Shantelle
Years later…
"I hope you had a good morning, Shantelle. I have compiled both your agenda for the day as well as the list of appointments that I have set up for you below.”
When she spoke, Cara was courteous. It just so happened that she was my friend from work, and she offered to be my secretary at the office.
I said, "Allow me to take a quick look," and when I checked the paper, I found that I was correct.
I saw his name again. Gavin Adams.
I have no idea what's going on with him, but after these many years, there is no way that we will ever cross paths again.
"Have you already emailed Mr. Adams about our meeting schedule with him?" I asked her.
"Not just yet, because you assured me that you would check it first before we set our meeting with our customers," she said.
As I handed her the paper, I said, "Then, replace our schedule with another client."
I then walked away.
"Pardon? Will this be the third time you blow off your appointment with this client?”
She questioned with a befuddled expression.
She never found out what my life was like in Wilderford or what I did there, so it's possible that she was confused about why I would do something like this.
"You could tell them that I don't want to have any connections with that company if they ask for another schedule for a meeting. This is something you could say, by the way. Understood?"
She responded with a "Yes, ma'am," and then she exited my office.
After reading his name, my mind immediately went back to what I did to him exactly five years ago.
Following the debacle that I caused at his wedding, my family and I relocated to Satndford to live with our Aunt Trina.
I was honest with my younger siblings and my aunt about everything.
They didn't know how to respond at first; they weren't sure if they should be upset with me because I ruined someone else's relationship for money or angry with me because I told them I have a cancer, and I might die.
Both of these responses were possible.
They were aware that I was making every effort to stay alive because I didn't want to abandon them just yet, and over time, they came to comprehend the reasoning behind my actions and came to terms with what I had done.
They encouraged me to get surgery and helped me through the recovery process until I was finally healthy enough to go on my own.
While I was attending school, I also kept up with my treatment.
In addition, my younger siblings continued their educations here in Standford, and my Aunt Trina was able to take care of the matters that we had left unattended in Wilderford.
It took me two years to get better after I got sick.
After that, I put all of my efforts into my studies, and a year later I received my diploma.
I submitted an application to work as a food researcher for a company; however, after six months, I made the decision to start my own small business and used the remaining money that Peighton had given me.
I started out in the same field as my boss, who was instrumental in the development of everything I've accomplished to this point.
Vienne had completed her education, whereas the rest of my sibling, Cristopher, was still in school.
Up until that point, we had a very tranquil existence in this location.
I was completely taken aback the day that I saw his name on my schedule for the first time, as well as the day that he attempted to make an appointment with me.
Because I kept turning down his invitations, I was curious how much longer it would be before we finally got together.
When will it happen, and how soon?
But if there was one thing that was certain, it was that I would no longer be able to live my life the way I did five years ago.
‘Why does the past need to haunt me now?’
~~~~
"Hi, you contacted me. Is there anything else I can do for you, Shantelle?" Cara inquired shortly after entering my office.
"Yes, I'd like to see the annual report on our partners and clients since we started doing business," I told her.
"You mean since the beginning of our operation, which is two years ago," she clarified.
"Yes, I need to check and review something, so please get those papers to me as soon as you can, thanks!"
I said as I rummaged through the papers on my desk. It was a business partnership agreement with our new client, who stated that they desired a long-term relationship with us.
I wanted to concentrate on what I'm holding right now, but I just can't.
I'm still undecided about scheduling a meeting with Gavin and his team.
His secretary barged into our building without us being notified.
I knew Gavin was the one who ordered his secretary directly because no one would enter someone's home without permission from the owner.
Last week, there was a commotion outside my office, so I opened the blinds to see what was going on.
My secretary had dispatched the man, but he remained motionless and continued to attempt to enter my office.
I was supposed to send him outside our building, but he relayed a message from his boss when his eyes were on me.
'You only have two options, and your outcomes are determined by your choice.'
It was easy to understand what he meant by his message.
I needed to be cautious because he was issuing a warning.
Cara was perplexed by the man's words, but I ignored her and allowed the man to enter my office.
