As the meeting drew to a close, five grueling hours had elapsed, and half the team had been dismissed."Meeting adjourned," the CEO declared, prompted by an urgent call from his grandfather.Those remaining among the officials hastily gathered their belongings and scurried away on unsteady legs, well aware that if they lingered a moment longer, the CEO might very well have fired the rest of them.After the officials had left, Shawn relaxed his hardened face a bit and picked the call. "Grandpa,""Shawn, I'm sorry. I won't be able to make it back tomorrow. The doctor says I need to spend a few more days here," Bitterness laced the old man's voice as he spoke. "I promise, as soon as I'm able to leave, I'll come straight home." His weakened voice wavered, accompanied by a persistent cough.Shawn could hear the old champ's strained breathing on the other side of the phone and his heart twisted in his chest. "It's okay, Grandpa. Spend as much time as you need, I'm fine. Take care of yoursel
The next day, Mia awoke to find her husband burning with fever beside her. It was the first day of the school that week, and she had been planning to attend, particularly as she had been absent more often than not lately. However, given Shawn's condition, how could she possibly leave him?She frantically rang the bedside bell, but when no one responded after a few minutes, she hurried out of the room and down the stairs."Madam Susan," she called out, rushing into the kitchen. To her surprise, the kitchen was deserted.That's when Mia realized she hadn't encountered anyone on her way there. The house was eerily quiet and empty. There were no maids inside, and no guards outside. Not a single soul was in sight.She wondered if the rapture had occurred. If so, how come she and her husband didn’t make it to heaven?Dismissing the thought, she quickly returned inside to try the maids' quarters via the landline. No matter how many times she dialed, the line remained dead. Was it their day
His mother had passed away on his birthday, that was sad.Mia, unsure of how to console him, chose to remain silent, her heart filled with sympathy."Today marks three years since I lost her," Shawn uttered, his gaze distant, his voice low. "And I caused it. If only I hadn't insisted on..." His voice trailed off, bitterness and regret evident in every word.Unable to find the right words to comfort him, "Let's go visit her." Mia offered.Shawn turned to her, wearing a puzzled expression. "Right now?"She simply nodded. It was the anniversary of his mother's death, it was only right he paid his respects.It wasn't that Shawn didn't want to visit his mother; he had never gone on the actual anniversary due to an annual bout of fever. He would always go to her grave the following day. However, with someone to take care of him this time, he could make it today... There was still time."Okay," Mia then nodded before swiftly making her way into the walk-in closet to change. Soon, the couple
When the CEO arrived at Beats Corporation, his assistant was already waiting for him in the parking lot, as usual. Lucas had steeled himself for a challenging day ahead already.However, the moment his boss stepped out of the vehicle, he couldn't help but notice an unusual lightness in his demeanor. While his expression remained typically inscrutable, there was a noticeable vibrancy about him.As they strode towards the CEO's office, Shawn instructed calmly, "Call back those individuals I let go two days ago. Additionally, ensure the entire team is compensated for any inconveniences caused by the impromptu meeting."Lucas was dumbfounded. He questioned his own hearing for a moment, certain he hadn't correctly processed what his boss had just said. This was the first time something like this was happening.Never before had the CEO called back to work those he... And to think he was going to compensate the officials for attending the meeting on the weekend...The CEO's assistant couldn'
As the evening wore on, Max found himself unable to shake the events of that afternoon from his mind. The sight of Mia entering that unfamiliar luxurious vehicle and the unsettling call from the other day... Everything seemed to fit together, connecting the dots. However, it was difficult for him to accept the truth. How could she be involved in that?How could someone he had known for half his life possess such a side to her? Was it because of their breakup? Perhaps she had fallen into depression and resorted to... actions, since their relationship had ended. The thoughts continued to haunt him deep into the night.Feeling overwhelmed, he finally reached for his phone and dialed Mia's number, determined to hear the truth directly from her. Maybe then he could come to terms with it.____After a tumultuous day, Mia eventually retired to bed, completely drained from her schoolwork and her relentless complaints about Shawn visiting her school. The exhaustion weighed heavily on her.Sh
And just like that, the CEO ceased his nighttime lessons with his wife and dedicated himself to teaching her full time.Their bedroom lounge served as the classroom, and Shawn devoted all his attention to ensuring Mia comprehended every subject he taught.Mia appeared to be making progress, though she encountered difficulties with Mathematics, prompting them to concentrate more on that subject.Although she initially didn't like the arrangement, over time, she realized it wasn't a bad idea after all; in fact, it was the best idea.At school, the teachers focused on all the students collectively, often neglecting the needs of average and struggling students. However, at home, Mia received undivided attention.And with Shawn being her teacher, she found learning easy. For that, she was extremely grateful to him.During one of their routine study sessions, Mia couldn't contain her concern any longer and asked, "You haven't been going to work because of me, I feel bad. Is it really okay?"
Mia jerked and glanced to her side, startled. To her amazement, Shawn sat calmly beside her, engrossed in his work on the MacBook perched on his lap."Huh?" Her surprise was palpable.Wasn't he supposed to be in New York? When did he return?With a decisive click, Shawn hit the send button, swiftly shutting the laptop before stowing it away. He turned to face his wife. "Why the long face? Did the exams not go well?"Mia pouted, looking up at him. Aish. Did he think she was a complete dullard?Sneering, she turned away, her mind dwelling on the tense encounter with her dad earlier. Her expression fell once again.Noticing her somber expression, Shawn reached out, cupping her soft cheek gently. "Talk to me. What's wrong?" His deep voice had a soothing quality that resonated in her ears.Mia found herself gazing into his grey eyes, drawn into their depths, her mind drifting away. All her worries seemed to melt as she let out a sigh, different from the ones that had burdened her before. I
There was yet another surprise? Mia glanced around anxiously. Just then, ahead in the walkway, Grandpa Mandez was cautiously making his way towards them, with Anderson and Amanda guiding him. Despite his age and illness, the old man appeared rather lively."Grandpa!" Mia exclaimed with excitement.She swiftly handed her bouquet to the nearest man, Shawn, and hurried over to his side."Yes, yes," Old Master Mandez beamed upon seeing his granddaughter-in-law.Seeing the old man hale and hearty in this way sincerely felt like the greatest gift Mia could ask for. Last she heard, he was out of the country for a medical examination… "When did you return, Grandpa?" Mia inquired."Hmn, just now." He presented her with a beautiful bouquet. "Congratulations on your graduation."Mia grew teary as she breathed in the fragrance, saying, "Thank you, Grandpa."The old man had just returned and was supposed to be resting, but because of her, he had made his way there.Old Master Mandez’s arrival c