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?

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, restaurants, and resorts in Lambherts and Standford, in addition to Wilderford.

Our company was doing well, but we still needed additional investors and customers.

I was certain that many people would enquire about us as a result of our collaboration with Gavin.

That could cause me a personal difficulty in the future, but I shouldn't be selfish this time and forsake all of the misery that my staff had through over the years.

I should concentrate on what I need to accomplish right now and quit thinking about what could happen to me later.

"Well, if we're through. You may have your lunch before heading to the office to avoid being late. The meeting has been adjourned."

My colleagues began to leave the meeting room, but I remained.

I wanted to sleep, but my thoughts wouldn't allow me since Gavin's words had continued repeating themselves till now.

It was one of the reasons I didn't get enough sleep, but the other was because I've been focusing all of my attention on preparing for the presentation today.

Numerous individuals would undoubtedly attend later, so there was no room for error.

Generally, I wasn't the one who brought up our suggestion. I delegated the task, but I was still there at every meeting.

If I'm unavailable, I'll delegate responsibility for an appointment or meeting to a representative.

But Lance informed me that his employer wanted me to be the one who discussed everything with them.

I felt nervous and a little terrified for some reason. Is it because we'd meet again later, but this time on his territory?

When it was time, I exited the meeting room and headed to the parking lot.

I got word that my unit had eaten and was approaching the extended company of Adams Enterprise.

I made my way there by car. I couldn't eat because I was afraid I'd vomit up, and I didn't feel like eating when I was worried.

When I arrived, I was astounded by how large his firm was. Their main building in Wilderford was considerably larger than what I was witnessing, yet it was only three times the size of ours.

It was simple for me to go through, and I was directed to the floor where the meeting would take place.

I walked smoothly with my head held high, yet deep down, I was worried and afraid, but also exhilarated and motivated.

My emotions have become jumbled. I wasn't sure what I was feeling right now.

I was one meter away from the conference room when I came to a halt because Gavin's face flashed across my head.

I paused for a while and considered backing out, but then I recalled my previous boss's counsel.

Professional and personal problems are distinct, and I should avoid conflating them.

I didn't pay heed to what she said since I understood my limits, but I couldn't completely follow her advice because I allowed my judgment mingle with my emotions.

I took a big breath and attempted to be more composed than I had been.

I need to ignore all of those bad ideas and concentrate on what I should accomplish.

My objective was to acquire their approval before providing them with our services.

As I walked into the meeting room, Gavin and others were already there.

They were talking amongst themselves as I walked in, so they turned their heads in my direction.

"Everyone, good afternoon! We have five minutes until we begin. I recommend that the Star Foods Team prepare your presentation today so that we can begin promptly at afternoon.” Gavin mentioned this.

"Yes, sir," I said, drawing his attention to me.

I told my crew to put the presentation on the screen right away and handed out the hand-outs to the seven guys in this room.

I could tell Gavin was watching every move I made, but I didn't let it upset me, even though I was growing aware.

After we were through, I returned my attention to him in the same way he had gazed at me.

I began my presentation by describing the Star Food Company and the services we could provide to them.

It took me thirty minutes to explain everything to them, such as what we provide our customers, how we differ from other organizations, and how transactions between our company and theirs work.

Except for one individual in this room, everyone cheered and congratulated me after I finished.

Gavin did nothing except gaze at me the whole time, but when everyone else closed their lips, he said.

"Has your organization handled transactions and received customers with a large corporation like us?" Gavin inquired. I knew he wasn't going to let me off the hook.

"Not yet, sir, but we serve fifteen customers every month, including small businesses and individual entrepreneurs," I said firmly.

"Even if you can manage fifteen customers, our branches here expect three times the amount and quality you provided, so what will you do if you can't satisfy those demands?" He responded, dissatisfied with what he received from me.

"I know our firm can manage it, and we can make some adjustments to accommodate you and our existing customers, as well as new customers. If you agreed to have us be your food researchers and formulators for your branches here, we could grow at any moment and add excellent staff."

Gavin kept asking me questions for half an hour, but the final sentence he said upset me.

"Ms. Clarkson, thank you for addressing all of my questions. You and your team did an excellent job of preparing for this day. But we still need to study everything, and we wanted to take our time before making a choice because I want to be sure we won't be sorry." Gavin mentioned this.

He was being absurd, claiming that it may not be appropriate to partner with us when he was the one who proposed that we engage into an arrangement with them.

"It's simply that I believe my taste for everything has altered as a result of what has transpired in the past, not just for work but also for other concerns. I officially proclaim that this meeting has come to an end. Thank you everybody, and good luck."

He instantly departed without looking back after saying that.

Everyone gathered their belongings and exited the room.

No one in this room understood what he was saying, or if they did, they didn't realize I was the source of it.

I instructed my staff to return to the corporation and inform the others of the outcome. I also warned them they may go if there was nothing else to do.

"Are you free right now?" someone said behind my back.

"Well, I'm on my way back to my office. Why do you need anything?" I responded to him. Theo, one of Gavin's business colleagues, who was also present at the meeting earlier.

"Well, I'd like to ask you to a cup of coffee. What are your thoughts?"

"Well, okay as I don't believe I can go back to the business right now," I remarked as I began to walk out of the building.

As we arrived at the local coffee shop, he ordered us some coffee and spoke with us for a while. I had no idea he was so willing to explain things for Gavin.

Theo advised me not to misinterpret Gavin's statements. He's only being cautious about everything he should do since his father would disown him if he made one mistake.

After the wedding was called off, his father instructed Gavin to locate the wedding invader and the kid, which was me with my falsehoods.

But when Gavin couldn't locate me, his father became enraged and told him he was a shame to his family.

I felt bad since there was no unborn kid, and Gavin was undoubtedly aware that I was lying at this point.

I remained quiet the whole time since I didn't know what to say and didn't want him to suspect anything. I had just listened to Theo speak about his friend's life, and I had no right to say anything.

I was the one who ruined him and was to blame. He was not the sort to forgive quickly and would make certain that I spent eternity in hell for what I had done to him.

Maybe I was fated to suffer my punishment now, and he was the one who would administer it to me.

GAVIN

"What have you been up to?" I asked Theo, who was both a buddy and a business colleague.

"I simply went to the coffee shop in the rear of the building with Shantelle," he said as he settled into a comfortable seat on the sofa.

"On a first-name basis now, huh? Are you two friends already or something?" I inquired once again.

"No, we simply spoke for a while. That's all. So, when are you going to accept her proposal?"

"So you're intrigued by her. Well, sorry to burst your bubble but I'm not going to take it," I remarked casually.

“What?” He yelled and rose from his seat.

"I didn't like it, therefore I'm not going to accept it."

"Are you sure? Not everyone agreed, but they want to think about it."

"I know exactly what you did. You made the suggestion in the first place. You even sent someone to their workplace to discuss it. So what happens next? Are you playing a joke on her? Don't tell me you still want to get your revenge?" He inquired, surprised.

"No, I simply wanted to play with her for a bit. Don't worry, it'll be my first and last."

Once I stated that, he said nothing. He was one of the few individuals who genuinely understood what had transpired in my life, so he just let me off the hook for what I did today.

Ordinarily, he would nudge me until I realized I was in the wrong, but he didn't this time. Maybe this was what they called pity.

That may seem cringe-worthy, but I would let fate determine our fate. I didn't believe I'd be able to stop myself from playing with her if we ever met again.

I was still unable to forgive her.

‘Shantelle Clarkson, you have to prepare yourself for the worst.’