Chapter 1: The KidnappingIn a cozy mansion at the heart of Queens, New York, a man who seemed to be in his mid-thirties took quick strides into a tastefully furnished living room. He had an athletic body and a handsome face, but his expression remained impassive. He exuded an air of authority and the butler at the entrance bowed his head to his master in respect.Behind him was another woman who wore her bright blonde hair in curly waves around her delicate, innocent face. She was younger, in her mid twenties and wore a bright light pink dress that barely reached her mid-thighs.Turning to face her, the man motioned for the young woman to sit. "Hold on, let me call her." "Alright sir," She beamed at him, hoping to get at least a polite smile in return, but his expression remained impassive.“I’ll wait here.” Her smile faltered a bit, and she went and settled on one of the sofas closest to the entrance door. Scanning through the ornately decorated living room, she looked impressed. "
Chapter 2: The Unexpected SaviorKat’s P.O.V"Kathleen! Why the hell aren't you ready yet?" I heard my mother's voice from downstairs, calling out to me angrily.I smiled to myself but said nothing in response as I quickly changed into my work clothes. But my mother continued to speak, annoyed by my lack of response."I asked you to change into something decent and you're taking forever to get ready." She sounded very impatient. "You know how important the delivery time is for our customers. Get going already."Taking my time to fix my collar and tuck my tee into my jeans, I smiled at the image that stared back at me. Satisfied, I made my way out of my room and down the stairs to our little family owned fried chicken joint, where I worked as the delivery girl for my hardworking parents."Kat, I don't want to keep reminding you that you have an important delivery to make. What's the hold-up?" My mother's voice sounded angry now. "If you do not come down now, I'll get mad at you."I eme
Chapter 3: The MisunderstandingArthur's POVAt maximum speed, my driver navigated the car home, while I was occupied with thoughts of work and the meeting that had probably started without me, my secretary equipped to handle the situation while I retrieved the files."You said it's in a few minutes, sir?" Gerald was very worried about the meeting like I was."Yes," I replied with a sigh. "Any faster than this would be considered overspeeding, right?" I asked him while checking my watch."Yes sir," he wished he could help. "Don't worry sir, we'll get there soon."When we passed one of the many places where policemen were usually mounted, he drove a lot faster. Way above the speed limit, but we didn’t get stopped on the way this time."Wait here, I'll get the document and I'll be out in a few minutes," I said to Gerald, who waited in the car as I rushed into the house.Unusual silence greeted me, which was odd except when Hayley was asleep. My girl was vibrant, energetic, and always ma
Chapter 4: The ImprisonmentKathleen’s P.O.VMy heart pounded as I heard the footsteps getting closer behind me. The man, who had been holding my hands behind my back painfully all this time, finally let me go and I hesitantly turned around, and my breath catching in my throat.A police officer was stood there, his hand on his gun and a stern expression on his face. He had an accomplice, whose hands were in his pockets, a scarf around his neck, and a woolen hat on his brown hair. "Don't take another step forward!" The policeman’s voice was both stern and cold. "You are under arrest. Hands where I can see them!"The words echoed in my ears, I couldn't quite believe it. I had done nothing wrong to deserve this, why was I getting arrested?It was a cold winter day and all I did was save a little girl from kidnappers. And now, I was suddenly getting cuffed by the cops.“You have the right to remain silent.” The policeman narrated like a sick 90’s crime show. “Anything you say can and wil
Chapter 5: The MistakeArthur’s P.O.VThe pediatric private ward was quiet and dimly lit, with a soft, hushed atmosphere. My little girl lay on the bed, her golden hair spread out around her like a halo. A teddy bear sat at her side, the one that she never left alone because it was a gift from her mother…the last gift that she received. She was the only occupant of the room, and I was the only one who was allowed in. I sat on the chair next to her bed, my face etched with worry and fear. My brow furrowed as my eyes scanned her unconscious form, looking at the bandage on her head.God! She must have been in so much pain!Since she was saved from the claws of the kidnappers, she hadn't opened her eyes. Many hours had passed, each tick of the clock feeling like an eternity, and yet…she lay still on the bed like an unmoving statue.A few moments later, as I stared at her to notice every tiny rise and fall of her breath, she moved her arm a little bit. "Hayley?" I called her, delighted, h
Chapter 6: The EvidenceArthur’s P.O.V"Are you sure you remember everything correctly?" I wanted to be sure. "I want to know if you remember who Jenny is. Jenny is not the name of the delivery lady…she is the babysitter I hired to take care of you.”How could this be happening? Jenny was the kind babysitter who has many awards to her name. She had worked for celebrities and top people in the society. Then how could that woman have tried to kidnap my daughter?Was I deceived by a fake profile? Or did the woman I hire never make it to my house? Everything was getting so confusing…"Of course, I know who Jenny is. She is the ugly little lady that you forced me to stay with. I remember her!" Hayley snapped at me, clearly angry at this woman. "Why don’t you believe me, daddy? I’m telling the truth!""I trust you, baby…I’m just trying to understand correctly…” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “And you also claim that the other lady…was the one who saved you?" I was finally piecing
