"Marie Kord," Aunt Maya repeated "Is this who I think it is??"
"Of course it is," the voice answered cheerfully "Your long time old friend. Don't tell me you have forgotten me.""Of course not," answered Aunt Maya "It's so good to hear from you. How come you got my number?""Well.. that's not important is it??" a soft chuckle followed "The last time we met was perhaps a year ago. I thought that we should link up tomorrow?""That's good..but uhm-" Aunt Maya began but was cut short."Do you still live there?""Yes, I still do.""Great, I will come by tomorrow.""Alright,""Thank you very much, Amaya. I'm glad to know you're alive and well.""I'm glad to know that too." Aunt Maya answered before the line went dead...."Didn't see you at the office today," Ian spoke the moment he was ushered into Kevin's room. "Are you alright?""Can you believe that?" Kevin asked absent-mindedly. He was seated close to the French window, viewing the large city of Willow-ridge while caressing the million dollar ring meant for Selene."Believe what?" Ian took a seat next to him."She..she rejected me." Kevin turned his gaze to him "Why did she do that? Why won't she marry me just because I'm blind? Does that make any sense?""Perhaps you should speak to her. You could still change her mind." Ian suggested"She spoke like..." he paused and continued "She doesn't have an iota of feelings for me.""You don't plan on wallowing in your heartbreak for long, do you?" Ian asked "Your father's ultimatum-""To hell with him!" Kevin yelled furiously as he tossed the ring away "He could take away my inheritance for all I care! I will not marry any woman asides Selene!""Selene does not want to-""She will, by the time I speak with her," Kevin grabbed his stick and began to find his way to the door."Kevin-" Ian called but the door shut with a thud...."And what do you want, deceiver??" Selene stepped down the stairs and stood in front of Kevin."Deceiver??" Kevin repeated "Selene, did I do something to you?""You are deceiving me.""I am not!" Kevin was loosing it "I love you. What makes you think that I am deceiving you?""Your brother was down here on the night of New Year. He told me of your father's ultimatum. In order to secure your position, you want to trap me into marriage.""You really believed Elliot's words?? I agree that I have always loved you Selene but I just didn't have the heart to tell you. My father's ultimatum only pushed me out of my shell. I proposed to you because I really do love you and not because of some silly position.""Doesn't change a damn thing, Kevin! You can always use the excuse of love to cover up your real intention which is to secure your position."Kevin is quiet for a while. Running his hands through his hair, he says,"And you, Selene? Did you really mean it when you said marrying me would cause you disgrace?""Yes." Selene answered rather bluntly "Knowing that no woman would want to marry you because of your blindness you have decided that I'd be the perfect scape goat and that is why you had proposed to me.""Putting aside the fact that you had deceived me, I still cannot marry you as that would be a down point to my family on the social ladder." having said he piece, she turned and began to walk away."Do you love me," Kevin stopped her in her tracks "Selene?"However, without answering Selene continues up the stairs and out of sight....Karen served tea to Aunt Maya and her visitor before rushing out of the house, late for work. Zachary is rather surprised that Mrs Kord is at the house. Sending a suspicious gaze down their lane, Aunt Maya had to send him off so Mrs Kord would feel more comfortable."Your..uhm.. niece seems to have grown into a beautiful lady," Mrs Kord began the conversationAunt Maya nodded in agreement, "Of course, Marie. She takes after her mother in all areas.""Did she graduate recently?" Mrs Kord inquired further."Yes, early last year." Aunt Maya paused and then added "Now she works as a personal assistant to a very influential CEO in Willow-ridge.""That's a fine achievement," Mrs Kord smiled "My son would also be stepping up to his father's previous position as the CEO of Kord industries.""That's lovely," complimented Aunt Maya "You had called so late at night, what could be the problem?""Well, uhm.. it's an urgent matter, Amaya and I know of no one else who is worthy.""Worthy of what?""Of being a wife to my son." Mrs Kord said quietly."You want a wife for your son, Marie??"Mrs Kord nodded, "I have always admired your niece from afar, Amaya. What's her name again?""Karen," Aunt Maya replied"Yes, Karen.." Mrs Kord drew closer