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

husband's name, faded the smile on my

What is it

I can't talk to you

Jackeline! You're

she ignored

at the coffee shop by 10:00 am. I'll wait for you

"Wait---"

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

help blowing air as she had already ended

more curious I got of what she was about

will meet Jack today. I have already spoken to my daughter and she has agreed that Rory and Elaine will take care of her while I'm talking to her

favorite drinks while I was waiting for her. And she entered the cafe and sat in front of me, exactly

what is it that you want to tell me?" I asked while sipping

She sighed.

I really don't know how to tell you this but..." she

what? Come

"Sam..."

"Yes?"

"Uhm..."

narrowed my eyes

saw Luke when I visited my classmate at the

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

"I saw him with---"

Luke is in Bangkok and has

Sam, I saw him,

to say he has

She shook

do you mean

truth is, he didn't leave the

what the hell are

same time, my voice came out loud. I glanced at the other customer who was currently

Williams that staying at

"Listen, Sam---"

this, Jack? For what? I know you don't like him, but do you really have

story, Samantha. Why would I do

You are

She breathed.

and it was him. I saw your

"No!"

were laughing and seemed to be having fun with each other's company! Your husband's hand was on the

if his hand was on the girl's waist? What's the

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 the air that he's breathing! So now tell me, what's the problem with it, Samantha?" I was left open-mouthed with what she

only proves that he didn't actually leave the country. Because all this time he was staying at the

woman while he's still married to you is

how to process that information... that

----'---'---'---'---'---