Chapter 7: The Clash of WillsKathleen’s P.O.VMy auburn hair fell around my shoulders, hiding my face from view from the other inmates. For hours, I sat here in silence, as tears streamed down my face relentlessly.Why was I being punished for things I didn’t do? And the charges pressed against me weren’t simple ones either. My eyes were red-rimmed and tired, and there were dark circles underneath them. I was still wearing the clothes I had been arrested in, even though they were wrinkled and stained. It had been many hours since the incident, and I was beginning to lose hope of leaving the cell. Maybe the man I met was right when he told me that I was going to stay here for a very long time, given that the man in question was wealthy."She's going to end up with a splitting headache, tired and weak if she doesn't accept her fate." The oldest of the inmates said to the other two whose gazes were equally on me."I cried too. She'll learn, she'll accept her fate, she'll adjust. She ha
Chapter 8: The RepercussionsKathleen’s P.O.VHating a person yet thinking about them often had to be the greatest form of self-torture. I disliked Arthur so much, but images of him refused to leave my mind.The way he had stood so tall and his hands in his pockets, towering a foot over me…the tone with which he spoke to me was proof that our societal classes were completely different. However, what really made this incident impossible to forget was the disrespectful apology he gave me.Although he claimed he was going to do his best to make sure my image stayed clean, the story found its way into the little town by itself. Walking past the young children of our neighborhood, who used to once run to me for warm hugs and chicken crumbs, all I got now were whispers and shared glances as they paused what they were doing to avoid me. The dramatic ones started running off towards their homes each time they saw me walking in their direction. I hated the look on their faces whenever I greet
Chapter 81: Happily Ever AfterKathleen’s P.O.V I stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing out the delicate lace of my white gown. It’s a stunning dress, simple yet elegant, and it made me feel like a princess.The reflection staring back at me looked like a stranger. Not because of the dress or the elegant hairstyle, but because of the happiness that radiated from my face. It had been a long journey to get here, but standing here now, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace and joy.My mother stood behind me, helping me with the final touches. She adjusts the veil and steps back to admire her work."Kat, you look absolutely beautiful," she says, her voice thick with emotion. She wipes away a tear that escapes down her cheek. “I didn’t think I would see you in such a wonderful wedding dress!”"Mom, don't cry," I say, though my own voice is unsteady. I turn to face her, feeling the wave of the moment settle over me. "You always said you wanted to see me settle down w
Chapter 80: Christmas ProposalKathleen’s P.O.V Christmas had been a lonely time for me these past few years. I had usually spent the holidays working or at the hospital, during my mother’s treatment. But this year, everything changed when I met Arthur and his little girl, Hayley.Today, Hayley turned to me with a big smile as we all gathered around the Christmas tree after dinner to exchange gifts. "Miss Kat, remember when I asked Santa for a mommy this Christmas?"I couldn’t help but laugh. "Oh, Hayley, of course I remember!"Hayley’s smile was enough to light up the whole room, "I think he already fulfilled my wish by giving me you."Arthur and I exchanged a look, and I felt my heart skip a beat. We had only just announced our relationship, but I knew that he was the one, the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And maybe, Hayley was right. Santa may have just granted her wish.Arthur's mother took my hand in her with a gentle smile. “Hayley is right. Welcome to the
Chapter 79: Clearing the MisunderstandingsKathleen’s P.O.V “Where have you been Arthur?” Georgina immediately snaps at her son, her expression dark as she looks from me to Arthur and then at Savannah. “We were about to have the announcement, but then we realized that the couple were missing! How can you abandon your own party like that?”“Mother,” Arthur spoke softly, trying to calm her down. “There is something you must know first, before anything is announced. So please, listen to Savannah.”All eyes turned towards Savannah immediately and she shrunk away under the scrutiny of their combined gazes, her eyes darting towards Arthur and me as I could see her face visibly pale from fright."We’re here for you," I say softly, moving to her other side and giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.Savannah took a deep breath and finally, turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad, there’s something I need to tell you. Something I’ve been hiding for a long time." Her voice trembled with fear, but s
