Whiter

Part 12's

A long silence came from Jared while listening to what his wife had to say. The sight made Shannon's heart melt. What did Olivia say until Jared looked worried like that? And one more thing, the woman could disturb the comfortable atmosphere that has been built between her and Jared now!

Shannon folded her hands on the table while looking seriously at the man before her. Since then Jared only answered 'Yes' and 'Where?' until finally the call ends with the phrase, "Yes, I'll be there soon."

Jared put his phone in its original place then looked at Shanon with an unreadable expression. At a time like this, Shanon wished he could read Jared's mind, only Jared could.

"Something happened?"

Jared nodded. "I have to go now." He called the waiter and paid for the entire order.

Everything went back to the way it was when they both felt like strangers. Shanon could only freeze as if his voice and mind had been completely snatched away by the Creator.

"Thanks for helping me earlier" Jared told Shanon after a long awkwardness.  "I've got to go now."

Shanon raised his hand with a faint smile and stared at Jared's hasty departure.

Again.

Again he must feel the feeling of being a worthless person.

A stranger.

People who are not important.

Shanon tightened his fist. Now he can return to work and his long plan must be completed with the shortest time possible.

Jared arrives at the hospital Olivia mentioned earlier. In front of the waiting room his wife was already standing with a panicked face. With long steps he approached Olivia.

"How's the condition?" ask without further ado.

Olivia took a deep breath when she heard her husband's voice. "Oh Jared, you're here." Without answering, he hugged her. "I'm so scared."

Jared hugged Olivia so briefly before taking off his wife's tight hug. "How's Davin doing?"

"He's being examined by a doctor. His body temperature was suddenly very high." Olivia plays her fingers with an anxiety-filled gesture. Jared slowly squeezed his wife's shoulder and stared at the door of the check room.

"Calm down. We wait for the doctor's explanation."

Olivia nodded then sat down in the waiting chair. They sat there in silence. Shortly after, the doctor came out.

"How's my son doc?" ask Olivia in a hurry.

"Your son is fine. His fever was indeed quite high but due to his quick and proper handling, he would recover soon. Patients are recommended to be treated here for a few days sir, ma'am."

"Yes, we don't mind, doc" replied Jared.

Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you doc" said Jared with a grateful look.

As the doctor approaches, Jared faces Olivia with his eyebrows clashed. "You didn't know the symptoms from the start?"

Olivia shook her head full of regret. "For two days there was a charity event for the children in the orphanage. I was involved there to the point of not paying attention to Davin's health. I'm sorry."

Jared did not comment much. He simply said, "Consider your health and Davin's. Whatever you do out there won't be of any use if one of you gets sick."

Olivia's down. "I understand. I'm sorry."

Jared rubbed his wife's hair slowly before entering Davin's ward.

All night Jared looked after his son without complaining. One of the most precious things in his life was his son. If Davin was sick even a little, he would be upset all day, so Davin's health was a priority for him. Now he has even made the decision to replace the baby sitter who previously guarded Davin. The woman seemed to be lazing around until something like this could happen.

Jared turned his head towards the sofa where Olivia slept an hour ago. His wife is a kind, caring woman, not only for her family but also for others out there who are less fortunate. He feels bad whenever he gets angry at Olivia for having too much activity outside the house. He knew his wife was doing a good thing, but how else? Jared himself worked hard to make a living as well as keeping the company. He will not be able to become the company leader, husband, father also doubles as a mother at the same time. That's why she needs Olivia to take care of the household life, not need to do many things, being a good mother for Davin is more than enough.

He sighed while rubbing his face. His eyes showed no sign of being closed to sleep any time soon while the clock was already showing at 1:20 in the morning. Suddenly his phone vibrated signaling a single incoming message on his backup phone. Not many people know this one number, nor is it the time for someone like a coworker to send a message. Jared gets a hunch that it was Shannon who sent the message.

Justright.

The number he named the receptionist appeared there.

You okay?

Jared frowning. Is Shanon worried about her? Why isn't he sleeping?

I'm okay.

Good though. I was so worried I had trouble sleeping.

Jared gave a small smile as he read Shanon's reply. This woman was worried about things unrelated to her. I don't know why Jared feels this is a little funny. Shaking his head, he replied. At least he should behave normally. Keep it simple.

Now you know. Go to bed's.

Good night :)

Jared took a deep breath and then kept his phone.

"You haven't slept?" the sound surprised him a little. Jared turned around and saw Olivia rubbing her eyes.

