There was a small diner downtown and two blocks away from their apartment building. Kane opened the door for Madeline and they got in. They both took off their jackets as it was a little bit cold outside. The diner was mostly packed by the bar with friends clicking mugs of beer and tequila. A typical Sunday evening ritual. Kane hated going to such places but this was what he could afford at the moment until he cracked a business deal.
They took a seat by the window and a tall waitress came to attend to them. “May I have your order please?” The kind girl asked. She should be in her early twenties judging by her appearance and body structure but hey, appearances can be deceiving. “What would you like Madeline?” Kane smiled and Madeline only got her hands on the menu card set on their table.“A cheeseburger with some fries and onion rings.” This made Kane surprised at her choice. “Is there a problem?” Madeline asked as the kind girl noted down her order on her notepad. Kane shooked his head with a smile. “No no. It's just a surprise that you would want to eat such high greased foods. You never eat junk foods.” He said. “Well, I was craving some creamy cheeseburger tonight. I would wear it off when I exercise. You wouldn't like me being fat.” Madeline shooked her head at her words. Just the thought of her being fat was enough to not fully wet her appetite anymore.“And you sir? What would you like?” This time, Madeline helped pick out the menu for Kane. “He would like the salad with extra tomatoes anddd some little mayo cream on the side.” Kane smiled as Madeline gave the waitress exactly what he wanted to have. Only she knew his likes and dislikes so well by heart.“And, any beverages to top up?”Madeline was about to respond but Kane was quick to say. “My girlfriend here would have the cranberry juice and I would like an iced tea, please.” Madeline's heart warmed up from inside. He knew her favourite drink in the world was cranberries. Nothing could ever come close to cranberry juice for Madeline and Kane knew this secret of hers for the past years of their relationship. The waitress smiled seeing their blooming love and understanding and left to get their orders by the counter upfront.Madeline couldn't help but stare into Kane's emerald green eyes. Everyday he only got hotter and dashing. What she ever did to strike a handsome and a fully focused guy like Kane in her life. Maybe she did a very good deed in her past life. “I see what you did there,” She smiled. “I can't let only you show off. You know I never slack off at anything.” Kane proudly said.“I wish I could take you to a five-star restaurant to celebrate your achievements but I can't right now.” There was a low tone towards the end as Kane said his feelings. Madeline placed her hand on his and he looked into her eyes. A smile from her side did ease Kane a little but not being able to take his girlfriend out on a fancy date was a bother to him. “It doesn't have to be now. When you do become very rich and successful, you can spoil me rotten with fancy dinner dates and an expensive champagne. Everything will fall into place Kane. I promise. And right now am very happy that I get to celebrate this milestone in my life with just you. It's all that matters to me. We're just twenty-one and have our whole lives to live and explore the entire earth when we both become successful.”“Please smile for me, otherwise I would also feel low.” And, Kane brought out his best smile. Just then their order reached their table. One look at the burger with both cheddar and mozzarella cheese sticking out from the burger was enough to wet Madeline's appetite to the fullest. “Cheers! To you on your path to becoming a famous fashion designer.” Kane raised his glass of iced tea in mid air. Madeline smiled and also raised her glass of juice and kinked before they both took a sip. The night was beautiful and Madeline couldn't wait for tomorrow..........Madeline stood in front of a four-storey building. The bold white engraved words of PVH Corp at the top of the building. She was a little giddy inside that she almost forgot to pay the taxi man her fare. She had a white jumpsuit on from her first savings two years ago. She let her hair down and had a light makeup on as appearance mattered a lot in the world of fashion. She was a step closer to her dreams and she could literally feel it in her bones.She moved her heels and walked into the building. As soon as she walked in, she was almost face smacked by a clothing rack with lots of beautiful gowns and dresses. “Am so sorry.” The woman with big glasses on quickly apologized and moved the rack towards the next hall in a hurry. Madeline made her way towards the reception desk and gave the pretty receptionist her acceptance letter which she printed earlier before coming here.The woman called in for another assistant who was to lead Madeline into one of the waiting rooms for interns. While she headed towards the