Cheryl pushed open the big oak door that led into Shawn’s office. It was the largest room in the office, The CEO’s office.
“Good morning, boss.” Cheryl walked up to her boss with a big smile on her face. The one she always had every morning.
Shawn looked up from the file he was going through.
“Cheryl. Good morning.” He looked down at the file again. He was going through it frantically as if he had a deadline to meet.
Cheryl raised a brow and she bent slightly to look at what her boss was going through.
Shawn looked up at her as she quickly restrained.
“Ah..” she chuckled nervously.
“You look a little bit tensed today, boss.”
“Yeah,” Shawn replied curtly and looked away again.
“And it’s thanks to you. Now I’ll have to draft a proposal before evening for the meeting. I have limited time because I woke up late.” He closed the file and focused on her now. “You failed to call me, Cheryl.”
“I did.”
“Wow. Really?”
“Yes, boss,” Cheryl said with a frown. They were going to go through this again. Cheryl was used to it.
Shawn gave a suspicious look. She did call him, but the ringtone wasn’t loud enough to wake her up. He had a blast at the club last night, and the aftermath was this.
“You could have come over to the house.”
“I didn’t think it was necessary. Besides I told you not to go clubbing last night.”
Cheryl gave a grumpy look as she murmured the last statement.
She was angry at her boss. Was it just anger? Perhaps jealousy too.
Shawn stood up and walked up to her. As he advanced towards her, she stepped backward. Step by step. Their eyes locked with each other as Cheryl looked up at the Greek godlike man. Shawn finally stopped and observed his secretary’s features for a while. She was indeed beautiful but wasn’t his type. He prefers women that like doing things without any strings attached. But Cheryl was the total opposite. He’d be damned if he get involved with her.
He bent slightly, their faces were inches close.
“Now when do you start getting involved in my personal life, Cheryl?“ he asked softly. Every word came out of his mouth in soft sensuality.
“I don’t…” Cheryl gasped as she fought for hair. He was close. Too close for her comfort. She has always loved this man, since high school. And that love has never wavered, despite his reputation of being the country’s biggest playboy. But she never dared to tell him. She knew better. Her boss prefers flings to relationships but being close to him like this, getting to see him every day was already a blessing.
“What is it, Cheryl?” Shawn asked as he made for her left ear.
Great! Cheryl couldn’t feel her leg at that moment. She was lost in Shawn’s world as the male cologne filled her head.
“Open your eyes, Cheryl.” A voice different from the previous one broke into her thoughts as she opened it to find a frowning Shawn.
“Why did you close your eyes?” He asked with folded arms.
Jerk! Cheryl's mind screamed. He just teased her like it was nothing and he was asking!….
Cheryl cleared her throat as she tried to comport herself. Shawn chuckled. He was enjoying this.
“It’s nothing, boss. If there’s nothing else, I’ll like to….
“Go to a salon, Cheryl.” Shawn turned and walked back to his seat. “You look a mess.” He completed it after taking his seat.
“Ugh?” Cheryl asked.
“As you know, we’re meeting one of our biggest investors tonight. You and I should look our best.”
“Oh,” Cheryl said as she touched her curly brown hair.
“This doesn’t look bad, though.” She whispered to herself.
“Yes, it doesn’t. You are naturally beautiful, Cheryl.” Shawn said as he gave a sexy smile.
“Boss!” Cheryl cried out as Shawn laughed.
“I’m sorry. I won’t tease again.”
“Better.” Cheryl snorted and walked out of the office.
She’s too feisty. He thought as he watched her leave.
That was one of the reasons he can’t get involved with her.
*
*
It was 4 pm and the night breeze in California was a gentle frenzy. Cheryl opened the car for her boss and she got into the front seat. The driver ignited the engine as he drove to “THE SAGE”, the hotel where the meeting was going to hold.
“Are the files complete?” Shawn asked Cheryl as they made their way toward the room where they would meet with the investors.
“Yea, boss.” She answered as she struggled to keep up with the pace at which Shawn was walking. He had long legs. She would be damned if she succeeded.
“Room 307,” Cheryl said when they got to the reception area.
“This way Sir. Ma’am.” A lady directed them after the receptionist confirmed them as a guest.
“You can ring the bell if you need anything.” The lady said after they’d settled in the room. It wasn’t a room. It was like a dining area. They were going to talk business after eating.
“Sure, Thank you. “Cheryl said with a smile after which she left.
Shawn looked frantically at his watch, Cheryl noticed it and turned to him.
