The Second Marriage Chance

Sarah

Josh’s face greeted me as I regained consciousness, finding myself already on the bed with the IV line removed from my arm. It hung empty, prompting my fearful inquiry, “What did you inject me with?”

“It’s a sedative to calm you down,” Josh replied, his tone soothing yet tinged with concern.

Alex stood behind him, his expression solemn, bearing witness to the tense exchange.

“I sacrificed my job to save you. I hope you won’t think badly of me,” Josh explained earnestly.

“Are you okay, Madam Sarah?” Assistant Alex interjected, unable to withstand his silence.

“Leave me alone with Josh,” I demanded, gaze piercing through the room, fixating on Philip’s bodyguard.

The assistant hesitated, apprehensive of the implications. “I can’t do that! I’ll be accountable to Boss Philip!”

My frustration boiled over, directed squarely at Alex. “Damn you, Alex! Philip just jeopardized my life, and you dare to prioritize his demands over my safety! I have no relationship with Philip anymore! I couldn’t care less about his opinions or your job obligations. Leave me alone with Josh!” My words sliced through the tension, my eyes delivering a silent warning as I directed my frustration squarely at the assistant.

“I’ll give you five minutes. Your conversation needs to be finished when the boss arrives,” Alex instructed firmly.

I held my tongue, locking eyes with Josh until the door clicked shut, leaving us alone in the room. With a deep breath, I voiced what had been weighing on me.

“You’re not a bodyguard, are you? That’s not your real role here. You’re a doctor, perhaps even a psychiatrist,” I asserted, feeling my body quiver with the revelation.

Josh’s gaze narrowed thoughtfully. “I now see that you’re perceptive, Madam Sarah.”

It all started to make sense, especially with the help of the investigation I had Jakob conduct. Earlier, while I was busy at the hospital, I tasked Jakob with uncovering information about Josh, particularly since he had accompanied me from Henderson to Highland Hills.

Jakob: I couldn’t trace the identity of that bodyguard named Josh. You said he’s only been with Philip for six months? That’s as long as his identity has been established.

Me: If that’s the case, why does he refuse to leave Philip’s side? He mentioned having a mother with psychosis, which explains his familiarity with the medication I was taking…

I thought Josh might need money for his mother, but he never actually said it.

Jakob’s words snapped me back to the present.

Jakob: You must tread carefully, Sarah. Philip may have insight into the bodyguard’s identity, or worse yet, he could be the one Josh is working on.

Confronting Josh, I couldn’t hold back my frustration. “Why did you deceive me? Does Philip know about this?” I demanded, my tone sharp with accusation.

“For your safety, it’s best you remain unaware. I assure you, I harbor no ill intentions towards you,” Josh replied calmly.

“I need your help!” Desperation crept into my voice. Maybe I’m crazy! Despite uncertainties, I was confident that Josh was my sole refuge in this predicament. “I require medical assistance, and I have full confidence in your ability to provide it.”

“No, Madam Sarah, that’s-” Josh began, but I interrupted him.

“I don’t trust Philip or his friend doctor! I don’t trust anyone in Highland Hills! If you were willing to help me before, why hesitate now?” I implored, my resolve unwavering.

Josh hesitated, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Fvck it! Fine! But we must ensure no one discovers what you’ve uncovered. And you must take responsibility for your recovery.”

I have several questions. What exactly is his role under Philip’s authority, and why is he pretending to be a bodyguard? There’s a twinge in my chest, worrying about my ex-husband potentially being Josh’s target. ‘No, Sarah! You shouldn’t concern yourself anymore!’

A knock interrupted my thoughts. “Madam Sarah. Please…”

“Open the door but remain outside,” I instructed.

Josh acknowledged and proceeded to the door. But before he could turn the knob, I called out to him once more.

“Josh… Thank you…”

He exited, and Alex entered, his expression souring as he observed Josh’s departure.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Boss Philip shouldn’t be made aware of your private conversation here in the bedroom,” Alex cautioned.

“I have no relationship with Josh! Nor do I have any connection with your boss!” I retorted, my irritation palpable.