waiting room, Madeline couldn't help but take full notice of everyone all decked up and dressed to the tea. It was a combination of both sensual and professional. Her jumpsuit wasn't the lastest trend but it was still good and plus it looked nice on her figure.She got into the room to meet more interns and it wasn't a surprise that many students would want to intern at a famous fashion company. Madeline took her seat and sent a quick message to Kane about her arrival. Last night she slept in Kane's arms and she couldn't help but smile. Her life seemed so beautiful and perfect and everyday she was grateful to God for this.Her name was being called through the speaker in the waiting room and she immediately got up to her feet and walked out. She was lead into an office that was only white and cream colored walls. The atmosphere was a perfect spot for inspiration. A showcase of a few premium design dresses on display. Designs that caught Madeline's eyes. A tall man was behind the desk and Madeline later got to know he was going to interview her.“We've seen your sample designs Ms Collins and are very happy with it. You really do know how to use the needle. And, also your application letter was spot on. It says you helped your university in preparing for the inter-school fashion parade.” The man smiled as he searched through her file through the computer in front of him.“My mom is a seamstress and has been a good designer back in my neighborhood. I learnt all the tips and tricks from her. From using a pencil and able to sketch designs to handling a needle and bringing such designs to life. It's my passion sir. And I would like to learn and experience more growth from this company.” Madeline stated proudly. All of her works and achievements was all thanks to her mama.“I see. Your design was one of the few selected for our freelancing department and fun fact, you'll start your internship in the freelancing fashion department. We want you to get deeper into the field with a practical experience. Do you accept?” The man asked. Madeline could literally scream out of her lungs at this moment. She couldn't believe she was already on a roll and a step closer to her dreams. She smiled and looked up towards the ceiling. Her hardwork was paying off and once she was done with her internship and this info was added to her credentials, she could get a chance at opening her own fashion store and become the next chanel or Gucci brand.“....I accept sir.” She fought hard to speak as happiness had somehow managed to clog unto her throat. “Then welcome aboard Ms. Collins.” She shaked hands with the man and couldn't help but giggle. Madeline knew she was now in a territory that was filled with only competitiveness. Many would also thrive and try to reach the top but Madeline was a fighter. She had worked extremely hard to get to this point in her life and she was more determined than ever to pull through till the end.Sarah gave Madeline a tour of the upper floors. It was such a vibrant and a creative atmosphere everywhere they went. Sarah was an assistant working for the boss and Madeline was fortunate to being given a tour by her.They got into the elevator and arrived at the last floor. Madeline was so excited as she stepped out. On this floor were almost naked models trying on the dresses on the many racks. Mannequins were also used to wear the premium dresses and Madeline couldn't help but stare upfront to see a gorgeous white shimmer gown on a mannequin stand. The hems and stitches were perfectly embroidered and it didn't take a genius to know that was the show stopping dress. It seems like a fashion show was upcoming.“As you can see, we're getting ready for our next fashion show to release our latest clothing line. The boss would love all of these arrangements.” Sarah smiled at the models and Madeline already was thinking of a new sketch design in her head. “On to the next part of the tour
Madeline woke up with a mild headache and felt nauseated. She hadn't seen her period in over a month now but she wasn't worried. Her meeting with her first client was today and she had to look good in all areas. Kane was up earlier and had morning lectures. A smile appeared on her bow-shaped lips when she saw a note by Kane's side of the bed. She pulled herself up to pick the note from the lamp stand and opened it."Wish you luck on meeting your client and, break a leg."Madeline leaned against the headboard with her head in the clouds. She couldn't believe it all and how her life was slowly changing and not to mention how much Kane was a beast in bed last night. She unwillingly pushed her legs to get off from her bed and went straight to the bathroom. While she rinsed her face, her stomach was in a tight knot and resulted in her throwing up some few remains from last night's dinner. Her headache got much worse and she concluded she was probably under the weather. She knew she couldn
