"Get your hands off me!" Elliot pushed Kevin off of him "We were here together! After dinner she went up the stairs, how could I have kidnapped her?"Mrs Kord added, "Don't act rash, Kevin. I don't think Elliot kidnapped her. The guards already showed us the footage. Since you walked into the mansion with Karen, no one has left the house.""The guards have searched everywhere for her, mom! She's not in the house!"Mrs Kord turned to the guards standing behind her, "Did you check the bathrooms??"They paused as if uncertain.Kevin snapped his head towards their direction. As if understanding their silence, he did not wait for their reply and immediately took to the stairs.Mrs Kord yelled after him, "Slow down, you'll miss your step!"However, Kevin was already out of sight. Selene thought aloud,"Since the footage showed she didn't leave the house then she must be in the bath and Kevin," she paused and continued "And Kevin just went up there."Her eyes widened realizing that he might
Sam did not feel okay. She was far from fine and couldn't stop thinking of Ian and that woman. Since she called herself his girlfriend and he did not object, he played her for a fool. If he had a girlfriend studying abroad why did he get into a relationship with her?! Sam blamed herself, she fell easily for his charms! Ignoring her mother's calls, she stepped out of the house so late at night and strolled through the snowing streets of Willow-ridge. It was still lively with people enjoying the snow and others going home from work. Sam did not have an idea where she was heading. She just walked down the lane and admired a young couple watching their kids play in the snow. She stopped under a tree for a moment and smiled at the family while thinking about her own ruined life. Her father was nowhere to be found. Her mother had raised her all on her own. It was the reason Sam found it hard to love men. Since she came of age, she saw them as hypocrite, liars and didn't regard them as h
Sam refused to go with the bearded man. Since she was drunk, her rejection was quick and sharp angering the man and hurting his pride. He tried to pick her up and force her into his car but Sam was fighting back.When she took a blow to the belly, all her strength was sapped out of her. The man picked her up and placed her on his shoulder but was stopped by a voice Sam thought was familiar."Let her go," Ian ordered firmly.The man turned to him and frowned, "Who do you think you are? I found her first, go get yours." Before Ian could reply, the man turned and began to walk away.Suddenly, a hand grabbed him and a punch landed on his face. Ian caught hold of Sam before she hit the ground and hurried out of the bar to his car where he dumped a drunk Sam and started the car.He hit the accelerator when the doors of the bar flew open and the men piled out seeking to beat him up however he fled.Out of danger zone, he stared at Sam who was murmuring something under her breath."What do yo
The next morning, Karen woke up to an empty space beside her. After having her bath, she walked downstairs for breakfast. It was still too early and she wondered why Kevin wasn't home.After breakfast, Mrs Kord called for her and she walked into the woman's room."Sit, Karen." she patted the bedside and Karen obeyed. Considering her puffed eyes, it seemed that she cried all night. What could be the reason?"What's wrong, mother? Are you sick?""It's just a small fever," Marie dismissed it and then looked up at Karen. "You must wonder why no one is home except for the women, of course."Karen nodded."Well, there was an urgent meeting concerning the finances of the company. The previous manager just catered away some of the profit without any trace."Karen nodded and said a simple, "Oh,"Marie took Karen's soft hand in hers and said, "We barely know each other but you have done so much for me and my son. Even for my entire family. If you had not agreed to marry him, I don't know where
Meanwhile, Amelia and Mrs Smith had gotten first hand news on the manager that embezzled money from Kord industries. "That should have been us, mother!" shrieked Amelia as she applied lip gloss on her lips "He took millions! I doubt he will ever be caught." "What's more important is that the position for manager is vacant." said her mother "You have to clinch that position before it will be given to someone else." Amelia rolled her eyes, "Ian is really being a pain in the neck, mother. I have no idea what's wrong with him. He wouldn't give me a job there because of a woman we bumped into when we met at the cafe." "A woman?" Mrs Smith repeated "Who is she to him?" Amelia shrugged, "I really don't know." "Listen baby," Mrs Smith held her daughter, "You can't let any woman push you aside. No matter who she is, you must exert your hold on Ian! You need him!" Amelia sighed, "I don't know what to do, mom! He doesn't seem to interested in me anymore." "Don't give up just yet," she he
Since the Kords we're fixing the disruption caused by the company's financial manager, Sam and Karen were free for the day. Until the issue is settled they might have only less work to do. Both women were not in their best forms. Although they had headed out for an ice cream, they watched it pass by them without buying."I need to tell you something, Sam." Karen said after finding a place they could sit. "Mr Kord wants an heir."Sam pursed her lips, "Is he forcing you to have one?"Karen shook her head, "He's given Kevin and Elliot another ultimatum. He said the first to give him an heir will have a greater part of his will."Sam rolled her eyes and sat back, "Why do the problems never finish??!"Karen sighed, "I don't think I can carry a child, Sam. I'm afraid I'll die quicker than I should and even worse, with the child."Sam felt sorry for her friend, "What are you going to do now?"Karen sighed again, "I have to let Selene have a child for Kevin instead."Upon hearing that Sam sn
Some business associates stopped Elliot and Mr Kord and so Kevin and Selene were alone at the far end."It's true," she told him "It looks like after your father's ultimatum, Karen has lost the will to continue. She was only after your money and now that she will have to carry a child for it, she's backing out. She has surrendered you to me. Aren't you happy?"Kevin gritted his teeth, he did not believe a word that Selene said. "Karen is not like that."Selene hissed, "You've only known her for three months, Kevin and you're defending her? Well, find out yourself! She told me this morning that I can have you back.""Get away from me," said Kevin as he slipped out his phone and dialed Karen's number. Although it rang, the call was not picked."Kevin, don't be stubborn will you?" said Selene as she was getting fed up, "We can have a baby together. Wasn't it your dream to get married to me and have a family?"After looking at her with a cold gaze, Kevin said, "You are married to Elliot,
"You.." Karen couldn't believe her ears, she shook her head. "You said you will never take me as your wife. You..you said I am a nobody to you." "Yes," he said "I did. Isn't it possible for things to change? Do you not want to love you?" "How can I believe that you have moved on so quickly from Selene? How-" He placed a finger on her lips, "Even I cannot believe it but it's true. So don't push me away. If you don't want to have a baby with me-" Karen cut him off and said, "I want to have a baby with you." Kevin couldn't believe his ears. He paused, still in shock. Karen straightened up and placed a hand on his chest, biting her lips as she said, "I want to have a baby with you, Kevin Kord." she repeated, her tone soft and almost silent. He grabbed her waist and brought her close, claiming her lips that instant. His hands roamed all over her against the wall, making her feel a thousand emotions at once. Karen had never done this before so she couldn't keep up with his pace.
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