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07-On his way
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"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 you like to-""No,""Okay sir, Daniels Corporation is seeking for a-""Get them all out of my sight, Lydia!" Kevin groaned"I'm.. I'm so sorry, sir. I'll have them cancelled right away. I..I didn't know you were in a bad mood." she apologized as she gathered the files and began to match out of the office."Don't you let anyone into my office," he ordered."Of..Of course sir."Shortly after the secretary's departure, the door to the CEO's office dashed open and Ian stepped in."Leave," Kevin groaned."It's Ian," he said and Kevin said nothing."You've been cold to the employees," he said "Is there a problem?"Kevin relaxed on his chair and massaged his temple."I think I'm going crazy," he explained."Still Selene?""Even worse," Kevin sighed "Mother found me a bride.""Saw that coming," Ian said "She wouldn't let you lose your inheritance, would she?""That is not the point, Ian!" he banged his desk"Ohhh, take it easy on me.."Leaning back into his chair, Kevin muttered "Sorry.""Who's she?" Ian askedKevin racked his brain for a second, "Don't remember the name.""I wonder what your mother must have said to her.""She's certainly a gold-digger" Kevin concluded "The name didn't ring a bell so I'm guessing my mother must have picked her from nowhere. Probably won't tell her of my blindness till we're married.""You can't entirely blame your mother, you know? She's doing this for you.""Tell me what's worse, Ian" Kevin paused and added "Staying a bachelor and losing my inheritance or getting married to a greedy thief who's probably gonna rid me of my inheritance?""The first for me," Ian answered."What?""Well, if you lose your inheritance to your brother you have automatically lost everything. Your large mansion, money, your sight included which means you wouldn't even get a job elsewhere. Think of your mother."Kevin shut his eyes tighter and leaned back on his chair."I can't get married to her, whoever she is.""Do you have anyone else in mind?" Ian asked."Selene," Kevin whispered"But-""Ian," Kevin caught him short "Do you really think that Selene doesn't love me?""I..I..don't know for certain. She said marrying you would bring disgrace to her family which is..true.""I-" Kevin began when loud noises from outside the door interrupted him."Please, ma'am you can't go in." Lydia yelled "He wouldn't see anyone. Please, ma'am.""Don't you dare touch me!" the other voice yelled.Suddenly, the door to Kevin's office dashed open. Mrs Kord stepped in along with Lydia who was trembling in fear."I'm.. I'm so sorry, sir" she quivered in fear "Your mom wouldn't listen to me.""It's okay, Lydia," Kevin said calmly "You can leave."The secretary thanked her stars and closed the door behind her."This is a company, mother" Kevin started while Ian quietly left the room."Of course it is," she replied sarcastically "Come on, it's time.""Time for what?""Time to see your bride," Mrs Kord respondedKevin scoffed, "Mom, please. I have work to do.""Is that so? Seemed to me you had all the time in the world discussing with your best friend.""That was-""Kevin please don't make this hard for me," she pleaded "Didn't you understand any of my words??""What I don't understand is this woman you have bribed.""My God," Mrs Kord drew in a sharp breath "Bribe? I didn't bribe her!""What did you do? Keep my blindness from her??""Her aunt happens to be an old friend," Mrs Kord explained "She has known you ever since you were a child and was present at the time you went blind. She does not have a problem letting you marry her niece.""So what you mean is, she simply agreed to marry a blind young guy just like that?" Kevin gave a mocking laughter "Mom.. you've got to be kidding me!""Yeah, it sounds crazy but it's the truth. That is why I trust her and I'm sure she's going to be a good wife to you not some woman who cannot marry you because you're-""Enough," Kevin uttered sharply and then picked up his keys and walker "Since you wouldn't tell the truth, perhaps she will. Let's go, mother.""There is no truth, Kevin."Walking towards the door, Kevin replied "Let me be the judge of that."....Karen arrived home from the day's work. Rather than tired and stressed out she looked pensive and in a confused state.When she stepped into the house, she hanged her coat that dripped with snow as the aroma of waffles passed through her nostrils and got rid of her nervousness."Oh my," she exclaimed as she rushed to the kitchen and found Zachary by the cooker. Recollecting their conversation yesterday, she turned and left before he could see her.She walked up the stairs and passed by Aunt Maya's room. She looked happy and joyous as she spoke on the phone. Karen stood by the door and smiled, wondering the last time she heard Aunt Maya laugh so heartily.Ending the call, Aunt Maya turned with flushed cheeks and caught Karen about to leave. A grin crawled up to her ears as she rushed to her."You're back, Karen!""Y-yes, Aunt..you..you look so happy." Karen saidAunt Maya nodded, "Indeed, I am and you will be too."She paused and added, "Kevin Kord is on his way here with his mother."Karen froze on the spot.Related chapters
