One More Chance novel Chapter 43

~~~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-

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"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---"

"Please, Sam?" a moment of silence passed before she spoke again. "This is about Luke."

Hearing my husband's name, faded the smile on my lips.

"Why? What is it about him?"

"I told you, I can't talk to you on the phone. This is very important."

"Jeez, Jackeline! You're making me nervous!"

But she ignored what I said.

"Let's meet at the coffee shop by 10:00 am. I'll wait for you there, Sam. Bye."

"Wait---"

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

"Haist!" I couldn't help blowing air as she had already ended the call.

In each passing minute, the more curious I got of what she was about to say about my husband.

At exactly 9:30 am I asked my driver that we 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 Untie Jack. They were playing hide and seek when I left.

I arrived at the cafe exactly at 9:50, but Jack was still nowhere to be seen, so I decided to order our favorite drinks while I was waiting for her. And she entered the cafe and sat in front of me, exactly my orders arrived.

"So what is it that you want to tell me?" I asked while sipping my coffee.

She sighed.

"Honestly, I really don't know how to tell you this but..." she paused and looked at me.

"But what? Come on, tell me."

"Sam..."

"Yes?"

"Uhm..."

"Haist!" I frustratedly narrowed my eyes on her.

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

"What? Y-You..." I don't know what to say or to ask her as I suddenly lost my words.

"I saw him with---"

"What are you talking about? Luke is in Bangkok and has a two-week business meeting there. I told you about it, remember?"

"No, he's not in Bangkok, Sam, I saw him, I swear."

"You mean to say he has already arrived from his meeting?"

"No." She shook her head.