I don't usually do that, especially if they aren't regular clients or related to me, but this was an exception, so I let it go.
Lance was his name, and his boss was, of course, Gavin.
He gave me a quick rundown of their new Standford locations.
Also, he didn't completely reveal everything that would be included in their business proposal.
He simply provided enough information to make me reconsider, which I did.
It would be a fantastic opportunity for the company, but I would be the one at risk.
If we were in a different situation, I would accept it right away, but Gavin might not be interested in my company.
When someone knocked on the door, I calmed down and became more alert.
I pinched my cheeks because my thoughts were wandering away from what I needed to do and think right now.
"Shantelle, please accept this flash drive. I've included our annual report for each year relevant to the subject you're looking for."
Cara said as she handed me the flash drive.
"Because you stated that it was urgent, I prepared the soft copy first in case you still required a hard copy. I'll have someone look for them in the storage area," She went on to say.
"No, it's fine. This soft copy is fine with me now, thank you," I smiled at her as I responded.
"Also, our work will take more than an hour from now. You should arrange the files on your desk before leaving because you might mix up some of the documents, or do you want me to do it?"
"I'll take care of it. I just need to finish reviewing this before I put my papers on my desk and bring them with me to check at home.”
In reference to the flash drive, I stated.
I focused on my work again, thinking that problems would no longer occur in the future.
ShantelleAfter work, Vienne called me and requested that we go home together.I usually stayed at the office for thirty minutes or more, but she asked me to take her somewhere. She appeared to be close to the building.Vienne was already standing beside my car when I arrived at the parking lot. I didn't want to buy anything unnecessary, such as this car, but it was convenient for work and easy to get to."What brings you here?" I asked her as I was about to take a step back. The university where she was studying was a long distance away."My friends and I went to the newly opened bake shop in this neighborhood. We tried it because someone said their pastries were good." She responded."And it turned out to be ideal. I purchased some for the three of you,” she explained as she held up the box she was holding.When we arrived home, Aunt Trina greeted us, and I noticed that Cristopher had not yet arrived."Auntie, I'll be in my room for the time being. I need to go over something, pl
Shantelle"Are the items we need already prepared?" I informed my team.We're meeting with our soon-to-be business partner at the last minute. Even if Gavin requested a cooperation, we must exhibit all that the Star Food Company has to offer in order to secure their favor.If we succeed today, we will have a great chance since our firm will be renowned after Gavin's business is thriving in Standford."Yeah, we're ready. All of the paperwork have been reviewed and finalized. We're ready to go,” Cara said.I was grateful to have Cara by my side. She was a wonderful friend and co-worker of mine. I didn't think I'd make it through the day.I eventually decided to address the suggestion with the team the day after Dani asked me to a party. Everyone gave the same response. We should not pass up this opportunity without giving it a go.I had no idea Gavin's Adams Enterprise was well-known in Standford, much alone here in Kensington.Gavin's business was a nice find. They possess hotels, re
ShantelleIt's been a week since my firm met with Gavin, but I've received no feedback. Every day, I had multiple meetings with various customers, but I never heard from Adams Enterprise.“That man, really.”I was irritated because I believed we were missing, which was why they stopped contacting us. Gavin was the first to reject our proposition, and he should be the last.I couldn't believe him; it was his idea, yet he dared to fully reject us. I really wished we hadn't agreed to offer our proposition to them."Hi ladies, how have you been?" It was Dani.I gave her a quick look before returning to what I was doing."How did your idea with Adams Enterprise work out? Did you reach an agreement?" she said, her eyes bright with joy.On the contrary, I stopped writing and vented my rage once again.Cara tapped Dani on the shoulder and said she shouldn't bring it up since it was irritating me when others questioned me about it."It's all right, Cara. She has a right to know," I explained
