Obsession: Unfinished Business

By Khali Raymond

Sean is enjoying life as he's recently been appointed the CEO of a company he once interned for and is happily married while having a outstanding relationship with his daughter, Hope. Despite his immense success in the workforce and at home, everything will change in the blink of an eye. Hope's mother, Zaria Da Silva, is now a free woman. After a traumatizing experience in prison for committing a serious of atrocities, she looks to even the score with Sean. What are Zaria's plans? Could Sean be capable of escaping her forthcoming wrath?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Khali Raymond
• Release date: Jan 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463308059

Khali Raymond

Khali Raymond is an exceptional individual who had published a lot of work at a very young age. His serious and realistic writing style is just the icing on the cake when you’re indulging into him. Not only he’s into writing, but he has a muse for music and a whole lot of other things as well. Khali Raymond was born on December 22, 1998 in Newark, New Jersey. Ever since then, Khali has been working at refining his craft in the writing field.Learning how to read at the age of two, there were bright things ahead for this wise man. After going through a lot of life-changing experiences throughout his years, it’s inevitable that he’s doing this. As Khali writes book after book at a rapid rate, you can’t help but wonder how he does it. His continuous efforts to put out riveting and mind capturing work arouses a lot of people’s interest. People are curious as to what goes on in the head of this reclusive genius.Khali’s love for his city and community is extremely strong. That alone is a primary influence for his work. His continued humbleness and strong work ethic will carry him into places that the average person can dream of reaching. A lot of mystery shrouds this genius author, but Khali is more than genius. As he makes a vow to write until he dies, the good work will keep coming your way.When you do happen to read Khali’s work, the themes and vocabulary he uses is extremely strong and provocative. You will feel drawn into the power of his sword, and that sword is his pen. Be sure to follow Khali on all social media platforms you can find him on so you can see what he does next.

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2: Hope Soon Come

Zaria

November 5, 2015

My stomach was aching the entire morning. I got frequent pains throughout the week, but now it has gotten even worse. What could be the deal with this? Well, I do have a conclusion. I think my baby is finally ready to come now.

I should be due soon. This baby inside of me just keeps moving around. It’s no surprise that I didn’t want to eat anything today. The pain is too excruciating to bear, what makes you think that I could digest anything?

No guards came by to visit me. I stopped writing letters because the facility routinely searches all the cells and I know that they’re going to find my stashbox with all the letters I’ve written inside, so I had to get rid of it.

Ughhh… my stomach! Fuuuuck!!! I exclaimed.

A guard was walking by when he heard me swear. He stopped by the bars, laughing.

What’s so funny? I asked the guard.

Oh, nothing. Let me guess… your alter ego is cracking jokes on you again?

I shook my head. That wasn’t the case, yet.

No, it’s my stomach! It huuuurts!

Your stomach, you say? What? Are you gaining weight or something?

The guard must have noticed my baby bump. Did he just ask if I’m gaining weight? I’m pregnant, you fucking dumbass!

I’m pregnant, you moron! Don’t you know anything about the female reproductive system?

Oh, well… I minored in Women’s Health when I was in college, but that was before I dropped out.

I disgustingly shook my head at this idiot. Didn’t I just tell you that I’m pregnant and I’m in pain? Haven’t you been listening? Can you get me to the health ward? Please, that’s all I ask! It’s my right to receive care if I’m in disarray!

The guard was petrified by my attitude. He decided to come into the cell.

Okay, okay… where does the pain—hey… why’s the floor so wet? he asked as he looked down at the floor. There was a medium-sized puddle of water where both the guard and I stood.

I looked down and noticed that most of my jumpsuit was soaked. My stomach had this turning sensation. My water is breaking.

Oh my… god! OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD! I shouted, unable to stand.

I fell onto my back, holding my stomach. My jumpsuit became moister. I began to panic. I was also sweaty.

Oh my god, you’re in labor? the guard asked, dumbfoundingly.

YES, stupid! I am in labor! Why are you just standing there? Go and get me some help!

Alright, alright! The guard picked up his radio and started talking into it.

Urgent, urgent! IT’S URGENT! Cell #67, I repeat, Cell #67! I have an inmate in labor! I need immediate medical attention! Come on! Hurry! This woman is in labor! She’s delivering a baby!

Okay. Specialists are on the way, copy.