Suddenly all of her hardwork and achievements seemed to be flying out the window and the more Madeline stared at the pregnancy test, the more she thought of it again. She wondered when this even happened and just thinking about the times she and Kane slept together wasn't enough for her to fall pregnant. What were the odds.“This must be a mistake,” She whispered to no one but herself. All the times she forgot to take the pill was making her feel even worse. Her body felt all weak and she had to seat on the toilet. Her head was heavy and aching badly and her eyes a bit hazy. She held her head and sighed with her mind wondering what to do next. Of course pregnancy tests weren't 100% accurate and she needed to see a gynecologist before even knowing what to do next.She hid the pregnancy test inside her part of the closet and went straight to bed instead of having her usual night study session. She knew nothing would enter her head when it was already occupied with malicious thoughts of
Madeline reported at her desk around mid-day. She knew that she couldn't afford to not be punctual on her second day but she didn't care. For the first time, she didn't care about maintaining decorum in everything not until she saw the results of that damned test she took earlier today. It was all her mind could think of since last night.She took a glass of water from the dispenser on her way and gulped it all before she decided to get started on her work for the day. Mrs Jones had already sent her a positive feedback earlier this morning on her mail but she didn't have time to look at it until now. She knew it was going to be a long and tiring day but she already was here and was to keep on moving forward.She first got the fabric and started to cut it to the desired shape and sizes. Mrs Jones's measurements also came along with her positive response so it made Madeline's work of going back to her mansion not possible anymore. The part of cutting the fabric wasn't the hardest part a
“... Believe me, it's not the end of the world Madeline.” Beatrice began but got alert when Madeline didn't respond. Her eyes moved from the table towards her belly. Her soft heavy breaths could be heard and finally she raised up her head to look at Beatrice. “...What do you mean it's not the end of the world for me? It is!...”“Please calm down...”“....I can't calm down doctor! This is too much for me to handle,...I can't....” Madeline found herself holding her head and already sobbing. She shut her eyes and cursed herself for being so careless with herself. She knew Kane never used protection because they both agreed on her taking the pill to avoid any pregnancies. It was their number one rule when they started dating and now this happened.“...My life is completely ruined Doctor. It's ruined....” Beatrice got up from her seat and rounded her desk to stand by Madeline. Madeline out of impulse was quick to wrap her arms around Beatrice's waist and rest her head on her belly. She was
Madeline got to work on her designs and even though she didn't have the energy to focus at the moment, she had to uphold her commitment. There was no way she was going to tell Sarah nor anyone at work about her pregnancy. She had a long day ahead and her baby was growing slowly which meant she was not going to have her baby in the next coming nine months but more. At time she got dizzy and her head pounded like a hammer against her brain. She only wondered what Kane would say. She wanted to believe in Beatrice about Kane offering his support to her at this crucial stage of her life.Her back was sour from her having to stand up straight for long hours while trying to stitch the fabric on the mannequin. It was quite a job to sew a dress on the size of Mrs Jones. Kane sent her a message and he did say he had no choice but to leave New York to foresee the initial stage. He was to leave tomorrow afternoon and Madeline knew now was the time to let Kane know he was going to become a dad. But
“What did you say? I cheated on you,” Madeline already got herself off the seat and looked at Kane in shock. “How could you even say that? Am thirteen weeks pregnant for God's sakes and I know I messed up but that doesn't give you the right to question my love and loyalty to you Kane.” Madeline was already sobbing.“I don't know what to think at this point Madeline. Do you...do you have any idea of what a baby is Madeline? A baby. It's not a toy Madeline. How could you be so careless.” Kane already shooked his head multiple times and somehow Madeline saw this as all her fault. “I messed up....”“You fucking messed up Madeline! You are not always this careless and absent-minded. What went wrong. We were building our future together Madeline. This..this...” Kane eyed her belly with contempt and rage. “This thing can ruin our future plans. We don't have the means to raise a baby. My mom learnt from her mistake by having me at an early age and guess what my dad blamed her for ruining his
