Chapter 5

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.

Shantelle

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.