and added "She's beautiful and of age too. I guarantee a happy union between her and my son."Aunt Maya went quiet suddenly.Feeling a warm hand on hers, she lifted her gaze and met Mrs Kord's."There's no need to think so much about it, Amaya. We have been very good friends and you can count on me to give your niece the life she deserves."Aunt Maya chuckled softly, "Marie, of course I know you. I was just surprised at how things work because I was thinking of seeing Karen get married although I had no hopes for it."Mrs Kord was giddy with excitement, "Well then, we are of the same mind because Kevin is not growing any younger and the young man will not make the move unless I do so."Aunt Maya smiled heartily, "I am sure, Karen will be glad to hear this, it has always been her dream.""Then I will begin the preparations for their pre-wedding shoots. I can't wait to shake the foundations of Willow-ridge!" Mrs Kord declared excitedly and both women chatted and laughed as they walked out of the house.After escorting Mrs Kord, Aunt Maya returned to the house. However, the moment she closed the door she met with Zachary's cold gaze."Zachary, guess what?!" the woman said ecstatically as she crossed the distance between them "Karen will be getting married very soon."When Zachary showed no reaction, the happiness on Aunt Maya's face ceased to exist. She held his arm."Is..is something the matter??""I'm sorry, mother but you would have to disappoint your old friend." Zachary uttered coldly"What? Why??""Kevin Kord is dangerous for Karen." Zachary stated"Dangerous?" Aunt Maya hissed slightly "Ha! He's blind, Zachary.""Mum, Kevin's blindness is his only disability. Without his eyes, this man is arrogant, cold and vicious! Despite the fact that he cannot see, he wields much power, he has this..manipulative aura around him and all of this is a great contrast to Karen's innocent and naive nature. That is why he is dangerous.""Zachary, you don't know him.""But I have heard of him," Zachary replied quickly "Just few days ago he got rejected by the woman he truly loves. Why is his mother here to seek Karen's hand in marriage?""They might be poles apart on the social ladder but my friendship with Mrs Kord has earned Karen her life-long dream." she lets out a sigh and adds "It has always been her dream to get married to a responsible man.""Maybe you've forgotten that she added love. Karen has always wanted to marry a man she loves. She has, most certainly never crossed path with Kevin. She does not know this man and without her permissio
Karen is home."Aunt Maya?" she called as she walked into the kitchen but found no one. Turning back, she found Zachary who had a forlorn look on his face."Hey," Karen greeted casually "Is something wrong? Where's Aunt?""Oh, Karen you're back!" Aunt Maya said as she emerged from the passage. Karen walked over to her and gave her a peck.Aunt Maya asked "How was work? You didn't stress yourself, did you?""I'm used to it, Aunt Maya." Karen replied as she poured the woman a glass of water."I have something to tell you," Aunt Maya began as she took the glass from Karen."I guessed," Karen chuckled as she glanced at Zachary "The atmosphere is..daunting.""Well," Aunt Maya started "A proposal came in earlier today.""A proposal?" Karen took her seat "For who?""You, my dear," Aunt Maya answered "Kevin Kord wants you to marry him.""..." Karen opened her lips and shut them again. Her heart beat accelerated almost the same time. "T-to..to..marry..him??" Karen repeated nervously."See mot
"Zachary, how..how could you?" Karen's voice cracked."I know right," he replied casually and closed the distance between them. His tall frame hovered over her as he stared down at her with grey glistering eyes."I couldn't stop myself despite knowing that it's not possible.""I...I don't know what to say right now.""Nothing," he ran his hand through his hair "Don't say anything. Forget I ever said this.""But Zach-""Don't marry him, Karen."Shaking her head, Karen walked out and slammed the door behind her...."Mr Kord, Mr Lyons asked to meet with-""I'm not available," Kevin answered his secretary with a cold voice."Okay, sir. How about the scheduled meeting with the manager of the company's resources?? The meeting has been delayed for-""Delay it again."The secretary nodded as she scrambled to read up all the CEO's pent up schedules."Mr Kord, there's a complain about the increasing-""Take it to, Elliot.""Mr Kord, you had twenty-five extended interviews last weekend. Would y
