Chereads / Last Mission ABO Dimension. / Chapter 66 - Intertwined Destinies: Shadows of the Past, 66.

Chapter 66 - Intertwined Destinies: Shadows of the Past, 66.

Behind the scenes of Callum Campbell's hectic life, Jules Saunders played the crucial role of his third assistant, responsible for managing his social and business agenda. During this time, he maintained a close relationship with Maxime Baynes, Clarice Phillips's astute assistant, who moved like a key player in a game of intrigue, always trying to schedule the same meetings for the couple.

However, with the end of Callum and Clarice's relationship, Jules, driven by ambition, begins to provide crucial details of Callum's life to Maxime. She, in turn, used this information to keep Clarice updated on her ex-fiancé's every move.

[Callum's Programming Day:]

Callum managed his day with absurd efforts and attended an Extraordinary General Assembly.

Campbell Petroleum Exploration and Production Logistics Fiscal Council Meeting.

Meeting to discuss the hiring of auditing firms for next year's fiscal year.

In its last meeting, it dealt with consolidations and consolidated the jurisprudence that alleged, in the negotiations, agreements that were deleterious to the effective participation in results and profits.

He scheduled his work schedule for two days, as he assumed Aster would accompany him on his trip.

Alphas and omegas share a need for strong belonging, that is, to be linked.

Pheromones, in sexual intimacy (and sometimes just in sexual intercourse). They often bind partners, whether they want to or not.

It is not the intention or the choice that establishes the bond, but the physical act itself.

However, it bothered Callum that Aster only gives in to the desire, appearing stronger; and for Callum he is the one who desires it, seeming needy and demanding.

Though her appearance is angelic and her soft words let the delicacy shine through. But his gestures are restrained and his answers are always well-placed.

However, he felt that Aster was surrendering to him. In his eyes, there was determination and a certain coldness that was fading. He smiled contemptuously as he realized that Aster had the upper hand in the relationship because the one who gives in is superior to the one he wants.

***

Upon receiving the news, days before Callum's business trip, Jules did not hesitate to share the information with Maxime, who saw it as an opportunity to rekindle old sentimental flames and, at the same time, obtain benefits for his interests. "If Jules could help in the conspiracy to bring Callum Campbell and Clarice Phillips back together, he would be assured."

Maxime, armed with Jules' inside information, carefully crafted a message for Clarice, suggesting that she might accidentally run into Callum during an executive lunch at the hotel's exclusive restaurant, which was virtually closed for the occasion. This calculated provocation was the impetus needed to arouse Clarice's curiosity and interest.

So, on the day of Clarice's arrival at the hotel, driven by a mixture of nostalgia and strategic goals, she decided to make an unscheduled visit to the refined restaurant. With her loose blonde hair dancing in the wind, a romantic dress that enhanced her elegance, and a beautiful smile lighting up her face, Clarice entered the subtly lit environment, immediately capturing the attention of everyone around. Oblivious to the fact that every step was being orchestrated behind the scenes by unseen hands, she became the embodiment of the unexpected, turning that encounter into headlines that would echo in the tabloids and social media.

The restaurant was imbued with an elegant atmosphere, where the aroma of success mixed with the subtle perfume of the strategically arranged food. Callum Campbell waited in the opulence of the place, unaware of the subtle game that was about to begin.

He was accompanied by three assistant executives, and there were a lot of documents to go through, so he rescheduled his appointment; so he could return as soon as possible to Aster.

When he caught sight of Clarice, his eyes narrowed. Callum noticed that she looked light and happy when she saw him.

Callum: Surprised to see you here. How are you, Clarice? Her eyes light up momentarily with a mixture of shock and recognition, while her lips form a restrained smile.

Clarice: Hi, Callum. I'm fine, thank you. What about you? A nostalgic sparkle dances in her blue eyes, and her smile is warm, revealing a mix of emotions.

Callum: Well, keeping me busy with business, as always. He maintains a serious expression, but his eyes convey a certain melancholy as he recalls the past.

Clarice: I remember when we used to make plans together. Things have changed quite a bit since then. She lets out a soft sigh as if mentally reviewing the pages of an old book.

Callum: Actually, they have. But looking back, I think we made the right choice. He looks away for a moment as if contemplating the different directions their lives have taken.

Clarice: Yes, separate ways. But I was thinking, maybe it's good to reminisce about the old days. Her eyes light up with a hint of longing, and she adjusts her loose blonde hair with a casual gesture.

Callum: Reminiscing can be good, as long as you don't open up old plans that never worked. His gaze meets hers, conveying a mixture of understanding and caution.

Clarice: I see. I'm not here to relive the past, just to wish you the best. She offers a soft smile, seeking to maintain lightness in the conversation.

Callum: I appreciate that, Clarice. And I wish the same for you. His tone is sincere, a genuine appreciation for her concern.

Clarice: Who knows, at some point, we can share a calmer conversation. She tilts her head slightly, hinting at the possibility of a friendly reunion.

Callum: He smiles in a friendly way as if he recognizes the irony in the twists and turns that life takes.

Clarice: I hope you don't mind, but I was thinking of joining you for lunch. We're friends, after all, and I don't think your omega will mind. She winked in a friendly manner as if they were resuming an unfinished conversation.

Callum, taken aback by the proposal, considered for a moment before agreeing to a nod.

Callum: Why not? It will be good to kill the nostalgia and remember the old days.

