The Second Marriage Chance

CHAPTER 2: The Unseen Cost

Sarah

To stay calm, I avoid overthinking Megan’s return. Later, while trying to focus on chores, Mrs. Thompson’s daughter and her three energetic children briefly visited, leaving dirt on the couch. They left after a snack, and by two o’clock, the ladies finished their game, leaving orange peels, wrappers, and cups behind without concern.

Exiting Serenity Pines Estate one by one, my mother-in-law turned to me, leaving a reminder, “Oh, by the way, Philip asked me to remind you about tonight’s dinner at the Heritage Harvest Hotel. Don’t forget!”

With that final message, she turned away and approached the waiting black Mercedes-Benz S-Class, where a driver stood by.

Excitement bubbled up as I realized it was my anniversary with Philip. Could today be the day for a surprise at the hotel?

As the car drove off, I waved goodbye. Nearby, two trucks loaded with equipment caught my eye—someone was moving into the villa next door.

Sighing, I surveyed my home’s mess. There was no avoiding it; I had to tidy up before my visit to the Heritage Harvest Hotel. Philip insisted on keeping things orderly.

***

“Excuse me, where is the hotel restaurant?” I inquired of a passing staff member, a sense of urgency coloring my tone.

“Just turn right there, ma’am!” she promptly directed.

Following her instructions, I stepped into the hallway and immediately saw Philip and Megan outside the restaurant. I quickly ducked behind a nearby wall to hide from them.

Their conversation was intense; Philip presented the box I’d seen the night before. Megan looked surprised and delighted as she took the necklace from Philip and let him clasp it around her neck.

Panic hit me hard. My heart hammered in my chest, and I practically clawed at it. The truth slammed into me, shaking me to the core.

The necklace wasn’t meant for me.

Nor was this gathering.

It was all for Megan’s return.

Tears streamed down my face, unseen witnesses to the heavy realization that overwhelmed me. With a defeated sigh, I turned away, feeling as though I had lost a gamble of the heart.

‘Sarah, what more could you possibly be hoping for? You’ve known all along that Philip and Megan are meant to be together.’

My chest constricted painfully, making it difficult to draw in a breath. Megan’s presence loomed large, casting a shadow over our marriage.

I remember what happened three years ago; as to why am I in this mess?

“This is your fault! Your actions led to Megan leaving today! What are we going to do now? It’s embarrassing to have investors and Luminary Productions supporters waiting outside!” Mr. Cornell’s voice echoed down the hallway as he reprimanded Philip.

“We need to find a replacement bride immediately! I can’t face my business partners empty-handed! Take action!” his father demanded once more.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I knocked on the door gently despite it being slightly open. Gathering my courage, I boldly decided to offer myself to Philip as his bride.

I was so infatuated with Philip that I was willing to sacrifice my youth for him. Marrying him seemed like a fair exchange, a replacement for Megan in his life.

For three agonizing years, I hoped Philip would love me back, my feelings growing stronger each day! Does he understand the sacrifices I’ve made in our marriage?

Despite being a wife, I continued my studies secretly with online classes provided by Crestwood University. I focused on Advanced Programming, keeping it quiet to avoid issues with Madam Cornell, who insisted I should focus solely on Philip’s care, which is why I opted not to hire a maid.

Lost in thought, the wind’s chill seeping into my skin as I walked along the road.

My phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. I expected Philip, but it was Jane calling from London, where she’s currently studying. I hurriedly wiped away my tears before answering with a forced, cheerful tone.

“Bestie!”

“Happy wedding anniversary!” she cheerfully greeted me over the phone.

“Thank you,” I managed, but tears welled up once more.

I’m in pain. My best friend remembered our anniversary with her brother, but Philip didn’t seem to notice my absence at the restaurant. I held back tears, wondering if he even cared.

“I miss you so much!” Jane’s enthusiasm on the other end intensified the ache in my chest.

“I-I miss you, too! I wish you were here so I could hug you tightly,” I said, my voice trembling with suppressed sadness.

“Aw… How are you?” Jane’s worry provided comfort.

How am I, really? I am not okay! But I don’t want to trouble my friend overseas. I need to handle this challenge alone, without burdening her with my marital issues, even though she’s Philip’s sister.

“I’m… fine,” I replied to Jane.

“I’ll go home after the exam! We’ll see each other soon! I have to go! I’m feeling sleepy. Enjoy your night with Philip!” Jane bid me goodbye.

Tears filled my eyes as I hung up the phone, blurring my vision. My cheeks were wet with profound sadness. I steadied myself, fighting back the urge to cry. The sky above mirrored my turmoil, threatening a downpour. I knew I had to go home, preparing for the storm inside and out.

Just as I wiped my damp cheeks, a van pulled up beside me, its door sliding open. Before I could react, two men grabbed me tightly by both arms.

“Ahhh!” I desperately looked around at passing vehicles, hoping for help.

Another man pressed a damp cloth to my mouth, its strong odor overwhelming me. My strength faded quickly, vision dimming as I lost all ability to move.

Confused and disoriented, I woke in my bed I am sharing with Philip, only to find a stranger with an unfamiliar face beside me.

“Ahhh!” I screamed involuntarily and recoiled. Fear and self-assessment coursed through my veins.

My eyes widened in shock as the door swung violently open, revealing Philip in the same three-piece suit from the hotel where he had given Megan the necklace.

“What the fvck is going on?!” His voice thundered, intensifying the dizziness already clouding my mind.

He grabbed the man’s collar and punched him forcefully, making me scream in terror. The man recoiled quickly, as if caught cheating.

I felt Philip’s hands tense with anger, but he held back, suspicion darkening his gaze.

“Philip, please, you have to believe me! I was kidnapped! I-I don’t know what’s going on!” I pleaded desperately.

My mother-in-law suddenly appeared, contributing to the chaos. “I knew it! I’ve been telling you, Philip! That’s why I’ve been coming here—to keep an eye on that woman! I knew she was up to something!”

“N-no, that’s not true!” I interjected, my voice trembling with defiance.

Madam Cornell sneered as she pulled out photos from her bag and tossed them on the bed. Among them, I saw myself with Jakob, my classmate from Advanced Programming, chatting happily. He was in his usual hoodie, and I was smiling brightly in the snapshots. In another photo, we stood together by his motorcycle, his hoodie now a different color.

Then it hit me: the man who was with me moments ago was wearing a hoodie!

“You’re meeting your lover in different restaurants! And now, you’ve even brought them to your own room?” Madam Cornell accused with sharpness.

‘No, no!’ I vehemently shook my head, battling waves of baseless accusations crashing like a relentless tide. Desperately fighting unjust suspicion, I struggled against suffocating doubt.