BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 7

•SHELBY•

My mood was completely shattered, rendering me unable to focus on anything. The thought of staying at the office became unbearable as I lacked both the energy and concentration to accomplish any work today.

Driving anywhere seemed out of the question, so I called my driver to take me into town. While sitting in the backseat, a sudden realization struck me.

The last I had heard of William before I switched schools during my final year of high school, was that he had moved to Boston to pursue studies at Harvard University.

I had made it a point to ensure this information, as I wanted to avoid the possibility of unexpectedly encountering him at any college. Surprises were not my cup of tea, and my distaste for him compelled me to take every measure possible to evade him for the rest of my life.

Retrieving my work iPad from my bag, a constant companion, I initiated a search for William online. As anticipated, numerous news articles featuring him flooded the results.

Most of the articles revolved around dating scandals, new business partnerships, and the inauguration of various ventures. The dating scandals were to be expected, as William had built a reputation for himself in high school. It was evident that he continued to engage in such games even now.

Curiosity compelled me to click on a link mentioning his company. To my surprise, I discovered that his parents had divorced, and his mother, using her maiden name, had assumed control of Elite Enterprises for a while. Eventually, she transferred all her ownership rights and the companies she owned to her son, William.

The reason I was unaware of William being the CEO of Elite Enterprises became clear. His mother had been running the company last year when I approached them with a deal, unbeknownst to me that she had changed her name.

Switching off the iPad, I cast it aside onto the car seat and gazed out the window. The car gradually halted in front of the mall, prompting me to exit and venture inside.

Navigating my way directly to a boutique I had noticed on the way in, I procured a shopping basket and began aimlessly traversing the aisles. Perfumes and makeup items found their way into the basket without my conscious involvement, as my mind fixated on the endless loop of William's dating scandals.

Lost in my thoughts, I failed to pay attention to the items I intended to purchase. With the basket halfway full, I transitioned to another aisle, taking more items from the shelves.

Unexpectedly, a store assistant obstructed my path, halting my progress.

"Can I assist you with anything else?" she asked, her tone tinged with uncertainty as she observed my overflowing basket.

Narrowing my eyes, I thrust the basket into her hands.

"Hold onto that for me," I curtly instructed, prompting a perplexed frown from her. 

She grasped the basket handle with both hands as I proceeded further down the aisle to gather more items.

Three brimming baskets later, I completed the transaction at the front counter by swiping my card. The cashier regarded me with a mix of puzzlement and tentative satisfaction, uncertain whether to find my impulsive buying spree odd or to rejoice that I had chosen their store for such a lavish expenditure.

Emerging from the store, I found myself laden with shopping bags and decided to call Becky.

"Are you busy?"

"I'm on a cigarette break. What's up?" she replied, and I smiled, aware of her playful banter.

"I'm at the mall. Want to hang out?"

"Firstly, yes, I'll be there in a few minutes. Second, please tell me you're not stress-shopping again?"

I chuckled, made a turn, and headed toward the nearby boba place.

"Yes, I am, and I have a pretty compelling reason to do so. You better hurry up because I have a lot to tell you."

OoO

Ten minutes later, Becky arrived at the boba place. After ordering our drinks, we settled in a secluded booth and I began recounting the events of the day.

As I finished, Becky took a long sip of her taro bubble tea, her eyebrows furrowed in surprise.

"You've got to be kidding me," she exclaimed, her jaw dropping.

I shook my head and reclined in my seat.

"I wish I were kidding."

"William Fontane? The same guy who nearly ruined your entire senior year and led to your transfer to a private school?" She sought confirmation, her face etched with curiosity.

I nodded, having previously divulged the details of my senior year to Becky during an inebriated rooftop conversation about our worst life experiences, three years ago.

"Why now, after all these years? Why would he agree to work with your father, knowing that you two would be crossing paths again, especially considering how much you despise him?" she inquired, her expression reflecting intrigue.

"I'm wondering the same thing. But this time, I hold my father accountable. He approached him and deliberately brought him back into my life."

Becky chuckled, bringing her straw to her lips.

"Well, would he have done the opposite if he knew about your history together?"

"Probably not. Nowadays, it seems like he's taking matters into his own hands regarding anything related to the company just to annoy me. He still treats me like a child, refusing to let me fulfill my responsibilities, all the while fearing that he needs me more than I need him."

"True," she agreed. "Considering everything you've done for the company in Shawn's absence, they can't afford to lose you."

I nodded and sipped my drink in silence. It was undeniable that my father relied on me to keep the company running smoothly, acknowledging my greater expertise compared to Shawn. They couldn't afford to lose me. I was a high priority. So if people expected me to assume the role of CEO, they would have to listen to my directives and adjust to my rules, not my father's or William's.

Once the merger ceremony is done, their presence would no longer be necessary at the company. I'll make sure of that.