Second Chance to my Beloved

Chapter 2: The Embarrassing Reunion

"Good morning, Ms Selene. My name is Allessandra. I have a special message for you from Mr. Lucas; my boss in Venice," Alessandra said, her voice tinged with a touch of formality.

"Oh, really? And what might that be? Please have a seat" Selene replied, intrigued.

Alessandra handed her a letter with a seal bearing Mr. Lucas' initials. "Mr. Lucas has taken an interest in your fashion company and would like to discuss a potential business deal with you. He has sent me as his personal assistant to arrange a meeting."

Selene's eyes widened in surprise. "That's incredible news! When can we meet to discuss the details?"

"Mr. Lucas has requested that you come to Venice to discuss the terms of the contract in person," Alessandra explained. "If all goes well, there will be a party in your honor after signing the documents."

Selene couldn't believe her luck. "I would be honored to come to Venice. Please let Mr. Lucas know that I will be there this weekend. But I will give him a call to officially give him a clear date" she replied, beaming a heavy smile.

Alessandra smiled. "I will make the necessary arrangements for your trip. I look forward to working with you, Selene."

As Selene watched Alessandra leave, a sense of excitement and gratitude filled her heart. This opportunity was a chance to further establish herself as a respected fashion designer, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Friday afternoon of that week, Selene found herself standing outside Mr. Lucas' luxurious mansion in Venice which housed his company, her heart fluttering with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. She was greeted by Alessandra, who led her inside to meet Mr. Lucas.

"Selene, I am delighted to finally meet you in person," Mr. Lucas said as soon as Selene entered the office, extending his hand in greeting.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Lucas. Thank you for considering a partnership with my fashion company," Selene replied, a sense of professionalism and gratitude in her voice.

After a few hours of discussing the terms of the contract, Mr. Lucas finally extended an offer to Selene. "I believe that working together would be beneficial for both our businesses. I would like to offer you a contract to partner with my fashion company here in Venice."

Selene's eyes lit up with excitement. "I accept your offer, Mr. Lucas. This partnership will be a great opportunity for both of us."

Mr. Lucas smiled. "Excellent. Let's sign the documents and celebrate with a party in your honor tonight."

As Selene signed the contract, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and achievement. From a rejected fiancée to a successful fashion designer with a partnership in Venice, she had come a long way.

That evening, as she stood at the center of the grand party in her honor, surrounded by well-wishers and admirers, Selene couldn't help but feel grateful for the rejection that had led her on this path. She raised her glass of whisky in a toast, a smile playing on her lips.

"To new beginnings, to overcoming obstacles, and to never letting rejection define us. Cheers," she said, her voice filled with determination and triumph. The guests also raised their glasses in return

Suddenly, she felt a wave of shock wash over her as her eyes landed on Ethan in the party. It was as if time had stopped for a moment, her heart racing in her chest as a flood of memories, emotions, and unanswered questions flooded her mind. She couldn't believe that after all these years, she was face to face with the man who had broken her heart. The shock was tinged with a mix of disbelief, anger, and a hint of longing as she tried to process the unexpected encounter.

Selene took a deep breath and walked over to where Ethan and his wife, Alexia, were sitting. She plastered on her brightest smile and extended her hand towards him.

"Hey Ethan, it's been a while. How have you been?" Selene said, trying to sound casual despite the flood of emotions running through her.

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise as he took her hand. "Selene...wow, you look amazing. I...I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yes, because I am from a poor background and shouldn't be found among the wealthy people, else, I tarnish their reputation, right?" Selene quickly responded.

"Not really. Anyway, congratulations on your success. I'm really happy for you," he replied, a hint of regret lacing his voice.

Alexia, who had been watching the interaction with a raised eyebrow, cut in. "And who might you be?" she asked, her tone icy.

Selene turned to Alexia and offered her hand. "I'm Selene, it's a pleasure to meet you. I used to know Ethan a few years ago."

Alexia's eyes narrowed as she shook Selene's hand. "Hmm, interesting. Well, it was nice meeting you," she said curtly before turning her attention back to her drink.

As Selene walked away, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was glad she had faced Ethan, but his presence had stirred up old wounds she thought were long healed.

Later in the evening, as the party was winding down, Ethan approached Selene at the VIP table.

"Selene, can we talk outside for a minute?" he asked, his eyes pleading for a chance to explain.

Selene nodded. "Alright, but make it quick." She said, rising to her feet and followed him, still clutching a glass of whisky.

As they stepped outside, Ethan couldn't help but notice the slurred speech and slightly unsteady movements of Selene. It was clear that she had been drinking heavily that evening.

"Selene, when did you start drinking like this?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Selene looked at him with a mixture of anger and sorrow in her eyes. "You caused it, Ethan. Four years ago, when you rejected me, that was when the whisky became my only companion. It numbed the pain of your rejection."

Ethan's heart sank as he realized the extent of the damage he had caused.

"I'm so sorry, Selene. I never wanted to hurt you like that," Ethan said, guilt heavy in his words.

Selene looked away. "It's too late for apologies now, Ethan. You made your choice. I'll have to live with mine."

Ethan cleared his throat, his gaze filled with regret. "I have to admit, Selene, seeing what you've accomplished with your fashion company...I deeply regret how things ended between us. You've come so far, and I...I wish I had been there to support you."

"Oh, Really? But that is in the past now, and I have moved on without your support. I didn't deserve your love and support because I did not fit into your world, remember". Selene said, subtly reminding him of the past.

Ethan sighed and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Selene. I was a fool to reject you all those years ago. I was young and stupid, and I let my family's influence cloud my judgment. I regret it every day."

Selene looked at him, her eyes softening slightly. "Ethan, you had your chance and you chose to let me go. I've moved on from that pain and I've grown stronger because of it. I can't just forget everything and give you a second chance."

Ethan nodded, understanding her response. "I know I don't deserve it, but I had to try. I just wanted to apologize and make things right."

"Ethan, you're married now. And I've moved on as well, so there can't be anything between us anymore". Selene said, a note of finality in her voice.

Ethan's face fell, his eyes pleading with her. "I understand if you don't want to forgive me, but please, let's talk about this. I want to do anything to make it up to you."

Selene shook her head, tears threatening to fall. "There's nothing left to talk about, Ethan. You made your bed, now lie in it." She turned to leave, but Ethan's grip on her clothes stopped her in her tracks.

As Selene tried to break free, her clothes tore, leaving them both startled. Ethan let go, regret evident in his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Selene. I never meant to hurt you physically or emotionally."

Selene's eyes widened in shock as she stumbled back, her heart pounding in her chest. She quickly composed herself and reached for her phone, dialing the emergency number.

The police arrived promptly and led Ethan away, much to the shock of the remaining guests. Alexia, who had been searching for her husband, witnessed the scene unfold and rushed to find out what happened.

"What's going on here?" Alexia demanded, her voice edged with anger as she approached the police.

One of the officers explained the situation, and Alexia's face turned pale. "I can't believe this," she muttered before storming off back to the house.

At the police station, Ethan was charged and later released on bail after paying a hefty fine. Selene, accompanied by Mr. Lucas, provided her statement before leaving the station.

As they walked out, Mr. Lucas turned to Selene. "Are you okay, Selene?"

Selene nodded, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. "I think I will be. Sorry for the embarrassment sir, but I am returning to Rome right away".