"Why are you awake?"

Olivia smiled a little. "I realized my husband never rested so I woke up."

"Rest. I'll be asleep soon."

Olivia nodded and then re-engaged with her blanket. Jared felt strange every time he faced Olivia. They had lived together long enough but the attachment still could not be felt. Jared feels weird. Even after Davin's presence he was still uncomfortable with his own wife. Everything feels awkward.

His thoughts were directly directed at Shanon. The woman had been stealing his attention since the first time he met her. Jared could feel a bond he never felt with Olivia. Could he never fall in love with his wife? Or does the love for his wife fade with time?

Jared ruffled his hair as he began to feel fatigue. How surprising when Shanon sent a message he immediately felt calm. From the beginning he knew Shanon was giving him something he had never felt. That's why he avoided. Then how now? Shannon was getting close to him.

That kiss.

Yep. A kiss that he could not believe took place in his own office, done together with his subordinates as well. Shanon is desperate to do something Jared never imagined would happen in his life. His heroic actions this afternoon also proved how tough and brave the woman was.

He shook. All of this is based on admiration.

He was amazed at someone, that's all.

Shanon started his day with excitement. Yesterday Jared replied to his message for the first time. That guy is still hard to guess. I don't know what happened yesterday. Jared did not share his personal problems easily. But at least he knew Jared was okay.

"Good morning, Jim!" greet Shanon with a strong voice.

"Morning, Shanon." Jimmy watched Shanon for quite a while. "Are you finally back to work?"

Shanon. "Why? You mind?"

Jimmy laughs. "That's right! Now at least I have a bodyguard to greet the director every morning."

Shanon laughed amusedly then walked in to greet the table he had left behind for a few days. He smiled and kissed and stroked his desk.

"Good morning very nice work. I miss you guys."

Amidst the action stroking his work desk, the sedan car that he had actually been waiting for appeared before his eyes. Shanon rushed towards the door while tidying himself up. He put on a big smile and stood up straight beside Jimmy.

"Let me open the door, Jim," Shanon pinta in a super-excited tone.

Jimmy could only laugh a little while rolling his eyes. "Like I got in your way!"

Jared appeared in a charming suit as usual. For a few seconds Shanon was blown away. If it wasn't for Jimmy's arm, he wouldn't have opened that door. Nervous, he pulls the door and bends down with Jimmy.

"Good morning Mr. Jared," he said in a cheerful voice.

"Good morning," replied Jared who made Shanon turn and straighten his body for a moment. He looked at Jared waltzing away without looking at him.

His body stiffened as it spun towards Jimmy. "Jim, did I hear wrong?"

Jimmy shook his head. "The director replied to you for the first time."

"Gruh!!!" shanon shouted holding both of his cheeks. "Gruh!!!"

"Come on. That's just a casual greeting" said Jimmy, trying to ruin Shanon's mood in his own unique way.

"Huhuah!!" that's just the line that Shanon said from then on until Jimmy couldn't help but stand next to the woman any longer.

"You need a psychiatrist" he murmured with laughter and then left.

Shanon was still holding onto his heated cheek. His eyes flickered in disbelief from earlier. Did Jared really say that? Did ya? Is that a sign that he has opened up? Oh God! How precious this moment is.

Soon Shanon stepped behind the reception desk, picked up his phone and typed with a smile on his lips.

My day starts off beautifully when you're being friendly like this, boss. Thanks though. Have a good day!

Shannon boldly sent the message and then hopped over with excitement. He closed his eyes and laughed with excitement.

Just a little thing. It's just a small thing but you can shake my world, Jared.

How can I leave you when this much happiness has the potential to be present continuously in the future?

Impossible.

I didn't pay you

to chatter constantly

continuous. Back work.

Reading the reply instead boosts Shanon's spirit to tease Jared.

All right, Mr. Director

the chatty. I will think of your kindness this morning while working hard. Think of me. I'll let you. :D

After sending him off, Shanon is convinced that Jared will not return the favor. The man was still closing himself to the temptations he was waging. Let it. At least the friendship rope began to intertwine. Shannon would not waste the chances given to her. One thing he will do regularly from now on is to send Jared a message that might be able to comfort him in a tired time. Shanon nodded confidently. A lunch offer together might not bother you. He laughed then began to check the pile of work on his desk.

On the other hand Jared read a message from Shanon. A small smile rose on his lips. His hand squeezed the phone softly as he suddenly felt his whole body warm. The warmth made him excited.

That woman is dangerous.