Fate's second chance

night's music still echoing in his mind. His eyes fluttered open, and he groaned, the effects of the alcohol h

room was shrouded in a dim, eerie light, like the aftermath of a storm. Al

ead-and froze. Beside him, lying under the sheets

free from his chest. Who was she? How

ks. The laughter. The slow blurring of reality as the alcohol took over

floor. His mind was spinning. How had he allowed himself to lose control lik

promised Caroline he would only be out for a little while,

yes fluttering open. Recognition flashed across her face as she looked at h

ed, her voice stil

hat had he done? What secrets had h

or a moment, they just stared at each o

ex stammered, his voice

nfusion and wariness. "You don't remember?"

feeling a wave of n

temples. "My name is Hannah. W

d in Alex's mind, but

x asked, his voice l

d the sheets up to her chest. "You d

n, feeling a cold sweat

d slightly. "Maybe it's bet

uld ask any, Hannah's phone buzzed on the nightstan

ruptly, tossing off the cov

gathered her clothes and rushed out of the roo

s cufflinks, the events of the day weighed heavily on his mind. The constant stream of phone calls, meetings, and paperwork had made the d

he pulled out his phone and

sked, trying to sound m

rant," she replied, her vo

ine already seated, her calm presence a contrast to his hurried arri

red, slightly breathless from rushing

ork would keep you.

ite the pleasantries, Alex couldn't shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind-he had left Barbara a

ex said, standing up after paying t

uite reach her eyes. "Of course, fa

d weighing on his conscience. By the time he walked through the door, it was late. B

s she ran toward him, a mixture of

y," Alex said, ruffling her hair

a slight pout forming.

he whipped up a quick meal for both of them. They sat to

ly, breaking the silence. Her eyes were wide with curi

uggestion. "What about Caroline?" he asked, testing the waters.

ediate. "No!" she said, sha

sponse. "Okay, if you find someone you like, let me kn

m a small smile

ed Caroline, feeling the need to apologize for his abrupt departure from t

had to leave

ore responding. "I understand, Alex. You have

ex asked, sens

admitted quietly. "It's always about Barbara, and I get t

rd. She's still adjusting to

he finally spoke, her voice was softer. "I

ore complicated than he had thought. Barbara's reluctance toward Carol

e after the call ended. Frustration and uncertainty swirled inside her. She had grown

relationship with Alex.But Caroline wasn't about to give up. She was determined

would come by soon. The stress of the evening was taking its toll, and she decided to forgo cooking, the