A Second Chance

Chapter 43

Nicola's POV

It's the evening of Simon's engagement ceremony, and I was at home getting ready. Simon had warned me not to be late for this, at least, so I had made sure to start getting ready early, and now I was almost done.

I was wearing a long, elegant, black gown. It had a delicate bodice and high neckline. It was sleeveless with an open back and a dramatically high thigh slit. The bodice finishes with a delicate seam to underline the waistline.

The dress made me feel pretty and sexy which put a little smile on my face as I looked in the mirror, smoothing the fabric down with my hands as I admired the dress. It kind of lifted my gray mood a bit.

I hadn't really bothered with my looks in a while, and I was glad for this event, which forced me out of my usual comfy t-shirts and joggers.

A girl could lose interest in her looks when the man she loves has shown no interest in being with her. No matter how positive you want to remain about yourself, you still can't help putting yourself down. My mind keeps saying it's because I am not good enough.

I glanced back up at myself through the mirror, at my sad eyes and my puffed up cheeks. I eat when I am sad, and my cheeks have noticed how much I have been eating lately.

Other than that, I am just an average girl, nothing special but nothing repelling. Good enough for some people. But I am just not good enough for Gabriel Hudson. Rich CEO of Hudson Corperation.

I sighed as the doorbell rang. Enough of the pity talk. Today is Simon's day, and he needs his best friend. He has always been there for me and been my rock, and today, he needs me to be his. He doesn't need my sad eyes and glum mood ruining his day. I need to cheer up. I thought as I put on my brightest smile.

I grabbed my clutch as the doorbell rang again, checking my makeup and smoothing out my hair, which was straightened and tied in a tight ponytail at the nape of my neck.

I quickly slipped into my black heels, strapped them in place, and hurried downstairs, not wanting to keep David waiting. He never rings the doorbell. He always waits for me, so I am assuming I am running very late and Simon has sent his warning.

I reached the door just as it rang for the third time. I opened it, saying," I'm here! Sor.." But it all got stuck in my throat as I saw who was actually at the door, making me freeze on the spot with my mouth frozen in an o.

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Gabriel's POV

I was a nervous wreck by the time I pulled up at Nicola's house the next day.

I had caught the five o'clock flight, reached hear by six and rented myself a car, and sped as fast as I could through the busy traffic. But still it took me a little more than an hour to reach her home and I was afraid she might already have left.

Before I got out of the car, I adjusted my tie and checked through the rear view mirror to see if I wasn't too much of a mess. I ran to the airport straight after I had finished with the clients. I hadn't had time to say bye to the girls even.

I had packed for the trip and took my suitcase with me when I had gone for work this morning. Otherwise, there was no way I could have made it on time.

As I got off, I noticed a car waiting outside Nicola's house with a man standing next to it. As I reached it he gave me a slight nod which I returned. I wondered who it belonged to and why it was there. Was he here to pick up Nicola? I thought in panic, my eyes widening as I hurried up the path to her front door. Was she already ready to go? Will she wait for me to talk?