“Boss?”
He looked up at her. “They aren’t here. I wonder his they’ve changed their mind.”
This project was one of the biggest. And he needed this investor. Cheryl knew that. He hated the worried look her boss had. It made her uneasy too. His pain was always hers
“I’m not sure that’s the case boss, you made a proposal that was too hard to reject. I’m sure they got held up by something. I called Mr. Murphy’s secretary before leaving the office and he promised me all was well.”
“Really? That’s good then.” Shawn gave a stiff smile. “Thank you. Cheryl.” He added.
“It’s my duty.” Cheryl gave a shy smile while Shawn gave her nose a little nudge.
“Naughty.”
“Boss!” She cried.
“I…..”
Shawn was interrupted when the door flunked open. Mr. Murphy was standing at the doorway.
“Shawn, my boy!” Mr. Murphy walked into the room.
“Good evening, Mr. Murphy.” Shawn quickly stood up and led him to a seat.
“Come on boy, you don’t need to do that.” He laughed contentedly as Shawn smiled. “It’s fine Mr. Murphy. You look different compared to our last meeting.”
Shawn said he took his seat too.
“Are you saying I looked bad the last time we met?” Mr. Murphy asked in a feigned strict tone.
“No no no. I didn’t mean…..”
Shawn was interrupted by Mr. Murphy's contented laughter.
“You always look serious. That’s my problem with you Shawn.”
Shawn smiled nervously. Everyone knew Murphy in the business world. He was a mafia with numerous legal businesses but he is rumored that he does illegal shits behind the scenes. No one dared question him. He had the backing of some politicians so he was covered. And he had this nasty character, he was a womanizer. A chronic one at that. He never differentiates a business from pleasure.
“No who’s this….” Mr. Murphy stared at Cheryl as he tried to get her identity. He only noticed her now.
“She’s my secretary. Shawn chipped in.
“Oh.” Murphy gave a satisfied nod.
“Nice to me you. Sir.” Cheryl quickly stood up.
“It’s truly an honor to meet a beauty like you.” Mr. Murphy smiled as he stared at Cheryl as if she was some fancy meat ready to be barbecued.
Shawn knew how this was going to turn out but prayed the beast in Murphy doesn’t emerge.
“You always get to keep the beauties, Shawn.” Mr. Murphy turned to Shawn after Cheryl sat. She smiled but she was uncomfortable. She read about this man before this meeting. She always does this before meeting any clients and it has always given her an edge.From her research, she got to find out that this man was the big bad wolf, like In the stories but she knew how to deal with him. Mr. Murphy was here for work, but his agenda changed immediately after he saw her.“It’s truly not intentional,” Shawn said with a smile.“Really?” Murphy asked with a raised brow. Shawn chuckled. He knew what this man was getting at. But he’ll continue playing dumb.“You’re the biggest playboy in the country, so they say.” Mr. Murphy motioned to a waiter who entered a few minutes earlier to open a glass of wine.“….but in fact, you’re just a boy. Who doesn’t know how the game works.” He completed while eyeing Shawn. One mistake from this lad and he’ll terminate whatsoever connection they’ll have now o
Then he turned again and drew her close to him. “I’m sorry.” He said and landed his lips on hers again. He lifted her this time and found his way to the bedroom adjourning the dining area.He placed her on the bed carefully. She had this puppy look on her face. She was dangerously beautiful.Shawn was hot now. He couldn’t stop. Coupled with the fact that he was drunk. All he wanted was to be inside Cheryl.He unbuttoned his ma shirt as Cheryl watched him. He shouldn’t be doing this.His lips landed on her again as they both burned in passion. It was an unforgettable night for Cheryl.***Grrrrrgggg….the loud sound from Cheryl’s woke up her. As she groaned and stretched on the unfamiliar bed. She looked around and then by her side. Shawn! He was freaking naked in bed with her. The ringing from the phone persisted and she picked up her bag from the nightstand and took out her phone.“Where are you, Cheryl!” That was Abby’s angry voice at the other end.“In hell.” She said, her eyes
“Cheryl.” Shawn made to touch her but she stepped backward.“If there’s nothing else, then I’ll take my leave.” She made to leave when Shawn drew her back“I still find it hard to believe you’re not mad at me.” Their faces were inches away from each other.Cheryl's lips curved into a cocky smile. “What reason do I have to be mad at you? boss?”“Beats me.”“You’re playing dumb.”“Was it about the other night?”“The other night?” Cheryl scoffed. She hated the way he said it casually.“Oh come on, Cheryl. We had fun and that was it.”Cheryl couldn’t believe her ears. She shook her head, picked up her bag, and barged out without looking back. He was crazy. She wanted to hate him badly but she couldn’t. She loved him too much but she was nothing to him. It hurts.***Cheryl stared at the blank computer, her mind wandering back to last night. He didn’t realize Shawn was such a jerk. But she couldn’t blame him. This was how it was with other women. But she doesn’t want to be another woman