"Here?" Karen repeated absentmindedly "To..to do what, Aunt Maya?"Aunt Maya pulled Karen to her room and threw her wardrobe open. Pulling out a short gown she held it to Karen's chin and grinned sheepishly."Yes.. perfect for the occasion!" she placed it on the bed and began to scurry for more."Aunt," Karen called more loudly to get her attention.Aunt Maya turned, "I'm so sorry if I'm acting weird, dear. It's just that I'm so excited to have to plan your wedding and witness it as well."She held Karen's hands in hers. "Don't be nervous.""I'm.. I'm not," Karen assured herself "It's just that..why..why is he coming here?""Probably to get to know you?" Aunt Maya chuckled and sat Karen down "I know this will be your first time with..with the opposite sex, Karen and you need not be nervous."Karen let out a sigh."I know you'll be fine," Aunt Maya smiled "Now go on, freshen up quickly."After that, Aunt Maya went back to Karen's closet and began to rummage through, muttering to hersel
Karen jerked her hand from his grip while Kevin cleaned his palm against his coat, as if he just held dirt. Karen scoffed softly, "Too much pride for someone who got reject-"Raising his fingers to the air, he warned "Don't you dare say that!""Mr Kord, not all women want you" Karen proceeded to say "If it were up to me I wouldn't be here speaking with you, I just..I just have to do this because of my aunt.""Baseless excuses," Kevin dismissed her words "You've no reason to marry a rich, blind man save for his money.""I know your dream girl rejected you because you're blind, Mr Kord and this has led you to believe no one can accept you just the way you are but you're wrong." Karen saw a muscle twitch in his jaw but did not stop talking."I don't know about other women, but I'm not looking for perfection nor am I looking for something to increase my status on the social ladder or even money to embezzle,"Kevin went suddenly quiet as he listened to her.Karen continued, "Hell, no mat
"Dad, it's four days since you gave the ultimatum" Elliot said to his father as he barged into his study "Kevin hasn't found a wife."Mr Kord placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and stared at Elliot, "Are you eager to become the CEO?" Mr Kord asked"Of course, dad." Elliot answered impatiently."And you're proud for not having to work for it??" "What?"Mr Kord leaned back on his chair and completely removed his glasses."When will you become something, Elliot?" Mr Kord's voice was stern "Look at your blind younger brother! You are nothing beside him despite having your sight which he doesn't!""Dad-""Silence!" Mr Kord fumed "When I brought you here and raised you, did I teach you to become useless?"Elliot's hands curved into a fist. Mr Kord banged at his desk,"Answer me!" "No." he curtly replied "Then?" he got up on his feet abruptly "Why do I have to do every single thing for you? Even the position of the CEO which supposed to be yours, you cannot even clinch it! I ha
Stepping out of the car, Karen followed Mrs Kord into the hall with Kevin behind. While Mrs Kord took Karen to her make-over section, Kevin went the other way."Look at this dress," Mrs Kord held out a red off the shoulder gown "Do you love it?"When Karen didn't answer, Mrs Kord drew close, "Karen??""Y-yes," Karen answered absentmindedlyMrs Kord kept the dress back and took Karen's hands in hers, "What were you thinking about, you zoned out completely?"Karen shook her head and forced a smile, "Nothing, Mrs Kord.""It's the impromptu wedding, right?" Mrs Kord blurted out "I know this is all too soon for you and you probably don't want to marry my son but I want you to know that it's not as bad as it seems, Karen. With time, you and Kevin will get to know each other and grow close."Karen nodded and feigned a smile. As she moved with Mrs Kord through the clothing section, she cheered herself up and soon forgot about her predicament.After the artist performed a glorious work on her f
Elliot was going through his phone, searching for a possible match on a dating site when he saw a couple of female workers giggling sheepishly at something they found on their cellphones.Sitting back, he realized that everyone at the office seemed to be giggling into their phone especially the female workers.Due to this, he left the dating site and moved on to social media for the latest news and the first thing that popped up on his feed was the arrogant face of Kevin against that of an innocent, and beautiful woman Elliot had never seen before.His muscles tensed as he scrolled through and realized that Kevin was the trending topic. Everyone was talking about the much anticipated wedding and only few were able to question the suddenness of the marriage.The spinsters who had their eyes on Kevin complained bitterly of Kevin picking a low class lady as his wife. Many people attributed it to the fact that Kevin was only trying to make Selene, his true love, jealous while others saw t
