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,
Shawn swiftly turned and crouched down to the little girl's level, his face stern. "Katherine Darling, how many times have I told you not to call me 'daddy' randomly?" He rubbed his cheek, his gaze fixed on her."But I..." Katherine began to protest."Katherine!" Another woman, who had been chasing after her, called out as she reached them."Oh, Shawn," the woman exclaimed upon seeing him.Katherine hurriedly made her way to the woman and hugged her tightly. "Mummy," she cried, holding onto her. The woman glanced at Shawn with a questioning look."Daddy Shawn got mad because I called him 'papa'," Katherine complained, while Amy looked down at Katherine with concern and then back at Shawn. "I'm so sorry, Shawn. She must have inconvenienced you," Amy said, her expression filled with worry.A smile curved on Shawn's lips. "No, not at all. Don't blame her, and it's fine," Shawn reassured, his previous anger dissipating. Cheryl had misunderstood the situation, thinking Katherine longed for
"Castle Corp?" Shawn raised an eyebrow, perplexed by Jeff's statement."That's Cheryl's company, right?" Shawn's secretary nodded in confirmation.Shawn leaned back in his chair, a sigh escaping his lips. It seemed like fate was toying with him."When is the shareholders' meeting scheduled?" he inquired, his mind racing with possibilities."It's on the 10th of next month," Jeff responded, his voice laced with concern.Shawn considered the timeline for a moment, weighing his options."That should give us enough time for..." he trailed off, his thoughts interrupted by a sudden voice at the door."What's enough time for what?" A vibrant brunette entered the room without bothering to knock, holding a file in her hands. It was Amy.Amy glanced between Shawn and Jeff, curiosity etched on her face as she settled into a chair opposite Shawn's desk."What's with the long faces?" she asked, placing the files on the desk and fixing her gaze on the two men.Shawn sighed heavily, feeling the weigh
"Hi!" Andrew's tiny voice cut into their little meeting, and Shawn instinctively turned, recognizing the voice. Slowly freeing Amy, a smile crossed his lips as he looked down to see the most important person in his life."Hi there," Shawn returned with a smile, squatting beside Andrew."We didn't get to talk before, back at school, but Mum said we could say hi," Andrew offered without being asked, while Shawn stared at him lovingly. This was his son. He couldn't believe it. The child he had wanted nothing to do with in the past. But now, as he watched him, he silently thanked Cheryl for keeping him."Shawn?" Amy called out, and Shawn turned to her, standing up. "Who is he?" Amy asked as she cleaned the tears from her face."Ah," Shawn chuckled nervously. "This is my son," he whispered to Amy, whose eyes widened."Your son?" Amy asked, her voice filled with surprise. Shawn turned back to Andrew."Where's your mommy?" he asked.Andrew turned, catching sight of Cheryl walking towards the
Shawn stood there, his mouth slightly agape, his gaze fixed on Amy's curious yet infuriated face. He struggled to find the right words to respond to her sudden outburst."What do you mean?" Shawn chuckled nervously, hoping to diffuse the tension that had enveloped them."Forget it," Amy snapped irritably, her patience wearing thin. "Katherine must be waiting for us."Unwilling to let her go without understanding her anger, Shawn reached out and gently held her hands, a desperate attempt to keep her from walking away. Amy turned to him, her eyes filled with frustration and a hint of betrayal, and Shawn could feel the weight of her gaze piercing through him.Staring back at her, Shawn felt a mix of confusion and concern. "I'm... I mean, I don't know, Amy," he stammered, desperately trying to gather his thoughts and make sense of the situation.Amy let out a curt sigh, her arms folding across her chest. "Okay," she said tersely, her voice laced with disappointment. She made another attem
“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