Chapter 78: The Truth about SavannahKathleen’s P.O.V I took a deep breath. "It's a long story," I began, unsure of where to start. But I knew I had to tell him everything."Remember when I went to Target to buy the tree for Hayley’s room?" I asked, remembering the time I had finally learned why Arthur hated Christmas so much. Arthur nodded, still looking puzzled. "Well, while I was there, I bumped into this stunning woman. She was tall, elegant, the kind of person you can't miss. It was Korina, the supermodel."Arthur's eyes widened. "Korina? What was she doing at Target?""That's what I wondered too," I said with a small laugh. "She was looking for a tree just like me. We started talking, and surprisingly, she seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. At first, I didn't understand why someone like her would want to be friends with someone like me. I mean, I'm just an ordinary person, right?"Arthur nodded, urging me to continue. "So, we exchanged numbers and started hangin
Chapter 77: Untangled WebsKathleen’s P.O.V I stood there, frozen, as Arthur kissed me. For a moment, everything else faded away. All that mattered was the feeling of his lips on mine, the way his hand wrapped around me in a blanket of warmth and comfort.Till now, the scrutiny of our neighbors, the whispers and the gossip had become too much to handle, until Uncle Thompson finally broke the silence and asked me, point blank, what had been on everyone’s mind. It had taken me aback to the point where I didn’t have any idea how to respond.But then I had turned and watched Arthur march towards me with determination…and now, as his lips moved against mine, I couldn’t help but feel a immense amount of relief wash over me.Then, reality crashed back in, and I realized that everyone in the restaurant was staring at us. My heart sank when I noticed my parents among the onlookers, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.I pulled away from Arthur, my face burning with embarrassment. B
Chapter 76: Can’t Wait Any LongerArthur’s P.O.V When I walked out of the room, I wasn't expecting to see Hayley standing there, tears streaming down her cheeks. Immediately, my heart clenched with concern. I knelt down beside her, gathering her into my arms gently."What's wrong, sweetheart?" I asked softly, my voice filled with worry.Hayley sniffled, her eyes red and puffy. "Daddy, did Miss Kathleen leave because I was bad? Because she doesn't love me anymore?"My heart sank even further. Kat was Hayley's beloved nanny, their relationship going even further than just the bonds of duty. They were inseparable…and now that Kathleen wasn’t here, she must be heartbroken. I rubbed Hayley's back soothingly, trying to find the right words to comfort her."No, no, Hayley," I said gently, "Kathleen loves you very much. She didn't leave because of anything you did. Sometimes, people need their own space, but that doesn't mean she doesn't love you."Hayley looked up at me with her big, watery
Chapter 75: Eve of ChangeArthur’s P.O.V I stood at the edge of the party on Christmas Eve, the music thumping through the floor and the chatter of people swirling around me. The office had transformed into a wonderful Christmas wonderland with all the necessary decors and even a gigantic Christmas tree to go along with the theme.However, it wasn’t just an ordinary Christmas party that was usually held by our company for the employees every year. This party was different.I glanced at Savannah, who was smiling tightly as she talked with some of the guests. Neither of us wanted to be here, announcing our engagement in front of everyone. It wasn't our idea. Our parents had planned this without our knowledge, springing it on us like an unwanted surprise.As I watched Savannah, my mind drifted back to the conversation I had with my mother earlier in the day. I had confronted her in the living room, where she was arranging flowers with a meticulousness that belied the chaos she had creat
Chapter 74: Unreciprocated FeelingsKathleen’s P.O.V I hadn't spoken to Cole since that incident in front of the restaurant. Seeing him now, standing awkwardly in front of me…I had no idea how to start a conversation, let alone tell him my deepest thoughts.The memory of that day was still fresh in my mind—his confession, my shocked silence, and the way everything changed in an instant. If Arthur hadn't been there that evening…I don’t think I could’ve had the courage to deal with him alone. But now, here he was, my former best friend…In all honesty, I didn’t even know if I could still call him my friend. We had too many unresolved issues between us. But as he took a seat on the edge of my bed, keeping as much distance between us as possible, I could see the worry etched on his face as he turned to face me."Kat," he says softly, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I’ve been worried about you. No matter what happened between us, I still care. I wish we could just forget that day and
Chapter 73: Comforting A FriendKathleen’s P.O.V Memories of Hayley and Arthur floated in my mind, making me feel like a heavy burden was pressing down on my chest. I had loved them both in my own way, but they were never really mine to begin with. It was time to let them go and try to move on. I needed a distraction, something to take my mind off the past.Usually, at times like this, the only person who provided me with any form of comfort was my best friend, Cole. But with the recent developments in our relationship, everything I once knew had come crashing down around me, and I knew that I could never have that connection that I once shared with Cole.When everything else failed, I decided to reach out to my new friend.I picked up my phone and dialed Korina's number. She always had a way of making me feel better, and I hoped talking to her would help. The phone rang a few times before she picked up."Hello?" Korina's voice was shaky, and I could hear sniffling in the background.