Landers' voice crackled over the phone. "M—Mr Donnelly? what's going on? Why are you firing me?"Shawn's eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb, Landers. You know exactly what you did." He tapped on his desk.“No, I don't, sir!" Landers protested. "Tell me what I did wrong!"Even when he did wrong, he took accountability for his actions; Shawn thought. Landers was here trying to feign oblivion. Definitely won't work with him!“You work for Sinclair, Landers. How dare you?!," Shawn spat. "You're a traitor, just like Gina." He might as well hit the nail on the head.Landers gasped. "Gina? What are you talking about, Mr. Donnelly?”“Don't play coy with me," Shawn snarled. "I know you were both in on it. You lots are betrayals!”Landers stammered, "But — but why would we do that, sir? We've been serving you for years. If we worked for your opponents, I'm sure we would have caused you more harm for a very long time.”ARGH!This was only getting on Shawn’s nerves the more. How dare Landers try to
Too lost in thought, Shawn wasn't aware of his surroundings until it felt like the drive to the office was taking longer than usual.He glanced out the window and saw that they were not going in the direction of the company. His heart lurched.“Sunny, where are we going?" he asked.Sunny didn't answer.Shawn's eyes widened. "Sunny, what's going on?"His heart began to beat so fast that Shawn was convinced that it’d burst out of his rib cage soon. This couldn't be happening. Shawn's mind raced with fear and regret. He felt an overwhelming weight on his chest, thinking about all the bad things he’d done. Back when he was still a teenager and now when he was grown.Everything seemed to be catching up with him now. Oh, lord. Not Sunny too.His eyes met Sunny's through the rearview mirror, and there was a moment of epiphany. Shawn knew right there and then by the sinister glare in Sunny’s eyes that he had allowed himself to be played.“You are a fool, Shawn.” Sunny erupted a chuckle that s
CALISTA [SERRNITY]I saw that he wasn't anyone I knew. He was a complete stranger.“Who sent you?” I asked, ignoring his previous warning.He pressed on the trigger slightly but not enough to shoot me. That was more than enough of a warning I needed. I swallowed a lump down my throat as I struggled to drive the car further.He gave me directions until we arrived at a base near a secluded seaside that was locked in by bushes.“Move!” He tossed me further when I hesitated to enter the metallic door that led to God knows where.I groaned, clenching my fist. “Did Sinclair send you?”He didn't answer but continued to guide me on until we arrived at a huge collapsible door. My breath caught in my throat as I was unaware of the fate that awaited me inside.The man leading me on who had a scar on his cheekbone pushed me inside the dark basement or whatever the room behind the door was.The moment I stepped inside, the lights came on, revealing a motley crew of hooligans, all dressed rascally l
“Justin Xane, when do you learn to start being a man and not this…” Shawn was going to say when the suited man (now Justin Xane) huddled above him and strangled him.Groaning, “What do you think, Donnelly? That this is your corporation where you give orders? Listen, here, I give orders and you listen!” He aggressively threw Shawn’s head aside.I struggled on the seat where I was, trying to get a hold of Shawn’s attention but the distance wouldn't let me. My tied month wouldn't permit for sounds too. This person seemed like someone Shawn knew. Since they were speaking of business, I guess they were business rivals.“If you think hitting or tying me up will make me listen to you, Xane, you’d be surprised,” Shawn smirked like the badass that he was.Glancing at him from afar, one could tell that he was unabashed by his adversary’s threats. Justin Xane, however, had a leverage; me. “You think so?” He raised his hands up, shifting backward. “Do you really think you won't take instructions
Shawn glared icily at him. “This isn't some iconic show, Xane. There's absolutely no reason to put up a show. Just go ahead and spill whatever the hell it is that you wanted to say.”“Shhhh!” Justin Xane hissed. “It's my territory. I do whatever the hell I want.”“Yeah, but hitting Serenity isn't one of them!” Shawn hollered back.Justin Xane in return grabbed my hair once more, tighter this time. I bit my lips to suppress the pained groan about to escape them.Shawn yelled loudly, “Alright, alright, you win! What do you want?”“Now, that's more like it!” Justin Xane chuckled with satisfaction. “Do you really think I’d sit behind and watch you triumph with your stupid new gadget?”The goon whom Shawn had called Sunny answered. “Nah. He wasn't that foolish. He was expecting a move from you but just trusted me with it.”“Does that not make him more of a moron?” Justin Xane turned to the guy and they all burst out mockingly laughing at Shawn yet again.So, this was about the new launch i
Shawn Donnelly~~He woke up in his room. He had no idea how Xane’s men had done it but he woke up right in his room. He was shirtless and his pants were dirty but he was lying in bed.As he struggled to get up, his head protested against it, ringing relentlessly in his ears. However, the image of Serenity all tied up in that hole was unbearable when he thought of it.Wasn't it so fucked that after discovering that woman was a traitor, he loved her still? That he felt like he couldn't live anymore while watching those crooks hurt her?They hurt her. They would all pay for it. Xane and Sunny, they would seriously pay. He staggered to the close the blinds. The sunlight streaming in from it was hurting his eyes.He could feel how swollen his face had gotten. He touched it, felt the sore, and groaned. “Fucking, Xane!”He was barely allowed to ponder on his misfortune further when his phone rang. When he picked it up, he found that it was an unknown number. Instantaneously, his heart skippe
He again woke up on his bed. This time, his head was ringing even louder. He was again vaguely aware of the sunlight filtering weakly through the blinds.Shawn winced. This was like a deja vu from the day before. The only distinction was that his mouth didn't taste like hangover yesterday. If tasted of blood. His blood.How after all of that drinking did nothing to help his depression was even more frustrating. bottle. It hadn't helped. Not one bit.Serenity’s panicked face swarmed before his eyes and he shut it, hoping that it would shut the image of her in such a bad state off but it didn't. It was creating a throbbing ache in his head. He couldn't afford this. He couldn't afford the luxury of self-pity, not when everything he cared about was in danger and on the verge of ruins.He wondered if Serenity had given Sinclair the documents already. If yes, it meant he’d soon have cops banging on his door and not site workers.He needed water, aspirin, anything to dampen the insistent dru
The moment the shot blared, every one of the thugs– Shawn included was on alert. “I warned you not to try to be witty but you didn't listen?” Xane hollered. “Shoot her!” He ordered Sunny.At that moment, time seemed to stop. Shawn couldn't believe his ears. They were going to shoot Serenity. What the hell was happening?He was sure he didn't involve anyone. He came solo and abided by every rule. Who or what had fired that gun?Not caring for his own life, Shawn wanted to launch forward. His face was covered in beads of sweat now. He couldn't let Serenity die.Just when he was about to advance forward, the door behind got blown up, sending him and some of the thugs thumping away with a thud.“Shit!”“Get ready to fire!”“What's going on?!”He could hear the confused remarks from his perpetrators. All he could however think of was Serenity. Had she been shot? Had they got her?Coughing, he forced himself up in a pile of dust. It had created a somewhat fog that began to clear and give wa
~~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