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Twenty six

Author: Ese Gwede
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-03-21 17:28:09

~Reid~

The hum of the city filtered through the tinted windows of my office, a distant, familiar rhythm. Inside, everything was as it should be—pristine, controlled, efficient.

My desk was stacked with reports. My inbox, flooded with unread emails. The world hadn’t stopped moving while I was in Bali, and now it was time to catch up.

And yet I hadn’t even been back for 24 hours, and already, my mind was elsewhere.

On her.

On the way she had barely unpacked, the way she buried herself in editing wedding clips like her life depended on it. The way she kept avoiding something neither of us wanted to name.

I clenched my jaw, pushing the thought aside.

It was time to focus. I had an empire to run.

By 8:00 AM, my conference room was packed. Board members. Department heads. The people who made sure Callahan Enterprises functioned while I was gone.

“Let’s start with the Prescott merger,” I said, settling into my seat.

One of my executives cleared his throat. “The stock has stabilized since the
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  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty seven

    ~Fallon~I had barely settled into the couch, a blanket draped over me, laptop open, and my editing software still loading when my phone rang.I didn’t even have to check the screen.There was only one person who would call me this early and with this much persistence.I sighed, already bracing myself, and swiped to answer. “Hi, Mom.”A delighted gasp came through the speaker. “Mi vida! Finally, you answer! I was beginning to think you forgot about me.”I rolled my eyes, amusement tugging at my lips despite my best efforts. “I was going to call—”She tsked loudly. “Mmm-hmm. You’re back from Bali, settled into your married life, and I haven’t heard a single detail. Not one.”I squeezed my eyes shut, already knowing where this was going.The Interrogation Begins“So,” she continued, her voice practically vibrating with excitement. “Tell me everything.”I sighed, shifting my laptop to the coffee table and rubbing my forehead. “About what?”A pause. Then, in her very best‘ are you serious

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty eight

    ~Fallon~The café was warm and bustling, the scent of fresh pastries and espresso filling the air. Sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the rustic wooden tables. It was the kind of place Mia and I had spent countless afternoons, sipping overpriced lattes and dissecting our lives in dramatic detail.But today I was walking in as a married woman. As Mrs. Callahan.And only I knew how much of a lie that really was.Mia spotted me first, her eyes lighting up as she shot out of her chair, practically bouncing on her heels. “Finally!” she squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. “Mrs. Callahan, back from paradise!”I forced a smile. “Yep. Back.”She pulled back, gripping my shoulders. “Let me look at you. You have that ‘freshly married, just honeymooned in luxury’ glow.”I blinked. “I do?”Mia wiggled her brows. “Oh yeah. Spill everything.”I barely smothered a groan. This was going to be exhausting.The Interrogation soon began…The moment we sat down, Mia l

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty nine

    ~Fallon~Adjusting to married life should’ve been easy. Or at least that’s what I thought.I had my own room, my own bathroom, and an entire household staff to ensure that I never even had to see Reid if I didn’t want to.But somehow, despite all of that, Reid Callahan still managed to get under my skin. Because of course that was all he knew how to do.It all started on a very fine day while I was minding my own business.The first issue arose when I stepped into my luxurious en-suite bathroom one morning after a quick run around the premises and nearly slipped on a puddle of water.I gasped, grabbing the counter for balance before whipping my head toward the cause—l there was water everywhere!!!.Steam clung to the mirrors, droplets trailed across the marble floor, and the faint scent of Reid’s obnoxiously expensive cologne lingered in the air.My eyes narrowed.I stormed out, straight across the hall to his room, where I found him carrying on like he did not just wreak havoc in m

