I hurried to Alice. The sight of her waiting there, alone in the late-night darkness sent a pang of guilt through me. I shouldn't have kept her waiting, especially not in her condition. I should have returned her calls albeit, the busy day.I could not believe that I got too carried away.“Snugglebug!” her voice cut through the night air, edged with a love-laced annoyance. "Where have you been? I've been calling you for hours!"The guilt intensified. I should have called, at least to let her know I was alright. But the day's events had been emotionally draining, and the thought of explaining everything had felt insurmountable.“I’m so sorry, Alice. There was — a situation," I started, the words catching in my throat as Max's grief-stricken face flashed in my mind.Alice's eyes narrowed. "A situation?" she repeated, worry creeping in. “Take a deep breath and tell me what happened.”I touched Alice’s shoulder and turned her to the door. We had no business standing outside the house so l

“But I have to report to Mr. Donnelly’s office, Mr. Sinclair, he’d be expecting me by now.” I pointed out.I wouldn't have hesitated to follow him but I knew I had to be at Shawn’s office too. The unexpected calls were still haunting my peace of mind.Mr. Sinclair began to shake his head in a slow way with eyes glinting with calculation. “Don't fret, Ms. Fairchild. Donnelly’s not in today. He's indisposed.”Shawn wasn't in today? How possible was that?The CEO himself. Could it perhaps have something to do with the missed calls? Was he supposed to tell me something important? Why was I feeling so restless?But then again, for one, this Elijah man right here wasn't trustworthy. What if he just told a lie to lure me into abandoning my duties and come hear out his – whatever this was?“I can't simply…" I tried to refuse but he cut me off before I even voiced it out.“Nonsense," he interrupted, dismissively waving his hand. "Consider it a detour. Your updates can wait. Besides, what we h

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

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 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