BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 22

•SHELBY•

This battle was destined for defeat, and everything seemed to be spiraling out of control. There was no way out of this situation, and I felt trapped in the midst of it all.

The only thing I looked forward to was the merger ceremony next Thursday. Once I signed the merging deed, I would remove this ring from my finger, no matter the obstacles.

Folding the last set of clothes and arranging them neatly inside my suitcase, I sat on the bed and let out a heavy sigh.

After a heated argument with my father at work, after he suggested that I move in with William, I returned home with no intention of staying back to work.

This situation was getting out of hand. The idea of living under the same roof with William was preposterous. It had never crossed my mind, and I couldn't fathom the thought.

No way! Not in a million years.

However, it wasn't my choice to make. Although I noticed William was also hesitant about my father's suggestion, he failed to propose an alternative solution, leaving my father to make the decision. This was the result when you let someone else have the upper hand.

Angry tears welled up in my eyes, and I clenched the bedsheets, realizing I was completely trapped. Everything was happening too fast, suffocating me, dictating my life, and robbing me of the chance to make my own decisions.

When I took over Shawn's position in the company, I knew this would be a disadvantage, but my excitement overshadowed any concerns. I didn't pay much attention to my father's power to take everything away from me; I was convinced I would find a way to keep him from controlling my life.

I was obviously wrong. If only I had figured out how to assert myself long ago, I wouldn't be packing my things to move to William's house.

A movement at the doorway caught my attention. I looked up to see Shanelle standing there, and I quickly wiped away my tears, trying to compose myself.

"Is Adam here yet?" I asked her, avoiding eye contact as I continued packing.

"Yeah, he's waiting downstairs for you."

"Good. I'll be done in a minute."

She seemed to linger, but I didn't want to talk to her. 

"It's only temporary, Shelby. The merger ceremony is just next week, and this will all be over before you know it," Shanelle offered reassurance.

"I know," I retorted, my emotions still raw.

"I'm just trying to make you feel better," she replied in a soft voice.

"You don't have to. I don't need your pity or anyone else's. None of you can actually help. Just focus on your own life; After all, you're the lucky one who got away from all of this," I snapped.

"You should've chosen a different career path, then Dad would've left you alone." She responded with a hard tone.

I laughed sarcastically.

"You think just because you're not doing anything for the family business, our parents are not bothered to know what you're up to?" I question her with a sharp tone. 

 I lift my suitcase down on the floor and pull up the handle and walked towards her, while pulling the suitcase behind me. She looked confused and I couldn't help but smirk.

"Who do you think is behind all the sponsorship for those fashion shows you've been to? Who do you think is funding those promotional brands for your photoshoots? Don't get too comfortable, Shanelle. They're not bothered with you because you're not capable enough to meet their expectations. But don't worry, you won't be in my shoes."

I brushed past her, feeling guilty for my harsh words, and went downstairs to leave with Adam. As we drove to William's house, I tried to convince myself that this arrangement was temporary, and I would return home after a week.

Arriving at a gated community, I gazed at the luxurious mansions. William's house was another impressive mansion with a grand fountain outside.

I stepped out of the car, surprised that William owned such a lavish house. He greeted us, still in his work attire, and I assumed he had just come back from the office.

"Glad you didn't get lost around the neighborhood. It's quite a big area," he teased, nodding at Adam.

"There's a thing called GPS," I replied, trying to hide my surprise at his ownership of the house.

"Right. Anyway, welcome to our temporary home," he said with a playful smile.

He opened his arms in a welcoming gesture, and I raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"This is really your place?"

William shook his head with a smirk. 

"Not really. I just bought it a few hours ago. Figured it would add to the charade of a happily engaged couple living here."

Hiding my surprise at his recent purchase, I replied with a nonchalant "Hmm."

He quickly glanced back at the house and then back at me when he noticed my expression. 

 "What? You don't think it's enough? Then would you prefer moving in with me to my bachelor pad instead?"

"Hard pass. I don't want to be mistaken as one of your bimbos or regular escorts," I retorted, and he smirked in response.

Ignoring his playful banter, I entered the house and found myself in awe of its grandeur. William appeared next to me, and I took a step back, cautious of his presence.

"I haven't hired any house staff yet, but James is handling it. They should be here by tomorrow. I've already toured the house, so do you want me to show you your room?"

With a shrug, I replied, "Sure," as he led the way up the magnificent staircase.

Upon reaching the third floor, I surmised that this was a four-story mansion. Curiosity piqued, I asked him how he managed to acquire the house.

"I didn't. James did," he answered.

"Is James always the one doing things like this for you?"

William stopped in front of a closed bedroom door, turning to face me. 

"He's my assistant for a reason, isn't he?"

He opened the door, revealing a lovely room with a king-sized bed and a walk-in closet with its own bathroom.

"This will be your room. My room is just down the hallway, not that you'll need anything, but I thought you should know."

I stepped into the room, pleasantly surprised by its comfort. Turning to face William again, I held the door handle.

"I have no appetite for dinner, so don't bother me. If there's anything important, you can tell me tomorrow. For now, leave me be."

With that, I closed the door, seeking some much-needed space to adjust to this new chapter of my life.