"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
While Karen was on her feet, Kevin still hesitated. Mrs Kord walked up to him and pretended to help him with his walker when she leaned in and whispered with a smile on her face."Everyone's watching, please get up and hold Karen's hand," Left with no choice, Kevin got up on his feet and gave his hand to Karen. Karen took it in hers despite the frown that was already forming on Kevin's face. "The game is called finding your true love!" the director announced and the crowd yelled in anticipation. Elliot wore a clean smirk on his face while Selene could only feel her hatred for Karen grow."Now, I know that Mr Kord is blind but the rules of the game says to blindfold him just so there wouldn't be any form of cheating,""Do it! Do it! Do it!" the crowd chanted and having gotten their approval the director brought out a black blindfold and placed it over Kevin's eyes.Karen did not know what to expect as she tried to keep her anxiety at bay. "Now, I'll need just ten female to step out"
"Oh, Kevin!" Selene exclaimed in utter happiness and threw the blindfold off his eyes. "W-wait-" it was too late before Kevin realized the voice. It was definitely Selene's. "Se-selene" he began to explain when she jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly."Hold your horses, peeps!" the director was not done yet "Now, Mr Kord and his chosen fiancee will move onto the next and final stage!""Yes!" Selene exclaimed again and grabbed Kevin, helping him up to stage. Mrs Kord approached Karen."Darling, come and sit." she said as she led her to the couple's stand "It's just a game, don't think too much about it."Karen didn't even hear her. Her gaze was fixated on her fiancee and the woman whose name she heard is Selene."There's an apple between you and your fiancee, Mr Kord" the director explained "The first to finish the apple while eating it without the help of your hands will earn a prize.""Is it understood??""Yes!!" screamed Selene."So let the game begin!" Selene immediately
"Oh my god!" Karen screamed as Selene missed a step and rolled down the stairs. The blaring music stopped instantly as guests began to gather where an unconscious Selene lay."Selene!" Elliot screamed as he ran to the foot of the stairs. "Someone get the doctor!" Kevin was unbothered when there was a loud noise however he was up on his feet the moment he recognized Elliot's voice yelling Selene's name.Ian joined him that moment, "What's going on?" Kevin asked impatiently as he took his stick and followed Ian to the scene."Where's Selene?? Ian tell me what's going on?!" "She's.. she's unconscious," Ian answered"Don't give me half explanation, what the f*ck happened to her?"Lost in the noise, Ian was unable to make sense of what really happened however the guest had already began to draw their story. Behind Kevin, one of them said,"Miss Luis is standing at the top of the stairs," she said to her friend beside her "Do you think she pushed Miss Wilson?""It's obvious," answered the
Karen jumped out of the car before it even stopped. Zachary followed suit and stopped her before she could close the door to her room while Aunt Maya watched in silence."Karen, talk to me will you?" his voice quivered "You never spoke to us about your abduction, how do you even know Elliot? More over, is it really true?? That..that you're in love with Kevin?"Karen's mind was a jungle of thought as she was confused at the moment. Although her and Aunt Maya knew the real reason behind the marriage, Zachary didn't. Explaining her encounter with Elliot will lead her to tell Zachary the truth and she didn't want to do that."I'll explain everything to you, not just now" Karen responded and slammed the door shut before he could stop her. She stepped out of her dress and into the shower. "Do you know something I don't?" Zachary asked his mother who left his question unanswered. Under the shower, Karen recounted the events at the party. She stared at her ring and found scratch marks all o
"You can't be serious, Selene" Mrs Kord interrupted, pulling away Selene's hands from Kevin "Kevin is already engaged.""It's just an engagement, Marie" Mrs Wilson stepped forward "I mean, it can be broken. Thank goodness they aren't married yet. Think of the good it would do your family should the whole city know that Selene will be getting married to Kevin. Your status will rise in the society, Marie. The setbacks your industry has suffered will be made up for. What else do you want?"Mrs Kord shook her head, "I don't care what the people of Willow-ridge will say. I will not humiliate Karen and her family by calling off the engagement just for Selene who was the very reason I had to find a bride for my son." "You know what?" Selene hissed "This isn't about you, Mrs Kord. It is actually Kevin's decision to make." Turning to him, Selene continued "If Kevin says he will not call off the engagement to marry me then fine, I'll leave. But if he wants to marry me, you don't have a say in
"What's he doing here?" Sam asked"I..I don't know," Karen breathed out as she watched his bodyguard step out of the car and began to approach them."Miss Luis, can you please come with me? Mr Kord wants to see you." "Okay," Karen nodded and began to follow him behind. She turned to Sam and waved goodbye. As the bodyguard held the door for her, Karen stepped into the car with her heart beating loudly."Miss Luis," Kevin began, making Karen wonder what happened to 'Karen'? A sad feeling appeared in the pit of her stomach as she already sensed that something was wrong. "I appreciate your kindness towards my mom and even to me however, I don't think this marriage between us will work."Karen's eyes shimmered with tears,"I hate to waste your time and maybe now, you wouldn't have to forfeit your dreams for me." he said and then fished out some bundle of dollars and placed it in between them."What's this?" Karen looked up at him and asked"It's for you to accept my apology,""Apology for
Karen was shocked by the question and did not expect that Aunt Maya would have heard already. Does it mean the whole Willow-ridge are roasting here on the internet now??"What?" Zachary exclaimed "That bastard called off the wedding? Unbelievable! I warned you both about him. He's up to no good. Now what will people be speaking about you, Karen?? Which man will marry you now after being engaged and then dropped??"Karen dropped the glass of water and straightened up, "I don't care what anyone thinks, Zachary you know that."Aunt Maya was on her feet the next second, "You haven't answered my question, Karen.""Aunt Maya, Miss Wilson went back on her word" Karen explained "She's ready to marry him and-" she shrugged "-Mr Kord's willing to push through with it since she was his first choice."Aunt Maya's face sank in sadness as her eyes filled up with tears."I'm so sorry, Karen" she apologized while Karen rushed to her and held while shaking her head "Please, Aunt. Don't apologize. Non
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