One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 67: We are no longer a family!

~~~There was a time, I packed my dreams away, living in a shell, hiding from myself. There was a time when I was so afraid. But baby that was then, I am made of more than my yesterdays. This is my now and I am breathing in the moment. As I look around, I can't believe the love I see. My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubt, that was then, this is my now.~~~

-Jordin Sparks-

"I still am, why do you ask?"

"Hmm... because I saw your reaction when you learned that Luke was joining us for breakfast. And--- I saw you talking to him in the pool area." "Jack, it's not what you think---"

"Hep! Whatever it is, I'm in no position to stop you, but let me just remind you, dear Samantha, I mean, Samantha version 2.0 of your promise to yourself that you will never look back on what you've been through. You said you've already moved on and had no feelings for your husband."

"Ex-husband!"

"Fine, ex-husband--- ex-lover--- ex-bastard or whatever you want to call him, Samantha I just hope you don't forget that promise."

"Jackeline, I wasn't forgetting what I said and just for your peace of mind, he tried to talk to me but I refused. And yes, I already moved on and what has happened in the past, I make sure it won't affect me anymore."

"Okay." She said with a shrug. "I was just reminding you again. Luke was one of the things in the past that you should never reminisce or look back. You now have a new life..." She paused and smiled at me before she continued. ". love and the one who has shown you your importance."

"Yeah, I know and don't worry, I may not be able to avoid seeing Luke or talking to him, but my heart doesn't belong to him anymore."

I smiled at her as a sign of reassurance.

I have decided to stay in San Francisco for a month and Jack will be the one to supervise our business in New York with the help of our assistants. She let me stay so I could be with my daughter and have moments together.

But when I thought staying in San Francisco was a good idea, well, I was wrong. I have no idea that by staying, my patience, my goal and beliefs about moving on would be tested again.

And that test will start...

Today...

I woke up at 7:00 in the morning to help our maids and my mother prepare breakfast, the most important meal of the day.

and love life. A man who deserves your

While having breakfast with my parents and my brother, I noticed the smile that hadn't left my daughter's face, but I chose to ignore it and continued to eat. But as soon as I finished, she dragged me into the living room and asked me if we could go to the mall as she wanted to watch a children's movie and buy some toys.

And since for me it was just a simple wish, I agreed and went with her to the mall.

"Mommy, can we go to the ladies room first?" Cali asked me as soon as we entered the entrance.

"Sure, baby."

pee. I got confused when she told me to wait outside as she can manage herself. Of course, I refused but she used her puppy eyes which she knew my weakness, so I have no choice but

mommy, let's

you so long?" I couldn't help but asked

of people inside and I waited

I said to myself, nodding. "So what movie do

first mommy before we go to the

sorry I

frozen design. "Hmm... I think I want to have some pizza, burger and

sundaes every time he comes to visit me at grandma's

alone?" I bit my lip as soon as that question left my mouth. What do I care if he brought anyone to

at her wristwatch but what shocked me was the ring I heard from her small

a cellphone ringing?" I

nodded, giving me an awkward smile as she took the

is calling

phone, Cali and where did you

gave

I-It was

he gave this to

didn't you

just forgot to tell you,

to tell me or you

told me not to tell you that he gave me

told you not to tell me, but why did he do

a

do I feel she's hiding something from me? And

your dad, am

nodded with

he wants, I'll just go to the counter to

meal, I don't know but I feel something strange is going to happen. I took a glance at my daughter and saw her on the phone and based on her facial reactions, she seemed

me, ma'am, may I

counter, but before I could even speak for my orders, someone one has spoken

cheddar burger, one mushroom swiss burger and please give us extra toppings of cheese and caramelized onions, three pineapple juice and a cup of chocolate sundaes---" (and

stared at him with my mouth open as

about you, sweetheart, what do you want?"

hissed. "What are you

menu and the lady is waiting for your order." He whispered

the annoyance that instantly builds in me. As if I still have a choice. "I'm sorry, Miss, just give me one cream cheese and garlic flame burger and one jalapeño avocado mac

take my wallet but Luke has already passed his card to the

for dine-in, Miss,