Shantelle
After 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, please notify me when dinner is ready.” She nodded as I told her.
"By the way, Vienne, remember to call your brother. Inquire if he will be joining us for dinner. If not, inquire as to when he will return."
"Yes madame," she said without looking at me.
I went upstairs to change my clothes first, but I saw my bed and felt compelled to lie down on it, so I did.
When everything fell silent, guilt began to surface again.
My conscience was devouring me.
That night, after talking with Lance last week, I went looking for information about Gavin.
I avoided getting involved with him and kept searching for him to find out what had happened to his life.
He is not a private person, so I was able to learn everything I needed to know.
Because the bride cancelled their wedding, their company severed ties with one another.
It had little impact on their business and caused a stir in their reputation, but it had a significant impact on Gavin.
He remained single after that incident and was dubbed a Casanova.
Many women were connected to him, but he never committed to any of them.
What if I don't take the job from Peighton back then? Maybe they already have a child now, and maybe I'm already gone.
I didn't realize I'd gone too far, but I couldn't help myself because I was desperate at the time.
When someone was on the verge of death, I believe they would do the same thing I did.
I desired to live.
It may appear to be a selfish act, but I was thinking about my siblings at the time.
What would happen to my younger sister and brother if I died?
Aunt Trina struggled to support her own needs, so it would be difficult for her to support my siblings too.
I don't want her to bear the entire burden.
All of these thoughts will remain in the back of my mind.
Also, I don't want my family to be concerned about me, and I should be the only one who suffers as a result of this sin.
The burden was and will remain solely mine.
‘But I wish, I had other choice back then.’
When I heard my phone ring, I opened my eyes.
My brain was fully awake, so I didn't know if I'd fallen asleep.
"What are you doing that you can't even answer the phone?"
My friend Dani nagged at me.
"Are you sleeping?" I inquired.
"And you're not even certain? Come on, get dressed up because we're going to a party. I'll pick you up, and I'm already on my way."
"I'm preoccupied. Invite someone who will accompany you," I responded directly.
"You're always on the go, so relax. You should unwind every now and then. I'll see you in fifteen or maybe ten minutes! Bye!" She then hung up.
I stood up because I had no choice but to comply with her wishes.
If I declined, she would bug me.
But perhaps she was correct. I should unwind, unwind, and have some fun.
I looked for a dress in my wardrobe, but I didn't have much, so I just chose whatever I saw first.
I don't want to spend money on clothes I won't wear.
It would be a complete waste of money.
I took a bath to refresh myself and put on light makeup like I always did before going to work or anywhere else.
It took me some time to prepare because it was just a regular night party that Dani always went to.
When I looked in the mirror, I thought I looked pretty good.
I went downstairs right away because I heard a familiar voice and could hear their laughter from my room.
Then I noticed Dani conversing with them.
She was easygoing and had a great sense of humor, so she could easily get close to anyone she wanted.
She was popular and sat across from mine and Cara.
"Shantelle, what are you wearing?" Dani laughed hysterically, but I just shrugged.
"We're not going to an amusement park; we're going to a night out," she added.
I was dressed in a cream casual dress with two-inch heels.
My hair was tied-up just like always.
"What's the problem? Let's just go, already," I said this while attempting to drag her out of the house.
"No, you can't wear that," she said emphatically.
"I've come prepared, and I've purchased a dress for you. Don't worry, it's completely free. Let us proceed to your room, shall we?" She motioned to them and drew me into my room.
"No, let’s just go ahead. We’re going to be late?" I inquired of her.
"The party began an hour ago, but the real party begins later in the evening, so it's fine. Allow us to take our time," She said this and began to assist me.
I internally groaned when I saw the dress she gave me because it was too revealing, but I didn't complain because we wouldn't be able to leave the room until I wore it or changed into a dress she approved of.
"See, you're not only beautiful in your dress, but you're also sexy," she said, staring at me from head to toe.
I wore a brown satin backless gown.
