Max Brennet's eyes widened in surprise as we entered his modest bungalow. His mouth formed an 'o' and he was speechless for a moment before a welcoming smile spread across his face.“What a pleasant surprise!” He clapped as he ushered us in. I stood behind the others, so he didn't see me initially. However, “Ms. Fairchild?!” He exclaimed, jaw slacking in disbelief when he eventually glimpsed me. "I wasn't expecting the boss herself to grace my humble home with her presence!”I smiled warmly at him. He needed all the positivity that he could get. “I came for one of my best team leaders!” I tried to force vitality into my tone.He ushered us inside, apologizing for the state of the house. “Please, forgive the mess.” He said as he hauled a pizza pack out of the way.The air was still filled with the lingering scent of disinfectant and baby powder. We followed him through a sparsely furnished living room, our footsteps making rhymeless musical sounds on the bare tiles.“Please, do have yo
I hurried to Alice. The sight of her waiting there, alone in the late-night darkness sent a pang of guilt through me. I shouldn't have kept her waiting, especially not in her condition. I should have returned her calls albeit, the busy day.I could not believe that I got too carried away.“Snugglebug!” her voice cut through the night air, edged with a love-laced annoyance. "Where have you been? I've been calling you for hours!"The guilt intensified. I should have called, at least to let her know I was alright. But the day's events had been emotionally draining, and the thought of explaining everything had felt insurmountable.“I’m so sorry, Alice. There was — a situation," I started, the words catching in my throat as Max's grief-stricken face flashed in my mind.Alice's eyes narrowed. "A situation?" she repeated, worry creeping in. “Take a deep breath and tell me what happened.”I touched Alice’s shoulder and turned her to the door. We had no business standing outside the house so l
I stumbled into my room, eyelids heavy and limbs leaden. Exhaustion clung to me like a second skin. The weight of the day’s occurrences pressed down on me really badly. I barely managed to peel my clothes off before collapsing onto the bed. Hell, I’d drink a whole house of glucose before having the balls to summon enough energy to get out of my clothes. I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow..The shrill scream of the alarm clock ripped through my slumber, jolting me awake. Disoriented, and feeling as lazy as hell, I squinted my eyes at the harsh sunlight streaming through the window. Only then did I realize the clothes still clinging to me. “Damn.” I yawned. “Was so tired that I slept with clothes on.” I groaned as I began to undress with a sigh and stumbled to the bathroom after.A quick shower and brushing of my teeth did little to dispel the remnants of yesterday’s fatigue. I needed less of days like yesterday.It had started off well when I was pampered at Shawn’s ma
“But I have to report to Mr. Donnelly’s office, Mr. Sinclair, he’d be expecting me by now.” I pointed out.I wouldn't have hesitated to follow him but I knew I had to be at Shawn’s office too. The unexpected calls were still haunting my peace of mind.Mr. Sinclair began to shake his head in a slow way with eyes glinting with calculation. “Don't fret, Ms. Fairchild. Donnelly’s not in today. He's indisposed.”Shawn wasn't in today? How possible was that?The CEO himself. Could it perhaps have something to do with the missed calls? Was he supposed to tell me something important? Why was I feeling so restless?But then again, for one, this Elijah man right here wasn't trustworthy. What if he just told a lie to lure me into abandoning my duties and come hear out his – whatever this was?“I can't simply…" I tried to refuse but he cut me off before I even voiced it out.“Nonsense," he interrupted, dismissively waving his hand. "Consider it a detour. Your updates can wait. Besides, what we h
“Ah, it seems Shawn has forgotten our little…" he paused, searching for the right word, "arrangement." He clicked a button on the phone afterward, and a recording began to play. It was Shawn's voice, discussing some shady deal with — Mr. Sinclair himself.It was more of like a shady — arrangement as Sinclair had said. He seemed to be blackmailing Shawn who countered him with proof of ‘the thing’ Mr. Sinclair had done. I couldn't get much out of it as Mr. Sinclair in all his cunningness paused the audio before I could pin down enough information in that area.However, since Shawn had already explained it all to me during the times we spent together — exploring each other’s…ARGH, CALISTA!Focus!From my own deduction, Shawn had evidence against Mr. Sinclair while the latter lacked at that end. This was just a ploy to get his evidence against Shawn too. He also wanted to have leverage. He was actually — scared of Shawn.Fooling himself, “There," He smirked, watching my face with hawk-l
SHAWN DONNELLY~~As Shawn walked in, his heart in his mouth, he saw that the years had etched lines on Calista’s parents’ faces. However, their eyes still held the warmth he remembered from Calista. He stood in front of them, unable to tear his gaze from their faces. It was safe to say that fear had rendered him numb. The words he’d rehearsed in his head had vanished.“Hello. We do not know you but you seem quite familiar.” Mr. Whitaker took to speaking since he’d been choking on silence.Shawn did his best to shake his anxiety off. He couldn't even sit. He felt his palms going moist as he nodded. “Erm—yes, Mr. Whitaker, Mrs. Whitaker.” He nodded at Calista’s mother also. “I am the one who asked my worker to fix this appointment with you.” A nervous laugh, “I’m sorry if it's not to your convenience. I sincerely hope he has compensated you for that and if he hasn't,” He brushed his pockets. “I’ll see to it that your times are well spent and paid for.” Hell, he had no idea what to say
“Do you not think this apology of yours is displaced and too late? It is not us whom you have directly hurt but our daughter. On behalf of her, we do not want to hear your apology. Keep it for another six years, silly brat!” Mrs. Whitaker hollered, completely infuriated.He deserved it. He deserved more.Shawn was determined not to let them go regardless. “I—” He started, voice dry and trembling. "I tried, Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker. I searched for Calista for years. Hired investigators, scoured every digital corner, and contacted every acquaintance I could... but she vanished. Like a wisp of smoke, she vanished."The Whitakers didn't respond. Their faces remained grim. Shawn pressed on, he knew he might not get this chance again. He had to do this now or never."I need you to get to her," he pleaded with a cracking voice. “Tell her—tell her I—” He couldn't finish. For Pete’s sake, he didn't even know the right words to utter. A sob broke through from him to his utmost surprise. Hot and s
CALISTA [SERENITY]~~I arrived at the site to meet it as bustling as always.“Good morning, Ms. Fairchild.” Seamus greeted, a sheepish grin plastered on his sun-weathered face. “We are so sorry about the mishap last night.” He sighed as soon as I approached them.They really needed to know that I didn't mind the money at all. “It's fine, guys. How's work coming up?” I waved it off.Alejandro slapped the bulldozer. “This baby is running well, Ms. Fairchild. We are good here.” He said.And slow; I added in my head. I hope Jacob has found a replacement for Max already. After a little discussion with them, I walked off to find Jacob.I met Jacob a few meters ahead. “Serenity!” He called, voice more enthusiastic than yesterday’s.“Heya, old man.” I grinned as I caught up with him.He handed me the file report. “Don’t call me that, you sloppy head. I'm as agile as a boy in his teens!” Jacob protested.I nodded, flipping through the pages. “Ah, I see, I see.” “I found a replacement for Max
~~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