SHAWN DONNELLY~~As Shawn walked in, his heart in his mouth, he saw that the years had etched lines on Calista’s parents’ faces. However, their eyes still held the warmth he remembered from Calista. He stood in front of them, unable to tear his gaze from their faces. It was safe to say that fear had rendered him numb. The words he’d rehearsed in his head had vanished.“Hello. We do not know you but you seem quite familiar.” Mr. Whitaker took to speaking since he’d been choking on silence.Shawn did his best to shake his anxiety off. He couldn't even sit. He felt his palms going moist as he nodded. “Erm—yes, Mr. Whitaker, Mrs. Whitaker.” He nodded at Calista’s mother also. “I am the one who asked my worker to fix this appointment with you.” A nervous laugh, “I’m sorry if it's not to your convenience. I sincerely hope he has compensated you for that and if he hasn't,” He brushed his pockets. “I’ll see to it that your times are well spent and paid for.” Hell, he had no idea what to say
“Do you not think this apology of yours is displaced and too late? It is not us whom you have directly hurt but our daughter. On behalf of her, we do not want to hear your apology. Keep it for another six years, silly brat!” Mrs. Whitaker hollered, completely infuriated.He deserved it. He deserved more.Shawn was determined not to let them go regardless. “I—” He started, voice dry and trembling. "I tried, Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker. I searched for Calista for years. Hired investigators, scoured every digital corner, and contacted every acquaintance I could... but she vanished. Like a wisp of smoke, she vanished."The Whitakers didn't respond. Their faces remained grim. Shawn pressed on, he knew he might not get this chance again. He had to do this now or never."I need you to get to her," he pleaded with a cracking voice. “Tell her—tell her I—” He couldn't finish. For Pete’s sake, he didn't even know the right words to utter. A sob broke through from him to his utmost surprise. Hot and s
CALISTA [SERENITY]~~I arrived at the site to meet it as bustling as always.“Good morning, Ms. Fairchild.” Seamus greeted, a sheepish grin plastered on his sun-weathered face. “We are so sorry about the mishap last night.” He sighed as soon as I approached them.They really needed to know that I didn't mind the money at all. “It's fine, guys. How's work coming up?” I waved it off.Alejandro slapped the bulldozer. “This baby is running well, Ms. Fairchild. We are good here.” He said.And slow; I added in my head. I hope Jacob has found a replacement for Max already. After a little discussion with them, I walked off to find Jacob.I met Jacob a few meters ahead. “Serenity!” He called, voice more enthusiastic than yesterday’s.“Heya, old man.” I grinned as I caught up with him.He handed me the file report. “Don’t call me that, you sloppy head. I'm as agile as a boy in his teens!” Jacob protested.I nodded, flipping through the pages. “Ah, I see, I see.” “I found a replacement for Max
I rolled my eyes the moment the call was over. “Maybe staying with Alice isn't a good idea,” I muttered to myself but reprimanded myself almost immediately too.Alice was an angel. Meeting her was the only soothing I had for this demanding mission of mine. But then again, Gabe just had to spoil it for me with his over-protective character.He wasn't even my boyfriend for crying out loud!..Later in the evening, I left for home. While I was in my car, I remembered Shawn’s calls. His absence in the office was suspicious too. I decided to play on my luck and call him.After a series of contemplation, I dialed his number. My heartbeat accelerated with every beep until...“Hey there, stranger. You finally decided to grace me with your voice? Miss Me?” Shawn’s voice sounded a bit lower than usual but the impishness was quite still there.My lips twitched at his friskiness. “Cut the dramatics, Shawn. I called because I missed your calls, not you."Shawn made a gunshot sound and I wondered h
“I promise, Snugglebug, this one will taste good,” Alice vowed as I walked out of the kitchen and into my room.I yelled out playfully, “It better do!” with a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips, I closed the door to my room.I got out of my clothes, feeling like the weight of the world had just been lifted off my shoulders. I had my bath as usual and slipped into a sweatpant and an oversized t-shirt.I put on my laptop and anticipated the amount of messages I’d receive as it hummed to life. Brielle had replied to my texts. She wanted me to put a Facetime through to her as soon as I was back.She missed me already. It was mutual.I clicked the Facetime button and soon, Brielle’s face illuminated the screen. “Serenity!” She exclaimed, snacking on a pack of ruffles. She had her cute glasses on.I had always liked them.“You look like…” A frown creased her brows. "Like I just survived a war zone?" I finished for her, my own laughter bubbling up. "Don't worry, Brielle, the casualt
After eating, I cleared the table and took the dishes to the kitchen.“That was—surprisingly good, Alice." I couldn't resist commending her yet again.Alice perched on the sofa with her belly bump nestled comfortably against the cushions as she beamed. "I told you, Snugglebug! Practice makes perfect, even for a cooking klutz like me."I chuckled, taunting her. “Maybe you should open a restaurant called ‘Alice’s Unexpected Delight’.”Alice snorted. "The clientele would be limited, I think."I winked. "Not if I spread the word. Besides, I can be your official taste tester. Imagine the power!"Alice's laughter filled the room. “You and your big ideas, Snugglebug. Go on, shoo! I need to catch up on my shows before the little one decides to join the party."“Alright, alright," I relented, heading back to the kitchen to go do the dishes. "Go relax. I'll handle the cleanup."Alice's smile widened. "You're a lifesaver, Snugglebug."I leaned down and planted a soft kiss on Alice's forehead. "Ju
SHAWN DONNELY~~“Do not worry, Mr. Donnelly. As long as you have me, no harm is coming to you. My men would continue to guard you from a distance and keep on investigating to see if anyone is on your trail.” Sunny sighed. “However, permit me to relay my deduction of the situation from my experience as an expert in this field.” The look on Sunny’s face was too serious to not catch Shawn’s interest.Shawn said he wanted to hear and then, Sunny began his hypothesis.“Considering the fact that you did not show up at the office today, it was enough bait to lure any spy on our trail out if there were any as the COO would be more suspicious. This is the time they ought to increase their inspection and not deter. But since you suspect that nonetheless, I will continue the investigation in that area too.” Sunny said.All of this, Shawn already knew. “You’ve mentioned some of these before, Sunny. I thought you were going to say something new.” Shawn almost snapped.“Yes, yes, Mr. Donnelly. I de
Throughout the call with Serenity, he had a smile on his face. Now, he was more than sure that he wanted her around as much as he could.At least, until he was done with her, and she didn't fascinate him anymore. He had thrown in the proposal of the invitation for her to come over tonight after work.She might. She didn't sound like she would though. If she didn't, he would push it further later tomorrow morning when she came to give him the reports.They’d already fucked. She didn't have any more reasons to hold back. What was wrong with her?He returned to work on his PC. He saw that MetaGear Technologies, their rival company would fall lowly in the market analytics by the time they released their new prototypes.A smile tugged at a corner of Shawn’s lips. He could picture the face of Justin Xane, the CEO. Justin Xane had always been a ruthless menace. For two years, Shawn’s company had been falling behind compared to the MetaGear which had been leading the market.They never knew t