The Second Marriage Chance

Sarah

I noticed Megan emerge from her vehicle and halt before Amir’s villa’s gate, her presence as unwelcome as a vulture at a feast.

‘What does this woman want now?’

Activating my security system, I strode to the gate; my curiosity piqued yet tempered with disdain.

“Yes?” I inquired, meeting her gaze.

Her face was a mask of contempt. “So, it’s true then? You’ve taken up residence in this villa near Serenity Pines Estate! Why? Because you want to be close to Philip?” She crossed her arms.

I allowed a sweet smile to curve my lips. “Megan, I live here to stay away from Philip. If I wanted to be close to him, I’d live in Serenity Pines Estate, specifically in his bed.”

Her fury was palpable. “You’re shameless! Since Philip broke up with you, now you’re seducing Mr. Benner! Are you his bedmate now that Philip is ignoring you?”

I rolled my eyes, weariness and amusement mingling. “Honestly, I’m more surprised you’re the one paying attention to me. What do you want?”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Philip is mine!” Megan declared, her voice a shrill proclamation.

“Of course, of course.” These people are as annoying as Philip! Shaking my head, I picked up the hose from the lawn and, with a flick of my wrist, sent a stream of water cascading over her.

“Ahhh! You wretch! Help! This woman is assaulting me!”

“Megan, you came here to bother me. I have the right to do whatever it takes to make you leave because you’re disturbing me!”

She gritted her teeth and warned, “Get ready for me in the office! Remember, I am your boss! I will make sure you leave Highland Hills!”

I no longer care! Does she think I want to stay here in Highland Hills? I just shook my head as she sped off in her car. Why are the people around Philip, besides Jane, all crazy?

After Megan left, I checked my phone to see if Jane had responded. I had invited her to Amir’s villa to catch up before I started on the project. I saw two messages: one from Philip and one from Jane.

Philip: Let’s meet tonight. Go to Serenity Pines Estate for dinner.

Then I read Jane’s message: Hi, love! Let’s meet tonight at Quill Tavern. I am in a bad mood. I still can’t fix my damaged hair.

I thought about what Madam Cornell did to her. That old woman! She’s crazy!

Because I’m lazy, I decided to call Philip via video. With Jane being his sister, I needed his help. Philip answered almost immediately, his handsome face filling the screen. He looked impeccable in his perfectly tailored Armani suit.

“Yes, babe?” he said.

“Can you help me book at Coiffures?” I asked. It’s a famous salon near Luminary Productions, and most of their clients are celebrities from Philip’s company. It’s nearly impossible to get an appointment there. It could take weeks or even months for Jane and me to accommodate. But we might have a chance if Philip reserves a slot for us.

“You don’t need to pretty yourself up just for our date later,” he said casually.

I was rendered speechless. Who on earth gave him the notion that I’d be going on a date with him tonight? I watched as he subtly signaled to someone off-camera.

“Sir, I don’t need to be pretty myself because I know I’m already beautiful!”

He felt speechless.

“Besides, I don’t have a date with you! I’m meeting Jane. We’re having a girl’s day, so I’m not going to Serenity Pines Estate! She’s the one who needs an appointment at the salon, not me.”

“Boss, is that your wife?” I heard someone ask on his end.

“Yes, is there a problem?” Philip replied.

“No! No problem at all, boss!” a chorus of voices responded.

My cheeks flushed with heat. “My goodness! Don’t tell me you’re in a meeting; they all heard my complaints?”

“Don’t worry! No one will dare mention that you scolded me and dared to stand me up on our date.” Philip’s eyes narrowed a silent warning to those around him.

I was mortified. My words echoed in my mind, each one amplifying my embarrassment.

He smiled devilishly at the camera. “I’ll pick you up at Coiffures later. Bye!”

I was shocked when the connection with Philip was cut. That brute!

