Chapter 2 : Secret admirer.

Thanks for the ride home. You rescued us from an impending danger,” Joanna appreciated the stranger after they arrived home.

 "Stop keeping late nights. It's extremely dangerous out there. By the way, I'm Matthew Callaghan. CEO of the Matty Cash empire, a multi-billion dollar company, and one of the largest In the city. We are leading the technology Brand. What's your name?” 

He introduces himself and offers a handshake. 

 “I'm Joanna, and these are my, oops.” Joana paused, seeing Sophia and Shawn strolling inside the house, ignoring Matthew. 

 "I apologize for that. That's my cousin, Sophia, and her boyfriend Shawn. Blame it on liquor. We just celebrated their 4th relationship anniversary. But trust me, your kindness isn't taken for granted.” Joanna apologized on their behalf. 

 "It's fine. Just stay out of trouble,” Matthew smiled, got back inside the car, and drove off. 

 "Phew! We are finally back home. What a day!” Joana sighed, tossing herself on the couch. What a horrible experience! 

Arriving inside, Joanna spotted someone who nearly freaked her out.

"Uncle Simon?" She screamed in shock after seeing Sophia's Father seated in the living room.

"Surprised to see me? Aren't you gonna hug your big Uncle? Come on, don't be late," Simon spreads his hands so wide to embrace Joanna.

"Okay." She embraced with a curious look.

"How did you get here? Oops, I nearly forgot you had your spare key. But you should have called. How long have you been here?" 

"It's a long story. I bet Sophia and Shawn didn't see me. They just walked past me as though they were intoxicated. What's wrong with those two?"

"We just got back from their 4th relationship anniversary party. Don't worry about them. I'm sure they'll recognize you by tomorrow," Joanna assured. She took Simon's bags inside the guest room.

*********************

 The day dawned crisp and clear.

The first rays of sunlight lit up Sophia's room as she rubbed her bleary eyes and touched the other side of her bed, only to discover that Shawn wasn't there. 

 "Ouch! My head's spinning right now. I must have had a lot to drink at the party." She groaned in pain and caressed her head. Glancing at the wall clock, she could confirm it was already past 9 am. She rushed in for a quick bath and shuffled to the living room all dressed in her leggings and braless t-shirt, displaying her pointed nipples only to find her Father discussing with Joanna in the living room. Sophia had to go wash her face to be certain she wasn't dreaming.

"Dad, you are here already. You never told us you'd be coming,"  Sophia hugged her Father.

"I apologize for not calling you before coming. I just had. My presence wasn't planned, though," Simon said.

 "Finally, she's awake. Girl, you were so high on liquor last night. I never thought Shawn would still make it to the office this morning. Besides, your father showed up late last night. I wasn't surprised you and Shawn didn't see him.” Taunting Sophia, Joanna sat in the living room watching a fashion show.

 "Are you expecting anyone?”

 Turning to face Sophia, Joanna asked.

 “Not really! I'll go check that out,” Sophia arose and gestured to find out who it was. Standing in her presence was a strange man, dressed in a blue uniform and wearing a face cap. On his right breast pocket had his name boldly written in thick threads. “I guess you must be ma'am Sophia, right?”

 "Yes, I am. Who are you?” Sophia asked after gazing around to be certain he was alone.

 "Kelly Clarkson from Deroyal Logistics. I was asked to deliver this box to you by Mr. Matthew Callaghan. Can you please sign here?” He uttered in a friendly tone, as he gave Sophia a pen and paper.

She signed and received the box with confusion hovering on her face. Going back inside the living room, she muttered to herself, “Mathew? Who the hell is he?” She can't seem to recall who that is.

 "Who was that and what took you so long to show up?” Joana asked with keen interest.

   "A delivery man dropped this. It came from Mathew Callaghan. I don't even know him,” handing over the box to Joanna, Sophia explained. 

   "Wait a minute, did you just say Mathew?” Joanna questioned, as she spun her eyes and racked her head, trying to figure out his Identity. The name rings a bell in her head. After a profound thought, she recalled and exclaimed. “Oh, that's the man who gave us a ride home last night. Remember when we heard a gunshot and were stranded?”

 "I'm sorry, I can't recall what happened last night. I don't know him. And Why is he sending me gifts? I didn't request any of these.”

 "Quite justified. You were too drunk last night to remember anything.” Joanna said, opening the box. Flickering into their faces was a beautiful glittering necklace. 

 "Wow! This is magnificent. It must have cost him a fortune.” Joanna was amused.  It's the most beautiful piece of jewelry she has ever seen. 