Shawn stared at Cheryl, feeling the weight of his decision press down on him. He knew what he had to do, but deep down, he wanted to make a different choice, one that would benefit them all. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He sighed and brushed his hands through his hair, feeling the tension build. "Let's talk when you're calm," he said, hoping that they could find a way out of this situation together. But Cheryl wasn't done. "We have nothing to talk about, Boss," she said, her anger palpable. "I will never kill my child. And it's fine if you don't want to take responsibility, we'll do fine without you." Shawn's heart sank. He knew that this was going to be a difficult conversation, but he hadn't expected it to be this hard. He struggled to find the right words to say, to make Cheryl understand that he wasn't shirking his responsibilities. "Cheryl, I..." he started, but she cut him off. "Leave, Boss," Cheryl said, almost in a whisper. Shawn felt his frustration and helpl
Six Years Later As the sun's rays filtered through the curtains and fell on his face, Shawn slowly opened his eyes. His surroundings were unfamiliar and he scanned the room, taking in his nakedness. He was in a hotel room, which could only mean one thing - he had been with someone last night. Shawn let out a sigh and rubbed his temples as a headache throbbed. This had been his routine for the past six years. Sleeping around with women in an attempt to forget about Cheryl and move on, but it never seemed to work. His phone interrupted his thoughts, and Shawn reached for his pants to retrieve it. He answered without checking the caller ID. "Shawn Antonio here," he said. "Boss, where are you? Something came up at the office," his secretary's thick voice echoed from the other end of the line. "What happened, Jeff?" Shawn asked, his voice betraying his concern. "It's over, boss. The Romanos are going to pull out from the deal. I got a call from Mr. Rio's secretary earlier this morning
Shawn sat at his table, eyes fixated on Cheryl as she chatted with an unknown man at the far end of the restaurant. He stood up, intending to walk over to her when his lawyer, Sam, stopped him in his tracks."He's here, boss," Sam said, his voice urgent.Shawn frowned, his attention still on Cheryl. "What?""Boss, his secretary is here," Sam repeated, gesturing to a smartly dressed lady in her twenties who had just walked into the restaurant.Shawn nodded absently, barely registering the woman's presence as he continued to stare at Cheryl. She was engrossed in her conversation, oblivious to his presence. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her."Hi Mr. Antonio," the secretary said, smiling at him.Shawn barely acknowledged her greeting, his mind consumed with thoughts of Cheryl. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still. They stared at each other, lost in their own world.But the moment was fleeting. Sam's urgent voice called out to him again, breaking the spell. Shawn tore h
Shawn knew he was about to receive some unsettling answers, but he braced himself and asked Jeff anyway, “Go ahead, Jeff. Tell me everything you found out about Cheryl.”“She became the owner of Castle Corp just three years ago, months after Mr. Bill died,” Jeff started.“Does that mean he’s her father or something?” Shawn asked.“Yes, boss,” Jeff replied, to which Shawn laughed incredulously. “Cheryl is an orphan,” he countered.“The Cheryl you know is an orphan, boss. This one has a father,” Jeff said, and Shawn's heart tightened. How many more secrets did Cheryl have? Had she been lying to him all this time? He stared at Jeff. “So, you are trying to say Cheryl has been lying to me?”“No,” Jeff replied.“Then what?” Shawn was growing impatient.“Permit me to ask, boss, but is Ms. Cheryl more than a secretary to you?” Jeff asked innocently, and Shawn narrowed his eyes.“Mind your business, Jeff. Just answer the damn question,” Shawn seethed, and Jeff nodded. “So sorry, boss.”“Go ahe
