Redemption: Second Chance Love

Chapter 04

Zoe had never felt so happy! She took more care than ever with her appearance, applied a light layer of makeup, and made her way downstairs for breakfast. Her parents were already seated at the table, and upon seeing them, her eyes sparkled with tears that had started to form.

After meeting Hayden, she had distanced herself from her parents, as they were opposed to the relationship. Her mother, Sofia, had said she felt a “bad energy” coming from Hayden and that he didn’t seem sincere. Louis, although always supportive of his daughter’s decisions, hadn’t liked him either. Even though the supposed boyfriend at the time appeared to be a serious, intelligent, and well-established man, Louis wasn’t fond of him. Zoe, in her defiance, had declared that if they couldn’t approve of Hayden, then she couldn’t be around them.

‘What a regret!’ Zoe thought. ‘How could I have rejected my parents like that? They’ve always treated me so well, showering me with love!’

The last time she had seen them was before her wedding to Hayden. After that, she only took occasional calls, mostly when her husband was nearby. It wasn’t until later that Zoe realized how cruel Hayden had been, using psychological manipulation to make her feel guilty whenever she spoke to her parents, as if he were the good guy and they were the villains.

“Mom, Dad!” she exclaimed, rushing to them, hugging and kissing them.

“Oh! Our girl woke up so loving today!” Sofia exclaimed, smiling. “Sit down, my love, let’s eat.”

Zoe sat down cheerfully. Her heart was more than warmed, and she thanked the heavens for being given a second chance! This time, she would be a better daughter!

The breakfast came to an end, and soon Zoe was in the garage, getting into her silver Volvo XC60 and driving to college. She had to stay alert, not giving Willard much room to talk. The goal was to be polite and courteous, but nothing beyond that —no deep friendships. It was this very friendship that had led to the misunderstanding that caused her suffering and, eventually, her death.

In the parking lot, Zoe gathered her materials, grabbed her purse, and exited the vehicle. The day was sunny, and she smiled. It was amazing how something as simple as the morning sunlight could feel so special!

‘It’s good to be alive and have a chance to start over!’

A black Mercedes-Benz S 560 L parked not far from her, and Zoe knew exactly who owned that vehicle. She swallowed hard and tried to leave as quickly as possible, but she wasn’t quick enough.

“Zoe!” she heard Willard calling her, and she pressed her lips together.

‘I can pretend I didn’t hear!’ she thought, continuing to walk, but Willard had long legs and quickly caught up with her.

“Zoe! Hey, I’ve been calling you!” he said with a smile. How could she have not noticed the obvious similarities? It wasn’t just the brown hair in the same shade or the amber eyes, but the features! They were practically twins!

‘I’ve never seen Willard with lovesick eyes…’ she tried to justify herself, taking a deep breath.

“Oh, I didn’t hear you, sorry!” Zoe said with a straight face, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I have to go, Willard. My class is starting soon!”

“Oh, right! Zoe!” he called as she was walking away. “Wanna have lunch with me?”

Willard’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, and Zoe bit her lip. She felt guilty for trying to distance herself from him when he had done nothing wrong!

“Sure, we can have lunch together,” she said, though deep down, a voice told her it wasn’t a good idea. “If I’m free, of course. I mean, I’m not sure if I’ll have to stay after class.”

Willard’s smile faded a little, but he nodded.

“Okay. I’ll reach you!” he said, filled with hope. Zoe didn’t realize Willard wanted much more than just to be her friend. “Have a good class!”

Zoe nodded and quickly walked toward her building. Because of Hayden, she had put her career aside and rejected an amazing job offer. Now was the time to show her talent and let it flow.

‘I’m going to be the best fashion designer in this country!’ she puffed her chest out. That had been her original goal, which got sidelined when she became consumed by her wild passion for Hayden.

Zoe didn’t see, but Barbara was watching her. Barbara wanted Willard for herself, and Zoe, someone she considered beneath her, was stepping ahead in the race for the youngest of the Javernicks’ heart!

Due to an accident on the way, Hayden arrived late at the university, and, of course, the classes had already started. So, he couldn’t see Zoe.

HAYDEN: Will, I came to have lunch together, is that alright?

He sent this message after spending the last two and a half hours in the campus library. The response wasn’t immediate, but he knew his younger brother well enough to know that the news hadn’t been well received.

WILLARD: Man, I already have plans!

HAYDEN: Are you going out with the girl you like?

Hayden bit the inside of his cheek. He had hoped Willard would meet up with Zoe, that way, he would have a chance to see her up close. He didn’t understand why he had dreamed about her, but even with the missing details, the feeling that he desperately needed to see her was overwhelming.

WILLARD: Maybe. If she’s free, she said she’ll have lunch with me. Dude, she’s so beautiful! Seriously, perfect! If she agrees to be my girlfriend, I think I’ll be the happiest man in the world!

Hayden loved his brother and wished for his happiness, but at that moment, he didn’t want Willard and Zoe to be together. The weight of guilt hit him hard.

The next hour seemed to drag on, but by the time Willard left the classroom, Hayden was already waiting for him.

“You actually came!” Willard said. “You almost didn’t leave your office. I thought you were going to bail on me!”

It was common for Willard to prioritize work and all matters related to the company, often leaving family on the back burner.

“No… I’m willing to change,” Hayden said. He felt changed, even though he still didn’t understand the reason behind it.

“Whoa! Pretty soon, you’ll be showing up with a girlfriend! Or a fiancée!” Willard joked, and the two brothers laughed. Willard grabbed his phone and sent a message to Zoe.

ZOE: Sorry, Willard, I really won’t be able to. I need to finish a project, so I’m going to the library!

Willard pouted as he read it, and Hayden leaned in to see Zoe’s response. He grabbed his brother’s phone.

WILLARD: No worries. I’ll help you. I really want to see you.

“Hayden!” Willard complained. “She might think I was too... forward!”

“If you don’t say anything, she’ll think you’re not interested!”

“As if you’re some expert on women, huh?”

Hayden just raised an eyebrow. He was discreet, not a saint! Okay, he couldn’t exactly be called a womanizer, but he hadn’t taken a vow of chastity either! However, he said nothing to his brother, just waiting for Zoe’s reply.

ZOE: Okay.

WILLARD: How about lunch, then I’ll help you with the project? Cafeteria?

ZOE: I’m on my way.

Zoe felt nervous. Something inside her was screaming, as if a great danger was drawing near. She took a deep breath and headed to the cafeteria. She was starving, and if she hid herself in the library, she might just be kicked out from there due to the noise of her own growling stomach.

When she arrived at the cafeteria, she didn’t immediately see Willard, but she searched for a good table. However, just as she was about to set her notebooks down, she was pushed roughly.