My Second Chance at Love

Brandon Fenton tugged impatiently at his shirt collar, a fine sheen of sweat forming along his collarbone.

He murmured my name under his breath, yet his gaze stayed fixed on me with an almost obsessive intensity.

"Did you really just drug me?"

Brandon's voice dropped into a harsh growl through clenched teeth. "Get out!"

Shortly after I started to leave, I heard him whisper, "Cheryl Swanson... Where are you going? I feel awful…"

My steps faltered for a split second, then I walked out without hesitation.

It was just like the last time.

Back then, he had been the one to press himself against me first. However, after Melissa Giles' accident, he pushed all the blame onto me.

Leaning against the door, I listened to the suppressed, ragged breathing from inside, waiting for Melissa to arrive.

Just as before, she came quickly.

The moment she saw me, she froze, then her expression turned wary.

"What are you up to? Don't tell me you've already been inside?"

I shook my head and said, "Brandon's waiting for you in there."

She looked at me suspiciously.

"Standing guard at the door like this... Are you afraid someone might ruin your plans? Everyone in the company knows you like him. You don't even allow female staff in the secretary's office."

Her words pierced straight through the feelings I had tried to hide, leaving a dull ache in my chest.

Yes, I liked him. Everyone knew it. My father had even warned me not to be so stubborn.

How did I ever convince myself, in my previous life, that Brandon was unaware of my feelings, letting him take all the care I gave him for granted?

"I don't like him anymore. Go on in."

Melissa clearly did not believe me, but the moment she caught sight of Brandon inside, her eyes lit up with delight.

"You'd better be telling the truth."

She shot me a warning glare before hurrying inside.

As I closed the door behind them, I heard a low, satisfied groan from Brandon.

I could not stop my mind from drifting, imagining what was happening inside.

Would he treat her the same way he treated me in my previous life?Kissing her all over, telling her I was his first woman, swearing he would never let me down?

No, he would probably be even gentler with her. More devoted. More sincere.

The thought made my fingers unconsciously dig into the doorframe, splinters biting into my nails, yet I felt nothing.

They were finally together, lovers united at long last.

Maybe that was for the best. At least my father would not suffer because of me.

Unable to keep listening, I ran back to my room, my hands trembling as I dialed my father's number.

There was a seven-hour time difference, but he had never once missed my call.

"Cheryl?"

His voice was thick with sleep.

The moment I heard him, I clapped a hand over my mouth as tears spilled uncontrollably.

"Dad… I miss you so much…"

When he died in my previous life, had he regretted not being able to attend my wedding?

It was all my fault.

"Silly girl. You were the one who insisted on staying there with Brandon. Now, you're suddenly missing me?"