Chapter 4. Haunted by the Past

Shantelle's POV

After work, Vienne called me and requested that we go home together.

I usually stayed at the office for thirty minutes or more, but she asked me to take her somewhere. 

She appeared to be close to the building.

Vienne was already standing beside my car when I arrived at the parking lot. 

I didn't want to buy anything unnecessary, such as this car, but it was convenient for work and easy to get to.

"What brings you here?" I asked her as I was about to take a step back. 

The university where she was studying was a long distance away.

"My friends and I went to the newly opened bake shop in this neighborhood. We tried it because someone said their pastries were good." She responded.

"And it turned out to be ideal. I purchased some for the three of you,” she explained as she held up the box she was holding.

When we arrived home, Aunt Trina greeted us, and I noticed that Cristopher had not yet arrived.

"Auntie, I'll be in my room for the time being. I need to go over something, please notify me when dinner is ready.” She nodded as I told her.

"By the way, Vienne, remember to call your brother. Inquire if he will be joining us for dinner. If not, inquire as to when he will return."

"Yes madame," she said without looking at me.

I went upstairs to change my clothes first, but I saw my bed and felt compelled to lie down on it, so I did.

When everything fell silent, guilt began to surface again.

My conscience was devouring me. 

That night, after talking with Lance last week, I went looking for information about Gavin. 

I avoided getting involved with him and kept searching for him to find out what had happened to his life.

He is not a private person, so I was able to learn everything I needed to know. 

Because the bride cancelled their wedding, their company severed ties with one another.

It had little impact on their business and caused a stir in their reputation, but it had a significant impact on Gavin. 

He remained single after that incident and was dubbed a Casanova. 

Many women were connected to him, but he never committed to any of them.

What if I don't take the job from Peighton back then? Maybe they already have a child now, and maybe I'm already gone.

I didn't realize I'd gone too far, but I couldn't help myself because I was desperate at the time. 

When someone was on the verge of death, I believe they would do the same thing I did. 

I desired to live. 

It may appear to be a selfish act, but I was thinking about my siblings at the time.

What would happen to my younger sister and brother if I died? 

Aunt Trina struggled to support her own needs, so it would be difficult for her to support my siblings too.

I don't want her to bear the entire burden.

All of these thoughts will remain in the back of my mind. 

Also, I don't want my family to be concerned about me, and I should be the only one who suffers as a result of this sin. 

The burden was and will remain solely mine.

‘But I wish, I had other choice back then.’

When I heard my phone ring, I opened my eyes. 

My brain was fully awake, so I didn't know if I'd fallen asleep.

"What are you doing that you can't even answer the phone?" 

My friend Dani nagged at me.

"Are you sleeping?" I inquired.

"And you're not even certain? Come on, get dressed up because we're going to a party. I'll pick you up, and I'm already on my way."

"I'm preoccupied. Invite someone who will accompany you," I responded directly.

"You're always on the go, so relax. You should unwind every now and then. I'll see you in fifteen or maybe ten minutes! Bye!" She then hung up.

I stood up because I had no choice but to comply with her wishes. 

If I declined, she would bug me. 

But perhaps she was correct. I should unwind, unwind, and have some fun.

I looked for a dress in my wardrobe, but I didn't have much, so I just chose whatever I saw first. 

I don't want to spend money on clothes I won't wear. 

It would be a complete waste of money.

I took a bath to refresh myself and put on light makeup like I always did before going to work or anywhere else. 

It took me some time to prepare because it was just a regular night party that Dani always went to.

When I looked in the mirror, I thought I looked pretty good. 

I went downstairs right away because I heard a familiar voice and could hear their laughter from my room.

Then I noticed Dani conversing with them. 

She was easygoing and had a great sense of humor, so she could easily get close to anyone she wanted. 

She was popular and sat across from mine and Cara.

"Shantelle, what are you wearing?" Dani laughed hysterically, but I just shrugged.

"We're not going to an amusement park; we're going to a night out," she added.

I was dressed in a cream casual dress with two-inch heels. 

