The day arrived. It was Ian's wedding first. While his mother was stuck to her wheel chair in a bid to witness her son's wedding, everyone awaited the arrival of the bride. Karen was seated by Kevin's side as well as the rest of the Kord family including the Wilson's. Sam had told Karen goodbye when she was leaving the Kord mansion the day before and Karen tried not to overthink but she felt that Sam was hiding something from her. As much as she wanted Sam to attend Ian's wedding and maybe change his mind, Karen knew that it would be too painful for Sam and so she did not force it. Earlier before the wedding began Ian had come to Karen, "Sam is not picking up. Have you spoken to her today?" he asked with a sad expression on his face. Karen sighed, "She must have probably switched off her phone. You don't expect her to be here, do you?" "I know.." tears welled up in his eyes, "Apologize to her on my behalf, Karen please. I.. this is beyond my power. I feel so helpless." And sinc
"There you are!" Kevin stumbled into the balcony, drunk and inebriated, "I've been looking for you." Selene turned back sharply and did not expect to find Kevin. "What are you doing here? How did you know I'm here?" she asked. Kevin replied, "Told the guard to find you and take me to you. Is there a problem with that?" "You.. you're drunk." Selene noticed, she held Kevin on the arm and said, "You need to leave." Elliot had asked her to wait up there for the plan to work. With Kevin here, it could complicate things. However, Kevin refused to leave. He said, "Why are you all alone here, Selene? Are you hurting?" "I-" "Well you damn well should," he said, cutting her off, "You ruined what should have been us. You make me hate you, Selene and I don't want to!" Selene was confused. Didn't he chase her out of his office the other day? Didn't he say it's over? She concluded that the alcohol must be disturbing his mind. Selene said, "You're drunk Kevin, the party is over. I
Ian excused himself from the room when his phone began to ring. After ensuring that no one was within hearing distance, he picked the call."Hey, what did you find?" Ian spoke hurriedly, "Is she pregnant?"The voice on the other end went mute for few seconds."Fucking give me an answer will you?!""Yes." the voice answered, "She's pregnant and it's yours.""..." Ian lapsed into oblivion and did not care about what the person on the other side was saying. He couldn't believe it.Why did she keep it away from him?! Why didn't she tell him? He never would have pushed through with the wedding knowing that Sam was carrying his child!When he got hold of himself, he quickly dialed Sam's number but was met with a block. It said that this number no longer exist.Ian was furious. He tried the number several times but got the same response. Enraged, he tried Karen. She must have known, why did she keep it away from him?A tumultuous feeling appeared in his heart. All those times he'd seen her p
The next day, Kevin came down late for breakfast. He had a serious hangover and his brain still hurt. Mrs Kord served her son. She remarked with a smile on her face, "I see you and your wife felt lazy to step out of bed this morning!" Something in Kevin's head snapped that instant. He paused to think and realized that he had no idea if Karen slept in the room or not. "Mom, I actually haven't seen Karen. Did she leave for somewhere?" Kevin asked, making the smile on Mrs Kord's face to go blank. Elliot continued with his breakfast silently and peacefully. "What do you mean? Karen did not step out this morning, Kevin. Are you sure you did not leave her in the room?" Kevin scratched his head and rubbed his temple. He downed the hot soup in one go as he swore never to take so much drink next time. He was confused and tried to recollect where he'd seen Karen last the party. "Hey," Mrs Kord gesticulated to one of the servants, "Inform the younger Mrs Kord that breakfast is ongoing."
Kevin's words, "I chose Karen because of my child" resonated in Karen's head and even if it hurt her to the core of her being, there were no tears in her eyes."K-Karen..what happened to you? Where.. where have you been?" Kevin took a step forward but even he thought twice about approaching her. She must have overheard their conversation."You.." Selene clutched Kevin's arm, hiding behind him as Karen's state was bizarre to look at, "What..what is this?"Karen wanted to say a million things to both of them, especially Kevin but she did not. Instead, she walked to her closet and grabbed her suitcase."Karen, what are you doing?" Kevin rushed to her side."Giving you everything." she replied calmly despite the volcano erupting in her heart."What do you mean? Please let's get you to the hospital! After that, we can talk."Karen stopped packing and turned to Kevin then."I mean what it is Kevin." she repeated, "I'm giving you everything- Selene the love of your life, freedom from me and
The entire Kord family watched Karen walk out of the mansion. Mrs Kord was in tears as she begged Kevin to go after Karen but Kevin just stood rooted to the spot, in tears.When Karen reached outside the mansion, Ian's car pulled over. He stepped out and was immediately alarmed over Karen's state."Jesus! Karen..are you okay?" his eyes fell on the luggage, "Did..did something happen? Where are you going with those heavy luggage?"Karen sighed, "I'll be fine, Ian. I need to find myself again. Can I ask for a favor?""Of..of course,""Please take care of Kevin," she bursted into tears just then, "Please make sure he goes to the optometrist and gets his eyes fixed tomorrow."Ian was surprised, "How..how did you manage to get Mr Kord's consent?""I didn't. It came with a huge price." she answered and Ian wondered what it could be."Did you..did you know Sam is pregnant?" he finally dropped the bombshell and Karen sighed."Yes." she added, "Forgive me for not telling you, she wouldn't let
Ian was in a state of confusion. While both Karen and Mrs Robinson tried Sam's number it was not going through. Mrs Robinson crashed on the couch after finding out that Sam's closet was entirely empty. She did not leave a not as well. "Sam..Sam left the city," said Mrs Robinson, "She changed her number to stop us from contacting her! What could be the reason, Karen? You're her friend, why did she run away?" Karen did not know what to say. She was hurt that Sam did such a thing without informing her. She never would have let her leave. "I..I don't know, Mrs Robinson." "And this man..why is he here?" "He...he-" Karen stammered but Ian stepped forward. "I found out that Sam is pregnant with my child. I came here for both of them." Mrs Robinson felt like fainting. She didn't understand why Sam ran away instead of locking this rich man down with her pregnancy? "Is there a way we can find her?" asked a worried Ian but Mrs Robinson said, "She's a grown woman. I don't know where sh
Kevin did envision this. It seemed that his father and brother are bent on making his life a living hell. If it weren't for his mother, Kevin did not mind sleeping on the streets.He picked out his phone and called Ian."Hey, you up now?""Yes. Are you busy?" Kevin asked."Yeah, been finding prospective job opportunities for us but seems like there's something wrong." Ian answered.Kevin asked, "What do you mean.""Whenever I mention your name, they end the call. They won't even let me explain. It's odd. Any company should be happy to have you as an employee."Kevin hissed, "My father must have blocked my means of getting a job.""What are you gonna do now?""I'll need your help, Ian. A place to stay for the meantime before I can get a job." Kevin answered."Of course." Ian readily agreed, "Where are you? I'll come pick you up."Kevin gave his address before ending the call. He turned and found his mother seated on the ground with her hands around her arms. She must be cold.Kevin wal
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