I arrived at Shawn’s office a little early. I met his secretary in tow but Shawn wasn't present yet. She made me sit at the reception and encouraged me to wait for him.“Mr. Donnelly will arrive in a few minutes. He's already on his way.” She said to me after dropping a call.She was a pretty girl with clear skin but had too much makeup on. I nodded at her with a polite smile and gently waited for Shawn’s arrival.About two minutes later, he arrived. Before his presence got nearer, one could already discern that a noble figure was approaching by how the workers busy with work had dumped them to stand and acknowledge the CEO’s presence.That was how strong the CEO’s influence was. How strong Shawn was which made it more exciting when it was time to bring him down. The fall of a mighty one is the best after all.“Good morning, Mr. Donnelly.” I began as I also stood to receive him. He was being escorted by a few security guards.He wasn't on dark sunshades today. He halted abruptly upon
The moment I stepped out, I exhaled deeply. My chest was tight. My stomach was convincing me that a knot was knitted in it too. I bent my head, eyes on the floor and panting.“You can do this, Calis—” I was about to encourage myself when I heard Shawn’s secretary ask…“Are you okay, Ma’am?” I comport myself and glanced up immediately. “Oh, I'm fine. Thank you.” I mustered a smile despite my unease. It was like Deja Vu. She had said this to me the first and last time I came here and exited Shawn’s office. She had seen me with this reaction previously. By the tightening of the lines on her forehead, I could tell she wasn't convinced. It meant she was smart. I’d have suspected something too. I needed to stop breaking down each time I came here. I could only hope she wouldn't say a thing to Shawn.I needed the restroom yet again. “Bye.” I enthusiastically waved at her and strode towards the restroom.I could feel her eyes on me as I disappeared. Poor girl —probably confused about what m
How Shawn managed to fly into my thoughts at every slight chance was what I needed to watch out for.Sighing and wearing my face mask, I waved at Cruz who was working with a bunch of newbies. They were all recommended by Cruz of course and well vouched for too.Cruz had a toothpick sticking out of his mouth as usual. “Heya! How is it going?” I called and they all abruptly stopped their work and enthusiastically waved back at me.“Hello, Ms. Fairchild!” Cruz greeted while the rest of his team did the same. “Don't come closer. The cement’s dust might get on you. We’re doing just fine here!” He supplied.I smiled at his thoughtfulness but I knew he wasn't going to see it considering the distance. “Alright, good job, everyone. Get to it!” I let out, walking away.The site was bustling with activity, and I scanned the area, my mind now divided between overseeing the project and Max's situation. I hated to hear it when a fellow woman was in any pain whatsoever and of course, men too.I just
After deliberating and concluding that I've been selfish keeping away from them, I decided to swallow up my fears. Most times, Dad would call, and I’d just watch the phone ring until the calls stopped coming in as frequently. It would take longer and longer with me picking up just twenty percent of the time until he got tired and then, here we were. Mum, on the other hand barely calls and it was understandable. Mum was more strict and rigid than Dad was.Granny Carys once mentioned how I inherited my toughness from her. What Granny Carys didn't know was that circumstances shaped me into what I have become. I was more of my father’s child than Mum’s.I inherited Dad’s soft traits but had to put on a facade of toughness because I have found solace in it. In my facade lies my coping and defense mechanism altogether. I’d rather be difficult and keep my circle small than be the penetrable Calista who got in a huge mess.“Mum.” I mused in a low tone as soon as the call got answered.I was
Jacob Extended the logbook to me. “Here’s the rundown of today's work. It seems God is on our side, Serenity. Everything seems to be running fine.” He said with a hopeful smile.Everything should run fine. We could not afford a mistake. “That’s good, Jacob. So, the foundation work is progressing smoothly, then?" I glanced over the logbook, scanning through the day's tasks and progress reports. The pounding of hammers and the low hum of machinery filled the air.I didn't know if Jacob clapped since my eyes were on the logbook but I heard a clapping sound.“Absolutely. The crew is right on schedule. We've had no hiccups so far. They're meticulous with the measurements and the concrete pouring is flawless," he assured.I nodded, relieved at the positive update. "Excellent. Please keep an eye on the steel reinforcements too. We cannot compromise on the structural integrity at any stage," I reminded him, flipping through the logbook to review the very well-detailed notes that Jacob had pre
Alice’s face turned red with disapproval. “How can you bully me for feeding you deliciousness, Snugglebug?!” She faked a cry and I loved it as her stomach danced with the motion.“Must be a good book.” I nodded at the novel in her hand since she was keenly engrossed in it earlier.Alice brought it closer to her face as if she wanted me to read it on it. “It's dark romance but it's my type. The female lead falls in love with the villain she hated.” A wave of goosebumps hit me. I pointed at the counter. "I got us a variety, so dig in whenever you're ready. I'll just freshen up a bit," I said, heading towards my room to escape the sudden uneasiness I felt.It was as if Alice was giving me a prophecy. However, I knew I’d rather choke on my blood than fall for Shawn again. He was as rotten as he was back then still yet.Entering my room, I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath. “No panic attacks this time, Calist.” I urged myself.I had not the least idea which was worse; pursui
SHAWN DONNELLY~~All through the meeting, his attention was divided. Sunny’s successful quest of locating Calista’s parents was weighing on him as he feared the aftermath.Would Calista’s parents be willing to talk to him?He might take another route. Sunny might just locate Calista somehow without involving her parents which left the inevitable question remaining.When he finds Calista, how does he face her?.The Chief Operating Officer (COO) whom Shawn was aware of his ambition to outmaneuver him in the corporation’s politics and steal his place but maintain a positive and affable demeanor called him out after noticing his faltering concentration.“Mr. Donnelly, I think you are too worn out today. Why? Is the project too hard for you to handle?” The sly bastard cornered him with his stupid unwavering smile.Shawn felt like sending him a punch in the face. He could fool the others with his good outward pretense but Shawn had seen him for who he really was.He knew Shawn knew his mot
He attended to the guest. It was a business meeting. He went for lunch and returned to the office to do some paperwork. The moment he arrived home, he pondered further about the issue at hand but decided to wait on Sunny’s report.He ended up sleeping late and waking up late too. When he arrived in the office and met Serenityy awaiting, he almost forgot that they had an appointment. He had gone through the report she submitted the previous day and saw that everything had been set pretty well.His dull mood lifted after speaking with her, to his utmost surprise. That woman—there just was something about her. She was an adventure that he was impatient to embark on.Thanks to that hot and endearing conversation with her, he was back to being himself, totally forgetting about his problems for now.He invited her over and with the energy reciprocated, he was sure she was going to show up. He should get ready.He would probably take her out for dinner at a cozy and fancy restaurant in town