One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 185: His fear

"I won't do it again," He said shaking his head. Seriousness permeated his voice and his eyes as he stared at me.

"How can I make sure you're telling the truth? How do you know you won't look at them again when we still have a long journey to take ahead?"

He was silent for a moment, but his eyes never left me. And after a few seconds of silence, he then took a deep breath and started answering my question.

"Sam, I won't hurt you like that again and I won't do anything --- anything whether big or small to make you doubt me. I won't do anything that could break your trust. I know I'm not perfect and far from being one. I could definitely make some mistakes like not attending a dinner party, our friend's party, or whatever party it is. I can't be able to attend because maybe I'm stuck in an important meeting or I'm on an out-of-town project again.

In the future, I may not be able to take our daughter to a school fair or a family day and forget some small things or details that may be so important to you or Cali that I know could sometimes lead to misunderstandings, but that's just it. Sometimes, it's pretty normal in a relationship, isn't it? And unlike before, now I know my priorities, limitations, and boundaries not just as a father, and a family man, but as a person too, so you can put your worries away because I will never cheat on you again. I will never lie nor keep anything important or even if it's not that important--- I will tell you everything.

I will send you pictures when I'm not around. I will send you messages and call you so I can be sure you're always safe and of course, to let you know I'm not doing anything behind your back anymore. I know what I did to you before was completely wrong and hurtful but I promise it will never happen again. Besides, I can't get our daughter out of my mind every time I think back on what I did, so I assure you, you won't regret giving me this chance." It took me a while to absorb everything he said and when I was finally back on earth...

"Hmm..." All I could do was nod after he finished his long speech. But deep inside, excitement and satisfaction filled my nerves and sanity. At that moment I felt every beat of my heart hammering inside my ribcage. And it's a good thing it's inside my chest otherwise it has already jumped out of my body.

But then I frowned as I remembered something from what he said and that made me confused.

"Wait, what do you mean when you said you can't get our daughter out of your mind?"

"Ahh... that thing," he took a deep breath. "You know, what I did was wrong... it was so wrong that every time it comes back to my mind, I can't help but fear that one day, men will do to my daughter the same thing I did to you and I don't know what I can do or feel when that happens."

I blinked twice upon hearing his revelation. I didn't know he has that fear and feeling inside him.

"So you're afraid for Cali?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, kinda," he shrugged. "You know, there is this belief in the Philippines that sometimes it is the daughter who pays for the sins of the father to her mother, and it honestly creeps me out!"

I couldn't help biting my inside cheek to suppress my laughter and asked him again.

"And who told you that thing?"

"Caleb," he simply answered.

"And you believed him?"

"Yes, and sweetheart, I swear I don't know what to do if that thing ever happens to our daughter!"

I was going to say something but he spoke again which made me forget that thing in my head.

towards me that time

I straightened my

because I know it was my fault from the very beginning, so I told him--- I told them to let

hand

wish I could undo my mistakes or rewrite the past, so you wouldn't have to

I could do

word I uttered after taking a few deep breaths. "Thank you for explaining all these things to me, Luke. I need to

I sighed.

think, not to worry, and be scared. Luke, to be honest, I'm scared. I'm scared to bet on

hands. "If that happens, I will understand you no matter what and I will continuously prove my sincerity. If I have to take you to the office when we have a meeting, then, I will take you. If I have to stay home all day for you not to worry, I will be home and gladly cook for you. Or if

couldn't help biting my lower lip after hearing what he said. A mischievous smile appeared on the

you

I will do

I come with you every day to work or

question and I

will just order food every lunch or we

won't you get bored of my face? Won't

get tired of you, Sam, never! We will enjoy life together, every day until we

tried to hold myself back, my traitor heart made my lips

be the man that you deserve and the husband that you need. But..." He suddenly paused in the middle

willing to join me despite the pain I've caused

can't he just continue

where? What do you mean--- what do

join me on my journey," he

"Luke---"

open my mouth,

with me for the rest of your life?" I clearly heard the question mark sound at the

and more in my seat as my mouth hung

whoa! Wait--- wait a second, Mr. Williams, where is this conversation going? Are you proposing to me right now?" I bit my lower lip when I already

he hesitated to

kinda," he finally replied, a sheepish smile curling against

you're proposing to

"Sweetheart, II..." He stuttered.

So you don't have a ring,

going