Madeline woke up to find Kane's side of the bed empty and cold. She got out of bed and opened the closets to find most of Kane's clothes empty from his side of the drawers. She knew he told her he was leaving out of town for his new project but Madeline couldn't help but feel very down knowing he didn't even wake her up to give her a goodbye kiss.She couldn't sleep all through the night and didn't know when she fell asleep and failed to notice him getting out of bed. She had classes in the morning but didn't know If she really wanted to leave her apartment this early. Kane had already given her his words to think about and the more Madeline thought about it, the more she felt like going through with it. Out of instinct she placed her hand on her belly and knew she would start to show very soon and that would kiss her internship and scholarship goodbye.She had already come this far in her life but was at crossroads. She had a splitting headache and went to the kitchen to get some pai
Madeline was still shaking with anger after getting home later in the afternoon. Her head was throbbing from her anger and at Molly's cries and insistence to be with Kane. It angered her to know that hee own daughter suddenly wanted her father more than anything. But she couldn't blame her baby. She had lost her memory afterall.Ava came running out with her hair almost pulled right out of her scalp. “Molly!” Her feet hurried towards Molly who was quick to hide behind Madeline.“She doesn't recall anything Ava.” Madeline only whispered and covering her mouth. She was breaking and it took two seconds for Ava to understand what the situation was. Molly just felt out of place here and she was scared. But Madeline knew she had to do things to make her daughter regain her memory again.Madeline wanted Kane to be out of their lives and no matter how much she tried not to think too much about it she couldn't. He had that smirk on his face like he knew what he had to do to get her to willingl
Kane smirked before pulling his arm up her back making her gape at him. Seeing how her body reacted to his hands told him her body was speaking another language than her mouth. She was angry. She was upset for what he had done to her but he knew he could make things work again between them. He just knew he could.“Don't touch me.” Madeline gritted taking his hands away and not liking how his lips had curved to one side. She didn't know what games he was playing but she knew she didn't want any part of it. He wasn't the man she had fallen in love with in the past. This man was another Kane Whitemon. A man showering with excess luxuries and glamour. He was far from her reach and she didn't even want him.“I messed up.” He started eyeing her and holding a tight smile. He still felt in control of the situation. Madeline only looked at him like he was some stupid man who didn't want to hear the word no. “There I said it. I messed things between us in the past. Are you happy now?”And, Made
“But I don't know who you are.” Molly said holding out a little frown while clutching one hand on Kane's collar and the other on her teddy bear. Madeline felt like she had been knocked down completely.“You are scaring her.” Kane muttered and gently tapping the little girl's head.Madeline was still in shock by what had just happened. She couldn't take her eyes away from Molly and seeing how the little girl would look at her like some stranger wanting to take her away was making her feel uneasy.“I am your mother sweetheart. It's me.” She tried again only for Molly to turn her face back to Kane. “Is she my mommy because I don't remember her?”Kane looked at Madeline and said nothing while Madeline could only just know how much Kane was enjoying this right now. To see her own daughter not being able to recognize her. And, she couldn't help but wonder if this was the reason why Kane suddenly felt like he had her under his thumb.She immediately turned to the nurse who was still in the r
“Please call security! My daughter is in danger.” Madeline screamed all the more and banging her hands on the reception desk. Kane only looked at her with a stoic expression and his hands disappearing in both sides of his pants pocket. “Miss, please calm down. Your yelling is causing a lot of disruption in the hospital.” The receptionist quietly said but Madeline only looked at her with a wide expression. She looked around to see everybody staring at her like she had gone insane. Her body vibrated a little before her eyes now fell on Kane who now smirked at her. It took Madeline a while to finally notice who was the boss around here. And, it certainly wasn't anyone here but him. Not even the security men by the entrance dared to even move from their post to hold Kane down. Her mouth instantly got bitter and dry and she gulped. Her face now hanging low.She still stood by the reception desk and even though she wanted to move, she couldn't. She only swallowed as her eyes continued to
