Shantelle

When the priest began speaking, I knew it was my cue to enter the scene.

I was nervous, but the fact that that I will live longer outweighed my fears and worries.

‘I had to do this, for my family!’ I silently mumbled as I took a deep breath and strolled my way inside.

"Gavin Adams! Stop! Don’t do this to me! Stop this wedding, now!"

As soon as I entered the hallway, I let out a shout and everyone inside immediately turned their attention to me. Shock was evident in their faces.

My focus shifted to the front of the room, and fixed my eyes on the groom, and with his bride.

"Gavin, you know that I am pregnant. And you're the father of this child! Yet, you wanted to get married to someone else? How could you do this to me?"

I pretended that I was becoming weaker, but that wasn't entirely true. I really was weakening. The anxiety was really draining my strength, and I couldn't do anything about it.

I really hoped that they wouldn't figure out that I was just making things up.

People who had been completely silent up until a short while ago and who had attended their wedding started hushed speaking to the person sitting next to them.

Their eyes betrayed the confusion and shock that they were experiencing, especially the bride.

And yes, this is the task that I have been given by Doctor Peighton in exchange for the money that she will give me.

I needed to ruin Gavin Adams' wedding.

She only instructed me on what to do, but she did not provide even the slightest motivation for why I should carry out her instructions.

But all I needed to do to accomplish my goal was to completely sabotage their relationship, Gavin and his bride.

I felt sad about it, but I had no choice now.

The person who stood up and responded first asked Gavin, "Son, what does this mean? What was that woman talking about?" when he saw what was happening.

Another man yelled at him, saying, "Gavin Adams! How dare you do this to us, to our family, to my precious daughter!"

That was when I realized that the two men who stood up were the groom's father and the bride's father respectively.

"No, don’t listen to her. Please try to remain calm. This whole thing is a lie, and I have no idea who she is,” when Gavin did finally speak, he attempted to put an end to all of the commotion.

But I won't stand for that to take place.

If they went ahead with the wedding despite everything that I did, then I am a failure.

There was no way out, and I had to complete this task to the very best of my ability.

"Gavin, what are you saying? Why do you keep on rejecting the fact that you got me pregnant, huh? Do you really think that I am just lying? I have nothing to gain by making false statements. I am being completely honest here! I am pregnant, and you are the father of my child. So you better stop this nonsense ceremony now!"

I responded, thereby rebutting what Gavin had said.

"Those momentous nights, have you really forgotten about them? The nights that we made love? You had promised to spend your life with me after you’d call it quits with her! How could you possibly forget the promise that you made to me?"

I lied and made myself cry more convincingly.

Loisa, the bride, began to cry and almost fell to the ground before Gavin was able to catch her in his arms and support her.

Loisa made an effort to stand on her own, and it appeared as though she didn't want to be held by Gavin because of the things that she had heard, which made her feel disgusted.

I believe that her mother was the woman who walked into the room where she was standing.

"A promise after calling it quits with me, really Gavin? You made love with another woman? You played tricks on me! How dare you! You cheated on me, under my nose!"

Loisa blurted out. She looked stunning in her wedding gown and was a perfect bride.

The appearance that she is currently showing is inappropriate for today's occasion.

"Who is she? Tell me, Gavin!”

She reiterated the statement with a voice that was quaking with insanity.

"Loisa, listen to me. That woman and I are not communicating in any way. I really don’t know her. It wasn't possible for me to spend the night with her,” he said to her while trying to comfort her and pointing his finger in my direction.

Initially, he was making an effort to keep his composure, but by this point, he was beginning to lose it as well.

He was completely incapable of containing his rage, which was plain to see in his eyes.

"You made a promise to be with me, but now you're going back on your word and marrying her. I had no intention to do this but I am hurting, so I had to come all the way over here to stop the wedding! You said you are solely mine and you’ll be a great husband and father!"

It's hard for me to tell if what I just said is accurate.

Despite the fact that everything I did from the very beginning on was wrong, I had no choice.

I have no other option if I want to keep living like this.

"Shut up you whore! You're not the one I'm interested in hearing from!”

I was taken aback for a second by what the bride had said, but I didn't let them know that I was surprised by her because I didn't want them to think suspicious of me.

She confronted Gavin with the question, "Tell me, when did you start cheating on me? When did you start playing tricks on me, Gavin! Have you made love with her? Have you made flings with other women while we’re in a relationship?"

"Loisa, look… I really..."

‘That’s it Gavin, keep it that way. You have now assisted me in putting an end to this wedding.’ I murmured silently.

"I mean…" he stutteringly began, but his bride interrupted him before he could finish.

"You were unaware, were you? Therefore, it was not impossible. You had earlier stated that you were positive that you were not familiar with her, but now that you have responded to my inquiry, you are unsure about this."

That is exactly what I am referring to, and the groom did not pick the appropriate word to use because the bride was intelligent enough to think in this manner.

