"I honestly don't know how to answer that." I finally sighed, feeling like there was a lump stuck in my throat. As much as none of this was my fault, I still felt a pang of guilt hit my chest. The company had placed me in charge of the project. All these workers relied on the site's completion to get their source of livelihood. And now it was nothing more than a pile of rubble. "Alright guys, that's enough. Let's give Ms. Fairchild some space to think. She's been through a lot already, and doesn't need to worry herself right now." Trust Jacob to come to my rescue. He'd probably noticed how tensed up I was because of the worker's question. I was more than grateful to have all of these men under me. Days turned into a week as I waited for Shawn to wake up. I stayed by his side every day, secretly praying to whatever force out there to get him out of this. "He'll be alright, Snugglebug." Alice would always try and comfort me. She had already caught on to the fact that Shawn was the
SHAWN DONNELLY~~"Would you wake up if I told you...I was Calista?"Those were the last words he heard before everything went blank. But funny enough, he could still hear some voices speaking frantically once in a while. They all sounded panicked, but somehow, he was able to focus on one voice. Her voice."Hang in there Shawn. Please don't die. You can't die. Not until I've gotten my revenge," he heard her say, even feeling her hold on his hand.Revenge? Serenity wanted revenge? For what? And why did she call herself Calista? Why did it make so much sense when he finally realized Serenity and Calista were the same person at that moment?His consciousness slipped away and came back once in a while with his only way of knowing what was happening around him being his hearing.Throughout, he could hear and feel her close. Even in his comatose state, he found it hard to believe the words Serenity told him.He even had such a realistic dream. A lucid dream. Serenity layed down on a bed, re
Shawn watched as Serenity's—or rather Calista's—face stiffened after hearing his words. It was clear that she was speechless, not knowing what to say."It's okay if you can't forgive me," Shawn continued nonetheless. "But I want you to know that I have never known peace since that fateful day. It haunts my dreams, Calista. You haunt my dreams. And I'm afraid my psyche will continue to torment me if it's not assured that I've been forgiven."He sounded a bit selfish right now, but he spoke nothing but the truth.He'd met therapists, counselors, heck, he even turned to a priest even though he was anything but a believer. Yet, none of them had been able to rid his mind of the guilt that was slowly driving him to the edge. "That was under your control," they'd all said.To him, the only way he could rid himself of this guilt was seeking Calista's forgiveness. Knowing who she was now, he found it hard to call her 'Serenity.'"It's 'Serenity' to you," Serenity rebuked with a voice that lac
“Landers! Gina!" Shawn couldn't hide the mix of relief and excitement as he went over to his two most trusted workers.Without warning, he hugged both of them, taking everyone present by surprise. Even Gina and Landers were left speechless. Little did they know how much guilt had been eating up Shawn after he wrongly fired them."What brings you two here?" Shawn asked after releasing them from the hug. He didn't care that he was showing more emotions than usual."Well, Ms. Serenity has been keeping us updated about your condition throughout your stay in the hospital. She assured us to come back to the mansion before you get discharged," Gina explained. She seemed to suddenly view Serenity in a positive light.Shawn smiled, trying to hide the regret in his eyes. He'd already broken up with Serenity."Indeed, that woman cares so much about you, sir," Lander suddenly added. "Any man would be lucky to have her by his side. And you, sir, are more than lucky."Oh, Landers. If only you knew.
SERENITY [CALISTA]~~"F–forgive me, Calista."Oh, Shawn, I wish I could. I really do. I wanted to say so many things but ended up staying silent. For heaven's sake, what did he expect me to say?!"It's okay if you can't forgive me," Shawn continued nonetheless. "But I want you to know that I have never known peace since that fateful day. It haunts my dreams, Calista. You haunt my dreams. And I'm afraid my psyche will continue to torment me if it's not assured that I've been forgiven."Great, even more babbling. And why the heck did he keep calling me 'Calista'? Hearing that name, especially from his mouth, made my skin crawl. I'd admitted being Calista to him, but that didn't mean he could go around calling me by that name."It's 'Serenity' to you." That was the only thing I ended up saying. I intentionally tried sounding emotionless, in a bid to hide the weird mix of emotions swirling inside me.The entire conversation was becoming hella awkward. I decided to say something about w
I love Shawn"Finally!" Alice got into the house first, arms spread out dramatically. She made her way to the kitchen, causing me to frown."Now hold up one second heavy duty." I called to her, folding my arms in front of my chest. "Could you at least sit your ass down and relax a bit first before heading to the kitchen?"Alice was unbelievable! She only had weeks before she'll have this baby. No one was asking much of her if she took a break.Besides, she'd been at the hospital almost as long as I have. Sitting in that waiting room for all those hours, waiting for me...it must've been a bother."Who're you calling 'heavy duty'?" Alice pouted, all her attention on me now. "I was just going to get us a few snacks so we can talk about your situationship with Shawn."I rolled my eyes, walking to her and then grabbing her gently by her arms. I lead her to a couch, forcing her to sit."I'll go do that myself. Just relax yourself, okay?" I smiled, pecking her on her forehead. "Oh, get off!