Madeline was sobbing and found her hands clinging on his suit and her eyes were boldly staring up at him with pleas. She had suffered so much in these past four days with no news on Molly. And, now Kane showed up out of nowhere and turns out he knew where Molly was. “You would have to agree to my terms if you would want to see our daughter again Madeline.” Kane stated without blinking twice. Madeline wonders why he was being difficult with her. She tried so much to see the man whom she fell in love with six years ago but all she could see was a stranger. Just a man with no emotions.“She doesn't have to agree with your terms at all.” Abel butted in again and Kane had to throw his hard gaze towards him. “Am not liking this man's tone over here Madeline. He keeps on interfering between us and I... don't like it.” Kane took a breath still glaring at Abel. “Tell him to leave. This matter of our daughter doesn't concern him but us alone.” He added. And, Madeline was quick to turn her head
It's been four whole days since Madeline got news about Molly probably not ever returning back to her. Each moment that passed was like a fresh scar burning her skin over and over again. She felt incomplete without Molly and she wonders why she was still living. Madeline only lived for her daughter and now her reason to live was taken away from her. Madeline never came out of her daughter's room and she didn't look like someone who would get over this pain anytime soon. It was still fresh and deep. Her heart was in immense pain and bleeding for her little girl. Madeline wonders how her little girl was coping and where in this world she was. The police had completely lost hope of ever tracking the girl down in New York. Their theories were always the same thing. The kidnappers must have snuggled her out of the city somehow. The police didn't bother putting up fliers for Molly and Madeline was in no state to even say a word. She mostly kept to herself in her daughter's room and hugging
“That's the exact reason why I was about to call you. I've got some information on Miss Madeline Collins. Firstly I've confirmed that she actually stays over here in New York city. She's closer to you than you think Mr Whitemon.” Paul repiled over the phone. Kane was shocked. “And, where is she?” Kane's voice went low as his anger began to fade away slowly. “She stays in the mid west street of Manhattan. It's a decent neighborhood but one can't be too...” “I want her address right away! And, I mean right now Paul.” Kane was quick to say. His breath already agitated on seeing Madeline after six long years. “I'll be sure to send you the address Mr Whitemon.” Paul answered and the line got disconnected. Even though it seemed like he had found her, the issue with the girl inside that room was something he couldn't get himself to forget. She looked so much like him as a child. Except with the longer hair and feminine look. Other than that it was all the same. He saw the doctor getting
Kane was at a conference meeting in one of his branch companies a little outside of Manhattan. A fire outbreak had occured some time ago close to his factory outside the city and there were some few casualties. Luckily the fire didn't damage too much of his property and also, his workers were unharmed. Production had stopped for a while since the fire outbreak. And, now it seemed millions were on the line if production continued to stop.In a meeting filled with over twenty executives were trying to handle the issue. Kane had excepted James to handle things here but the guy couldn't handle a single thing. His brows were low and his gaze towards the presenter who was portraying the numbers on the board was lethal. If he could he could punch the dude in the face right now. What Kane hated more than anything was to loose money. Money was of every essence and he had gone countless nights without sleeping just to grow his empire.“I don't care about these projections. What's the way forwar
Madeline couldn't eat a morsel of food for more than eight hours after Molly's kidnapping. Ava had made some quick noodles and hoped she would eat to get her strength back. She looked weak and dehydrated. Madeline even refused to have a glass of water while her daughter could be dying of thirst right now. She simply sat by the dining with her face blank and her eyes staring into space. She was lost but her heart was crushing in pain. She felt empty deep inside her. The person who always had her heartbeat was gone. She didn't even feel like breathing without her daughter around. Her entire world seemed dark and hollow.“Have a bite Made, please.” Ava brought the fork with noodles towards her mouth. Abel and Esperza were standing a little afar and waiting on any news from the officers regarding Molly. Abel's phone rang and Madeline was quick to get back to her senses and stood up abruptly. “Is it the officer calling?” She was quick to ask. Her eyes seemed to gain life again as a littl