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42-What's the plan?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
A Paradise Called Us 43-Getting married
The next day Karen woke up to sounds of water running in the bathroom. She sat up on the couch lazily as she rubbed her eyes.Her back ached at the discomfort but she stood up and straightened out, yawning slightly. At that moment, the automatic door to the bathroom pulled open and Kevin stepped out bare chested.Hands in the air, Karen paused, her eyes locking on his thick abs and broad chest. The water dripped from the ends of his hair and rolled down his chest.He walked past her to his closet and was about to undress completely when Karen shouted,"No!"His head turned towards her direction and then a deep frown settled on his face. He had forgotten for a moment that he was married and forced to share a room with this woman."Have you been staring at me?" he asked, drawing his bathrobe to cover his chest.Karen smiled at the act, "Yes, Mr Kord and I think you're the most handsome man I've ever met."She giggled when he smirked and she wondered if he liked it whenever she praised hi
A Paradise Called Us 44-Divorce Karen
"Don't joke about Selene," Kevin warned through threatening voice.Elliot chuckled, "It's not a joke. I proposed to her yesterday and she agreed. Aren't you happy for-" he didn't finish his sentence when Kevin reached for his tie and grabbed his neck across the table.Karen gasped, more surprised than shocked. Sometimes she wondered how Kevin managed to build himself in such a way that he no longer needed his sight."Stop it!" Mr Kord was up on his feet "Let him go, Kevin!""What?" Elliot whispered to Kevin, loud enough for everyone to hear "Does it hurt to know that I'll be getting married to your woman? That I'll lay her beautiful body on my bed at night and have her as many times I want?"Kevin raised his fist and it met Elliot on the face, sending him and the chair back to the floor. He got up, ready to retaliate but was stopped by Mr Kord who signaled to him with just a gaze. A gaze only Karen saw."You will regret it the next time you pull a bad behavior at the table again!" he r
A Paradise Called Us 45-Leave the rest to me
"You're not divorcing her are you?" Ian questioned with a voice of unbelief "You do realize that this smells a lot like Elliot's plan.."Kevin twirled around in his office chair with his eyes closed. He had just told Ian Selene's requirement if he doesn't want her to marry Elliot."I can't let her get married to him," was his reply. "Kevin," Ian said with all seriousness "If you divorce Karen you'll lose your inheritance, I doubt your father will let you get married again which means you'll lose Selene as well, that's too much risk.""Besides, I still doubt that Selene will marry you.""What do you mean?""Dude, you're still blind." he answered "She didn't mean that, Ian.""Are you kidding?" Ian chuckled "Look, dude it's high time we get honest with ourselves. Selene only wants you because she does not like the idea of you and Karen together, not because she loves you."Kevin fluttered his eyes open and sat up, "Ian-""That's the truth and maybe I've been a coward for keeping it to
A Paradise Called Us 46-Is she asthmatic?
Karen was too slow to act. She was lost in thoughts trying to analyze the words she just heard and didn't realize when the door pulled open and she was met with Elliot's face."What are you doing here?" he barked at her with gruesome eyes. The person he'd been speaking to inside the office walked past him and out of the building."Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?"There was no point lying, "What are you planning to do?" Karen responded and Elliot's eyes swept past her body.He smirked, "Whatever it is, you're not fit to stop me are you?""You've lost the inheritance, it isn't yours anyway," Karen said "Whatever you do now won't earn you anything,"He walked up to her, "Is that so?" he chuckled "You've no idea what I can do young lady and you better not cross my path,""I won't let you hurt Kevin,"He laughed even louder and then pulled a serious face, "Your courage amazes me. All of this.." he pointed at her crutch and injured leg "..for a man who doesn't even look at you. I
A Paradise Called Us 47-Ten months left
Sam stopped a cab and asked to be taken to the hospital but Karen, now recovered, shook her head."I'm fine, Sam. There's no need to go to the hospital," she refused "Let's get back to Mr Daniel."Sam gazed at her with suspicious eyes which Karen avoided by looking past the window, glad that Sam didn't insist on going to the hospital. She had already blown her cover by almost dieing and using an inhaler in front of them, she didn't want to reveal the worst by going to the hospital.She already knew what they'd say- she's got eleven months left to live. Take proper care of her and she would live up to that.Her ringtone interrupted her thoughts. She was surprised to see that it was Kevin calling. Right, she remembered. Ian had seen her as well and just like Elliot he appeared shocked and scared."You won't pick?" Sam inquired while Karen shook her head. She didn't need a lecture right now and she was sure Kevin was about to give her that. He would shout at her not to create a scene in
A Paradise Called Us 48-I'm sorry, Karen
He didn't turn or acknowledge her presence, Karen wondered if he heard her. He was by the window with a cigarette in his hand and a wine glass in another."Take a seat," he kicked the chair in front of him and Karen's lips parted to disagree but quickly had second thoughts.One look at Kevin could tell that he wasn't in a good mood, more like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Karen took a seat opposite him."Look at me," he ordered and Karen lifted her face, wondering how he knew she wasn't looking."What happened at the company?" his voice was stiff, held no emotions whatsoever."Nothing," Karen replied "Now," he sat up "I like to be answered when I direct a question. Don't wave me off like you don't already know I know what happened,""You said you wouldn't care about anything that has to do with me," Karen said "You said you wouldn't help if I got into an issue with your father and brother."Kevin squeezed his fist under the desk. How could she remind him of his words? Did
A Paradise Called Us 49-Sign it unconsciously
Surprised, Karen didn't know what to say. Then she watched him straighten up."Why do you make use of an inhaler?" he switched the subject but Karen was glad he apologized. Although she wasn't mad at him and she knew how difficult it must have been for him to apologize. "Uh-" she began when it dawned on her that the pain was gone. He had helped her forget about the pain and it disappeared, even though temporarily."Please, don't lie to me," he pleaded "If you're sick we could check it out tomorrow and get you treated properly,"She stared at him, letting herself admire his handsome features and thanking God once again that he's blind."Karen?""I'm not sick, Mr Kord," she answered "I occasionally have such attacks when I'm anxious or..unable to breath.""So you carry this inhaler everywhere you go?""Yes, I do"He paused for a moment and said, "You're not lieing to me, are you?"She lied again, "No,"He got up on his feet, "We'll get to the hospital tomorrow for-""No, no Mr Kord," s
A Paradise Called Us 50-The piggyback ride
Kevin stared at her, the drugs taking its effect. She fell into his arms for a moment and he helped her to the bed."You don't feel it too??" she asked, her speech slurry as she took hold of his collar "You're spinning!""I don't feel anything, now let go off my shirt" Kevin said instantly. "No, you'll fall if I do!" she said, grabbing unto him tightly.Kevin was at a loss. He did not expect this. He only spiked her drug so she would sign the papers unconsciously. He did not expect that she would behave this way."I won't fall, let go Karen.""No, you're spinning so fast now!" she shrieked "You'll fall if I let go off you!" With no other option, he raised himself from the bed with her body on him following suit. She seemed light as he walked over to his closet where he sort for the document.She had her arms wrapped around his neck as she propped herself properly on his back."We're going piggyback ride now??" she asked gleefully "Ahh... you're so warm!" He stopped abruptly and star
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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
