“Open it.”
And… I did.‘Hey, Calista. I need you to know that had I thought you were this innocent, I wouldn't have pulled such a fast one on you. I'm sorry, girl. I know I owe you and won't ask you to forgive me because I'm undeserving of it. Instead, I'll ensure the pictures and videos are all deleted and never posted. Xoxo.. ♥︎’I read the content of the text out loud to Fiora.“Let me see.” She impatiently snatched the phone from me and read the message herself. When she was done with it, “Such a disgusting loser! Argh! I wish I could turn into a cat and scratch his So-called handsome face off!” She gripped at nothing in the air and ended up making the both of us laugh...The weekend was concluded and we resumed school. I did all I could to avoid Shawn and his friends but it was inevitable and they never failed to throw tantrums at me. True to Shawn’s words, the videos and pictures were never released.Well, not until we graduated. The moment we were done writing our exams, my nudes were flying all over the internet.My parents were shocked, embarrassed, and disappointed in me and it was all justified. I couldn’t step out of the house. My parents suffered disses anytime they were out too.Fiora also got in trouble for helping me lie and her Mum made sure she stayed quite far away from me. I became devastated, traumatized, and alone.I never stepped out of my room for three months straight. My Mum was finally beaten enough that she had to quit her job to look after me.My mental health was impaired and I was in a psychiatric ward for about a month. It was the day I was discharged that my doctor suggested that I relocate somewhere away from where I was traumatized.And… that was exactly what happened. I got a new hairstyle done as underwent surgery and my nose was fixed too.My parents did their best to change and improve a lot of things regarding my appearance to ensure I wouldn't be easily recognized. I was to go live with Granny Carys in the countryside. I was also to attend college there.I absorbed my middle name ‘Serenity’ now and Granny Cary's last name – Fairchild. Therefore, my new college name was Serenity Fairchild.For all the months I spent in Stetson City, where my parents were, the gist about me never died down. The day I left for good, I finally saw Fiora for the first time in months.I had stopped using the internet and hence, we've lost touch.“Come back to the world soon, Calista. You will find a thousand messages of me on iMessage.” She said and we embraced ourselves for what seemed like an eternity until Dad reminded me that he had to be at work...It was hard to adjust to life in Mustang Meadows where Granny Carys lived at first but Granny Carys was just the perfect human to help a traumatized girl like myself step out of her shell.I adapted to life over there, attended college, and graduated. Throughout college, I only had two friends (Gabe and Brielle) and that wasn't until I was in the second. First-year was very miserable for me but I soon conformed.It was only in the second year that I returned to the internet after Gabe and Brielle wouldn't stop bothering me about it. I abandoned all of my old accounts and numbers and made sure to disconnect contacts with anyone from Stetson except Fiora.Only she was aware of my new name too. Mum and Dad called from time to time and never failed to come to visit with Isla who was Eleven years old now.In short, moved on but knew that I would definitely find Shawn and his gang. When I do, I would ruin all of their lives.It seemed the universe was in support of my vengeance as the twenty-three me, had become the Secretary of the Principal Architect in Urban Builders Architectural Firm (the biggest Architect firm in the country).SIX YEARS AFTER RELOCATING~~My firm was the biggest in the architecture world of the country. However, a misfortune befell us. We took the job of constructing a national bridge but it collapsed six months after its construction.Turned out that the Senior Architect in charge of the project had exploited the funds and used fake and cheap products to complete the construction.Therefore, when the bridge collapsed, twenty lives were lost and our firm was sued. We were almost banned but owing to the shareholders’ connections, the company was saved.Well, partially saved.We lost so many clients and are now running bankrupt. Fortunately for us, we have been considered for a project. One of the most affluent corporations in the country (Gadget Galaxy Inc.) only just launched a new project and they needed to build a showroom site for their newly launched projects.Using the last thread of their powers, our shareholders and CEO were able to secure this project for us. If it went on successfully, our company would be back on its feet. If otherwise, it was the end for us.I had been chosen for this role because of my prowess in persuasion and my professionalism. Now, the company's fate was lying on my shoulders and I couldn’t dare to let them down.I was going to spend four months on the project and would work side by side with Gadget Galaxy’s CEO.During my research about the corporation in my bid to have a profound knowledge of my targets, I found out what the name of Gadget Galaxy’s CEO was.It was none other than Shawn Donnelly – the one I had plotted in my head all through the years of the many ways to make him suffer.—I am on my way now down the elevator and onto Shawn Donnelly’s office, led by his secretary.I bet the asshole wouldn't recognize me. After the surgery, my look had greatly improved. I was now a very stunning lady with a great banging body and composed stamina.I was not anything like Calista Whitaker. I am Serenity Fairchild, the goddess of persuasion in the business world.Shawn Donnelly, let's see how far you survive with me around.After checking with him, his secretary led me to his office and soon, I was inside. This should be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. To maintain composure after seeing Shawn’s face for the first time in six years.I knew if I had a gun at the moment, I wouldn't have hesitated to use it.“Good day, Mr. Donnelly.” I reprimanded myself and forced a professional smile on my face as our gazes interlocked.Shawn’s face was bland. His expression was numb as though he had just seen a ghost. I noticed how mature his face was now. His facial features were sharper. His jawline was more defined and his cheekbones were more central. I could remember his eyes were once bright blue but now, they were close to steely grey. His blonde hair remained the same though.Even if I hated to admit it, Shawn was more handsome now.“C — Calista?” He stuttered and my legs wobbled in response.I had to maintain my stamina and composure. I knew there was a chance he’d recognize me but since that unfortunate ni