“That’s not what I’m implying, Madam Sarah. Can’t you see? Boss Philip doesn’t want you entangled with any man. It seems you fail to grasp it, but you hold a significant position in Boss Philip’s life.”

“Enough with the nonsense, Alex. Your words only add to my headache,” I snapped as the car’s engine cut off outside Serenity Pines.

“That must be the boss. Please, Madam Sarah, forgive him. He truly needs you right now,” Alex pleaded.

“My patience is wearing thin with you, Alex. Just leave me be!” I retorted, feeling increasingly irritable.

I sank into the bed’s soft embrace, deliberately turning my back from Philip’s assistant. After a couple of minutes, the door creaked open.

“Didn’t I ask for some space?” I exclaimed as I spun around to face the door, only to find Philip standing there.

Rage surged through my veins like a storm, consuming me in its fiery embrace. “Did you return to toss me back into the dark closet? Or did you return to ensure I wither away in there?”

Philip’s gaze darkened, but to my surprise, he swiftly joined me on the bed, embracing me tightly. His head nestled against my chest, seeking solace like a lost child.

Confusion and frustration flooded my senses. What is this? I’m in the mood to confront him, but he shamelessly pulls me into a hug instead?

“Let go of me!” I demanded.

“Stop complaining,” he countered.

Curse him for smelling so irresistible! And curse him for setting my heart into a frenzy!

“Do you think I’ve simply overlooked your earlier actions?” I confronted him.

“I’m sorry…” His apology caught me off guard. “It’s my fault for being the dumbest husband.”

My astonishment was palpable as I detected the sorrow laced within Philip’s words.

“You’re impossible!” I couldn’t resist remarking. Just hours ago, he was seething with anger, and now he’s nestled against me like a koala. Philip’s mood swings baffled me.

He inflicted wounds upon my soul, yet he possessed the uncanny ability to soothe the uproar within me.

***

Philip

Upon learning about Sarah’s panic attack, I promptly drove to Serenity Pines. Exiting the car, I spotted Josh in the dimly lit garden, puffing on a cigar. Though irked by his presence, my focus remained on Sarah’s well-being.

Ascending to the room, I encountered Alex stationed by the door.

“Boss! Glad you’re here,” he greeted, his expression fraught with concern.

“How is Sarah?” I inquired, urgency lacing my words.

“Madam’s condition was critical earlier. Josh entered Serenity Pines and helped me take her out of the closet. Despite her distressing state, Josh provided invaluable assistance. He informed me that Madam Sarah had entrusted her medication to him, which prompted his decision to follow her into the villa,” Alex elaborated.

“I detest that bodyguard! Can we truly rely on the team’s investigation about him?” I queried, my frustration evident.

“I’ll initiate another investigation,” Alex assured, his resolve unwavering.

I handpicked Josh from Mariano’s team, but my satisfaction waned as he repeatedly defied my directives, yielding to Sarah’s influence. While once a competent protector, his allegiance shifted upon my ex-wife’s arrival.

I stepped into the bedroom, meeting the gaze of my former spouse. My heart softened at the sight of her pale complexion, yet her ability to provoke anger surprised me.

Sarah, my salvation! I couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving Serenity Pines again.

Closing the distance between us, I climbed onto the bed to embrace her, cherishing every moment of her presence. If only she realized the pain her actions caused me.

Her milky scent soothed my nostrils, a gentle balm to the turbulence within my chest. Oh, how I yearned for Sarah to linger, to perceive me as her sole beacon in this vast world. With her by my side, tranquility enveloped us both until we surrendered to sleep, cocooned in each other’s embrace.

The following day, I brought Sarah to the office.

“Why should I accompany you?” she queried with irritation.

“As my secretary,” I replied.

“Since when? Besides, I’m already employed as Jakob’s secretary!”

“Regardless, hun. If you prefer to work under Jakob’s authority, I won’t stand in your way, but your presence should stay with me! That’s our agreement.”

Sarah winced, perhaps too weary of arguing further, and reluctantly followed me.

Later that afternoon, Alex informed me that my ex-secretary had visited the company building with my mother’s assistance.