After the call with Philip, I rifled through my wardrobe, searching for something to wear. The state of my attire struck me with sudden clarity-I desperately needed new clothes. As I glanced in the mirror, my eyes lingered on my chest.

Philip had commented that it was so flat that he almost felt nothing. Irritated, I squeezed it, wondering if he was right.

That rascal! Mine are at least a B cup! He probably said that just to mess with me. What a pervert! He insulted my boobs like that!

I quickly texted Jane, letting her know I would pick her up after Philip’s driver fetched me at Amir’s.

When I arrived at the Cornell mansion, I saw Jane waiting at the gate. She wore sunglasses, but they couldn’t hide the telltale redness around her eyes, evidence of recent tears.

“Are you alright?” I asked her gently.

“I can’t fix my hair,” she sighed. “I booked an appointment at Coiffures, but next month is the earliest slot they could give me. There’s a grand ball happening, and they’re swamped with their celebrity clients.”

Jane had been away from the city for a while, so it wasn’t surprising that some establishments didn’t recognize her.

“I called your brother,” I said, hoping to ease her worries. “Don’t worry about it. He helped me get you an appointment today.”

She turned to me, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “It seems you and Brother Philip are getting along well.”

“Of course not! He might do anything to get a slot for you. I told him I’d bring you along. But if it were me needing help, he probably wouldn’t care,” I said casually.

Jane finally smiled.

As we rode in the vehicle, I caught up with Jane. She filled me in on our project at Luminary, which revolved around Philip’s production work. Jane would handle the overall design while I represented BM Technologies.

Upon arriving at our destination, we were intercepted by Jane’s cousin Rebecca, who was already conversing with the woman at customer service.

“Well, well, well, look who’s here,” Rebecca said, crossing her arms.

I ignored her and instead greeted the woman in the lobby. “Hello there!”

“Hello, Miss…” The woman paused, waiting for my name.

“I’m Sarah Mitchell. We’re here to see Brandy. We have an appointment this afternoon,” I replied.

“And when did you book, Ma’am?” the woman asked.

“About an hour ago, I believe,” I answered.

Rebecca burst into laughter. “Gosh, Sarah! You seem to think that booking guarantees you an immediate slot! I also had a sudden outing, and just yesterday, I was pleading with them to fix my hair.” She glanced at the woman in customer service. “Don’t trust them. She just wants to get ahead in the schedule.”

The woman scrutinized me from head to toe. “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but it’s impossible to give you a slot right away if you just called now.”

“Call Brandy. I’m sure he knows what I’m talking about, and he’ll see me,” I replied.

“Sarah, I never thought you were so innocent. Don’t you know that Brandy is the number one stylist in this salon? If others have full schedules, especially Brandy!” Rebecca commented, her tone dripping with condescension.

I knew about it! Because Brandy was my hairstylist, but instead, I responded, “Why is there a buzzing bee in your shop? A certain someone has been commenting since earlier, even though we’re not paying them any attention.”

“You-!” I didn’t expect Rebecca to be so easily provoked.

“Just look for my name or Jane Cornell,” I instructed the receptionist.

She checked the schedule, clearly irritated. With a sigh, she said, “Ma’am, there is no slot for Sarah Mitchell or Jane Cornell in our schedule. You’re causing a disturbance in our salon.”

“Sarah, let’s go…” Jane said softly, trying to pull me away.

But seeing Jane’s earlier smile when she learned that Philip had made arrangements, I decided not to leave. I didn’t want my friend to be disappointed. “Tell Brandy to come here, or I will fire you!”

Rebecca laughed loudly. “She’s lost it!”

The woman rolled her eyes. “Security!” she called out, clearly thinking I had lost my mind.

The salon staff promptly escorted Jane and me out, which only fueled my anger.

“Call your brother and tell him to buy this shop and blocklist your cousin!” I demanded, turning to Jane.

“Me? W-why me?” she asked, bewildered.

“Of course! Because you are Jane Cornell! Tell him they kicked us out!”