One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 184: The sayings

"How long are you going to stay in the Philippines?" I asked with a pout when Luke told me he had to go to the Philippines as he had something important to do in his company.

"I'm not sure, sweetheart," he replied as he sliced the steak on his plate. "I guess I'll have to stay there for a week or so."

"A week or so?" I repeated with my mouth hanging in mid-air.

"Yes, my team and I have to sort out some problems that Lucy's father left in the company."

"Ahh... I - I thought you were only staying there for two or three days?" I tried to keep the disappointment from escaping but it was so hard and a heavy sigh suddenly left my lips. Deep inside I was hoping to hear the other way around and that he would say 'Okay if you don't want me to leave then I won't or maybe he would ask me if is it okay to leave again after what happened,'

I stared at him... watched him as he gracefully chewed the food in his mouth and then smiled when he found me staring at him. He didn't seem to hear my sigh.

"Hey, sweetheart,"

"Hmm?"

"Don't you like your food?" He asked instead, which kinda shocked me.

"Huh? No, uhm---"

"We can order something else or whatever you want. Tell me, what do you want? Don't you like your steak?"

"No, I'm fine, I like it," I instantly shook my head. "I like it," I tried to smile and pretended to be excited in front of him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yup," I started to get a small slice and shoved it into my mouth without glancing at him.

We are at his favorite steakhouse in LA having dinner after watching a thriller movie and stepping out of the cinema.

And as I pushed through the third or fourth bite of my steak, I kinda lost count, my mind weighing whether to confront him or to just keep the disappointment to myself.

But a few minutes later, I slowly dropped my knife and fork and looked at him. I can't hold it any longer. He saw my reaction and gave me a look of confusion.

what you said. I was hoping you could cancel or postpone your appointment in the Philippines for a week or so and that you could stay

since we talked and sorted things out, but now he's leaving

"Sweetheart---"

I don't want him to see the disappointment in my eyes but I guess

missed the mischievous grin that appeared

guess you're not," he said shaking his head as he

fine, really," I grabbed the glass of wine

how he bit his lower lip, maybe trying to stifle the smile that wanted to escape from them. "Why don't you come

that's a good idea if I don't have a daughter who I promised to take on her

I'm sorry," he held my hand that was resting on top of the table. "I'm sorry, but I will try my best to finish my appointments immediately so that I can attend your parents' wedding anniversary celebration." It took me a while to absorb what he said

to go there, it's just

"Sam..."

a bit scared after what happened. You know, you just told me you were having a new project, but I didn't know you

he immediately stood up and without a word grabbed me by the cheeks and kissed me deeply

was enjoying myself as I felt

you, Samantha, I love you

right after he said those words. It was after

you too, but gosh--- Luke Marcuz, people are staring at us right now!" I

very handsome smile. "They can stare all they want and I don't give a shit!" I bit my

to the topic," he caressed my face before going back to his seat. "Sweetheart, I know you're

I am scared," I emphasized that last word. "You don't know how scared I was when I

sweetheart,

his hand when he took my plate and sliced through the medium-rare steak that I haven't touched yet. And I stared at him when he put it back in front of me as he continued to speak. "I'm sorry if I kept it a secret from you,

happen to anyone, anywhere at any time

his lips, so

why are you suddenly smiling, Mr.

how lucky I am to have you in my life... how blessed I was even before for having you and Cali

That's not the issue here, Mr.

can I do if I

it now?" My lips pursed as the

mean I already figured