ShantelleWhen I returned to Standford, I went immediately to Mrs. Thompson to meet with her.Since I had too many things on my plate and a tough task, it was best to visit her first.Given that I'll be returning to Hawaii on Monday.Mrs. Thompson, being thorough, made various suggestions about the taste of several of the meals. The recipe will need to be altered and updated to match her specifications. After over an hour of deliberation, we had reached an accord. Mrs. Thompson was pleasant and well-spoken, so the talk flowed well. She was very pleased with my other suggestions, which she valued.She was even more ecstatic when I informed her that I will bring some of my colleagues, trainers, and chefs to her restaurant to do food testing and further explain the intricacies. And, if all goes well, my team will assist her head chef and cook for a whole month, enabling her to rest. She was overjoyed when she heard my remarks and thanked me profusely. I was told that I had substanti
ShantelleAs I wore the glamorous dress, I appeared breathtakingly beautiful.Gavin also went back. He was now wearing a black coat and tie. Just as I was about to get up, he stopped me. Then he suddenly bent his back and put something around my neck. When I looked at my reflection, I saw a small emerald stone pendant that shone under the lights. Though it appears simple, it was still elegant. Gavin also looked at my reflection and whispered softly, "You're beautiful. The necklace suits you. Perfect." As he whispered, I inadvertently shuddered. My heart galloped wildly at his gentleness. I was stunned and couldn't react for a moment, and Gavin was already far away from me and paid for the service. I was still seated with a silly expression when he was finished. I attuned my expression and lowered my head for a moment. Then, Gavin held out one of his hands gentlemanly and helped me to my feet. Subsequently, I clung my hand around his arm to support myself. Gavin just let me s
ShantelleGavin pulled over to the side of a quaint and upscale restaurant. We stepped out of the vehicle and remained quiet. I don't have much willpower to complain. All I wanted to do was eat and then sleep. I hadn't even slept for a whole day and was still suffering from jet lag. I really wanted to stay at home and sleep all day.The waiter welcomed us pleasantly as we entered the restaurant. She sent coquettish looks towards Gavin, but he didn't return them. The waiter was clearly dissatisfied, but she directed us to a table near the French window.We were seated, and I remained silent. Gavin was the one who shattered the quiet between us."What do you want to eat?" he said, scanning the menu. His face was solemn.A unexpected notion rushed across my mind, causing me to bite my lower lip. I diverted and dropped my gaze while supporting my chin with my hand. "You."That's exactly what I stated. I'm not concerned about what he'll eat. It's plenty for me as long as I can fill my
ShantelleGavin stared at me sternly as he nodded and asked, "Are you sure?""Why? You're not going to assist or protect me if I did so?" I was expecting him to console me and assist me. Clearly, I can't do it by myself.According to his claims, his father was a severe and strong guy. I needed help since I was approaching him head on."What's the point? If you desire that, don't pull me along with you. That was all up to you," He scowled. "But I have informed you. Do not attempt it. He hoped to have a grandchild. If my father discovered everything, he may suffer a heart attack as a result of you." He only shook his head, defeated."So, what are we meant to do next? I'm not the only one in difficulty, you are as well!"When my countenance became crestfallen, anxiety started to course through my body."Before you tell him the truth, let's have a baby. Maybe he won't be so angry when he meets his grandson. There is yet time. When I became thirty-one and still didn't have a wife or a k
(from ch18.1)ShantelleAs I awoke, I saw that my side was already empty. Gavin was nowhere to be found. As I dropped my head, I saw that I was still wrapped in a quilt.The sunshine filtered through the cracks in the curtain, which had been left slightly ajar.The sun shined through my eyes. I blinked frequently till my eyes were used to it.As I lifted the blanket, I saw that I was still half-naked. As I retraced my recollections of what occurred last night, I took a deep breath and blood surged to my cheeks.‘Thank God, I am still pure.’I sat up in bed, wrapping the blanket about myself. The door flew open, and Gavin rushed in as I considered heading to the restroom.My gaze was drawn to him, and I saw that he was not dressed in an outer garment. He smiled the instant our gazes connected."How's your sleep?" he inquired. He appeared to have forgotten what occurred the night before, or he just didn't care.We were nearly there, we almost had it. He almost took my chastity away.