A Paradise Called Us 08-None of it
"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
A Paradise Called Us 09-Truly love you
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
A Paradise Called Us 10-We're here
"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
A Paradise Called Us 11-Together
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
A Paradise Called Us 12-On Fire
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 Paradise Called Us 13-For a position
Karen was glad when the closing hour arrived. She immediately placed every message that was dropped for the CEO on his desk and waited few minutes before picking up her bag and walking out of the building.However, her way was blocked by three ladies."Seems like being a whore really pays off, huh?" the one in front said and was backed by two other ladies."I don't understand?""You don't?" she scoffed "F*cking with Mr Daniels and managed to climb your way up to the target- Kevin Kord.""I did none of that, now if you would excuse me," Karen made a move to leave however they stopped her again.One of them yanked her handbag to the floor, with her things scattering all over the ground. Karen kept her cool although, her breathing was becoming ragged and uneven. Her face turned pale."How dare you sneak right up under our noses while pretending to be a simple, unproblematic low-class girl when you're infact a desperate woman!" Claire said"She must have gone miles proving her self just s
A Paradise Called Us 14-Pitch black
The next day, Karen walked into Mr Daniels office by noon on his call. "Sir, you had-" Karen began the moment she stepped foot into the office however a hand clasped over her wrist and pulled her in forcefully, after which the door was shut close.Karen gave him a confused look. Handing out the documents in her hand she said,"Sir, is something the matter?"She had barely finished when he snatched the documents from her hand, causing them to fall on the ground. Holding his phone in front of her, he said,"What is this?!"It was exactly the same picture that Sam showed her yesterday. Karen was rendered speechless. She didn't expect that the camera would capture her almost perverted look at Kevin Kord."What? Cat got your tongue??" Daniel slid his phone into his pocket "When you rejected my advances you could have told me that you were among the ladies waiting on Kevin's bed!""Please, Mr Daniels" Karen's voice quivered "I hate to disrespect you. Don't make me.""You have to give me an
A Paradise Called Us 15-You don't want to know
Aunt Maya ushered Mrs Kord into the house and helped her with the loads of shopping bags."What are these, Marie??" thinking it was for the household, Amaya added "It is not necessary, Marie. I cannot accept these from you."Mrs Kord placed them on the center table and turned back at Amaya with a smile on her face. "What do you mean, Amaya?? It's for my daughter in law. Tomorrow's the engagement.""I promised to cover all of the expenses, don't feel like you owe me Amaya."Checking out the bags, Amaya returned a gleeful smile to her friend. "They're all pretty. I'm sure Karen will love them.""Speaking of her, I haven't seen her?" Mrs Kord looked around the house."She's-"Zachary strode out of his room and stopped in front of the women, "It's been an hour, Karen's not back yet."Realizing the tensed atmosphere, Aunt Maya casually smiled"It's nothing to be worried about, she probably closed later than usual.""That's what I thought but her cellphone isn't going through," Zachary repl
Latest chapter
A Paradise Called Us 112- Life got better
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
A Paradise Called Us 111- He was my son
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
A Paradise Called Us 110- Your son, Zachary
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
A Paradise Called Us 109-Next Thirty Minutes
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
A Paradise Called Us 108- Three Days Left
"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
A Paradise Called Us 107- Two Weeks Left
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
A Paradise Called Us 106- Behind the anger
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
A Paradise Called Us 105-A set-up
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
A Paradise Called Us 104- It's Karen
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