ShantelleI stroked the temples of my head to relieve the ache. I couldn't sleep since I'd been conducting a lot of study and testing for Mrs. Thompson. I knew I wasn't alone in this, but I wanted to do it first-hand.I've always been like this when I've had new customers or when the client expected me to manage everything on my own. Star Food has recently received a large number of appointments and bids as a result of our regular customers' recommendation. That is why we sought out extra researchers to assist us in catering to all of our clientele."Remember to eat on schedule and take breaks if you want to continue working. If you didn't, you may become ill again." Aunt Trina's worry was directed at me."Thank you, and I'm looking after myself. You should not be concerned. My doctor said that the cancer cells were fully eradicated. Thank you so much for all you've done for us." I kissed Auntie's cheeks and said my goodbyes.I went to my office and collected all of the documents I
GavinI instantly followed her as she turned her back on me. I couldn't help but feel furious with her, even though I noticed a glitter of tears in her eyes. I wanted her to pay for what she had done to me.I thought I'd forgotten everything that had occurred, but as I caught a sight of her, all the anguish I'd gone through surged back, and I was filled with wrath once again.Everything came apart when my beloved Loisa fled our wedding due of that woman. Loisa, like my father, had lost faith in me.…."Loisa! Let's speak about it. Everything is a misconception. I will never, ever cheat on you!" I yelled angrily outside their home."Loisa, please! Please give me a chance. We can go through this together!" I shouted it aloud, but it was her father who confronted me with a pistol."Bastard, get out of here before I murder you! What do you expect when you injure my daughter? To easily forgive you? That’s bullshit!" While pointing the pistol, her father informed me."Please, Dad! It was a
ShantelleGavin obstructed my path and refused to allow me return to my room. So there I was, being dragged to the bar by that dude. It was already late in the evening, so people continued arriving to this pub, and it grew more vibrant and crazy.I wore simply a thin blue dress since I never expected to be drawn by someone I didn't want to see.It was difficult to navigate the mob, and I had no idea where we were heading. My arm had already become red from Gavin's tight grip, as if he was afraid I would be out of sight, but it was real. ‘Fuck this guy! He’s really gone mad!’ I tried to move his hand away, but he wouldn't budge.When he realized it, he grabbed me and pushed me into him. He merely let go of my arm to hug my waist and murmur into my ear."Stop fighting, Ms. Clarkson, you can't get away from me anymore. Never, not even in your dreams. So bear with it!" I couldn't find myself against his words since his voice was so velvety.I've gone to a few bars. I got accustomed to
ShantelleI can’t believe he just did that. That was my, first kiss."How could you?" I shouted, putting my fingers to my mouth.I couldn't imagine it would be my first kiss with that man. I never saw me losing to Gavin. I was not the sort of person who would casually kiss someone, thus I had never been kissed since I didn't even have a partner.“What? That was only a kiss," he laughed as he look into my lips again."Since you are not my lover, you have no right to kiss me. Why in the world would you do that?" I couldn't stop cursing him."Oh, honey. Remember what you said before? We made love for, not only for a night, but more than enough that I couldn’t remember. That’s what you said when you interrupted my wedding, and you even want me to recall what occurred between us," he grinned."Maybe that kiss would help me remember how we made it, right? Did we do it twice or once? I'm sorry, I can't really recall," he added, delighted by our conversation."You already know it was a lie,
ShantelleThe next day, I awoke with puffy eyes and no recollection of when I stopped sobbing or went to sleep. My head hurt, but I had no option but to get up since we had a meeting. I wasn't here for a vacation; I was here to work.I was relieved to hear the clock strike twelve so I wouldn't be late. I stepped in front of the mirror to repair myself, but what drew my eye was the red and swelling kiss mark. I wished we hadn't crossed paths, and I wanted him out of my life.I didn't want to see him today or tomorrow because I didn't want to repeat what occurred last night. I would never agree with him again, no matter what.I sighed as I felt so frustrated.I didn't want to jeopardize my job, so I cleared my head and concentrated on my obligations today.I ate the food that was provided to my room; I didn't have an appetite since I was unwell, but I couldn't help myself. I took a warm bath and soaked for a few minutes. I needed to unwind and get rid of the ideas that were troubling