The Second Marriage Chance

Sarah

Reading Jakob’s message, I carefully calculated my next steps. Approaching Josh directly about the information we had gathered wasn’t an option.

I replied: One thing I’m certain about him-he loved Megan, which is why he’s seeking answers. And when people love someone, they can do reckless things.

Jakob: Agreed.

I still needed to figure out if I could trust Josh. Jakob and I need to watch his actions closely. Megan will do whatever it takes, and given their past relationship, it will be easier for her to gain Josh’s trust.

Me: We must launch LoveLogic.

Jakob: That’s why we’re putting in the effort, doll. Now, we need backing from BM’s major sponsors. I need to secure some software and security tools. By the way, are you attending the Langston event because of Madam Cornell’s connection with them?

Bronn probably informed him about it.

Me: Yes. Also, I want to meet the Langstons to try to get their support. According to Bronn, Langston is one of the major sponsors that will approve LoveLogic if we’re ready for the market and if it’s projected to be profitable.

The relationship between the Langston couple and the Cornells is significant. I wouldn’t be surprised if my former in-laws made an appearance. From what I’ve heard, the Langstons played a key role in Philip deciding to marry me.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and followed Alex. As we entered one office space, I noticed Jane was already there, diligently gathering details.

“Everyone, this is Ms. Mitchell. She’s a representative from BM Technology and will be working with the editorial team,” Alex explained. “I’ll leave you now, Mad- Ms. Mitchell,” he said, quickly correcting himself from nearly calling me “Madam.”

Philip and I agreed that I would be known only as Ms. Mitchell. It wouldn’t reflect well on his image if his ex-wife were working as a secretary for an outsourcing company. I also wanted to avoid drawing attention to our past relationship, so we reached a mutual understanding.

“Thanks, Alex!”

“Just let me know if there’s any issue,” Alex said before leaving the room.

While I was setting up my laptop, three people approached me. “Hello, Ms. Mitchell. Can we call you Sarah?”

“Sure!” I replied.

“We are part of the editorial team at Luminary Productions…” They then shared how their team operates before asking about my background.

“We were told you and Ms. Jane Cornell were college classmates,” one of them said.

“Ah, yes. That’s how we know each other,” I glanced at Jane, who was busy working while conversing with her team.

“If so, did you use that connection to become the representative for BM Technologies?” another asked suspiciously.

Another chimed in, “Yeah, I’m wondering why BM would send just a secretary to represent them. Sending just anyone is like an insult to Luminary Production.”

Their comments caught me off guard.

“Hmm… my cousin works at BM Technology, and he’s heard rumors about you being close to Mr. Martin. Do you have some elicit relationship with BM’s chairman that got you this role?”

I didn’t appreciate their insinuating tone one bit.

“Is that how you can afford those fancy designer bags?” the third person commented.

I fell into silence, uncertain of their intentions. Then I chuckled, “Wow, is that how you all operate? I bought this bag with my savings.” I eyed the expensive diamond necklace on one woman. “How lovely, a lab-grown diamond! Did you have to sell yourself to afford such an exquisite necklace worth fifty grand?”

“You-!” The woman’s teeth clenched. “I paid for this myself!”

“Well, then, what’s the difference in how I paid for my bag?” I asked, my eyes narrowing.

“Because you’re just a secretary! An orphan!” she spat.

I raised an eyebrow, but her colleague intervened before it could escalate further. “S-Sarah, let’s not exchange harsh words. We’re just trying to get to know you.”

“You’re the ones being disrespectful,” I countered.

“We just don’t want you meddling in the editing. That’s all!” her colleague insisted.

My gaze narrowed, realization dawning that this was all about ego. Sensing the tension, Jane stepped closer. “Is everything alright?”

“Nothing, Ms. Cornell. Just discussing work and getting acquainted with Ms. Mitchell. Though it seems she dislikes us.”

Jane smiled politely. “Well, our meeting is coming up, so be prepared in case Boss Philip asks you anything.”

The fools then returned to their workstations, the woman with the necklace rudely brushing past me.

“Sorry about their attitude,” Jane apologized once they were gone.

I shrugged. It was clear to me that their kindness towards her stemmed solely from the recognition of Jane as the chairman’s daughter, regardless of her lineage. After all, she remained a beneficiary of her father’s fortune, a fact that couldn’t be overlooked despite its origin.

Jane leaned in, “Anyway, how are things with you and Brother Philip?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, typing my long password on my laptop.

“Will you two get back together? I can tell you still like each other. If not, why did you have an intimate time yesterday at the spa, or salon, and Philip slept over at the villa?”

I rolled my eyes in exasperation, and Jane caught the same nuance that Jakob did. “Love, reconciling with Philip in that manner is simply not feasible for me. Things have gotten more laid-back between us, and I’m mainly here to focus on my job. Besides, you’re aware that what transpired in the past was far from simple.”

A fierce desire to retaliate against Madam Cornell burns within me like an unrelenting fire. The situation will only get worse if Philip is in the picture.

“Then why do you two still refer to each other as ‘my wife’ or ‘my husband’?” Jane inquired once more.

“We do?” came my puzzled response.

She nodded. “Sometimes you forget Philip is your ex-husband. I often hear you say, ‘My husband’. The same goes for my brother.”

Hmm… I was surprised to find out they picked up on that. It’s Jakob’s habit of frequently referring to Philip as ‘your husband’ that’s to blame. That’s right! It was all his doing!

“And let’s face it, deep down, you yearn for reconciliation,” Jane interjected.

“But if I’m to pursue genuine happiness, I must choose a different path,” I replied softly, almost in a whisper.

“Someone like Mr. Amir Benner, perhaps? What exactly is the nature of your relationship with him?” Jane inquired.

Jane doesn’t really know my true self. She can’t find out either because it’s dangerous, especially if Marcus finds me.

“I want to clarify that there is no romantic involvement between Mr. Amir Benner and myself. Please disregard any claims made by Philip regarding our relationship.”

Jane nodded in understanding, then inquired further, “And what about your relationship with your boss at BM?”

I replied calmly, “Bronn? He’s actually a childhood friend of mine.”

‘I’m really sorry for lying, Jane.’

“Is he courting you?” she asked in a confused tone.

That’s the undeniable truth, and so I nodded in agreement.

“If so, then Brother Philip has a tough rival,” she murmured.

“Forget about that brute,” I casually commented, rolling my eyes.

Jane chuckled.

When my six-month contract at Highland Hills concluded, I planned to return to Henderson. However, there was a possibility I would remain in Dubai if the LoveLogic project launched by then, ensuring Madam Cornell lost her position as the chairman’s wife.

My deepest desire was to become a mother and housewife, enjoying a healthy, non-toxic relationship with my husband and in-laws. Bronn was the sole individual capable of providing me with that life because I have a good relationship with him and with his family.

“Anyway, let’s just continue working.”

Just before the meeting commenced, I received a call from the front desk informing me of a visitor waiting in the lobby. To my surprise, it turned out to be Philip’s former pregnant secretary.

‘Hmm… this is fun.’

I really thought she was out of the picture.