"Dad," Elliot gasped as he immediately got up from the bed where he was asleep with Avery. He grabbed the sheets to cover his nakedness."Congratulations to you, you have lost the position of the CEO along with the inheritance!" Mr Kord barked in the background."W-what? D-dad!" he screamed but Mr Kord disconnected the line. Tossing his phone aside, Elliot rushed into the shower and was out of it in two minutes. He gathered his trousers and shirts and put them on quickly.Half-awake, Avery bit her lower lips as she admired Elliot's structured body, from his muscles to his abs and hairy chest. His wet hair added a domineering aura to him."Darling.." Avery pouted "Why are you leaving?""Something important came up," he lowered and kissed her forehead, ready to leave but she held him back and claimed his lips trying to lure him into another session but Elliot smacked her hands away."I said something important came up!" he huffed, grabbed his jacket and slammed the door shut. Avery wond
"You'll be my girlfriend for one month," Ian said with an emotionless face. Deep down he was hoping she would really agree to it."Your date? For a month?!" Sam huffed, opened the car door and jumped in, surprising Ian."Why are you looking at me?" she asked as she turned to him "Your time starts now! I know you're a pervert, and you wanted my attention now you got it!""Is that a yes?"Sam sent him a sharp look, "It is, or do you have another condition?"Ian shook his head and smiled to himself. "Take me to the mansion, babe" Sam said, shocking Ian with her choice of word "I need to change out of this and find Karen. Kevin didn't hurt her right?"Ian shrugged as he began to drive, "I've no idea. Mrs Kord sent me here amidst the drama.""Hmm," ...Kevin disappeared into thin air. Even when the reception began, Mrs Kord tried his line severally but got no response.Karen was seating alone on the glittering stand and was now wearing a red slit gown that enhanced her features. Her gold
Elliot looked fierce and furious. He began to destroy the decorations as he yelled for Karen to step out. The guest ran helter-skelter and those who could find the exit in the midst of Elliot's madness left the mansion.He brought down the decor, smashed Karen and Kevin's pictures all over the palace and threw down the exquisite wine that stood on each and every table.Upon getting to the huge cake that stood in front of the couple's stand, he swayed his hand and the cake came tumbling down. Karen was hurt at the state of the mansion. Soon enough, Elliot approached her and grabbed her arm."Are you really that brave to go against me?!" he groaned."Let go!" Karen returned in the same fierce manner which only aggravated Elliot the more. He raised his hand in a bid to hit her when Zachary stepped in and pushed him down to the ground.In turn, Elliot picked up a broken bottle on the ground and smashed it on Zachary's head causing Karen to scream.With Zachary out of the way, Elliot heade
"My new life has begun, Mr Kord" Karen stopped him from leaving "As for my dreams, I'm already living it. I didn't marry you for your money so you can have it back."Kevin's jaw twitched. What kind of a woman is she?"If you don't want money what do you want? Anything, name it and I'll give it just so you can get out of my life!" his voice was high-pitched but Karen was not scared."I don't want anything," "Then you'll suffer the consequences!" was his reply "We cannot share the same bed, you can have the couch. Do not touch any of my belongings! I will not involve myself in whatever issue that springs up between my dad, my brother and you! You don't deserve my help so don't you dare ask for it! Don't talk to me except it is necessary and most of all, you will never have my love or my trust."He paused and added, "It is either these or you take the money and leave,""I'm not taking the money," Karen replied rather quickly "I'll abide by the rules, Mr Kord now can I have some rest?" s
Despite setting her alarm, Karen woke up later than usual. She looked around but didn't find Kevin in the room. She gasped when she remembered that she had to go to work. Quickly, she raced into the bathroom and showered. She had fresh clothes in her closet and she knew that Mrs Kord had done this for her. Smiling, she picked a blue satin dress and a jacket with a heel to match before walking out of the room.She was greeted by the maids and guards. The breakfast table was empty."Strange," she muttered before leaving. On arrival at Daniel Corporations she was summoned in no time."I'm sorry, sir" she apologized to him but he did not even look at her. He picked up a business file and tossed it to her still stuck on his phone."We'll be signing a partnership agreement later today. You should-" as he spoke Karen noticed that he was trying hard not to meet her gaze."That's all for today," he finished "You're dismissed"But Karen remained where she stood. Without looking up, Daniel said
"Fine," Mr Kord immediately agreed and pulled out his phone "I'll call my lawyer now,"Kevin sat relaxed on his chair, happiness like no other surging through him. He imagined getting married to Selene now.However, his thoughts was interrupted when the door to his office barged open. "It's Elliot," he heard his father say. Kevin was up on his feet that moment. And the last person he expected said, "I dropped the charges against him,"He recognized the voice anytime, anywhere. "Selene??" he couldn't believe it "Why? Why did you do that? Elliot is the reason why our marriage was stalled.""No, Karen is the reason!" she replied "She should be the one arrested and jailed!"Kevin stepped forward, "Selene, please believe me. I would have had her arrested if all evidences pointed towards her but it all points at Elliot.""Elliot was not around that day, Kevin. I know you hate your brother but does that mean playing games with me?""Playing games with you?""I think you and that leech pla
The truck driver pressed the brake just in time, however Karen was injured. Daniel was by her side almost immediately.He held her arm where a gash laid and yelled at her, "What were you thinking?! Have you gone crazy? If he hadn't stopped on time, he'd have crushed you to death!" On realizing the near accident, Kevin turned back. Rather than call for help, he looked down at Karen."What are you doing here?" he asked coldly "I didn't ask you to get in the way for me!""You're a bastard, you know that?" Daniel returned "She just saved your life and all you can do is act arrogant? Is that the way to treat your wife?""She's not my wife," Kevin uttered coldly "She knows that,"Karen knew that if she does not interfere, the two men might end up fighting and so she got up on her feet and winced. It seemed that she must have also sprained her ankle from the hit."It's fine," she said to both men "Let's get to business, Mr Daniel." without a glance at Kevin she turned and leaped her way bac
The moment he heard the automatic door close, Kevin picked up the intercom and spoke to his secretary."Do you not want your job anymore?" he said coldly and Karen heard the frightened voice of the secretary pleading and explaining that I coerced her into telling me his office.He dropped the intercom and said to Karen, "Whatever it is you have to say I don't want to hear it.""I'm afraid that's up to you, Mr Kord" she replied "If you sign this document, I'll be out of here as quickly as possible.""Are you threatening me?""No, just letting you in on the consequences. You don't want me anywhere near you, remember?"Karen thought her words would make him rethink his decision however he merely smirked and uttered, "I can throw you out of here in the blink of an eye so it doesn't matter whether you leave or not.""Mr Kord if you're worried that I'll infringe on your privacy during our work together then you need not be. Our work will be strictly business, I can assure you that."She pa
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