me that Luke had been staying there for the past week. This only proves that

to you is

motionless on my seat. I don't know how to process that information... that painful

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