As Shawn tossed in bed, he resorted to calling Serenity. He just needed a reprieve. He might find it in Serenity. She had proved capable of that so far.
He got up and dialed her line. He was redirected to the voicemail. It was her voice. “Hey, just drop your message. Prolly busy. Might call you back.”
He smiled. Even her voicemail didn't escape her grimness. What woman could manage to be so cold?
Something must have made her icy.
He tried again and again but the voicemail was the only response that graced his ears. As much as he’d find it provoking that he couldn't reach her, he didn't stop because he’d still hear her voice through the voicemail.
“I must be going mad.” He scoffed at himself, the phone still gripped close to his ears. “How on earth am I so happy about a silly voicemail? I don't even usually like them. Yet, this one…” He couldn't finish his external monologue.
What had Serenity done to him? What witch potion had she used on him to get him this enchanted?
He was never this obsessive. Not with any women. Not even with his own family. Was it her aloofness? What was it about her
Even now, he’d wonder if he was pursuing his mission with Calista more diligently because of Serenity. Because he’d seen that he could make something with her if he tried.
Something real—something right.
Serenity, she felt right. So right.
Since he hated voicemails, he didn't leave a message for Serenity. He only hung up after about twenty-five trials and returned to bed. The mattress felt like a stormy sea beneath him.
His anxieties about the meeting with Calista's parents again gnawed at him, but they were overshadowed by a new and growing concern. Serenity hadn't answered his call.
What could have gone wrong with her? She didn't seem like the type to ignore calls. To ignore his calls.
He replayed the voicemail in his head for the hundredth time. Her voice. How short and forced it was like how her smile always curls. He'd been reckless, and impulsive; indulging in the fleeting comfort of a woman who bore a resemblance to his Calista.
He knew it was wrong, yet the longing for her had been so strong, so overpowering. Now, the weight of his guilt was crushing, and the silence from Serenity amplified it.
It seemed like he was using her as a sanctuary during this emotionally tough time of his. He’d been so good at using people. He’d use Calista.
But then again, this time with Serenity, something was different. He felt it. It was real.
.
Sleep eventually claimed him, but it was a restless one. He knew he’d see her. Calista’s face, stained with tears that he’d inflicted – he saw it over and over again in his dream.
He rose from sleep more than thrice across the night, panting and soaked in sweat. He’d check his air conditioner; it was still functioning. Yet, he felt a lot of waves of heat hit him. This time around, his dream was a little different. This time, he saw Serenity's disappointed smile in his sleep.
As though she saw through him. Saw that he was using her. “I'm not using you, Serenity. I promise.” He muttered to himself.
Even if Serenity wouldn't hear it, the universe should. He returned to sleep after that vow. Ironically, he slept well after.
.
Morning arrived to Shawn’s greatest relief and apprehension. It brought with it a sense of foreboding. Shawn went through the motions of his usual routine; a little workout, eat, bath, get dressed up. All through, his mind was consumed by the upcoming confrontation with Calista's parents.
Landers arrived with the car ready and waiting. “Good morning, Mr. Donnelly.” He greeted. “You forgot your cookies in the car last night. I've had the maids put it in the oven. Probably, you’ll have it when you return after the meeting.”
Firstly, bittersweetly, Shawn scoffed internally. He’d either have the strength to eat anything when he was back or wouldn't. He adjusted his sunglasses. “Morning, Landers. Did you extend my regards to your wife and Olivia?”
“Ah—yes, I did.” Landers smiled as he opened the car’s door for Shawn.
Shawn went in and was barely settled when his phone buzzed. He saw Sunny's contact name flash across the screen. His heart skipped a beat.
"Mr. Donnelly," Sunny's voice crackled over the line. "I have news. Calista's parents are ready to meet you. They're hesitant, of course, given the nature of your request, but they're willing to hear you out."
Would they have given their audiences should they have known that it was him? The one who ruined their daughter’s life and brought about shame and humiliation to them?
Shawn felt a surge of relief mixed with apprehension. "Where are they?" He asked still.
“They've chosen a neutral location," Sunny explained. “They would meet with you anywhere but their homes considering that you are a stranger. Or at least, they think you are.”
Shawn nodded. He understood their condition. “Where is the biggest restaurant close to them situated?”
“That should be The Grand Duchess, the most prestigious restaurant in town,” Sunny replied sharply.
Shawn was impressed by the amount of information Sunny possessed. “Sounds good. Arrange the meeting on there. Send the address to Landers. We are already on our way.”
“Copy that, Mr. Donnelly. I'll do that now!” Sunny enthusiastically replied.
A man of action and swiftness, Shawn thought. However, “Good, Sunny. See you in a few.” He hung up.
Landers drove out of Shawn’s estate. The car journey was filled with a heavy silence. Landers probably had sensed Shawn’s mood as he offered no idle chatter on his end. Shawn was too busy staring as the world sped by through the drive. His mind was entirely somewhere else.
How the meeting would turn out to be.
They finally arrived at the designated location. Sunny was standing right in front of the restaurant. He’d rush to the car as he spotted it from afar. Shawn stepped out to meet him.
“Mr. Donnelly, you're welcome.” Sunny immediately greeted.
Shawn saw high respect for him flicker in Sunny’s eyes. “Thanks, Sunny. You've been doing a good job. Are they inside now?” He asked, pocketing his hands to hide the trembling in them.
“Yes, sir. They have been waiting for about two minutes. You aren't so late.” Sunny replied.
Shawn nodded. “Good. Let's go in.” He said, wondering how he had managed to sound so composed despite his inner turmoil.
Landers offered to wait outside while Sunny escorted Shawn in. As he stepped inside and saw the aging couple sitting casually ahead, Shawn felt the walls in the restaurant closing in on him.
They were drinking lemonade. He prayed they wouldn't spill it on him when they found out who he was. He walked to them regardless. He’d fear but he’d do it. He’d try.
YOU ARE READING
Reunited With The Bad Boy CEO
Romance"I thought what we had was real. I never for once played with the thought that you could be playing me." His hands were running aggressively across his hair. "I was with you for revenge, Shawn. Do you really think you were going to get away with wh...