I looked up at the ceiling as I awaited my newborn daughter. It was finally time. The guard ripped off my jumpsuit. He laid me down as medics were on the way.

Medics are on the way! Don’t worry! Listen, I’m sorry that I didn’t notice this the first time around! I truly apologize! the guard cried.

It’s okay… it’s okay. Just please, please. Get me some help.

The guard held me down for a few more minutes until medics came rushing into the cell with a stretcher and lots of towels.

There were two female paramedics who rushed into my cell. The first paramedic was a white woman who had braids in her head. She was young and short.

The second paramedic was a black woman. She was also young, but taller than the first medic. She had braids, too.

I was placed onto the stretcher. The first paramedic spread my legs open and put towels underneath me. Water was everywhere. I was in even more pain.

It’s all right. We’re going to make sure your baby comes, okay?

I couldn’t talk. I made the decision to stay quiet. Talking would just increase my fatigue.

Alright, now. Let’s rush her over to the health ward. ASAP! the second paramedic shouted.

She was pushing the stretcher. The guard and the first paramedic were not that far behind. Everyone in their cells turned their heads as they saw me in the state that I was in.

I didn’t say anything. I just was looking up at the ceiling, thinking about everything I’ve done to get here.

Sean did this to me.

This is his baby.

This is his fault, but I’m the one who raped him. I’ll admit, it’s my fault too.

I just wish he hadn’t turned his back on me. We could’ve resolved the tensions we’ve had between us.

Things never happened that way. He decided to cut me off, leaving me to suffer in this hell hole all alone.

Sean…

I believe you came from Brazil, right?

What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish here in the United States?

Is there something wrong?

Nothing, haha. Your hands are so soft.

Well, thanks for the compliment. Uh… I have to go grab some coffee, so stay put.

Sean…

By the way, my name is Zaria.

Nice. I’m Sean, by the way.

He reminds me of an ex that I had back in Brazil so much…

Sean. That’s a nice name. I had a boyfriend named Sean some time ago, he was such a nice guy. He moved to Chile, sadly.

Hey, you want to go to the bar tonight after work?

I would love to.

The paramedics were speaking to me as my consciousness was fading. Their voices sounded like echoes in a tunnel. My stretcher kept moving through the facility.

Zaria, stay with us. We’re almost there!

I still couldn’t talk. I couldn’t stop thinking about Sean.

Stop it. I can’t… we’re coworkers.

You’re the man I’ve been looking for. I love you.

We are going to start a family tonight.

The stretcher came to a stop in a room. In this room were three doctors, three officers, a hospital bed, and a machine. The paramedics got me off the stretcher and into the hospital bed.

I was hooked up to the machine and had an IV inserted into my arm. The doctors also prepped my stomach for the birth and placed my legs into position to push out my daughter.

I lied on my back, looking up at all the lights in my face. One doctor stood by my side. Another doctor made sure to supervise my legs and stomach. The last doctor stood by the monitor as she examined my blood pressure and heart rate on the machine.

The doctor by my side held a clipboard in his hand, writing some stuff down. He looked at me with a smile.

Zaria Da Silva, right? he asked.

I nodded, slowly. It hurt to nod. My entire body was sore. Maybe this pain is my punishment for what I’ve done to Sean.

I literally destroyed Sean’s life. I don’t know what caused me to obsess over him so much, maybe because it’s been so long since I met someone with such class like him. I believe there was some chemistry between us.

I should have given Sean the time he needed to know me better. He didn’t know me from a can of paint and I took advantage of him while he was under the influence. Yet, there’s a part of me that abhors him.

He should’ve never denied my love. If he just wanted to be friends, he should have made that clear instead of snatching my freedom away from me.

What do I know? Why do I even care?

He ruined my life. He got me put into this shithole. I’m giving birth to my daughter… in a prison!

I was brought back to reality once the doctor started to talk with me again.

How are you feeling? Can you… talk? the doctor asked me.

Despite all the fatigue I was experiencing, I decided to speak anyway.

I can… try. I can try to talk, I said faintly.

All right. Listen, we’re going to make sure that you have a safe, clean childbirth. We have experts here. Okay? he said.

I nodded. Yes… thanks. I feel it… I feel her coming! She’s coming!

All the doctors helped me push out my daughter. The pain increased the more that I pushed. The doctors made sure everything was going right as I was pushing.