As Shawn approached Andrew and the group of people, he felt a sense of excitement. He had finally found him. After he found out Cheryl had a son, he had wanted nothing but to meet him as soon as possible. “Hey Champ. Where did you run off to? I was looking for you everywhere," Shawn said as he knelt down in front of Andrew, beaming at him.Andrew looked at him with confusion. This man claimed to be his father with such confidence, but Andrew didn't recognize him. Before Andrew could say anything, Shawn placed a finger on his lips and whispered, "I'm trying to help here. Let's pretend you know me, okay?"Although hesitant, Andrew decided to go along with it. "I'm sorry, papa. I ran off because I was so excited to show you to my friends. I guess we missed each other," Andrew said with a cunning smile directed towards Carl."Now, are you happy?" Andrew asked, feeling triumphant. Carl rolled his eyes and scoffed, calling Andrew a loser. He and his father, along with John and his father,
“I’m sorry for interrupting,” Cheryl said quickly and walked off.“Fuck.” Shawn cursed and made to run after her but Any blocked his path.“Amy,” he started with a pleading tone.“Her? Again?” She accused.“You shouldn’t have done that.” Shawn was accused immediately.Amy’s mouth dropped. “What?”Shane brushed his hand through his hair. “Why did you kiss me? What was that for?”“Are you dumb? Do you even need to ask,” Amy turned her back to him, angry? But she could hear her heartbeat now. She was losing and she hated it.She heard him draw a deep breath. “No matter what happens between me and Cheryl. I will always love her.” She heard him say.“Wow.” She turned to him with a bemused smile, laced with pain. “How sweet for you to tell me to my face.”“I wasn’t trying to…”“I don’t need your pity, Shawn. Just leave.” She snapped.“I don’t just pity you, Amy. You are my best friend. I care about you a lot.” “Well, I’m not too sure about that. Leave Shawn. Go meet her, but don’t come bac
“I won!” Andrew’s cry of delight cut into the night as Isabella fumbled with the cards and started reshuffling.“You were just lucky.” She said absentmindedly as Andrew chuckled.“You can hardly call winning three times in a roll a luck.” Andrew grinned as he shifted on the floor he sat.Isabella narrowed her eyes at him. “I will think whatever I want. You a just a kid.” Andrew made a mocking face at her when she wasn’t looking. “I saw that.” She turned to him with a stern gaze.“You’re just a sore loser.” Andrew mockingly retorted.“I’m not!”“You are!”“What?” Isabella chuckled incredulously.“You’re sulking because I beat you. You shouldn’t be. Eric and Mum are not a match for me.” He said, more interested in showing his prowess than comforting her.Isabella rolled her eyes. “Really?”“I wouldn’t lie if you could easily ask Eric.”“Who taught you then?” “No one. I played cards with myself most time. Because I don’t have friends. No one wanted to be friends with me because I didn
“You would agree with me that Shawn doesn’t deserve her. You do, Eric.” Allen gave him a weak encouraging smile.“All this while…” he took a deep breath. “Ivey has been watching Cheryl in the dark. And the one reason why I didn’t reveal myself quickly was partly because you were around….with her.” “That’s..” Eric chuckled nervously. “That’s great to hear, sir.”Allen nodded. “That’s why you should pursue her Eric. Please do.” He stood up and walked up to him. “I support you.” He tapped his shoulder and walked out of the room. Eric stood there transfixed for a while then found his way back to his office. He rested back on his chair as he reminisced over what Allen said. This was exactly the push he nodded. The support. But then, where was Cheryl?Maybe he was right. Shawn was bad. He affects her too much. Negatively. His phone dinged as he checked the notification. It was a voicemail from Cheryl.“Hey, Eric. Don’t freak out. I’m not dead. I just need some time alone. Could you help
“Shawn would do anything for you right now. Katherine’s life is at stake and he loves her so much. At least we are sure of that.” Clary started.“Specify. What should I do?” Amy said impatiently.Clary stared at a for a while then burst into mocking laughter as Amy stared at her with a frown.“What?”“Just shocked you’re suddenly interested.” Clary eyed him as Amy pressed her lips together. “I’ve given up everything for Shawn. It’s crazy to give up now. And Cheryl isn’t good for him. They separated then, now shouldn’t be any different.” Amy mused.“Ugh? Who are you saying that?” Clary gave her a quizzical look.“Shawn was genuinely happy before she came back to his life. She’s just a bitch.” Amy sighed.“What was that sweet gesture you showed her when she was here?”“I promised Shawn not to act weirdly because of the kids.” She drew in a deep breath. “She won’t get funny ideas. Cheryl is a smart woman. What plans were you talking about before.” Amy swiftly changed the subject as Clary