(from ch18.2)ShantelleWhen I saw him, I realized I hadn't cooked yet. Looking at the wall clock, I saw it was just thirty minutes before twelve o'clock. I tightened my fist, determined. I still had time to prepare dinner."Have you cooked yet?" he inquired.I immediately shook my head and apologized to him."I was going to start cooking. I was so engrossed in reading that I forgot about the time. I apologize," I responded with humiliation and self-reproach.It seemed like we were a married couple at this point, with me waiting and cooking for him. I rose up and put the magazine I was holding back on the table.He walked up to me and dropped the paper bags in his hands onto the table. When he faced me, he was frowning. "Don't bother any longer. Instead, I'll devour you."He grabbed my hand and brought me onto his lap as he sat on the couch. I placed my hands on his wide shoulders out of astonishment. He started kissing and nibbling on my neck. My grasp on his shoulder became tight
ShantelleMy body became chilly as we approached the front entrance of my home, and my palms began to get clammy from perspiration. I inhaled deeply and rubbed my chest to ease some discomfort.I groaned as I turned the knob on the door since I didn't need to knock or use the key because we were already standing in front of it.I was, however, still quite uneasy. I wasn't sure how to greet my aunt and siblings when I first walked in.‘So, was an explanation necessary or how can I explain my pregnancy?’Of course, I'm aware that my 'pregnancy' led Aunt Trina to believe that I had already married Gavin. But trying to trick her was wrong. Even though I am not at all pregnant, I am already Gavin's wife.I was really contemplating something when I felt Gavin's hand encircle mine. I glanced at him with my head slightly raised, and he grinned at me cheerily. He then gave my hand a little squeeze, as if to say that all will work out in the end. As I realized this, I de-escalated and smiled
ShantelleDuring dinner, Auntie Trina told Gavin what to do when he was taking care of me. Since she treated me like a daughter, I could see why she was worried. So, my guilt was killing me already. It seems like she was more upset when she heard I was "pregnant," so she acted that way. Gavin, on the other hand, paid close attention to what she said.Auntie asked us to stay the night because it was almost midnight, and I was surprised when Gavin said yes right away. I thought he'd say no. He also seemed to get along well with my brothers and sisters. Still, it made me happy.We didn't think we would stay here, so Gavin didn't bring any extra clothes. So I just took my brother's clothes and gave them to him to wear.As soon as I walked into my room, I felt like I was going to die. Gavin had already gone to the bathroom, so we couldn't talk about what he had planned for the future. I had to wait until he came back. Auntie was completely sure that I was pregnant, and Gavin loved me ve
ShantelleI really missed his touch and kisses. Everything about him made me crazy. His fingers inside me made my eyes widen. I felt the pressure slowly building in my abdomen. I knew this feeling... I bit my lip hard, but I couldn't help but call him out. 'I think I'm going to come already.'"Shit! Oh, Gavin! Fuck! Could you not make me scream? Vance might... wake up..." I muttered and gnashed my teeth when I felt something come out of my nether region. I panted heavily, and Gavin just chuckled at me. When he slightly raised his head, the teasing smile on his lips faded, and his expression became sour. "Why?" I looked at him, and he pursed his lips in annoyance. "Tsk. I don't have my condom right now," he said."I thought the earth had fallen. Don't worry, I'm safe today," I laughed mirthfully at his expression. "Are you sure? But having a protruding stomach on our wedding day is not ideal," he frowned. Yes, we weren't married yet, but our wedding was scheduled for four month
ShantelleFor several nights, we were constantly awakened by Vance's cries. He often woke up at night, so we had no choice but to watch over him. He was like a night owl and also woke up early. He was always asleep at noon, so when it darkened, he was still wide awake. Raising a child was challenging but also fulfilling at the same time. "He's still a baby, so obviously, I need to focus on him. You're a grown-up man, so why do you need to compete with a child?" I said while laughing.Gavin snorted, which made me giggle with delight. "Okay, I'll help you feed him," I stopped teasing him, and he smiled. "Sure. Then feed me later too, hmm," Gavin joked.My heart trembled. His suggestive expression seemed like he was referring to something... dirty... Oh, God! Why am I thinking this way? But... It's almost two months since something happened to us, and since then, Gavin has been abstinent. I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Vance's cry. I looked at him and cooed. "Baby Vance~
ShantelleA blinding light stung my eyes as my eyelids fluttered open. However, nothing registered to my mind yet. All I could feel were various movements rushing all around me. "We need to remove the fetus inside her body," said a voice. I blinked and tried to make out what they were saying because I couldn't hear it clearly, as though they were bees buzzing around. My stomach hurt as if someone was slicing it. Tears brimmed through my eyes, which made everything blurry around me. 'Are they doing surgeries on me? Did I lose my baby?'A lump formed in my throat as I tried to understand what the hell was happening around me. I couldn't think straight even though I tried. My heart feels heavy, as if a huge boulder weighed on it. I sniffled. I wanted to ease the heaviness that I was feeling, but I couldn't move. Gavin's figure flashed inside my mind, and it made me weep more. I knew that he would be enraged once he found out that I had a miscarriage. ‘Should I blame him? Or me? Or