Clarice: Great! - She expressed genuine joy. - I hope we can introduce ourselves soon, you know I wish you the best. She left the sentence in the air, loading it with a meaning that went beyond words.

Callum nodded gratefully, acknowledging the depth behind Clarice's words.

At the end of the supposedly unexpected encounter at the restaurant, Clarice, with a beaming smile, surprises Callum with her words:

Clarice: Callum, I'm genuinely happy for you and your new relationship. Seeing you with one person to start your family with is comforting. Her blue eyes sparkled with sincerity, and the smile on her lips reflected acceptance and joy.

Callum, surprised by Clarice's maturity and understanding, sincerely thanks:

Callum: Clarice, I appreciate your words very much. It means a lot to me that you are happy for us.

However, before they say goodbye, Callum, with a thoughtful expression, makes an unexpected suggestion:

Callum: You know, Clarice, I'd like to invite you and Aster to dinner. How about tonight at the hotel? I would love to introduce Aster to such a special friend.

Clarice, surprised but decided, takes a moment to absorb the proposal before responding confidently:

Clarice: Tonight? Of course, Callum, I accept the invitation. It will be a pleasure to meet Aster and share a friendly moment.

Callum, pleased with the acceptance, proposes the time and place, suggesting a meeting that reflects the new phase of their lives:

Callum: Great! We will schedule it for 9 pm at the hotel restaurant. It will be a nice dinner, I'm sure.

Clarice, with a determined smile, agrees:

Clarice: I'll be present, Callum. See you tonight

As they leave the restaurant, Callum and Clarice come across the crowd of photographers, all eager to capture any hint of their movements. Aware of the media frenzy, they left at different times. As an accomplice, revealing a mutual understanding.

Clarice, smiled shrewdly: The press was always attentive to details, wasn't it? And she wanted to give ammunition to the tabloids and the media. Surely Clarice knew that they would be separated, but, somehow, together. It would keep things interesting.

Photographers, frantic to get a clear picture of the situation, are left with unanswered questions, further fueling the mystery surrounding the encounter.

The news spreads like wildfire, and rumors begin to circulate. Social circles and the media begin to speculate about the possibility that the most famous couple in the ABO World is reconciling. Suggestive headliners fill tabloid covers, raising fans' curiosity and sparking heated debates on social media.

"Could it be that the love between Callum and Clarice is rising from the ashes?" — a hot topic in online conversations.

Speculation about the return of the most famous couple in the ABO World dominates the headlines, creating an electrifying anticipation among followers and leaving everyone eager to know more about this possible reunion.

Upon receiving Callum's invitation to dinner with Clarice Phillips, Aster couldn't help but smile slightly, gently biting his lower lip as a mischievous laugh escaped.

Callum replied with a smile, appreciating the peculiar trait of Aster's smile.

However, upon reconsidering, Aster realized that the situation was not as simple as it seemed. The love triangle was established: Clarice Phillips, the protagonist, Callum, the ultra-rich and handsome hero with his sentimental dilemmas, and himself, Aster, the passionate omega, capable of anything for Callum's love.

The challenging task was to create a story that incorporated eight clichés without falling into the predictable trappings of the cliché itself, avoiding a plot with too obvious development and conclusion.

The solution lay in finding something that exploited all the common features and tricks of a love story, from the choice of the main characters to the basic elements. In a kind of chrysalis of light, they were interconnected by all the energy channels, and together, the plot unfolded independently. His hands acted as antennas, picking up and translating what was happening in another dimension.

However, after the chrysalis disappeared, the leaves were printed and copied so that others could enjoy, enjoy, or criticize the creation. At that point, the story no longer belonged to the creator's private universe. She conquered the world, faced criticism and praise, and navigated the minds of others, revealing her potential with every reaction, whether of pleasure or disapproval. It took on a life of its own. Aster was left with only a hint of jealousy, a simple emotion in the face of the unexpected journey of the characters in that intricate plot of intertwined passions and destinies.

Amid this complexity, Aster saw Callum's invitation to introduce him to Clarice as a natural unfolding of events in that peculiar dimension.

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"Where is your place in the world and where can it be found?" Aster sank into deep thought as he watched Clarice Phillips approach the table where he and Callum stood. His smile, bright and fearless, seemed to be an answer to the question that echoed in his mind.

Upon noticing Clarice's arrival, Callum stood up with a warm smile, extending his hand in greeting.

Callum: "Clarice, I'm glad you're here! Let me introduce you to someone very special in my new world: Aster. Aster, this is Clarice Phillips, a lovely friend."

Aster returned the smile, greeting her with a friendly gesture.

Aster: "What a pleasure to meet you, Clarice. Callum always speaks so highly of you, and I'm glad you're with us today. Make yourself at home."

At this moment, Aster tried to convey a warm atmosphere, indicating that despite the nuances of the situation, he was open to Clarice's presence. Callum's expression, when introducing Clarice as a "dear friend", aimed to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, avoiding any unnecessary tension.

Clarice smiled elegantly, radiating a calm confidence as she replied to Aster:

Clarice: "It's all my pleasure, Aster. I was very curious about you, and it's a relief to finally meet you. I am deeply pleased to see Callum as the ideal person for him. I hope we enjoy dinner and enjoyable times as friends."

His tone was gracious, and his eyes reflected a sincerity that transcended formalities. Clarice conveyed a sense of welcome, making it clear that her presence there was not only tolerated but appreciated.