 "Can I  please see them?” Sophia pleaded, stretching her hands to receive the Golden necklace. In a blink of an eye, she rushed outside and threw it in the trash can. 

 "I can't believe you just did that. Did you know how much it cost him? The best you could have done was to reject it on sight,” Joana yelled at Sophia.

 "Who cares? He should go to hell for all I care. The package is still in the trash can. You could take it if you like.” Sophia flared back. 

 “Hello? He bought it for you, not me,” Joanna reminded her.

 "I still don't give a damn about his wealth. I am not materialistic.

His luxury does not move me. I will never trade Shawn's love for Gold or silver. How do I even explain to him that the same man who gave us a ride bought me the necklace?” She silenced Joana. Joana went completely cold. She was beginning to discern an iota of truth in Sophia's assertion. 

 "Now I understand your point. I apologize for acting that way. I completely went out of line,” Joana apologized for almost misleading Sophia. All along, she was blinded by the luxury and didn't consider Shawn's feelings. 

 "It's fine! Can you keep this between us? I don't want Shawn to find out about this, okay?” Sophia urged, pleading for Joana to hide her little secret. 

"And you too, Dad. Can you please not tell Shawn?" Sophia looked in her father's direction and discovered he wasn't even paying attention to them.

"Father, are you there?" She waved at Simon.

"Oh, what were you saying?" He replied and looked lost.

"You weren't even listening. What's running through your mind? You haven't told us why you decided to visit. Is there something you are not telling us?"

"It's a long story." Simon facepalms.

"Indeed. I've got enough time. Can you please tell us?" Sophia leaned forward.

"I might be going to jail pretty soon," Simon wept.

"Jail?" Sophia and Joanna exclaimed in unison.

"Yes, jail!" Simon affirmed with a nod.

Simon told Sophia that an expensive Gold necklace and cash worth $1 million were missing from his Boss's office. Simon works as a janitor to a wealthy billionaire. 

The Boss is threatening to send Simon to jail if he doesn't provide the Gold necklace and money in 7 days. 

"$1 million? How did you let this happen to you Dad?" 

Not quite long,  Shawn walked in with an unfriendly snare. “What secret are you talking about? I heard you talk about someone going to jail. I can't seem to process my head on it," 

"Dad, you home already? When did you arrive?" Shawn greeted Simon as they exchanged pleasantries.

 Stunned to see Shawn return home so early, Sophia stuttered. “You…are back home so early. What happened?"

 "Why are you trying to divert the question? Are you cheating on me?” Shawn roared with a thunderous voice that rendered her speechless.

 Seeing that She wasn't ready to talk, Shawn narrowed his gaze at Joanna. “Don't lie to me, Joan. Is your cousin cheating on me?”

 "Hell, NO! You know she wouldn't do such. Don't you trust her? Besides, why are you home so early? That's quite unlike you,” Joana quickly defended Sophia.

 "Fine! I'll talk. Do you remember the person from last night? The same guy, who drove us home when we got stranded?” Sophia finally let out, to avert Shawn's wrath. 

 “I know someone dropped us, but I can't recall him telling us his name. And how does that answer my question? Oh, I get it. You fuck with him now?” Shawn provoked, laying false accusations against Sophia.

   “Of course not. How can you harbor such ridiculous thoughts? A delivery man stopped by a couple of minutes ago with a Golden necklace. Matthew  Callaghan bought it for me. The same guy who drove us home last night,” She explained, panting heavily.

 "And where's this damn Golden necklace?”

 “In the trashcan where it belongs. I don't need it,” She responded.

 "Good. You proved him wrong. Not all girls are moved by material things,” Shawn bragged and apologized for the false accusations. He wasn't surprised she rejected the jewelry. He knew Sophia could not be deceived by mere luxury. Even when his father was against his relationship because he perceived her to be an opportunist, Shawn still defended Sophia and placed her above everyone. 

"What about your father? I heard him talk about someone going to jail," Shawn popped another question.

It was difficult for her to speak but she did anyway. She couldn't hide it from Shawn. They're already engaged and will be getting married.

"What are we going to do now? This is a very delicate case," Shawn demonstrated his concern after listening to her.

 “I don't know. I'm equally confused as you are. Let's focus on you now. You haven't answered your question. Why are you home so early?” Sophia tossed back the question.

 "I just lost my job,” Shawn revealed, facing the ground in shame. 

 "Sacked? How?” bewildered by the shocking news, Sophia sighed. Too many unfortunate incidents have plagued them lately.