Chapter 3. A New Life

Shantelle's POV

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, Cristopher, 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.