Second Chance
As Amber sat at the lunch table with Devlin and her marmee, a radiant smile lit up her face. The feeling of contentment and happiness washed over her, and she couldn’t find the words to describe how much this moment meant to her. Five years ago, this very scenario was her dream – to be surrounded by the most special people in her life, sharing a meal together in harmony.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
After her heart-to-heart conversation with her marmee, she felt a change in her perspective and a deeper appreciation for the relationships that meant the most to her. The bond with her grandmother had deepened. And she felt that stronger connection with Devlin after learning what he did.
As they laughed, shared stories, and savored the delicious meal, Amber knew that she had completely changed her heart towards Devlin.
She has already decided that she would give Devlin another chance. She would take him back in her life. And this time, she would never run away. She would stay by his side. And listen to whatever he has to say if problems arise.
After finishing lunch, marmee left to check on the workers on the farm, and Amber and Devlin were left alone. Devlin’s expression seemed serious, but he didn’t say anything immediately. Instead, he offered to help Amber in the kitchen. She washed the dishes while he cleaned the table. Amber was smiling to herself since it just reminded her that they did the same thing back in her condo.
After they finished cleaning, Amber made some tea. They settled in the living room, casually watching random shows on the TV. The atmosphere between them felt comfortable and relaxed. Shortly after, marmee returned and joined them for tea. The three of them spent some more quality time together, just chatting and sharing stories, cherishing the simple joy of each other’s company.
Suddenly, marmee said something out of the blue.
“I must admit, I’m quite in the dark about how Amber ended up here with you, Devlin. None of you bothered to keep me informed. So, are you and Amber back together? Or do you need some more persuasion to win my granddaughter’s heart?” Marmee asked candidly, her warm eyes showing both curiosity and concern. She couldn’t help but let her romantic nature shine through at times.
Amber’s face turned red as she felt embarrassed by her grandmother’s directness. Meanwhile, Devlin took a deep breath, understanding marmee’s need for clarity.
“Yes, marmee, I have been spending time pursuing your granddaughter. Trying to work things out. I am hoping that she will accept me back in her life. I will keep proving to her every single day that I have always loved her.” He said with great intensity.
Amber remained silent, feeling torn about expressing her decision to Devlin in front of her grandmother. She knew they needed to have a deeper conversation in private, discussing certain important matters that were best not shared with others. The weight of their past and the complexity of their situation made her hesitant to reveal her thoughts just yet. She stole a glance at Devlin, hoping he could sense her internal struggle and be patient with her. There was much to discuss between them although Devlin was already telling her a lot of things these past few days.
Marmee smiled with understanding. “Ah, young love! It’s such a beautiful feeling. Take all the time you need, but don’t forget that communication is essential. I am here for you both.” With marmee’s words of encouragement, Amber’s blush subsided, and a sense of hope filled the room. The three of them continued their conversation until marmee excused herself again to take her afternoon nap.
It was now just the two of them in the serene ambiance of the living room. Devlin finally broke the silence, his gentle voice quite unnerving to Amber.
Devlin glanced at her, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “Well, marmee has always had a knack for speaking her mind, hasn’t she?’ he chuckled lightly.
Amber pouted playfully in response, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.
“She does have a way of surprising us with her straightforwardness,” she admitted, “but deep down, I know she just wants what’s best for us.”
“And you think that what she said is best for us, hmm?” Amber heard his teasing voice. But she is not going to answer him. Let him find out for himself. She smiled at her thought.
“And she’s right about one thing – communication is essential. And I hope that you could hear me out this time. So, you can completely forgive me and accept me back in your life for good.” Devlin’s sincere voice moved Amber. She knew that he meant what he said.
Amber gently took Devlin’s right hand and led him to her cherished flower garden, nestled beside the house. This secluded spot granted them the much needed privacy to have a serious conversation. She believes that the moment has come for them to engage in this important discussion, and she is determined to listen attentively to every word that he is going to say.
Seated facing each other, their eyes locked in an intense gaze, Devlin’s unwavering focus on Amber was matched by her equal attentiveness. She wanted to show her willingness to hear him out entirely, even going back to the beginning, five years ago.
“I am not fine, Amber,” he confessed softly, his voice quivering with emotion. “There have been so many things happening, and I’ve been trying to protect you from it all. But I can’t keep it from you any longer.”
Amber held his hands, reassuring him with her presence. “Please go on. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone.”
Devlin felt a surge of gratitude wash over him upon hearing her reassuring words. He realized that bringing her to the farm was an important step for her to have a change of heart. The peaceful and intimate setting of the farm played a big role in enriching their connection. And most of all, he believes that Amber’s conversation with her grandmother had allowed her to open her mind and heart to him.
Devlin took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he began recounting the events that had unfolded within his company five years ago, right after Amber had left him. With a sincere and vulnerable tone, he shared the challenges and troubles he faced during that period. Amber listened intently as she understood the significance of this moment and the trust he was placing in her by sharing everything with her.
As Devlin finished narrating the events five years ago up to the present, Amber found herself overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Her doubts and uncertainties about Devlin had vanished, especially now that he had openly shared the truth about what happened with Fiona Ross. The air was finally cleared between them, and a newfound sense of trust and understanding grew within her.
However, with these shocking revelations, Amber couldn’t shake off her concern about the true culprit behind the plot to bring Devlin down. The mystery of the person responsible still lingered in her mind, leaving her anxious.
“And you deserve to know the truth,” Devlin said with a cautious tone. He didn’t want to scare her, but he believed that she deserved to know everything.
“What do you mean?” She started to feel more anxious by the minutes. Devlin’s revelations had truly unsettled her.
“There have been threats, Amber,” he finally confessed. “They began with my company, but now they’re also targeting you. I still don’t know who’s behind all of these, but I want you to know that I won’t allow anything to happen to you, I promise to protect you.”
“I don’t understand. I never received any threats from work or directly aimed at me. Is there something going on in my company that I don’t know?” she asked with a trembling voice.
“Like I mentioned before, I had you discreetly followed by my trusted bodyguards. They have been with you for almost five years now,” he explained. That statement made Amber’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She was puzzled and curious as to those people who had been guarding her all this time.
“Tell me, who are they? What about the one who has been guarding marmee? Is he one of the farmers you were talking to earlier?” Devlin only smiled at Amber’s keen observation towards him.
“Well,” Devlin began, “they are a highly skilled team of security experts I hired to ensure your safety. As for the one guarding marmee, yes, he is indeed one of the farmers I was talking to earlier. He has been with me for a long time, and his expertise in security matters is exceptional. I wanted to make sure that you and marmee were always protected without drawing much attention from my enemies.”
Amber looked into his eyes. “I appreciate your concern, Devlin, and I’m sorry if I misjudged your intentions. It’s just a lot to take in, but I am grateful that you care.” She said sincerely.
He reached out and gently placed a hand on hers, trying to comfort her. “I understand that all of this might be overwhelming for you, but I want you to know that I deeply care for you. My intentions were never to invade your privacy but to protect you from potential threats.” He paused, looking intently at her.
“And if there’s anything you need to know or if you have any questions, I am here to answer them with all honesty.” Amber was just in awe while looking at the man that she truly loved. And still, continue to love. She never really stopped loving him. She just tried to get herself busy to forget the pain. And now, she is ready to embrace him back in her life. And this time, she is sure that she is doing the right thing. It just feels so right…