I smiled at him but heaven knows it was a cynical one. “Alright then, Mr. Donnelly. I guess we’ll be meeting at the site tomorrow. Will you be arriving after all of our materials are moved or before?” I asked.“You look like someone who knows exactly what she's doing, so I'll trust you, Ms. Fairchild. I will arrive after the materials are moved to see for myself if everything is intact. I like to be precise.” Shawn stated with a professional lilt in his tone. Look at him acting like he's not so rotten on the inside; I grimaced to myself but played along anyway. “I’m honored to have your trust, Mr. Donnelly. You won't regret it. Guess I'll see you tomorrow then.” I extended my right hand in the initiation of a handshake.He stared at my hand for a split second before taking it. I could tell that he was battling something inside. Probably the guilt of his past misdeeds. Although I do not look like the old me, I was glad he was able to pick on Calista’s face on mine.It meant every time
“I saw the house burn down the next time you entered the kitchen and tried to commit this grave crime of cooking!” I snorted, catching Alice off guard.Though flabbergasted, she chuckled and then gave me a pet Pat. “Why you!” Another chuckle. “It can't be that bad. I need a few more practices and then, I'm good. By the way…” She waved her hand. “How was the meeting?”For a while there, I forgot all about Shawn and my worries but now, they came rushing back. “For starters, I’d say fine.” I shrugged.“But then why did your countenance suddenly turn ugly?” Alice wasn't convinced.My chest had begun to tighten again. “Nothing, Alice. I just need a refreshing bath.” I replied, walking out of the kitchen.“And some finely cooked Lasagnas!” Alice called behind me and I couldn't help but smile again.She was just a sweetheart. Her husband sure was damn lucky. However — men? I bet he’d still cheat on her if he could.I entered my room. It was not so big but manageable room that Alice and Bill,
I had to wake up very early the next morning since it was the first day of the construction. I needed to give the right impression.First impressions matter.It wasn't just to Shawn but also the entire board of directors. This was like a way of buying their favors and being in their good books. A promotion awaits me in our company when I successfully carry out this project.Alice was still sleeping and so, I moved swiftly and silently as I made myself a whole-grain toast with avocado spread. I brewed a cup of coffee too as I slept late last night, working and had few hours of sleep.After consuming my brief breakfast, I dropped a note for Alice to inform her that I left for work already. Girl’s heavily pregnant and needs as much rest as she could get.I drove my car out of the garage and then, out of the house. Danileigh’s ‘The Plan’ was a little above the average volume as I vibed and sang along. Music and singing even if I got the words all wrong helps keep my spirit alive...I arr
SHAWN DONNELLY~~He hated to get up this early. It was no doubt that the Shawn of his childhood was more mature now. He had shed a lot of his recklessness but somehow, old habits don't entirely die.If at all they’d entirely elude him, it takes time and process. And — he had been working a lot on that. Lots of processes have been yielding fruits in all sincerity.He was able to make it to the top with a little sprinkle of his old bad-boy attitude and a lot of his newly found reserve and knowledge. He knew he had to change — not after his family nearly disowned him after that incident six years ago.That incident took a lot of his spirit away. He almost committed suicide out of guilt. He has had sleepless nights and restless days for more than a year.Once, he went for confession at the chapel and the priest told him this...“You have committed the sin, brother but you have suffered for it with guilt. Your Punishment is the memories that linger to haunt you but your salvation lies in
Shawn and his secretary strode outside where they met Landers, his driver who was already ready with the car.“Good morning, Mr. Donnelly!” Landers called the moment he sighted them.The other workers had also bowed their heads in respect at him. Shawn waved at them. As he goes nearer to Landers, “Morning, Landers. We are not going to the office today but to the new site.” He provided as the man rushed to get the car’s passenger door for him. “Good morning, Mr. Landers.” He heard Gia chirping in a greeting at Mr. Landers as she sat beside him in the front seat.“Good morning, Ms. Gina. Looking radiant as always.” Landers returned Gina’s greeting with a compliment as usual.Landers was king of throwing compliments here and there. Although Gina did look radiant but, to Shawn, Gina always did too much to improve her appearance. Like the excessive makeup always plastered on her round face and the heavy earrings amongst others.However, her professionalism has prompted their working togeth
He got seated beside her with Gina standing a few meters away and Landers returning to the car. “I see you aren't wasting time at all.” He commented as he allowed his eyes to scrutinize the view behind his dark-shaded glasses. He probably looked like a first-grade robber right now. He took the damn face mask off. The air couldn't be that bad. The moment the dust-filled breeze blew to him, he suddenly realized Mr. Jacob had complimented him even after not seeing his face.He was right; ‘believable flatters’.Serenity’s reply was prompt as usual. “The earlier the better.” She sighed, using his previous line.That – was humorous. He chuckled. “Good one. That's a good one.” He couldn't help but commend her brain. “You are doing a good job.” He added after his laugh subsidized.He meant it too. “I’m glad you think so highly of me from the first day, Mr. Donnelly. My boss will be happy to hear it.” She replied, maintaining the professional composure. She makes everything about work! Well
Calista’s parents. He hired a private detective to find them the moment Serenity showed her face and left him restless as a result. He just hadn't been able to sleep well because of that sole face.Once Calista’s parents are found, he’ll proceed to locate Calista through them. If it meant peeping into their personal life and monitoring their phone calls, he would do it. It was illegal but sometimes, money is above the law.“Here is the logbook anyway.” Serenity handed him the book, returning the conversation to its previous discourse.He took it from her and opened its cover. “Yes. It's right about time to be serious.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “I only have an hour and a half left before the meeting back in the office.” He muttered that mostly to himself.“The materials and equipment are ready, Mr. Donnelly. Tomorrow, we will begin with the practical work. The workers are only setting everything in place now so that we can commence construction instantly without distractions. We w