Amy drew a deep breath and bit her lower lips. “You were the sole cause of their fight. If the kids keep fighting over you, worse things could happen.” “What? What do you mean by sole…”Shawn paused as he sighed. “You can’t do this, Amy. I can’t just shut Katherine out of my Life.” “Oh…You already chose sides. It’s Andrew, ugh?” Amy gave him a painful smile.“Come on, Amy. Don’t do this.” Shawn begged desperately.“Okay.” Amy started after a moment of silence. “I allow you to be with Katherine. How would Andrew feel next time? This time, it was just a push. I saw how you defended them today. You still want her, right?”“I….”Shawn parted his lips to talk but closed it abruptly. “I needed to comfort both parties.”Amy stared at him for a while as if contemplating something. She moved close to him, closing the distance between them. Shawn stared at her, as he took note of the painful look she gave him. She moved her hand to his….and slipped the phone from his hand.“Don’t…”Amy looked u
He rushed towards her as Isabella raised her gaze to meet Eric’s. She smiled at him but Eric wasn’t looking welcoming. “What are you doing here?” He asked with a tone of urgency.“I am officially homeless.” She drawled sarcastically as Eric watched her in disbelief.“What?”“Dad asked me to leave. I don’t have anywhere to go.” She pouted as Eric cursed under his breath.“How is that my business?” “You are the cause.” She said curtly.“How? What the hell are you talking about?” He mused.“Dad asked me not to see you. But I’m too obsessed. I can’t seem to get over you.” Isabella said like it was normal.“Can you listen to yourself? Don’t you have an atom of shame?” Eric asked, utterly irritated.“Can we go inside?” Isabella said as if she hasn’t been listening to him.“I’m cold.” She added as Eric sighed in frustration.“Then you should go home and beg him. Or go to your friend’s. I don’t care.”“I don’t have any friends.” She said with no hint of emotion. Eric watched her, how could a
“Mr. Antonio here is Andrew’s Mum.” Ms. Lambert introduced herself as Shawn watched her.“I'll leave now. I have to go back to school.” The teacher excused herself and left almost immediately.Cheryl too was more stunned to speak. What was Shawn doing here? Why was he related to Katherine’s parents?“Daddy!” Andrew shouted as he rushed to Shawn. The older man opened his arm willingly as the boy walked into his embrace.“Hey….” Shawn bent down as Andrew pouted.“What are you doing here?” Cherly was the next to speak.Shawn looked up to her. As he could see a renewed hatred she had for him.“I…”“Shawn!” Another woman shouted from afar as they all turned to see Amy.She rushed towards him like a deranged woman. “My daughter…..” she said quickly. Then it dawned on Cheryl. Katherine was Amy’s Kat. That was why Shawn was here. He came as her father. What mess. She thought angrily.“She is fine. The doctor is monitoring her.” Shawn said quickly. “Ugh? Why did she get into an accident in th
“What are you….”“Don’t get me wrong,” Isabella interjected with a sarcastic look. “I came with my date. I wasn’t following you around.” Eric cursed under his breath as he took a quick glance at Cheryl who had a confused look.Isabella had a gaze turned to Cheryl. “Hi….I’m Izzy. And you must be….” She narrowed her eyes to Eric, she noted his discomfiture at her appearance. And to be honest, she was enjoying it. She planned to play with him till the end. “Eric’s girlfriend.” She said gleefully.Eric turned to Cheryl. “Give us a minute.” He said nervously and dragged Isabella away. “I didn’t get your name!” She shouted back as Eric dragged her away.“What game are you playing?” Eric asked in a low angry tone.Isabella blinked as if trying to understand what he was saying. “What do you mean?”“You know what I’m talking about!” Eric snapped. Isabella pouted as if hurt. Eric closed his eyes for a while as he tried to control the growling anger in him. This girl was driving him crazy.“Fuc
"What is this, Bane?" she asked, her voice dripping with anger."It's the boss's orders, miss," Bane replied apologetically."Screw you, Bane!" she fired back, her anger intensifying. She turned to face the group of men, determined to leave no matter what. However, their resolute expressions matched her determination, hindering her escape."You'll pay for this," she warned, directing her gaze back at Bane, who remained unfazed. Frustrated, she faced the men again, their stern looks discouraging her further. She unzipped her bag and pulled out a wad of cash. "Who wants this?" she taunted, searching for any signs of surrender, but they remained unyielding."Drop it, Miss. We've been ordered to keep you here," Bane spoke from behind. She turned and briskly walked towards him. "I have a damn party to attend," she feigned a smile."We both know you're lying, Miss," he responded, causing Isabella to furrow her brow in confusion."I'll make sure you lose your damn job," she threatened, pokin