hapter 17
Chapter 17
Shawn walked out of the bar after the call from Tracy. The cold air hit him like a splash, making him feel wide awake. Gale, the driver, was there waiting at the entrance, ready to go.
Shawn’d always thought his folks died in a plane crash, but two years back, he found clues that said it wasn’t an accident.
They were tangled up with some big crime group that did all sorts of shady stuff–spying, selling guns, even trading body parts. Shawn worked hard to find out more, and all he got was a clue about the boss, who went by the name Karst. And then, on a trip to Daharam to help Hayden, he found out something crazy–Tracy was in on it.
Shawn had returned from Daharam earlier than expected, and right after, Tracy’s call came through. She said she’d hurt her ankle again and needed to go to the hospital, Shawn was in a tough spot. He couldn’t believe that the girl he cared about might be tangled up in the mystery of his parents‘ death. But he really wanted to know what was true, so he headed over to her place.
When he got there, her ankle was really puffed up, so he rushed her to the hospital. Luckily, the doctor told them it wasn’t something too serious. She just had to take it easy for a bit and let it heal up
In the weeks before the divorce, Shawn was right there for Tracy taking care of her. He helped with her exercises to get better and didn’t miss any of her appointments. With his help, she was getting better quicker than people thought. He tried asking Tracy about someone named Karst, but it looked like she really didn’t know who he was talking about.
The info Shawn got from Daharam had to be right. Either Tracy was a great actor, fooling even him, or she was being honest and didn’t know about Karst. That meant one thing: Karst had been keeping his real identity a secret from everyone, Tracy included
The choice to get a divorce wasn’t sudden. Shawn never really wanted to get married in the first place. And since they didn’t fall in love as much as they’d hoped, maybe it was better to go their separate ways. It could also be a chance for Natalie to live the life she really wanted.
The car rolled up to Tracy’s apartment, but Shawn just sat there, hot quite ready to get out. Gale kept quiet, picking up Shawn’s heavy mood. After a long half–hour, the phone call broke the silence.
“Shawn, you here! My ankle’s really hurting again tonight. Tracy’s voice sounded over the line.
“Got caught up with some work stuff. Can’t make it tonight. We hit the hospital first thing in the morning,” Shawn said, trying to keep his voice even.
“Alright. Just don’t stay out too late, okay? Take care,” she said.
“Sure. Catch up later, Shawn replied before ending the call.
Tracy looked at her phone, feeling a wave of frustration rising up. She was aware that Shawn was meeting Natalie to finalize their divorce today, and she really wanted to talk to him to make sure it was really happening.
Even though she felt angry, she made herself stay cool. She needed to be the kind of person who was understanding and caring, playing the part of the perfect “future wife” for now. She believed that once Shawn and Natalie’s divorce was done. she would be the one to become Mrs. Shawn Guzman.
Shawn leaned back, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “Home, please,” he said to Gale.
Wed, Jan
Chapter 17
Gale nodded, started the car, and they were on their way Home was now the villa he used to share with Tracy. The drive was peaceful, the roads empty, and they pulled up in about thirty minutes.
ML we’re here,” Gale said softly
Shawn opened his eyes, stepped out, and closed the door behind him. “You can go back now. No need to pick me up
Tomorrow,
“Understood. Mr. Guzman, Gale replied.
Pushing open the door to the villa, Shawn was hit with a wave of darkness. There was no sign of Natalie moving around, no comforting smells of dinner cooking. The dining table was empty, and it was clear she’d gone back to her hometown. A pang of sadness hit him as he made his way to his room, thicking on the light. The sudden brightness stung his eyes.
Sitting on the bed, he could almost feel Natalie’s presence still there. He opened the closet and looked at the clothes that hadn’t been touched for a long time. It felt like something was missing, but everything was still there. Natalie had only taken her favorite pieces with her.
He grabbed a pair of pajamas and headed for the bathroom, but then he noticed her pink toothbrush holder was gone. Her towel was missing too. A toothbrush was left lonely in the trash, stark reminder of his own solitude. A bitter smile flickered across his face.
After a quick shower, Shawn went to his study, He needed to get away from the heavy silence of his room. There, he saw the gard he’d given Natalie, lying quietly on the desk next to his long lost watch. He’d looked everywhere for it but never thought he’d find it here.
In a moment of weakness, he picked up his phone, wondering why Natalie hadn’t taken the bank card. Ignoring the late hour, he dialed her number, feeling like he had a reason to call. The phone rang a few times, and just as he was about to give up, she answered
“Hello, Shawn.” Natalie’s voice came through the phone, calm as she settled into her temporary place after her flight. She had plans to find a more permanent place to stay the next day.
“It’s me. Why didn’t you take your bank card with you?” Shawn asked.
I told you before, I don’t need you to pay me for anything. I took out 30 thousand dollars as a loan: I’ll pay you back when I can,” she said.
Shawn was firm on his stance, wanting to give Natalie the money as a way to ease the guilt that weighed on him. “You don’t need to pay me back. Just send me your card number, and I’ll transfer the money to you,” he said.
“Honestly, Shawn, it’s all good, Natalie said. Thanks for everything these past three years. You and Grandpa Henry, your both took care of me. I didn’t get to say goodbye to him face to face, so could you pass on my message when you see him?
“Your hometown isn’t far from Janisburg. Even though we’re diverced, you can still come to visit Grandpa, Shawn offered.
Tm afraid I might get too caught up and won’t find the time. So, please just pass on my message to Grandpa Henry for me,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant, hoping her tone didn’t give her away.
“Did you really make it home?” Shawn questioned, sensing something was amiss after seeing her earlier today at the city hall
“Yeah, I’m back. Everything is fine, Natalie said, her heart pounding. It was the first time she had lied to Shawn, and though she was anxious, it seemed he didn’t suspect a thing.
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19.19 Wed, Jan 29 u GG.
Chapter 17
Why’d you have my watch!” Shawn suddenly asked.
“Shawn, let’s just cut off contact. Let’s start fresh, Natalie replied, avoiding the question.
F
“But why?” Shawn pressed, battled. ‘A divorce doesn’t have to men complete disconnection, does it? he thought.
“Cause, you know, if you’re with Ms. Grant and she finds out you’ve been in touch with me, she might get upset, Natalie explained. “Girls can be pretty sensitive about their guys talking to their exes. And the watch–it was from her. I just forgot to give it back to you, that’s all”
The quiet between them was heavy, and Shawn was at a loss for words. So, she already knew about me and Tracy, he thought.
“Thanks, Shawn” Natalie said softly, her voice carrying a deep appreciation for the things that really mattered in life.
“Did you ever get hung up on stuff like this before?” Shawn asked
“What?” Natalie replied, her confusion clear.
“Nothing, just rest up,” Shawn said quickly, trying to brush off the question. But if only he’d known that this would be the last time they’d speak for the next five years, he would have held on to the call
“Alright, Shawn. Goodbye,” Natalie whispered, knowing it might be the last time for them to talk.
“Goodbye,” Shawn echoed. After the call ended, he held the watch in his hand, his mind wandering. Then, he turned and walked back t