Its color was a perfect match for my white skin, and I could say that every dress Dani gave me fit me perfectly.
\My skin was simply too exposed. It was above the knee and had a slit in the back of my left thigh.
"Let me curl your hair for a change, and here are your stilettos to match your outfit. Then we're finished. I'm sure men will be swooning over you." She said this while untying my hair.
"I don't understand. Why weren't you interested in men? Those who had previously pursued you were all turned down."
"All I want to do is focus on my business and my family."
"Because your company is doing well, you should take a break. You are no longer a teen. Enjoy your life as a twenty-eight-year-old lady."
"Okay, I get it. You don't have to say it all over again."
We said our goodbyes to my family and left after she finished my hair.
The neon light blinded me as we entered the Club.
The place was packed with people I didn't even know and loud music.
Dani stated that the entire area had been reserved and that only a few people had been invited, but the word "few" was an understatement.
"Remember, you're here to have fun, and you should be able to find a man and get laid by the end of the night," she screamed.
Fortunately, everyone was preoccupied with their own affairs.
"My dear, you should not die a virgin. You may have regrets."
She chuckled as she said this. I just gave her a sidelong glance.
"Let's find a spot and get something to drink."
Dani introduced me to some of her friends once we were settled.
Dani was dragged by a stranger, but that was okay because I wasn't alone. Cassy, the girl on my right side, was a non-party-goer like me, so as time passed, I became more at ease in my seat.
I was having a pleasant conversation with her when my gaze was drawn to the man I had run away from.
Gavin appeared, his features rough and his jaw more refined than ever.
He appeared more mature, but I couldn't forget those blue eyes that were filled with confusion that day, but now they were blank and devoid of emotion.
The world was indeed too small.
I was able to meet him earlier than I had anticipated.
I averted my gaze, but he did not.
From where I was sitting, I could feel his intense gaze.
When I looked back at him, his seat was empty. And when I saw him approaching me, I panicked.
I stood up abruptly to leave so he wouldn't find me.
'I should have left the moment I saw him,' I reasoned. It was difficult for me to leave because there were so many people.
Someone grabbed my waist as I was walking to the exit. I didn't need to see who it was because I knew it was him.
I tried to push Gavin off the dance floor, but he wouldn't budge.
"Wow, it feels great. I finally found you," he said softly into my ears.
His voice was so sensual that just hearing him speak made me shiver.
He was behind my back and began to sway our bodies to the beat of the music.
I was still trying to get away from him, and he was doing everything he could to keep me close.
"So, tell me, miss? How are you doing? How's our little one doing? Our baby?"
He made fun of me. His hand wrapped around my waist, attempting to provoke me.
I remained silent and did not allow myself to be provoked by what he said or did.
"I know you're smart enough, and you probably realize you won't be able to get away from now on."
When Gavin said that, I turned around and stared him down. I looked at him to show that I was unconcerned about his threat.
When he finally let go of my hand, I bolted and didn't look back.
I knew my life would be turned upside down the moment our paths finally crossed.
Maybe I should have gone to the doctor the next day?
I've been feeling ill lately. Is it possible that cancer cells have returned, or am I simply bothered by Gavin's presence?
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
ShantelleOne of my teams had already polished the French cuisine dishes. So I tasked her with leading and cooking at a restaurant specialized in that style of cuisine. I didn't have to worry since she, too, was a chef, but I did pay her a visit now and again to make sure she was doing a good job of orienting them.Yet those days did not go as planned. Gavin would enter the kitchen and kiss me out of nowhere when he had time. I was relieved that no one had seen us, but I wasn't sure.I wasn't sure whether they were simply ignoring us since Gavin was a recognized Casanova with power, so they didn't bother us at all.I was stressed because of Gavin, not because of my job. He was too daring, caressing me whenever he pleased and kissing me no matter where we were.When Gavin invited me to cook for him a few days ago, I assumed it would be our last meeting. He didn't disturb me after he finished his meal since he needed to do something else.The next day, I didn't see him for the whole