ShantelleToday I didn't have the heart to work, so I just told Dani that I wouldn't go to the office because I had something to take care of. Ever since Nurse Peighton told me that my marriage with Gavin was fake, I have been perturbed and uneasy. 'What if what she said was true?'Albeit I tried to believe that Gavin wouldn't do it, there's a part of me that wanted to know the truth. I want to know if his words were true. So I went to the municipal office to check our marriage records. And the result was... there was nothing. There was no record that Gavin submitted our marriage certificate. No marriage license was issued under my name and Gavin from the local civil registrar. Even though I don't want to face the truth, I need to. It was all in front of me. I sucked in a deep breath and blinked my eyes repeatedly to stop my tears from spilling. My heart was heavy with betrayal. ‘Why didn't I even suspect him?’ I should have known both parties must be present when filing the r
ShantelleI angrily pointed my finger at his face and exploded in a fury. I was shaking in anger and couldn't control my emotions. As soon as all the words that I spoke reached his ears, his face turned ashen. He was stunned, and I saw the profound glint that flashed in his eyes. I didn't know if he was just faking it since he was well versed in acting, but he didn't seem to understand what I was saying. "W-what do you mean?" he asked in surprise. "Aren't you clear about this? Damn it! You won! You managed to deceive me into believing that our marriage is real! But it's a fake, right? It's fake! I was a fool! Damn you!" I screamed at him. I really wanted to hit and strike him, but all I could do was point my fingers at him and cry. I wanted to hurt him physically to express how much I was in pain at this moment. Tears continuously trickled down my cheeks as I watched his expression. His face went pale and grim. Gavin's lips parted and pressed together as if he wanted to say so
ShantelleAs soon as I set foot in the company and headed straight to my office, I saw Cara and Dani facing back and forth outside my office as though they were thinking deeply about something. They were awoken from their reverie when they saw me and immediately dashed in front of me. From their expressions, I could see the flickering worry reflected in their eyes. However, I was not in the mood to care about them at this moment, so I went straight to my table and sat on the swivel chair, and immediately opened my laptop as soon as I was seated, and they followed suit. I was not planning on talking to them and would have ignored them, but then Dani spoke up. "Girl! Do you know how worried we were when we came to know that you hadn't come home for a few days? What happened to you and Gavin? Did you two fight, so you ran away from home?”“Do you know that he even came to my house just to look for you? He thought that I was hiding you because none of his calls got through when he was
Shantelle "Girl! This is the best opportunity to make Gavin jealous! Use Baron to make him feel threatened!" Dani suggested and laughed. Cara nodded to express that she was in favor of Dani's suggestion. My mouth fell open as I looked at them in disbelief. "What? Are you two crazy? How can you suggest using him when he's just concerned about me?" I chided while shaking my head in distress. Dani and Cara shrugged. "Well, don't be naive, Shantelle. Since you're already living in his unit, do you think he won't be affected by your problem with Gavin? Even if you didn't use him to make Gavin jealous, he would still be involved because Gavin would definitely think there might be something going on between you and Baron! He would definitely get enraged once he found out," Dani said. As soon as her words registered in my mind, nervousness started to creep into my system, but I tried to ignore it. I took a deep breath and replied, "I doubt it. He doesn't love me and definitely wouldn't
GavinI was all alone now, thinking of what I should do. Shantelle pulled Baron away and went to his unit. My feet were stuck, and I couldn’t move at all.Earlier, Shantelle didn’t want to see me and also decided that she wouldn’t go home for a while. I made her upset because of the fake marriage. I didn’t know I would be in this big trouble when she found out about it.I asked her to go home with me, but she still didn’t want it, so I decided to drive her where she temporarily stayed. I gladly obliged, but the direction she instructed me felt familiar.Then, I noticed this was where Baron was living.I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. ‘How did this happen? Was there something going on between them?;I was furious when I looked at Shantelle with that guy earlier. Baron knew what Shantelle was to my life, so how could he have done this to me?My mind went blank, and it became clouded to the point that I went berserk and spoke hurtful words to her.I was shocked when she yelled at m
ShantelleAs I looked at Gavin, waiting for him to respond, my heart was racing furiously. I didn't want to hope that he would say he loved me, but I couldn't help it. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for what he would do or say. Gavin still wasn't speaking even after a few minutes had passed. He was just clenching and unclenching his fist continuously as he glared at Baron. Then he heaved a deep sigh as he forced himself to keep his cool. "Please, don't joke around and mess with me, Baron." Gavin uttered those words softly, but when they reached my ears, it was as though his words were a sharp blade that cut my heart into pieces. It seemed that he didn't want to answer Baron's question at all. Baron suddenly laughed sardonically at Gavin's remark. "Do you think I'm merely playing mind games with you? If you're not serious and can't love her, then I will do it in your stead. I'm really sincere with her."His voice was dripping with sincerity and determination. From the
ShantelleI could only stay silent because not a single word came out of my mouth. My heart thumped furiously when I heard his following words. "When I asked for your hand in marriage last time, I was being serious. I just used your pregnancy as an excuse because I know you won't believe me when I say that I love you. I want to take care of you and our child. Please believe me that I want to build a family with you," he said pleadingly. I took a step back when he tried to touch me. As though he didn't expect it, Gavin was stunned when he saw my reaction. But I didn't want to face the same heartbreak even though his words were quite convincing. I need to guard my heart against him. I already had enough. Nonetheless, I want to give him a chance. I remembered the words Cara told me that I should not forgive Gavin easily even if I gave him a second chance. It will take time to regain my trust in Gavin... and I will do this so I won't have regrets later. I sighed when I made a decisi
ShantelleWhen I turned my body to the side, I saw that I was on a soft mattress. My forehead wrinkled up in puzzlement. I thought about how I was still lying on the couch, waiting for Gavin to come back. ‘Did I fall asleep on the couch and then, half-awake, walk to bed?’I got out of bed and looked at the clock. It was already seven in the morning. ‘What was Gavin doing? What happened to the food I asked him to get? He should have woken me up.’I got out of bed and went to the living room with a frown, but Gavin's shadow wasn't there at all. The lines in my forehead got deeper. ‘That guy!’ I want to yell at him so much. I was often like this, and every morning I was in a bad mood.When I smelled something strange coming from the kitchen, my nose turned up. I ran there because I thought something might have happened in there.The first thing I saw when I walked into the kitchen was Gavin. He was wearing black pants and nothing else on his upper body except for an apron. Even though
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