Push! You can do it, Zaria! Push! one of the doctors encouraged.

Despite this encouragement, it felt like someone was sticking my body with needles.

Auuuuugh! Ahhhhhh! Aaaaaa! Aaaaaah! I shouted.

Come on, push some more! Push some more! The head is coming out!

AAAAAH! AAAAA! AAAUUUGH!

The head successfully slipped out. Yet, there was an entire baby inside of me that hasn’t fully come out yet. The doctors were still helping me get the rest of my baby girl out.

Just a few more! You got this! Come on!

I can’t do it! I can’t!

You can do it! Don’t give up! You’re almost there! The baby is coming!

AAAAAH, FUCK! AUUUUGH!!!

I finally got the baby out. I was so relieved that I have finally given birth. Hearing my baby cry made me cry.

It was the most beautiful thing ever. My fleshing blood. My best friend. My daughter!

As I watched the doctors hold her, tears filled my eyes. I couldn’t hold back. I cried so much. My baby girl was just so beautiful!

She’s here! Look at her! Congratulations! one of the doctors said.

I held my arms out so I could hold her. The doctor placed my newborn daughter right into my arms.

My baby…

My newborn stopped crying momentarily, just to look up at me. That made me cry even harder.

You give me hope that one day, one day… I can change… You’re my Hope… I’m gonna name you Hope. Hope Da Silva. You are a blessing to me, Hope.

3: To the Top

Sean

November 6, 2015

The annual shareholders meeting is falling upon us now. Optimal has been extremely successful this year. There has also been the possibility that our company will soon go public. I guess that is what they’ll discuss in this meeting.

I was walking alongside Paul as we headed into the conference room. Honestly, this year has been crazy for me.

I had to deal with the whole Zaria thing, which took its toll on me. All of that came and went though.

It’s now the past. I’m still learning how to come to terms with it. Despite all my misfortunes, I managed to keep the company going strong.

We’ve been making some sweet deals. A recent deal that we struck with a partner was for $78 million, our most lucrative one yet.

That move impressed analysts and shareholders alike. Now, they want to get on board with us. They want to know the future of the company as we push towards becoming public. Seven shareholders will come in to learn about our plans for the long run.

My supervisor stood calm and attentive, ready to talk to everyone in the room. People had their smartphones, iPads and laptops ready. A wealth of information was soon to be shared, so they had to come ready.

"Okay, okay. We would like to welcome you all to this annual’s shareholders meeting. This meeting will be different from the ones we’ve had in the past.

This meeting will consist of a presentation, talking all about our newfound success and transformative plans that we have in the pipeline, my supervisor said.

He’s really talking a big game because maybe… we have plans to start a big game.

Transformative plans… uhuh…

Wow, wow… hmmm… this isn’t what we’d normally expect.

Forbes would want to hear about this…

There were lots of sidebar chatter.

First things first. For years, we have been working to make Optimal Business Managing more than just this private, on-the-local thing. We have a new vision for this company now. The Optimal name is out.

There was more chatter amongst the audience.

What? Optimal is out?

What is he implying?

Paul turned to me, shocked. He’s about to really do something isn’t he…

The chatter died out again. The one reason I decided to never reveal my name is for this reason. Optimal is now… Squaranara.

What?

Is that a name?

Yes, peanut gallery. Optimal is now Squaranara, Inc. We have a new vision. A transformative, opportunity creating…

My supervisor just kept blabbering about how we’ll dabble into other ventures, our forecasted earnings—the list went on. He shared way too much info.

He even talked about securing us a new headquarters sometime in 2019. Then, he decided to announce a new CEO of the company.

For my name isn’t Harian Hanks, here’s another thing for you. I have come to reveal who the next CEO of this company will be. I’ve handpicked this individual.

Harian Hanks? That’s his name? I asked.

Paul nodded. Yeah.

Wait, hold up. You knew his name?

Well, yeah. I just found out yesterday. He showed me his driver’s license.

Wow… just… wow.

I kept my mouth shut after that to continue watching the rest of this presentation. Mr. Hanks, as he’s now known as, is big on restructuring this company.

"This man has been with me since his college days. He started off as an intern here, when I was still the CEO of Optimal.

"This man had a different attitude about him. He wasn’t like all these other guys who enjoyed pushing people around. From the day that I first met him, he was very humble.

