SECOND CHANCE

ick'

tle into bed, looking much better than he had earlier. The surgery had been a suc

oice filled with gratitude as he reclined agains

course, George," I replied. "You're part

My mind was still reeling from the events of the day, but I knew I had to stay focuse

y thoughts were consumed with plans for the upcoming meetings and negotiations.

my room key. In my haste, I failed to notice the bundle of cash that slipped

o catch sight of the money as it fell. Her heart skipped a beat at the sig

Daniella was determined to do the right thing. With a sense of purpose, she bent down to

steps quick and determined. Knocking softly on the door, she wa

bundle of cash clutched tightly in her hand. "Excuse me, sir," she said, he

for the realization to sink in, but when it did, I was overcome with gratitude. "Thank

ners of her lips. "It's no problem, sir," she rep

to let it slip through my fingers a second time. As I watched her tur

oughts kept drifting back to Daniella an

the encounter with Daniella the previous day. Her honesty and integrity had left a

n of my gratitude. I called her over to my room and ha

yesterday," I said, holding out the envelope. "P

ope from me. "Oh, sir, you really don't have to do this," she protested

ant to me. "No, Daniella, I insist," I replied firmly. "You went ab

some reluctance. I could see the gratitude in her eyes as she thanked me profusely,

to get to know Daniella better. There was something about her

el, I called her and asked if she would join me for dinner. To my de

icipation. I had never been one to mix business with pleasure, but the

dress, I felt a surge of excitement. We exchanged pleasantries and

e had faced in life. Her resilience and determination only served to deepen my

that I was enjoying Daniella's co

n that transcended mere friendship, and I

r friend," I said, taking her hand in mine. "I've enjoyed our time togeth

rn. "I would like that too, Patrick," she replied, her eyes shin

rward to the possibility of what the future might hold. I had bee

e unexpected would ha