A week later, the Kords welcomed the baby home. His huge blue orbs staring at every hands that touched him. Karen never thought she'd ever see the child she had successfully carried. She was again, grateful to Zachary and hoped that he was watching this moment. Mr Kord threw a huge party for his grandson. Aunt Maya was in attendance, as well as Ian and Sam. Kevin wrapped his hands around Karen as he nuzzled her neck with his lips. "What's his name?" he asked. Karen did not hesitate, she whispered, "Zachary." "Zachary Liam Kord." Kevin finished. Karen turned to him, tiptoed and kissed him. Kevin held her waist closer to him, deepening the kiss. Suddenly someone coughed from behind. Karen broke away from the kiss and looked back to find Ian. "What the fuck, man?" hissed Kevin. Ian apologized with a grin, "It's just your father needs you right now." "Why?" Ian shrugged, "Find out." Kevin sighed, kisses Karen's lips before he leaves her. Karen noticed that Ian wanted to sa
The entire family lapsed into silence. No one ever expected that Zachary would take such a step. Asides from Aunt Maya and Kevin, the rest were surprised to know that Zachary has always been in love with Karen. Kevin walks up to Aunt Maya and places a hand on her shoulder as she weeps. He whispers, "I'm so sorry, Aunt." Everyone tried to console Aunt Maya but she did not stop crying. No one could ever understand her pain. Kevin understood the reason Zachary had come to meet earlier that day, asking him to take care of Karen. Kevin shuts his eyes and says a short prayer for Zachary. While everyone is glad that Karen will be okay, the sadness that accompanied Zachary's sacrifice was greater. It took two weeks before Karen became unconscious. That day Sam, Ian, Kevin and only Aunt Maya were by her bedside- Aunt Maya sitting calmly, like a log of wood. Kevin got the doctor to check on Karen and when he assured that she was fine, Kevin helped her up on the bed. Karen stared at her s
Kevin paced about the corridor, his phone to his ear, his lips moving and then his voice raised high as he yelled on the phone.He phoned far and near but the entire hospitals were turning him down. Kevin was ready to give whatever amount, he was ready to exchange everything he has for Karen's life but there seemed to be no solution for Karen.The doctors were trying their best keeping her oxidized however twenty minutes later she would never wake up again.Aunt Maya had long fainted and Sam and Mrs Kord had followed the nurses who were trying to revive her. Her blood pressure had gone up and the nurses were trying to stabilize her.Zachary walked out of his mother's ward after he left a note on her desk. He found Kevin still making several phone calls, Mr Kord was asleep on the couch, Ian had gone to see if he could also find help."Hey," Zachary interrupted Kevin who looked at him and wondered why he was so cool and composed."Make me a promise," Zachary continued, scaring the shit
When Ian heard the news, he felt sad and tried to console Kevin but Kevin could not be consoled. The entire family were there at the hospital where Karen suggested on getting the child in an incubator. Ian was there with Sam, Mrs Kord and Mr Kord were also there, as well as Aunt Maya and Zachary. Even though the doctor had said there could be major complications and the child had a 50-50 chance, Karen was confident and laid on the bed prepared to take the risk.Before the operation began, the doctor smiled down at Karen who wanted to smile back however her heart was burning with great pain."You're one strong woman, Karen." he saidKaren replied with eyes closed, preventing the tears from falling, "No matter what happens, Doctor please save my child."He did not reply and then he dimmed the light and set to work.Meanwhile outside the theatre, everyone did their best to console Kevin but he could not stop crying. He wished he'd treated Karen with more love and understanding. He wishe
