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
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
Her face aflame, Karen was in a daze. Whoever this is, he certainly had a grudge against Kevin."Relax, don't be scared yet" his grip tightened on her hair and Karen winced in pain "I won't hurt you, at least not if you do what I'm asking you to do.""I..I love Kevin," Karen said "Why are you asking me to..to break the engagement?"The figure slowly let go off her hair and grabbed her neck instead, Karen began to choke as she kicked her legs."I'm the wrong person to joke with," his deep voice resonated in the dark room "I don't give a damn if you're in love with him!""Ah!" He released his grip and watched Karen cough terribly, "Or would you rather choose your love for him over your family??" the voice asked "Huh? Do you not love your Aunt Maya?? Would you want to see her dead-"Karen shrieked, "Don't you dare! Don't you dare involve my family! I don't know who you are, I have never offended you. Why are you doing this?!""Uh-huh," he hushed "Don't ever raise your voice at me. I'm
The family gathered in front of the house waiting impatiently. It has been four hours since Karen got abducted and nothing has been heard.While Mrs Kord sat on the front step trying to console Aunt Maya, Zachary kept pacing and throwing a deadly gaze at Kevin. Meanwhile, Kevin was on his feet at the sound of his phone ringing.Although his guards were progressing, Karen has not been found. Kevin was loosing his cool. Earlier he had wrongly prejudiced Karen, however judging from Aunt Maya's actions since her disappearance, he knew that he'd been wrong about her. He knew how vicious Elliot can be and the feisty character of Karen was not any good. He was already thinking of involving the FBI when the time struck six. However, at that moment a black sedan pulled up in front of the house. The door jerked open and Karen was thrown, unconscious out of the car. "It's Karen!" Zachary said as he took to his heels. Everyone else followed suit."God, Karen open your eyes!" Zachary shook her
The atmosphere became tensed.In anger, Elliot dumped his suit jacket on the ground and surged towards Kevin. Mrs Kord yelled for them to stop however it seemed that Kevin was prepared for Elliot.Unexpectedly, Kevin stuck his stick out and Elliot crashed into it nose first. Groaning, Elliot held his nose with both palms as blood seeped unto the tiled floor.Kevin was not done. He left the breakfast table and sent Elliot to the ground with a punch. Mrs Kord was scared to get in the middle of the fight as she had never seen Kevin this furious. All she could do was yell for him to stop but Kevin did not.He rained punches on Elliot and when he was satisfied, he grabbed his now stained collar."You tried it with Selene and I let it pass, and then you dare to abduct an innocent woman just for your wicked schemes. You won't get away with it."Elliot began to laugh as more blood poured out from his lips. He stared up at Kevin,"You don't think that these few punches of yours will stop me fr
Karen was shocked to find Kevin. She wondered when he got there. After he closed the distance between them, Karen answered his question."He's my boss,""Do bosses kiss their employees hands??" "Wait," Karen's brow twitched "How did you know he kissed my hands?"Kevin shrugged and found his way into the house without answering her question. Karen did not think too much about it as well. Aunt Maya served Kevin and Karen hot chocolate drink."You should thank your fiancee, Karen" Aunt Maya was saying as she poured the chocolate in the mug "He had the police and his guards everywhere in Willow-ridge looking for you the moment he found that you were missing."Handing them their mugs, she continued "Immediately you arrived, he had his jacket around you as no one thought about it because we were too worried. He also found a doctor for you." Aunt Maya smiled broadly "I have no doubt that Kevin will make a good husband."Karen nodded and feigned a smile. Turning to Kevin, Aunt Maya said,"So
Karen regretted the words the moment they came out of her mouth as her conscience pricked her when she saw Kevin's countenance fall. Slipping a hand into his suit pocket, Kevin easily grabbed his walking stick. "That's fine," he said "I actually saw it coming." Watching him leave, Karen wanted to stop him and apologize but she couldn't whenever she thought of how he could have deceived her. She clenched her chest as pain striked through her heart.Kevin stopped with his hands on the door knob, "The guards will be here like I said to protect you and your family. Here's my number," he pulled out a card from his back pocket "Call whenever you need me," and dumped it on the couch.With that he disappeared through the door. Karen fell on the couch and whimpered as her heart squeezed in pain. Aunt Maya appeared from nowhere with her inhaler and helped Karen to it. "Did you both have a fight?" she asked after Karen was alright.Looking away, Karen didn't know what to say. Aunt Maya would
"Are you sure about this?" Zachary asked Karen as she stared at her reflection in the mirror of the Kord's mansion."Stop asking me that," Karen breathed out "I don't want to think about this until it's over"Zachary paused and stared at her. Realizing his gaze, she turned and looked at him."What?""You look gorgeous," he complimented with a wink. Karen smiled despite herself and took his hand in his."I know things went sour between us these past few days, Zach but nothing changes right? I'm still your little sister and I love you very much,"Karen continued, "Kevin might not be the man you wanted for me but this is not a marriage of convenience. My time will be up soon and Aunt Maya suggested we keep this a secret from Kevin and his family even if I don't want to.""I understand, Karen. Just don't hesitate to ring me up should there be any problems.""Really??" Karen's face lit up in surprise "You're not mad about all of this anymore??""Yeah," Zachary grinned "But I still don't li
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