Shantelle"Oh, God! Shantelle!" In the midst of my trance, I heard a familiar voice calling me. It belongs to Dani and Cara. They hastily rushed to my side when I glanced at them, and I could see the horror in their expressions. I was relieved to finally see them. When they arrived, they immediately but carefully helped me to stand on my feet. I whimpered in pain with every movement, making me tear up when an intense pain shot through my abdomen. All I could feel was pain. "The guard told us you were fighting with someone, so we went down in a hurry. What happened?" Dani asked, then turned her gaze to Peighton and pointed her finger, "Is she the one?""Damn! Shantelle! You're bleeding! What to do?" Cara cried in alarm as she tried to dust off the dirt on my skirt. When I looked down, to my horror, I saw blood flowing on my legs. As soon as I saw this, I almost passed out on the spot. I could only stare at it blankly. When I lifted my head and looked at my friends' expressions -
ShantelleI swallowed the lump forming in my throat when Peighton finally stood before me. My hand was clenched in a deathly grip as I couldn't help but draw a big breath."It's nice to see you again, Shantelle," Peighton said sardonically and sneered. "Well, I don't feel the same way. Save your breath for the pleasantries, and just tell me why you're here," I spoke candidly. I needed to pretend that I was calm and collected. However, no matter how nervous I was, if she intended to fight, then I won't back down. I have no intention of running away and losing.The smile plastered on her lips faded as her expression contorted for a fleeting moment before her condescending grin returned. "Why treat me so coldly? Aren't you even grateful for what I did for you? Huh?!" she said sarcastically. Seeing that I wasn't reacting to her words, her smile vanished as she darted me a look full of hatred. "Remember? I gave you money that saved your puny life! I felt pity for you. That is why I pa
Shantelle Tears welled up in my eyes again because of his heartfelt words. I didn't know if I deserved all this. I knew that I was neither good nor bad. Nevertheless, I felt that I was given too much. "How about your parents? They're probably angry?" I asked him worriedly. He laughed."They are. After hearing what you'd done, they were furious, and no matter how much I explained, they wouldn't listen. I told them that the past doesn't matter to me anymore because I love you, but they didn't listen.”“I told them to accept our relationship, but as though they were deaf, they wouldn't lend me an ear. But you don't have to worry about that. Maybe after you gave birth and they saw our little angel, they would change their minds.”“They are not getting any younger, and they will surely like our child, especially if he is as handsome as me, don’t you think so?" he said with a laugh.It seems he was not that affected by this matter. "Psh. You're really crazy. Still, I want to apologize to
Shantelle"Thanks, Auntie," I whispered almost inaudibly and teared up again. My tears were akin to a waterfall that had an endless stream. Even now, I am still crying. We stayed in that position for a few more minutes, and Auntie just continued to caress my back. Because of Auntie's words, my mind cleared up, and I gained a little courage. Tomorrow, maybe I'll go back to Gavin's unit and talk it out with him. But for now, I want to sleep. My body felt heavy, and my feet were also hurting. I'll just deal with everything tomorrow.As we snuggled in each other's embrace, we suddenly heard the doorbell ring. I frowned with nervousness. Even though I didn't want to hope, I felt like it was Gavin who was outside. "I'll see who's outside," Auntie Trina said, and I nodded slightly and withdrew from her embrace. She stood up and left. I grew fidgety as I sat on my bed. My heart started to race with anxiety. I reckoned that it was indeed Gavin who was outside. And if he does come, then
ShantelleI didn't want to stay in Gavin's unit for the time being. So I told Baron to drop me off at my house."Thank you," Baron nodded, and his lips parted, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end, he didn't. Even though he didn't ask, I knew that he was worried. He just sighed and then drove away, and I stood silently in front of the door. I want to unwind... To relieve some discomfort, I was feeling. I wouldn't hide from Gavin, and I didn't have the intention of running away. But for now, I need some space. If Gavin still wants to be with me, despite the truth, then I'll come back. However, if he can't accept me... I can't help it. I can't force him to be with me. After all, I ruined his marriage for the sake of money, and he had the right to be mad at me. And... and I had no face to demand him to accept me. Even though he knew that I was the wedding intruder, he didn't ask the reason why I did that. And until now, I haven't been able to explain myself to him. He
ShantelleI watched Gavin talk to a businessman with a smile on his face. Because of this client, we still couldn't go see his parents. He still had his hand on my waist. Since then, he hasn't let go."I didn't know you were married already," his client told him. He gave me a quick look and a smile. "Well, I can't blame you. She's pretty," he added.My face got red, and I gave the man in front of us a small smile. I'm sure he is already in his thirties. I think he's also married."Right. But Shantelle's not just beautiful. She's just right for me," Gavin said this with a smile. "Anyway, I hope to see you again. Next time, let's talk about business. Let's enjoy the night for now," he said to him in a nice way. The businessman smiled and nodded, and we started to leave.Gavin pulled me away slowly as he talked. He asked with worry, "Are you tired?"We had been at the party for almost an hour and just finished talking to Gavin's clients, friends, and cousins.I replied by shaking my hea