My hair was tied-up just like always.

"What's the problem? Let's just go, already," I said this while attempting to drag her out of the house.

"No, you can't wear that," she said emphatically.

"I've come prepared, and I've purchased a dress for you. Don't worry, it's completely free. Let us proceed to your room, shall we?" She motioned to them and drew me into my room.

"No, let’s just go ahead. We’re going to be late?" I inquired of her.

"The party began an hour ago, but the real party begins later in the evening, so it's fine. Allow us to take our time," She said this and began to assist me.

I internally groaned when I saw the dress she gave me because it was too revealing, but I didn't complain because we wouldn't be able to leave the room until I wore it or changed into a dress she approved of.

"See, you're not only beautiful in your dress, but you're also sexy," she said, staring at me from head to toe.

I wore a brown satin backless gown. 

Its color was a perfect match for my white skin, and I could say that every dress Dani gave me fit me perfectly. 

My skin was simply too exposed. It was above the knee and had a slit in the back of my left thigh.

"Let me curl your hair for a change, and here are your stilettos to match your outfit. Then we're finished. I'm sure men will be swooning over you." She said this while untying my hair.

"I don't understand. Why weren't you interested in men? Those who had previously pursued you were all turned down."

"All I want to do is focus on my business and my family."

"Because your company is doing well, you should take a break. You are no longer a teen. Enjoy your life as a twenty-eight-year-old lady."

"Okay, I get it. You don't have to say it all over again."

We said our goodbyes to my family and left after she finished my hair.

The neon light blinded me as we entered the Club. 

The place was packed with people I didn't even know and loud music. 

Dani stated that the entire area had been reserved and that only a few people had been invited, but the word "few" was an understatement.

"Remember, you're here to have fun, and you should be able to find a man and get laid by the end of the night," she screamed. 

Fortunately, everyone was preoccupied with their own affairs.

"My dear, you should not die a virgin. You may have regrets."

She chuckled as she said this. I just gave her a sidelong glance.

"Let's find a spot and get something to drink."

Dani introduced me to some of her friends once we were settled. 

Dani was dragged by a stranger, but that was okay because I wasn't alone. Cassy, the girl on my right side, was a non-party-goer like me, so as time passed, I became more at ease in my seat. 

I was having a pleasant conversation with her when my gaze was drawn to the man I had run away from.

Gavin appeared, his features rough and his jaw more refined than ever. 

He appeared more mature, but I couldn't forget those blue eyes that were filled with confusion that day, but now they were blank and devoid of emotion.

The world was indeed too small. 

I was able to meet him earlier than I had anticipated.

I averted my gaze, but he did not. 

From where I was sitting, I could feel his intense gaze.

When I looked back at him, his seat was empty. And when I saw him approaching me, I panicked. 

I stood up abruptly to leave so he wouldn't find me.

'I should have left the moment I saw him,' I reasoned. It was difficult for me to leave because there were so many people.

Someone grabbed my waist as I was walking to the exit. I didn't need to see who it was because I knew it was him.

I tried to push Gavin off the dance floor, but he wouldn't budge.

"Wow, it feels great. I finally found you," he said softly into my ears. 

His voice was so sensual that just hearing him speak made me shiver.

He was behind my back and began to sway our bodies to the beat of the music. 

I was still trying to get away from him, and he was doing everything he could to keep me close.

"So, tell me, miss? How are you doing? How's our little one doing? Our baby?"

He made fun of me. His hand wrapped around my waist, attempting to provoke me.

I remained silent and did not allow myself to be provoked by what he said or did.

"I know you're smart enough, and you probably realize you won't be able to get away from now on."

When Gavin said that, I turned around and stared him down. I looked at him to show that I was unconcerned about his threat.

When he finally let go of my hand, I bolted and didn't look back.

I knew my life would be turned upside down the moment our paths finally crossed.

Maybe I should have gone to the doctor the next day? 

I've been feeling ill lately. Is it possible that cancer cells have returned, or am I simply bothered by Gavin's presence?