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

faded the smile

is it

talk to you on the phone. This is very

Jackeline! You're making

she ignored what I

by 10:00 am. I'll

"Wait---"

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

as she had already

got of what

she has agreed that Rory and Elaine will take care of her while I'm talking to her Untie Jack. They were playing

I decided to order our favorite drinks while I was waiting for her. And she entered the cafe and sat in

that you want to tell me?" I

She sighed.

know how to tell you this but..." she paused and looked at

what? Come on,

"Sam..."

"Yes?"

"Uhm..."

I frustratedly narrowed my

- I saw Luke when I visited my classmate at the Marriott Marquis

or to ask

"I saw him with---"

in Bangkok and has a two-week business meeting there.

Sam, I saw him, I

to say he has already arrived from his

She shook

do you mean

he didn't

what the hell are you

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

her if there's Luke Marcuz Williams that staying at the hotel and

"Listen, Sam---"

For what? I know you don't like him, but do you really have to make a story

a story, Samantha. Why would I

You are my

She breathed.

and it was him. I saw

"No!"

laughing and seemed to be having fun with each other's company! Your

hand was on the girl's

is hungrily. They kissed as if they didn't care what the world will tell them. He kissed her like she was the air that he's breathing! So now tell me, what's the problem with it, Samantha?" I was left open-mouthed with

day he checked in and she told me that Luke had been staying there for the past week. This only proves that he didn't actually leave the country. Because all this time he was staying

you is cheating,

that painful information from her. I was

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