“Are you out of your mind Serenity?" Gabe nearly yelled from the other end, causing me to subconsciously cover both my ears with my fingers for a few seconds. Why was he overreacting so much? It wasn't weird that I'd developed feelings for Shawn. He genuinely seemed like a changed man. He was still the same playboy from high school, but he was also super sweet to me. Even when we were captured by Justin Xane, after he'd found out about my betrayal, he still risked his life to make sure I was safe. If that wasn't proof that he was a changed man, and truly wanted my forgiveness, I didn't know what was."I'm perfectly sane Gabe." I tried not to sound annoyed, realizing just then that I was nervously gripping the steering wheel tightly. "What I said is the truth. Yes, I know it wasn't part of the plan, but a lot has happened this past month and a half. Enough to make me change my mind about him."I heard Gabe scoff. I understood that he was probably upset that I was letting Shawn 'get
I finally got home.I tried my best to hide my tear-stained face, bursting the door to the living room wide open, startling Alice in the process."Oh, Snugglebug!" Alice held her chest, breathing out in relief. "I forgot to lock the door. You scared me!"I wish I could banter with Alice right now and forget all my worries, but she was able to read me too easily."Serenity?" For the first time in a long time, Alice called me by my name. I looked at her eyes, seeing the worry behind them. "Your eyes... have you been crying again?"I felt my body tremble, my body weight suddenly becoming too overwhelming. The tears poured out freely soon after, as I fell to the ground sobbing."Oh, Snugglebug!" Alice rushed to hug me, moving faster than one would expect from a heavily pregnant woman. "What happened? Is Shawn okay? Are your parents okay? Please, I hate seeing you like this, talk to me."I felt like I was suffocating as I struggled to breathe. I sniffled as I tried taking in quick deep bre
~~Two years later~~I could finally say that I had almost everything I ever desired In life. Love, children of my own, peace of mind after everything that happened in the past...it was all a dream come true.After Ava, I had another child, a son who we named 'Donald', after Shawn's grandfather. We'd been living life together, exploring all the hurdles that came with being young parents. But yet, something still felt missing....On a warm spring morning, I ate some toast, skimming through my phone. Ava was in school, while Donald was sleeping soundly upstairs. Shawn had gone to work, leaving me, the unemployed housewife here.It's been two years and I still didn't know what career path to chase. I had been so comfortable all these while cause Shawn kept assuring me I didn't need to work, but I didn't want to work simply because I wanted to help with finances. I wanted to work for me. As I scrolled through my phone, an ad suddenly popped up, showing a video done by some kids to sprea
Seven months after our honeymoon, it was finally time. The due date was here.I was currently in Shawn's room, his maids surrounding me and trying to get me to breathe. I bit my lips, struggling to hold in a scream that was going to come out any minute now.Just then, Shawn burst into the room, rushing to my side in an instant. "Doctor Ryan is close now. Hang on babe." Shawn parted my hair slightly, looking into my eyes as if trying to get me to stay. To not slip away.I shook my head repeatedly, trying to pull myself together. But then, I felt a sharp pain inside me, and I couldn't hold it in anymore."Ahhhhh!" I screamed, holding– or rather, squeezing– Shawn's arm for support. A maid came to face me, holding my hands gently."Ma'am, look at me. Look at me." She tried desperately to get my attention. When I finally managed to look at her, she took in a deep breath and then breathed out. "Take in deep breaths. And exhale." I nodded vigorously, before following her words. Breathe in,
Warning: Mature content ahead!Shawn's eyes bulged, as he looked at my face and then at my belly, and finally at my face again. He covered his mouth, his eyes beaming with pure joy and excitement."You- you're pregnant?" He repeated, placing a palm on my belly. I nodded in reply, my face flushing from all the excitement. "It's almost around two months gone now. I went to do a test two days ago but wanted to surprise you." I admitted, my gaze diverting away from his eyes. I was afraid he would get mad at me for keeping it away, but his reaction completely took me off guard.He drew me in for a hug, making sounds that further showed his excitement. It was almost like he was squealing. "And surprised I am." He whispered into my ears. "But next time though, maybe keep me involved with the delivery, okay?"I ended up giggling, nodding in agreement. "It's a deal."We finally broke the hug, as I looked into Shawn's eyes again, seeing the love in them. He seemed like he'd gotten a few years