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty

    ~Fallon~The world knew me in curated snapshots.Perfectly edited videos. Carefully written captions. A seamless blend of aspirational and relatable.To my audience, I was the effortlessly stylish, cool girl next door—the one who knew the best skincare tricks, the trendiest fashion finds, and the real behind-the-scenes of luxury living.But in reality, it was a full-time job.And today, I had work to do.I woke up to the soft chime of my alarm—an aesthetically pleasing, non-jarring sound I had chosen because brand consistency mattered.Before my feet even hit the floor, I grabbed my phone, snapped a quick shot of my sunlit sheets, and typed a caption:“Slow mornings & self-care ☀️✨ What’s one thing you do to start your day right?”Engagement was key. Questions kept my followers talking.I hit the post button and stretched, already calculating my to-do list for the day.Content. Emails. Brand collaborations. Editing.And, of course, making sure my audience believed every part of it wa

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty one

    ~Reid~The boardroom at Callahan Enterprises was silent, the kind of silence that carried weight—the calm before a high-stakes battle.I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled, surveying the executives seated around the long mahogany table. The Prescott merger had been months in the making, and now, we were at the point where every decision counted.And I didn’t lose.Not in business.Not in anything.I intended to keep it that way.Mark Kingston, my CFO, cleared his throat. “We’ve run another financial analysis. The Prescott company is stabilizing, but the long-term projections are still… questionable.”I arched a brow. “Define ‘questionable.’”Kingston hesitated. “The brand recognition is strong, and their market share is decent. But if we don’t make some aggressive restructuring moves, we’ll be inheriting dead weight.”Dead weight.I exhaled sharply, fingers drumming against the table.This was what I had anticipated—Daniel Prescott had built an empire, but he had let it run on

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty two

    ~Fallon~My phone buzzed just as I was setting up my next shoot, the familiar name flashing across the screen.Dad.I stared at it, tension coiling in my chest. I already knew this wasn’t going to be a social call.With a sigh, I picked up. “Hey, Dad.”“Fallon,” he said, his voice brisk as always. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”I winced. “I’ve been busy—”“I’m sure you have.” He cut me off like he always did. “But we have a problem.”Of course we did.I sank into the chair at my vanity. “What kind of problem?”He exhaled sharply. “Reid’s pushing through restructuring plans without consulting me. He’s sidelining my people, cutting departments without my approval—”I rubbed my temple. “Dad—”“I need you to talk to him,” he said, his voice firm. “Remind him this merger was supposed to be a partnership.”I bit back my frustration. “You know I don’t have any say in the business side of this.”“You’re his wife,” my dad snapped. “If anyone can get him to listen, it’s you.”A cold weight se

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty three

    ~Fallon~I wasn’t ready for my mom’s call.Not after the fight with Reid. Not when I was still replaying every sharp word, every cold look, over and over in my head, like a film on loop I couldn’t turn off. His voice, low and cutting. My own, rising in frustration. The sting of everything we’d said—and worse, the things we hadn’t.But my phone rang anyway—her name flashing across the screen like a warning.I stared at it, my thumb hovering over the decline button. I could let it go to voicemail. I could call her back later, when I wasn’t so raw. But I knew if I didn’t answer, she’d just keep calling—and worrying.So I sighed, bracing myself before I finally picked up.“Hi, Mamá.”“Mi vida,” she said, her voice warm and familiar. But there was an edge to it—one I recognized too well. Concern, wrapped in silk. “How are you? You sound tired.”“I’m fine,” I lied, curling my legs beneath me on the couch. “Just busy.”“Busy being married to a billionaire?” she teased. “It must be so exhaust

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21
  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty four

    ~Fallon~The dress arrived first.It was delivered in a sleek black garment bag, hung carefully on the door of my closet like it belonged there. Attached was a handwritten note in Reid’s sharp, familiar scrawl:Wear this. Be ready by seven. – RNo please. No would you mind? Just an order, wrapped in expensive packaging.Because of course it was.I stared at the bag, arms crossed, suspicion curling in my stomach. “Not happening.”But the shoes came next.Delicate, strappy heels in a soft champagne gold—designer, no doubt—and absolutely gorgeous. The kind of shoes you wore when you wanted to make an entrance.I ignored them.Then came the makeup artist.At precisely five o’clock, my intercom buzzed.“Mrs Callahan? Your glam team is here.”I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Of course they are,” I muttered, already regretting every decision that had led me to this point.An hour and a half later, I stood in front of my full-length mirror. And despite every ounce of irritat