"As time went on, I took a liking to him. I liked his attitude. I liked his personality. After he completed his internship here, I decided to hire him.

"Little did I know, he has had so much success here! He contributed, a lot. He got us here in the first place!

"Our Quartership Meeting we held earlier this year was the largest, by far—in the history of this company! Not only has this man helped me around in the office, but he has also made impacts in the community.

"We were able to partner with local firms to help pledge a fund to the city, so recreational development could spurt throughout the boroughs. This man was heavily invested in that project.

"We have also done numerous stuff in the community. We’ve hosted things like free barbecues and concerts. We also own a few stakes in some music companies. This man has helped us with that.

"With the success came tough times. I will not discuss those times. Nevertheless, we overcame our obstacles and here I am today!

I am proud to announce that the new CEO for Squaranara is…

There was silence in the room. There weren’t any drum rolls. Nobody even gossiped.

SEAN WILLOWBROOK!!!! he cried.

I was shocked. Seriously, my heart literally sank into my stomach. I didn’t know what to say. CEO of the new… new… company?!?!

Everyone in the room was clapping and cheering. I was in tears. Seriously, I was in tears.

All I could hear was Yeah, right on! and You did it, man!

I didn’t know how to react. I just sat there with my head drooping, crying. This was literally my dream as a kid growing up, being able to run something. I spent my entire life working toward that goal. Now, I’m able to relish in it.

I’M THE FUCKING CEO OF A COMPANY!

Mr. Hanks came over to me with some tissues. He knelt beside me, patting me on the back.

"I couldn’t pick anyone else but you, Sean. I always knew you had it in you from the day that I first met you.

You were going to go far. You have gone far. I trust you enough to keep Squaranara in great standing. Okay? Can I trust you with that? Mr. Hanks asked.

In this moment, this… this is where… he confided in me. Mr. Hanks trusted me like nobody else did. I’ve done so much work with him in all the years that I’ve been here. Now, it’s my turn to carry the torch.

I can’t thank… hic… thank you enough, sir. You’ve been good… to me. This is what I wanted.

Paul joined the conversation, congratulating me.

Congrats, my boy! You’re the man, shit! I’m going to be calling you boss now! Hahah!

Paul made me laugh. Oh man, Paul. Thank you. Hell, I couldn’t have done it without you, though.

No, Sean. YOU did it, man. It was you, all along. Always keep that in mind.

I nodded. You right. But, we gotta celebrate this shit!

Mr. Hanks’s eyes widened. He cracked a large grin. Oh. We’re celebrating now. We got a huge gathering set up already. We got pizza, sandwiches, all that. Caterers hooked us up.

Is there any… wine? I cut in.

Paul and Mr. Hanks started cracking up. I am a wino after all.

Maybe!

Aaaaa yeah! Let’s celebrate!

The three of us raced out of the conference room and went to the floor to celebrate. There was even a live DJ.

Mr. Hanks kept showing me around to everyone on the floor like a trophy. He deemed me worthy of continuing this company.

This is your new CEO! The man of the hour! Hahaha! A very good man! Mr. Banks roared. All this attention felt crazy, but great at the same time. I worked for this goal my entire life.

The DJ was throwing down.

Ya’ll give it up for the new boss, the CEO—Sean Willowbrook! Throw it up for em! the DJ roared.

Everyone cheered. DJ’s really do know how to get people moving.

It’s your boy DJ Wur on the 1s and 2s right here! I got a hot record in my rotation! It’ll be the perfect fit! I’m finna’ spin this for the boss right now!

2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted by 2Pac started playing. Is that song safe for work?

IT AIN’T NOTHING BUT A GANGSTA PARTY! Get down, ya’ll!

Everyone followed the DJ’s orders and started dancing to the song. Paul and Mr. Hanks even got in on the action. I stood there, dumbfounded.

As I watched the crowd dance, some guy in a suit tapped me on the shoulder. He whispered something into my ear. What I heard brought out a bit of emotion in me.

I had to reassure what I just heard. Did he just say what I think he just said? Before I had the chance to react, he already turned his back and went about his business.

There was no time to party anymore. I had to get down there, fast. I should’ve known this issue would have come to a head again—confronting my deranged baby mother. Sadly, she is my baby’s mother.

Zaria. She raped me to get pregnant. That baby was created in an act of sin. There’s bound to be a problem with that in the future.

That baby will be probably become