Restored bonds
As Shawn turned the doorknob of the next door, relief washed over him as he spotted his wife, Mia.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Mia!” His heart raced as he hurried into the room.
There she lay, lifeless on the ground, her hair disheveled and covering her face.
“Baby,” Shawn gently shook her, pulling her close and tucking her fallen strands behind her ear.
Upon seeing her tear-stained face, his heart twisted. The girl’s eyes were red, and her puffy cheeks revealed she had been crying for quite some time.
Without hesitation, he embraced her tightly. “I’m so sorry, Little One. It’s my fault.”
Mia clung to her husband, gripping his back as her tears flowed. She wept until she could weep no more.
After regaining composure, she whispered in a raspy breath, “I thought you weren’t going to come.”
“I’ll always come for you, my baby,” Shawn reassured, kissing her hair. “I’m deeply sorry. This will never happen again. I promise.”
With care, he lifted her into his arms. Exiting the warehouse, his men gladly cleared the path, their hearts lifted at the sight of their madam.
Jasper sighed in relief, tears welling in his eyes. The thought of harm befalling the madam shook him to the core. If anything had happened to her…
As CEO Shawn stepped outside, cradling his wife toward the awaiting vehicles, he spotted a girl hurrying toward them from a distance.
“Mia!” Tears streamed down Vivian’s face as she hurried out of the car to her sister’s side, oblivious to everyone around.
Her focus solely on Mia, she anxiously asked, “Are you alright? Are you sick? Are you hurt anywhere?” The questions rushed out without a pause.
Mia managed a weak smile and extended her hand. “I’m fine, Vivian.”
Vivian gently squeezed her hand, relief evident in her smile.
“I’m so-” Vivian started, but her words were cut off by a stern, authoritative voice.
“She can’t talk for now,” Shawn interjected sharply.
It was only then that Vivian realized she stood before Shawn Mandez, the CEO of Beats Corporations.
Eyes widened, she quickly bowed, but the man brushed past her, continuing with his long strides.
Vivian observed the formidable man’s departing figure, her face devoid of expression.
Shawn carefully placed Mia in the vehicle, getting in beside her. However, he stopped in his tracks and turned to his wife’s half-sister.
Pressing his lips into a thin line, he muttered, “Ride with us.”
Without waiting, he entered the car.
Vivian was momentarily surprised but quickly moved over and joined the CEO’s vehicle, while one of his men took charge of her own car.
Just like that, the convoy made their way out of the area.
The journey back to Magnificent was marked by an uncomfortable silence for Vivian.
As the moments passed, the realization of sharing the space with Shawn Mandez intensified her discomfort. Yet, her concern for her sister took precedence, diverting her attention from the uneasy atmosphere.
Mia must have been deeply affected… Guilt weighed heavily on Vivian’s mind.
The vehicles smoothly pulled into the residence, the one the CEO and his wife were in, coming to a stop just a few feet from the main door that led into the house.
Shawn carried Mia inside immediately after the car door was opened, and Vivian followed suit, finding it challenging to resist admiring the grandeur of the mansion.
The opulence surpassed even her father’s estate. Had Mia been living here all along? How great for her! Vivian couldn’t help but marvel, her eyes dancing around.
Upon entering the lounge, Jennifer, who had been pacing impatiently in the doorway, quickly glanced at Mia in Shawn’s arms. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away, making room for their passage.
“She’s okay,” Shawn assured, moving past his mother and heading up the stairs.
He knew the woman was worried about his wife.
Vivian hesitated in the lounge-she couldn’t possibly keep following-, but Shawn’s directive had her promptly resume following behind. “Come with me.”
As the trio disappeared the corner of the staircase, Jennifer sighed in relief, sinking into a chair. Although grateful that the girl was safe, guilt prevented her from directly inquiring about her well-being.
She swallowed uneasily, silently thanking the heavens for the girl’s safety.
In the bedroom, Shawn carried his wife to the bathroom for a thorough bath, while Vivian stood in place, surveying the room with utmost keenness.
Shortly after, the couple returned, and Shawn carefully guided Mia to the bed, ensuring she took her medicine. On the side, Vivian observed his every gentle move with her sister.
“Vivian, come sit,” Mia gestured to a spot on the bed, and hesitantly, Vivian joined her.
On the other hand, Shawn went over to the room’s mini lounge, retrieving his laptop from the table. Rather than retreating to his study, he chose to keep a close eye on his wife by staying here to work, not wanting her out of his sight for even a moment.
“How are you feeling now?” Vivian asked in a hushed tone, placing her hand on Mia’s forehead.
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
Mia nodded in affirmation, but after a short while, tears welled up in Vivian’s eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Mia grew concerned upon noticing the girls’s sour expression.
“I’m so, so, so sorry, Mia.” Vivian’s voice quivered. “M-m-m-m-my mom… d-d-did this to you-” She sobbed uncontrollably, struggling with her words.
“I had no idea; please forgive her, forgive me, forgive us. She did it because of me… because I-” Tears streamed down both sides of her face.
“I know you hate us… you deserve to. We intruded into your home and took over, and my mom has been nothing but mean to you ever since… I’m so sorry for everything, Mia. Please, forgive us.”
Throughout, Mia observed her sister in silence, tears welling in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she forced out a smile, “It’s okay, Vivian. I don’t hate you-neither of you. You’re family to me-you’re my family. It’s fine. Sincerely.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” she nodded.
“Thank youuu.”
The sisters embraced tightly, shedding tears into each other’s shoulders.
On the other side of the bedroom, the CEO stayed focused on the laptop, yet his ears picked up the sisters’ conversation. And when they started crying in unison…
He clicked his tongue inaudibly, thinking, “She isn’t supposed to be crying. She should be resting…” He was at a loss for words concerning his wife right now.