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-21

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  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty four

    ~Fallon~The dress arrived first.It was delivered in a sleek black garment bag, hung carefully on the door of my closet like it belonged there. Attached was a handwritten note in Reid’s sharp, familiar scrawl:Wear this. Be ready by seven. – RNo please. No would you mind? Just an order, wrapped in expensive packaging.Because of course it was.I stared at the bag, arms crossed, suspicion curling in my stomach. “Not happening.”But the shoes came next.Delicate, strappy heels in a soft champagne gold—designer, no doubt—and absolutely gorgeous. The kind of shoes you wore when you wanted to make an entrance.I ignored them.Then came the makeup artist.At precisely five o’clock, my intercom buzzed.“Mrs Callahan? Your glam team is here.”I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Of course they are,” I muttered, already regretting every decision that had led me to this point.An hour and a half later, I stood in front of my full-length mirror. And despite every ounce of irritat

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty three

    ~Fallon~I wasn’t ready for my mom’s call.Not after the fight with Reid. Not when I was still replaying every sharp word, every cold look, over and over in my head, like a film on loop I couldn’t turn off. His voice, low and cutting. My own, rising in frustration. The sting of everything we’d said—and worse, the things we hadn’t.But my phone rang anyway—her name flashing across the screen like a warning.I stared at it, my thumb hovering over the decline button. I could let it go to voicemail. I could call her back later, when I wasn’t so raw. But I knew if I didn’t answer, she’d just keep calling—and worrying.So I sighed, bracing myself before I finally picked up.“Hi, Mamá.”“Mi vida,” she said, her voice warm and familiar. But there was an edge to it—one I recognized too well. Concern, wrapped in silk. “How are you? You sound tired.”“I’m fine,” I lied, curling my legs beneath me on the couch. “Just busy.”“Busy being married to a billionaire?” she teased. “It must be so exhaust

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty two

    ~Fallon~My phone buzzed just as I was setting up my next shoot, the familiar name flashing across the screen.Dad.I stared at it, tension coiling in my chest. I already knew this wasn’t going to be a social call.With a sigh, I picked up. “Hey, Dad.”“Fallon,” he said, his voice brisk as always. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”I winced. “I’ve been busy—”“I’m sure you have.” He cut me off like he always did. “But we have a problem.”Of course we did.I sank into the chair at my vanity. “What kind of problem?”He exhaled sharply. “Reid’s pushing through restructuring plans without consulting me. He’s sidelining my people, cutting departments without my approval—”I rubbed my temple. “Dad—”“I need you to talk to him,” he said, his voice firm. “Remind him this merger was supposed to be a partnership.”I bit back my frustration. “You know I don’t have any say in the business side of this.”“You’re his wife,” my dad snapped. “If anyone can get him to listen, it’s you.”A cold weight se

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty one

    ~Reid~The boardroom at Callahan Enterprises was silent, the kind of silence that carried weight—the calm before a high-stakes battle.I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled, surveying the executives seated around the long mahogany table. The Prescott merger had been months in the making, and now, we were at the point where every decision counted.And I didn’t lose.Not in business.Not in anything.I intended to keep it that way.Mark Kingston, my CFO, cleared his throat. “We’ve run another financial analysis. The Prescott company is stabilizing, but the long-term projections are still… questionable.”I arched a brow. “Define ‘questionable.’”Kingston hesitated. “The brand recognition is strong, and their market share is decent. But if we don’t make some aggressive restructuring moves, we’ll be inheriting dead weight.”Dead weight.I exhaled sharply, fingers drumming against the table.This was what I had anticipated—Daniel Prescott had built an empire, but he had let it run on

