Her Best Second Chance

Chapter 1: Another Failed Attempt

~Solayne's POV~

We all have that one thing we desperately want, but we can't have. Well, in my case, I can have what I want, but the fear of being rejected refuses to make me take the first step. So here I am, stuck having to endure the pain of seeing him with someone else, knowing I'll never be anything more than his best friend.

Today is a new day, a day that feels just right to express my heart's true feelings.

Taking a sip of my coffee, my eyes are immediately clouded with darkness. I couldn't help but smile as I placed the cup on the round table before me. Hovering my hands over his, I gently peeled them from my eyes to disclose just the person I expected. My heart bubbles with joy at just the sight of him.

"I have someone for you to meet." Were the first few words to come from his lips. My mouth open yet close, knowing exactly what's coming next. I allow my sweaty hands to fall to my lap, forcing a smile while every wall built around my heart shatters as I slowly make eye contact with him.

"Really, where is she?"

My voice came out joyous, something I've become a perfectionist at, especially when he introduces me to a new woman every week. I do feel like a hypocrite, but my friendship with him is way too important for me to jeopardize what we have, so I learned the inevitable.

I desperately watched him stand to his feet with the urge of wanting to crush anything in my path, but keeping my cool was a top priority for me, especially at this given moment.

"I want you to meet Ava."

he smiled so brightly, making my broken heart flutter. He came back with a beautiful young lady, and when I say beautiful, I mean gorgeous.

Her tall figure and hourglass shape would attract any man to her and don't even get me to start on the tone of her skin. Everything about her screams gorgeous, and I couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy inside.

Gulping, I stand to my feet, smiling to the best of my ability

"Hii, it's such a pleasure meeting you."

If my mother didn't teach me anything, she taught me proper mannerism, something I will forever be grateful for. "I can see why Jasper takes a liking in you. You are so beautiful."

" Well, thank you, you look just as beautiful," Ava responded with a corner smile. I sat on the chair, watching him pull a chair out for her to be seated.

Yeah, but not as beautiful to catch a certain someone's attention. I sigh, losing my appetite for my beloved coffee.

I watched as they both converse, endeavoring each other in whatever topic it might be. Jasper tried tagging me in, but after hearing me barely reply, he eventually stopped. My palm sweats harder with every aching throb my heart performs. Sinking in my sorrow, I refuse to be punished any further. Clearing my throat, both eyes land on me, making me uneasy, especially the feeling that clouds me when he makes eye contact.

"You alright, Lia?" I smile, wiping my palm in the fabric of my black skirt.

"Yeah I just need to go" gulping "I...I have some work to get done" well that wasn't a lie, neither was it entirely true but who cares; I am desperately in need of some fresh air, all this is suffocating.

"Ohh, do you want me to walk you home?" I glance outside then back at him

"It's cool. I think I'll manage on my own, thanks." Pushing the chair back, he stands, taking a stride towards me.

"You sure? ''His eyes scan my face for even the slightest evidence to prove me wrong, but I've become so good at this that a single trace of doubt could not be found.

"Yeah", attempting to leave he grabbed my upper arm and I stopped not turning around because slowly my walls were breaking down and I knew soon I'll be at the edge of crying but I knew better than to cry over someone who doesn't want me. I wasn't that stupid. However, sometimes it's hard to control yourself so as not to fall too deep in your pain.

"Here, " he hands me his jacket. "The weather is a bit cold this morning."

Glancing outside, fog overrides the busy daybreak, My thoughts are like a spiral in my head, but holding my composer, I turn to face him.

"I already have one," lifting the thick fabric wrapped around my shoulders so he could see. His deep chuckle fills my ears, and I had to look away to prevent myself from blushing.

"We both know how much of a baby you are when it comes to cold weather . Wouldn't want you getting sick or rather too cold " Not wanting to prolong this conversation seeing how awkward it must be for Ava just sitting there, and knowing his extent of persuasion and stubbornness I take his jacket hugging him goodbye. Slightly smiling at his date, I wave goodbye taking my leave.

Well, today definitely turned out to not be one of those days to confess my feelings. 6,789 failed attempts infinity to go.

Making myself warm enough, I make my way just 3 blocks up to my humble aboard.