The Second Marriage Chance

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Madam Cornell’s hand met Philip’s uncle’s cheek with a resounding slap, her anger palpable as she vehemently denied his accusations.

“Liar! You dare to accuse me just because you hear that I’m siding with you! Philip, didn’t it even occur to you that Sarah’s evidence might be fake? She’s a manipulating schemer! She’ll stoop to any level just to evade accountability and worm her way back into our family!” Madam Cornell’s words dripped with venom as she defended herself.

I could only shake my head in disbelief at her outburst. “Madam Cornell, do you think I’m a magician? Did I suddenly conjure up evidence in such a short time?”

Megan stepped forward, attempting to mediate. “Philip, trust-”

Philip yanked his arm away from Megan’s grasp, his eyes blazing with fury.

“There’s a surveillance camera in that conference room. We’ll eventually uncover the truth behind the evidence I presented.”

Philip ground his teeth as he confronted his uncle. “You’re fired! You’re not contributing to the company’s success, yet you stirred up trouble!”

The chaos shattered the screen of my laptop. I no longer cared whether Philip believed his mother and uncle’s accusations.

Yet, as I gazed upon Madam Cornell’s quivering form, a silent witness to her unraveling composure, I sensed a sinister determination. It felt like she couldn’t handle the fact that her evil plan against me didn’t work. I could feel her desperation, showing how far she’d go to get rid of me. She was determined to ensure I disappeared completely, as if I never existed in their world.

I entered the elevator, cradling my broken laptop in my arms, frustration bubbling inside me like a simmering volcano.

“Sarah, where do you think you’re going? Get back here!” Philip’s voice echoed down the hallway.

My response was a defiant gesture; middle finger raised in the air, silently conveying my frustration with him and his entire family. I’m so over with the Cornell family!

As the elevator doors closed, I glimpsed Philip angrily gritting his teeth. My chest tightened with a potent mix of rage and resentment.

‘Sht! My expensive laptop!’ Only then did I fully comprehend the extent of the damage. Tears threatened to spill as I surveyed the broken device, a casualty of my impulsive outburst.

‘Why on earth did you use a laptop to lash out at his uncle, of all things, Sarah? There were plenty of other options in that conference room. You could have grabbed a swivel chair!’ I muttered to myself, realizing the repercussions of my actions. Work would grind to a halt without a functioning computer, and replacing it was a complex task.

Exiting the elevator cabin into the lobby, I’m unsure of my next move.

“I told you, your boss is my baby daddy! Why won’t anyone believe me?!” The commotion in the lobby drew my attention, and I spotted Philip’s former secretary engaged in a heated exchange with the front desk staff.

Our eyes met briefly, and a sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. I felt a surge of anger, my fists clenching at my sides as I noticed her swollen belly. She was pregnant, and it seemed she was nearing her due date.

Philip’s ex-secretary left the front desk and approached me.

“I need to talk to your husband,” she began.

Tension crackled between us. Why was she pregnant? Was Philip the father? Panic clenched my chest, making it hard to breathe. Should I cry? Why was her belly growing while my child had been taken from me mercilessly?

‘Sarah, focus!’ I urged myself.

The secretary’s words were a blur, drowned out by the ringing in my ears and the encroaching darkness in my vision.

‘I’m pregnant…’ Her voice was barely audible, and I felt myself faltering.

These panic attacks are getting on my nerves! I had to push through!

Strong arms enveloped me, quieting the storm of emotions. The familiar scent of his chest calmed my nerves.

***

Philip

“Oh, my goodness, is it true? Did Madam Cornell really instruct that man to exploit the president’s ex-wife?”

“How could Madam Cornell stoop to such a level?”

“I heard that man assaulted a talent!”

“Yes, I remember now! He’s the one currently facing sexual assault charges from newcomers. The latest victim is a top-tier star!”

Those were the murmurs circulating, and I was displeased. Assistant Alex promptly put an end to them.

“Enough of this chatter! Is this what the company pays you for? To spread rumors?”