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Thirty

    ~Fallon~The world knew me in curated snapshots.Perfectly edited videos. Carefully written captions. A seamless blend of aspirational and relatable.To my audience, I was the effortlessly stylish, cool girl next door—the one who knew the best skincare tricks, the trendiest fashion finds, and the real behind-the-scenes of luxury living.But in reality, it was a full-time job.And today, I had work to do.I woke up to the soft chime of my alarm—an aesthetically pleasing, non-jarring sound I had chosen because brand consistency mattered.Before my feet even hit the floor, I grabbed my phone, snapped a quick shot of my sunlit sheets, and typed a caption:“Slow mornings & self-care ☀️✨ What’s one thing you do to start your day right?”Engagement was key. Questions kept my followers talking.I hit the post button and stretched, already calculating my to-do list for the day.Content. Emails. Brand collaborations. Editing.And, of course, making sure my audience believed every part of it wa

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty nine

    ~Fallon~Adjusting to married life should’ve been easy. Or at least that’s what I thought.I had my own room, my own bathroom, and an entire household staff to ensure that I never even had to see Reid if I didn’t want to.But somehow, despite all of that, Reid Callahan still managed to get under my skin. Because of course that was all he knew how to do.It all started on a very fine day while I was minding my own business.The first issue arose when I stepped into my luxurious en-suite bathroom one morning after a quick run around the premises and nearly slipped on a puddle of water.I gasped, grabbing the counter for balance before whipping my head toward the cause—l there was water everywhere!!!.Steam clung to the mirrors, droplets trailed across the marble floor, and the faint scent of Reid’s obnoxiously expensive cologne lingered in the air.My eyes narrowed.I stormed out, straight across the hall to his room, where I found him carrying on like he did not just wreak havoc in m

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty eight

    ~Fallon~The café was warm and bustling, the scent of fresh pastries and espresso filling the air. Sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the rustic wooden tables. It was the kind of place Mia and I had spent countless afternoons, sipping overpriced lattes and dissecting our lives in dramatic detail.But today I was walking in as a married woman. As Mrs. Callahan.And only I knew how much of a lie that really was.Mia spotted me first, her eyes lighting up as she shot out of her chair, practically bouncing on her heels. “Finally!” she squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. “Mrs. Callahan, back from paradise!”I forced a smile. “Yep. Back.”She pulled back, gripping my shoulders. “Let me look at you. You have that ‘freshly married, just honeymooned in luxury’ glow.”I blinked. “I do?”Mia wiggled her brows. “Oh yeah. Spill everything.”I barely smothered a groan. This was going to be exhausting.The Interrogation soon began…The moment we sat down, Mia l

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty seven

    ~Fallon~I had barely settled into the couch, a blanket draped over me, laptop open, and my editing software still loading when my phone rang.I didn’t even have to check the screen.There was only one person who would call me this early and with this much persistence.I sighed, already bracing myself, and swiped to answer. “Hi, Mom.”A delighted gasp came through the speaker. “Mi vida! Finally, you answer! I was beginning to think you forgot about me.”I rolled my eyes, amusement tugging at my lips despite my best efforts. “I was going to call—”She tsked loudly. “Mmm-hmm. You’re back from Bali, settled into your married life, and I haven’t heard a single detail. Not one.”I squeezed my eyes shut, already knowing where this was going.The Interrogation Begins“So,” she continued, her voice practically vibrating with excitement. “Tell me everything.”I sighed, shifting my laptop to the coffee table and rubbing my forehead. “About what?”A pause. Then, in her very best‘ are you serious

  • Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract   Twenty six

    ~Reid~The hum of the city filtered through the tinted windows of my office, a distant, familiar rhythm. Inside, everything was as it should be—pristine, controlled, efficient.My desk was stacked with reports. My inbox, flooded with unread emails. The world hadn’t stopped moving while I was in Bali, and now it was time to catch up.And yet I hadn’t even been back for 24 hours, and already, my mind was elsewhere.On her.On the way she had barely unpacked, the way she buried herself in editing wedding clips like her life depended on it. The way she kept avoiding something neither of us wanted to name.I clenched my jaw, pushing the thought aside.It was time to focus. I had an empire to run.By 8:00 AM, my conference room was packed. Board members. Department heads. The people who made sure Callahan Enterprises functioned while I was gone.“Let’s start with the Prescott merger,” I said, settling into my seat.One of my executives cleared his throat. “The stock has stabilized since the

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