"It has always been her dream to get married and love. Aunt Maya encouraged her to but Karen had given up all hope until your mother came." Zachary explained, "That's why she agreed to marry you. Not for your money, not because you are the son of a wealthy man and despite the fact that you were in love with another woman.""Since she had little time left, she just wanted to enjoy life. She felt that you would have the woman you love again once her time is up."Kevin's heart broke as he listened to Zachary. He was finally understanding everything."She was okay with just loving you. I admired her courage and at the same time I wished she wasn't that courageous. It's why I hated you, you had no idea how lucky you were.""And then your dad had to come up with the will for his heir. Everyone advised Karen against it because she wouldn't survive it, nor will the child but she did it anyway- because she loves you." "Why? Why did she keep this away from me? I hate myself so much.." Kevin gr
Ian trudged into the house lazily. His mother was seated on the dinner table waiting for him patiently but as always, he'd come in late. Ian ignored his mother when she beckoned for him to have dinner. He climbed up the stairs casually to his room.As it was dark, he switched on the light and the shape lying on the bed looked strange. He was startled for a moment and then walked slowly towards it."Sam-" Ian whispered, the burden he'd carried for months came crashing down at the mention of her name.Then he thought if he was hallucinating again. He etched closer and leaned in. It was really Sam and he was not hallucinating. His chest threatened to burst from excitement when he touched her cheek and caressed her sleeping face.He sighed as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead before running back down the stairs.Their eyes locked and both mother and son felt the connection they'd lost for years. "She's all yours now." Mrs Robert said and Ian smiled genuinely."I love you, mom."Mrs
Sam was already standing in front of Ian's mansion when she began to have second thoughts. I don't think this is right, she thought, Ian could be happy with his wife Amelia and his mother too could be getting better. Sam thought that should she walk in there, she could ruin the happiness of the family. But she isn't here to make Ian claim his child, another part of her thought, she's only here to see him. She wouldn't ask for his assistance or help in catering for the child. After she disappeared without a trace she felt it was right for Ian to know of his child. But then again, what if he'd forgotten about her? After healing during those six months, Sam was not about to break her heart by walking into the house and seeing what could send her into heartbreak. She sighed and turned around. Perhaps she'd just speak to him over the phone. Not seeing his expressions would hurt less. But just as she turned to leave, a car pulled up by the mansion. The windows came down and a midd
Kevin found it difficult to believe. With mouth agape he walked to where she stood and hesitated before reaching out, fearing that it was just one of his many hallucinations and she might just disappear. However, this time around he was not hallucinating. It was really Karen and this time around, he wasn't looking at her through a glitch, he could see her completely. Kevin released a sigh of relief as he pulled her into his embrace. He didn't think he was going too far when he held her chin and kissed her lips. From the moment she had stepped into his life, everything changed and even if it didn't seem like it was then, the end will tell. "I'm so happy to have you back, Karen." Kevin expressed his joy but Karen only gave a short smile. Fearing that Elliot might see her, Kevin led her out of the mansion to a nearby shade where they could sit. Kevin held her hand in his, "I missed you, Karen. Where have you been?" "Away." Karen replied, "How's mother?" "Nothing's been good si
Six months later."Yes, Aunt." Karen was saying on the phone, "I took good care of myself while I was away.""I don't trust you," said Aunt Maya, "You cannot take good care of yourself as much as I can care for you, Karen."Karen smiled despite herself, "I miss you, Aunt Maya."After a short silence, Aunt Maya asked, "When are you coming back, Karen? Isn't six months enough time for you to come to terms with yourself?"She continued, "You have only a month left, won't you love to spend it with me?" Karen sighed, "I'll come soon, Aunt Maya."They talked for a little while before ending the call and Karen stared at the ceiling as she caressed her seven months old pregnancy.She had heard that Kevin and his mother were now living under the mercy of Elliot. She had expected Kevin to get married to Selene the moment she left but he didn't.In fact, Selene had travelled abroad. It seemed that the bond between her and Kevin had been severed.Karen would only go back for the sake of her chil