After Gabe was arrested, Shawn and I decided to give it another month before we had another wedding. With that time, we were able to make the right preparations, as well as apologize to all our friends and family about the drama at the last wedding. It was necessary after the... traumatizing things they witnessed thanks to Sage. Speaking of Sage, she was paid off by Shawn, who also placed a warrant on her to never be within a hundred meters radius of either me or him. ..The wedding venue was nowhere else than our hometown...the place where it all began. It would be held on a beach, and this time, we'd decided to invite all our old high school classmates.At a hotel, which was about a twenty-minute drive away from the beach, I was getting ready for my wedding, with help from Brielle, Alice, and my whole bridal train. I was anxious, fidgeting constantly as Alice helped me with my make-up."Snugglebug, could you just relax for one second?" Alice groaned In mock annoyance when I move
The next day, I and Shawn set out to find Gabe. Reaching his house, it was obvious that he'd escaped, probably after hearing Brielle's announcement on the radio.I low-key felt bad that our trio had lost a friend, but it was for the best. Gabe needed to be stopped and held accountable.With help from a hesitant Sage, we were eventually able to find Gabe at an airport, about to book a flight. But we'd brought some police officers along and were ready for him."Gabe!" I called his name when I spotted him trying to enter a queue. He turned to find me, and when our eyes eventually met, I felt my heart stop. This man, someone I'd seen as one of my only friends, had tried to ruin my life... all because he wanted to get me for himself.While I was lost in my thoughts, Shawn pointed at Gabe, recognizing his face from some pictures I showed him."That's him, officers." His tone seemed to carry a mix of amusement and irritation, giving off a chilly vibe. He definitely wanted to get back at Gab
After minutes of hugging, I and Shawn finally let go of each other. His warm smile met my gaze, but I could see that his eyes were a bit swollen, likely from crying.I felt guilty seeing that, knowing I'd been willing to abandon him forever because I didn't trust him. But yet, he was still just glad to see me."Where did you even run off to?" Shawn finally asked, squinting his eyebrows in worry. But before I could begin explaining, he spoke again. "You know what? Never mind that. What matters now is that you're okay and you're here, in my arms."I smiled wryly, gripping his shoulders, subconsciously caressing them. I noticed that they'd gotten leaner, and I instantly knew why."Hey, how come you haven't been eating for a whole week? All because I was ignoring your calls?" I couldn't help but frown at the thought that he had starved himself because I was missing. Shawn chuckled awkwardly but tried to shift the subject. "So, you admit to ignoring my calls?" He pulled me closer, sniffi
It has been exactly one week since the unexpected turn of events on what was supposed to be my wedding day. Everyone had been worried, but I wasn't in the mood to pick up any of their calls, only sending a few texts assuring Alice and my parents that I was okay. I felt awkward talking to Brielle now, especially after what Gabe tried to do a few days back. I didn't go to work, I rarely stepped outside except at night to get some basic needs... my daily routine had become a depressing bore of me spending long hours on the couch watching TV. My mind was slipping away, I could feel it. The feeling of hopelessness, the finding peace in solitude and isolation while also feeling like the world had turned its back on me. I felt alone.Today, I went through some of the stuff that I'd managed to smuggle out of Gran Gran's place. Most of it was stuff from my college days, but some was also stuff that reminded me of Shawn. Amongst those things, was a videotape, containing clips of special mo
SERENITY FAIRCHILD {CALISTA}~~Everything had been going just fine. I had prepared in the mansion for my big day, with help from Brielle and my other bridesmaids. I'd driven to the church compound, entered the church, and received a reception like a princess, and then stood in front of my love, Shawn, waiting to become his wife.Until she showed up...Hearing this 'Sage's' allegations, I wanted to defend Shawn, I wanted to cling desperately to the hope that it was all a lie. But this bitch came prepared. "Oh, honey, I have proof," Sage had said with a sly smile on her face, pulling out her phone.At that point, my heart had begun pounding in my chest. Nothing could beat video evidence. When the painful clip of my so-called fiancee and Sage having sex played on the church's LED screen, I couldn't take it anymore.I ran off the altar, ignoring Shawn's pleading voice and the pitiful gazes from the congregation on me. I felt my breath cease and my heart felt like I was suffocating. Bef
It all felt like a bad dream. Shawn watched as Sage got closer to the altar, a mocking look on her face. "So, this is Serenity Fairchild." She had her eyes on Serenity. "Or, should I say 'Calista Whitaker '?"Shawn clenched his fists, trying to quell the anger boiling inside him. He looked at Serenity, watching her eyebrows contort into a frown. She turned her gaze to him now, "Shawn, who's this?" Shawn felt his mouth quivering, as he struggled to come up with a perfect way to explain all this. However, Sage beat him to it."I must say, after spending that night with me, I was quite surprised that you didn't try to reach out." Sage feigned a dejected look. The woman deserved an Oscar.Shawn glanced to see Serenity's reaction and watched as her face turned pale. But then, she took in a deep breath, as she faced Sage with renewed confidence.“Excuse me, but who are you? And what do you mean you 'spent a night with Shawn'?” Her voice was oddly calm and calculative, but laced with an u