"No honey, please, that is not the case. I was not familiar with her at all, and I did not sleep—"

Because Loisa's hand flew up and hit him in the face, he was unable to finish what he was trying to say.

"Put an end to this shambles, Gavin! Make it right! I have never before experienced the feeling of being embarrassed until today!” It was his father who spoke.

"I don't think your son would be able to fix it, and there's really nothing to fix anyway because we're leaving right now," the bride’s father said, furiously

He walked in and nodded at his wife and daughter before assisting them with leaving the event hall.

I suppose that was a sign for me to exit the building as well.

If I remain here, this will be an annoyance to me.

My job here is done.

It was imperative that I’d speak with Nurse Peighton right away.

After exiting the event hall, I entered the elevator and proceeded straight to the parking lot, where I found Nurse Peighton waiting.

Yes, I may have some regret because I ruined their wedding, but the fact that I still have the will to live is more important than any regrets I may have.

I have no idea what the consequences of doing that may be, but I couldn't care less about them.

When something that I did will reflect on me, I will think of something else that I ought to do.

After we leave, the only thing I can say for certain is that I will have a longer life and will never step foot back into this country again.

My eyes travelled throughout the entirety of the parking lot in search of the brown luxurious car that Nurse Peighton had used when she was the one who drove us here.

"How did it go? Have you completed the task at hand?" Almost instantly, she questioned it, as she smiled victoriously.

"Of course, I did what was told. The wedding was ruined now. The bride already walked away and most of the guests as well,” I answered back.

"Very well done, Ms. Clarkson. Now, take this. That’s my payment, and that would be more than enough for you ro get out of this place as quickly as you can," Nurse Peighton exclaimed without even giving me glance.

"I don't believe that I could use such a large sum of money. Are you sure going to give me a this huge amount?"

I inquired about it because I simply could not accept the information.

It was excessively difficult for such a task that had been assigned to me.

"That is completely yours to keep. You are free to put that money toward running or opening up your business, and what's left over is entirely at your discretion. You are free to put it toward anything or spend it in any way you see fit."

She confirmed it with a nod and all I could do was to accept and agree with her.

"By the way Ms. Clarkson, here's one more set of clothing for you to take. It would be inappropriate for you to wear the dress you wore to the wedding again. It is possible that someone would recognize you as the person who crashed their wedding and confronted you about it," she added as she handed me the bags.

"You have a valid point. Permit me to first change before we part ways."

After I had finished changing into a different outfit, I thanked her for her help and bade her farewell because I knew this would be the last time we would cross paths.

I can only hope that we will never run into each other again and that we will never see them again.

I didn't waste any time and went straight home, where I waited for my siblings to get back.

Yesterday evening, I had already packed some of the things that we would have with us when we left, and I also told them to pack their things; however, I did not tell them that we were going to leave for today.

In addition, I contacted Nurse Peighton and asked her to purchase three plane tickets for us, because, if I were the one to make the decisions, there is no way that we would be able to leave any time soon.

In the event that this takes place, Gavin may be able to locate me in a timely manner.

"Shantelle, what are you doing right now?" Oliver inquired, he was her youngest sibling.

"You’re home! How wonderful, you two have already arrived. Keep the other items you have in your bags or luggage for the time being. Our flight would be early in the morning of tomorrow," I responded to him.

I was aware that there was still some time left because Gavin might first try to resolve the situation with her bride, or should we say her ex-bride to be more accurate, before coming after me.

"The departure time for our flight is five hours from now, and once we have established ourselves in Standford, I will talk to you about everything. Do what I've told you to do for the time being."

"Standford, you say? I believe that is where Aunt Trina has made her home?” My younger sister asked.

"Yes, but she has no idea what's going on, which means that we might as well spend the night, or two, at the hotel that's close to the airport."

"Stop asking questions and just do what I told you to do, will you? After that, eat your dinner and get to bed at a reasonable hour. The departure time is set for five in the morning."

My siblings started looking for their important belongings and putting them away in their respective bags.

Since we are unable to afford to stay any longer or even to come back to this location, I may have to ask my aunt to take care of everything that we left behind here.

After we had finished, I watched them sleep and waited for the next day to come around.

After everything that took place earlier today, I seriously doubt that I will be able to sleep tonight.

I was able to get at least four hours of sleep, which wasn't ideal, but it was better than nothing.

I got some bread ready for us to eat, and then I woke up my siblings so that they could get ready and get ready for the day.

It is important that we get going as quickly as we can.

After everything was finished, we made it to the airport, and someone who knew, the nurse, had already purchased the plane tickets for us.

After we had all found our seats, I felt a sense of relief and was able to relax.

I no longer have any reason to be concerned, and I have faith that we will be able to lead a worry-free life there.

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, Oliver, 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.

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 Oliver 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?