The employees’ cheeks flushed with embarrassment as they redirected their attention to their tasks, purposefully avoiding the commotion.

“That man is a liar! Don’t trust him, Philip!” Suddenly, my mother felt weak. “Oh dear, my vision is fading. Someone, call a doctor. Quickly!”

“Madam Cornell!” Megan rushed to support my mother as she collapsed.

I confronted Uncle, and he understood what was coming next as I shot him a stern look. Following the incident involving rookie talents last month, this individual had been suspended from work.

Uncle claimed that he was lured by the talent at the bar, and the legal proceedings are still ongoing. The company is working to contain the situation and prevent it from escalating further. I’ve spoken with the talent, and we’re working on calming her down. Given the potential impact on the company’s reputation, we take every possible measure.

“Alex, please escort Madam Cornel home. It seems her blood pressure is rising, and she should rest,” I instructed firmly.

“Understood, boss!”

I followed Sarah, taking the same elevator she had used.

“Philip!” Despite Megan’s irritating call, I pressed the close button.

Three individuals waiting outside were taken aback as the elevator doors reopened on a passing floor. Among them was an A-list star accompanied by two assistants. They were about to enter when I intervened. “Please use the other lift.”

Upon reaching the lobby, I noticed Sarah facing my former secretary, who appeared to be confronting her with folded arms. Sarah seemed to be in distress, clutching her chest and struggling to breathe.

Reacting quickly, I pulled Sarah into my embrace, shooting a pointed glare at my ex-secretary.

“P-President Cornell, please, I just need to talk to you. I sought Madam Sarah’s help.”

“Leave Sarah alone!”

Sarah shoved me aside, her complexion drained of all color. “Speak to your secretary. It seems like you both need to have a conversation.”

Her eyes welled with tears, leaving me bewildered.

I turned to the secretary, demanding answers. “Did you hurt her?!”

“N-no!”

Attempting to compose myself, I struggled to determine whom to address first. I aimed to resolve the issue with my former secretary, eager to prevent unwarranted trouble yet equally concerned for Sarah’s well-being.

Then Josh approached. My expression soured at the sight of him. Alex had mentioned that Josh was temporarily assigned to Luminary Productions’ building.

“Boss, I’ll escort Madam Sarah to the clinic,” Josh offered.

“I’d rather not draw attention, Philip! Address the issue with your secretary,” Sarah interjected.

But in that heartbeat, my heart led the way. I yearned for Sarah to grasp the depth of my unwavering devotion. I don’t care about my ex-secretary or whoever!

I drew her close into my arms once more, fingers gently cradling the back of her neck while my other hand tenderly caressed her cheeks. Finally, our lips met in an emotional embrace.

I sensed her surprise at that moment. Gasps echoed around us, and cameras clicked as Sarah and I exchanged kisses in the expansive lobby. The location didn’t matter; all I craved was the taste of her lips.

“Is that President Cornell?”

“Oi, My goodness! It’s so romantic!”

“Who’s the woman with him?”

Amidst the questions, I ensured Sarah relished every moment of my affection. Security personnel encircled us, with Alex at the forefront.

His voice commanded attention, clarifying, “This is merely a performance, folks! It’s all part of a commercial show. Any photos taken must be deleted immediately, or we’ll be forced to take legal action if they’re posted online!”

“Ahh, that explains it.”

“But why stage it here, in the main building, instead of on set?”

Releasing my former wife’s lips, I noticed Megan. I barely registered the emotions playing across her face.

“You’re an absolute prick!” Sarah spat out; her composure regained after a panic attack, her anger palpable as if the previous moment of breathlessness hadn’t occurred.

A smirk played on my lips. “Babe, I think I’m the remedy you’re looking for. Your panic attacks always disappear whenever I teach you a lesson. Admit it, you enjoy kissing me.”

“You’re a delusional scumbag! You impregnated your secretary!”

Hang on! My mind raced, confusion and speechlessness seizing me in their grip.