Chapter Three

 As Karina wandered through the streets for hours, feeling lost and helpless, she eventually found herself settling near a dumpster. The sky grew dark, and rain began to fall, drenching her in its cold embrace. Looking up at the heavens, she cried out in despair.

"Why, God? Why do you let me suffer like this? I have no home and no family. Just when I thought I found a new family, everything fell apart." Tears mixed with rain streamed down her face as she poured out her heart. "I gave everything to a man for three years, only for him to cheat and leave me. Now I'm back on the streets, alone and pregnant. How is this fair?"

With each word, her voice cracked with pain, and she sank to her knees on the wet pavement, overcome with sorrow. Lost in her regret and agony, she suddenly heard the sound of an approaching car. Startled, she stood up and shielded her eyes from the headlights. But before she could react further, her strength failed her, and she collapsed onto the ground, just as the car's occupants stepped out into the rain after pulling up. 

As Karina slowly regained consciousness, she felt a sharp pain and opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Standing before her were girls dressed in servant uniforms, and beside her bed, a middle-aged woman and an old man looked at her with warmth in their eyes.

Sitting up in confusion, Karina took in her lavish surroundings, feeling like she had entered an earthly paradise. "Who are you all? Why am I here?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

The woman smiled warmly and waved a hand. "Hello, dear. You collapsed on the street, and we found you."

Karina's brow furrowed. "You were the ones who picked me up?"

The woman nodded, motioning to the old man beside her. "He's your grandfather, and I'm your Aunt, Karina."

Karina's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? How do you know me?"

The woman exchanged a glance with the old man before dismissing the servants from the room. "We recognized you by the locket you were wearing."

Karina's hand instinctively went to her neck, where the locket hung. She watched as the woman took out a small key and unlocked it, revealing a photo inside.

Staring at the familiar faces in the photograph—her and her parents—Karina felt a surge of emotions wash over her.

The old man, who introduced himself as Sir Lawson, handed her another photo, identical to the one in the locket. "We've been searching for you for fifteen years," he said softly.

Karina's mind raced with questions. "How... how did I end up separated from you?"

Zora, her mother's friend and sister-in-law, explained, "Your parents were on their way to join us in the country when they were involved in a tragic accident. We found them, but you were nowhere to be found. We've been searching tirelessly for you ever since."

Karina's lips trembled as memories flooded her mind, memories she had buried deep since the accident that took her parents. She remembered her mother's voice, sweet and comforting, singing to her in the car before tragedy struck. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she struggled to find her voice.

Zora sat beside her, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. "We understand, Karina. We know you've been through unimaginable pain, but we're here for you now," she whispered soothingly, her words a balm to Karina's wounded soul.

The next morning, Karina found herself surrounded by her newfound family, the Everhardts, at the breakfast table. Phoebe, Aaron, and Gina, her cousins, welcomed her with open arms, eager to make her feel at home once more.

As they chattered excitedly, Karina picked at her food, her heart heavy with the weight of her past traumas. Despite the warmth and love surrounding her, the pain of her parents' loss and the betrayal she had endured still lingered like a shadow.

Gina, ever curious, broke the silence with a question. "What has your life been like all these years, Karina?"

Karina's gaze flickered with pain as she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "Horrible. I've encountered some truly awful people who have hurt me deeply. But I'm grateful to be a survivor, and I won't hesitate to confront them," she said, her words tinged with determination.

Setting down her utensils, Karina turned to her grandfather, Sir Lawson, with a request. "Can I ask for a favor, please?"

Sir Lawson nodded, his eyes filled with concern. "Of course, my dear. Anything."

"I... I want to leave the country. I need time away to heal and rebuild myself," Karina said, her voice filled with resolve.

 Tension hung heavy in the air as bitter looks were exchanged, each person grappling with their own emotions. It was Zora who finally broke the silence.

"We've only just reunited after so many years," she began gently.

Karina met their gazes, her heart heavy with regret. "I know, and I want nothing more than to reconnect with all of you, but... I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sir Lawson reached out, placing a comforting hand on Karina's trembling one. "We understand, my dear. I'll have someone prepare your documents so you can go to London soon. Is that alright?"

Karina nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she embraced her grandfather gratefully.

Zora, though surprised, nodded understandingly. "Take all the time you need, Karina. We'll be here for you when you're ready to return."

Karina glanced around at her family, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as they offered her reassuring smiles. She knew leaving was the best decision for her and her unborn child, but she also knew she would miss them dearly.

Weeks later, in the polished confines of his office, Aidan sat behind his desk, absorbed in signing contracts. His phone interrupted his concentration, and he answered it swiftly, a hint of impatience in his voice.

"She's gone, sir," the voice on the other end reported.

Aidan's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Gone? Where?"

"I believe she left the country, sir. About a week ago."

Aidan's grip on the phone tightened as he struggled to process the news. Before he could respond, the door swung open, and Amira entered, all smiles and excitement.

"Hello, sugar," she chirped, oblivious to Aidan's inner turmoil.

Aidan's eyes flickered with a distant gaze as he ended the call, a troubled expression clouding his features.

"I've decided on the city for our wedding, Aidan," Amira declared, her words falling on deaf ears as Aidan's thoughts wandered elsewhere.

His mind elsewhere, Aidan barely registered her presence as she prattled on about wedding plans. 

The realization of Karina's departure weighed heavily on him, stirring a storm of emotions within. Why did she leave the country? 

“Aidan, you know our wedding is going to be a blast. Right?” Stopping in front of his desk, Amira stared at him in disbelief. 

"Are you even listening?" Amira's frustration grew palpable as Aidan remained unresponsive. “Aidan?!”

'I think she left the country. … She left a week ago,' As the words echoed in his mind, Aidan's temper flared, and without thinking, he lashed out, sending a glass of whiskey hurtling across the room. Amira recoiled in shock, her expression turning to fear as she backed away.

Glancing at the broken glass on the floor, Amira gasped and shot him an unbelievable look as she realized that she could have gotten hurt if she hadn't moved away. Why is he looking so enraged? 

“What's wrong with you, Aidan?! Are you crazy?” 

Glaring at her, he slammed the desk, causing her to shudder. He arose. "Get out." 

She laughed softly in amusement. "What? You're kidding…”

Confusion clouded her features as Aidan's rage escalated, and with a final command, he ordered her to leave, his chest heaving with pent-up emotion. “Get out now!”

She cowered over the frightening look he dashed her. “Why are you acting so furious like you've lost something precious?”

“What could be so precious that I've lost that's stirring these reactions?" He thought, looking away. But his egocentric self surfaced making him unable to confront or understand the reason for his impulsive actions. Becoming speechless, he proceeded to leave the office. 

“Baby, why are you like …” He pushed Amira aside slightly as she tried to stop him. 

"Ugh!" She groaned. Bewildered and shaken, Amira watched him go, her own annoyance overshadowed by the turmoil she sensed in him.