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.
~~ Six years later ~~ As the plane's door swung open, a woman descended the stairs with grace, her every step exuding elegance and sophistication. Her chestnut brown hair cascaded in soft waves, perfectly complementing her flamboyant attire that bespoke of wealth and classic taste. With sparkling eyes and a radiant smile, she held onto a cheerful little girl who mirrored her mother's grace and beauty, dressed in a matching outfit.As they stepped onto the tarmac, the little girl's eyes widened in wonder, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling airport. People stopped in their tracks, their gazes drawn to the pair as they made their way down the railings."Why do everyone keep staring at me wherever we go, Mommy?" the girl asked, her voice filled with curiosity.The woman chuckled affectionately, removing her sunglasses to reveal sparkling daunting brown eyes. "It's because you're so pretty, Sophie, my darling," she replied with a smile.Sophie giggled in response, her infecti
Aidan could not contain his involuntary blinking as he fixated on Karina, who commanded the stage with her ethereal presence and left the audience in awe of her divine appearance. As Karina dazzled the audience with her stunning appearance, Aidan felt a rush of conflicting emotions. His heart raced at the sight of her, while his mind struggled to comprehend the transformation before him. It truly was Karina, his ex-wife, but she appeared otherworldly. She was far from the woman he had last seen six years ago. She radiated like a golden goddess, with an enviable beauty and a figure that could seduce just by staring at her dazzling face framed by perfect hair. Suddenly struck with a sense of suffocation, Aidan excused himself and hastily made his way out of the hall, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere. Amira's gaze followed him, her expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Gosh. This has to be some kind of sick joke," Amira muttered under her breath, her jaw clenche
Amira's narrowed gaze bore into Aidan's, filled with a mix of incredulity and fury. With a sharp jerk, she wrenched her hand from his grasp, her voice laced with barely contained anger as she addressed him."How dare you interfere?" she seethed, her teeth gritted in frustration. "You know perfectly well—"Her words faltered as Karina's mocking laughter reached her ears. Turning towards the sound, Amira found herself met with Karina's icy stare."Patience is a virtue, gentlemen," Karina remarked casually to her bouncers. "There's no need to waste time on insignificant nuisances."Amira's cheeks flushed with humiliation, her fists clenching at her sides as she fought to maintain her composure.Karina's threat hung in the air, igniting a fiery determination within Amira. She took a step forward, her mind racing with thoughts of retaliation.But before she could act, Aidan intervened, his voice tinged with resignation as he addressed her."Don't escalate the situation, Amira," he urged
Karina stood her ground, her confidence undiminished. "I need you to continue playing along for a while," she stated firmly.He leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "And why is that?""Forget about the why," she dismissed with a playful smirk."Then I'll assume you want to use me to manipulate some situations," he surmised.Karina chuckled softly. "You could say that. I have big plans to pull strings and render people worthless. I just need a little assistance from you.""Alright. What's in it for me?" he asked, intrigued."Well, future lucrative deals and valuable connections," she offered."Interesting," he mused, considering her proposal. "But isn't it risky to strike a deal with someone you barely know?""I'm no fool," Karina assured him confidently. "I presume you're someone of significance. I'm Karina. Everhardt.""Ah, your reputation precedes you. I'm Lucas Salvatore," he introduced himself, taking her hand and giving it a firm shake.Their eyes met, and a silent understanding pass
Aidan hesitated, his silence speaking volumes. Just as he was about to speak, Amira interjected, her voice tense with emotion. “Aunt, don't ask him that. You know he hates even hearing Karina's name. I'm certain he feels nothing for her. His heart belongs to me," she asserted, stealing anxious glances at Aidan. Xander couldn't resist a taunt. “Hey, Amira, you could have let Aidan answer instead of assuming he'd explode." Amira snapped at Xander, her frustration evident. “Shut up. Don't provoke me with your nonsense!" She turned to Cruzita with a pleading look. "Please, Aunt, ask your nephew to show some restraint.” Cruzita nodded and shot a stern look at Xander before stepping away from Aidan. “I wish I had been at that party. I would have put Karina in her place," she declared, her voice filled with disdain. “To heck with your bitterness," Grandma Lila scoffed, her voice tinged with emotion as she thought of Karina. “She's back. I hope I can see her again." “I hope she stays out
The Everhardt MansionKarina, engaged in lively conversation with her grandfather and Aunt Zora, stepped into the mansion. As they entered, they were met with dim lighting, causing them to pause in surprise.“What happened to the power supply?" Zora inquired, scanning the surroundings.Karina lowered her gaze with a smile just as the room burst into glittering lights, illuminating the beautifully decorated space.Sir Lawson looked around in amazement. “Who did this…?”"Surprise!” Sophie's cheerful voice rang out as she emerged from a corner, eliciting gasps of astonishment from Zora and Sir Lawson.“My dear child is here!" Sir Lawson exclaimed with joy as Zora rushed to embrace Sophie, lifting her up in her arms.“Hello, Aunt Zora, Great Grandpa, are you guys thrilled to see me?” Sophie beamed."Yes, darling,” Zora replied, planting a kiss on Sophie's forehead."Our adorable one, I missed you,” Sir Lawson chimed in, then turned to Karina, who wore a mischievous smile.“So, you deliber
The Algernon MansionSeated around the dining table, the members of the esteemed Algernon family quietly indulged in their dinner. Suddenly breaking the eerie silence, Cole spoke in a commanding tone."The company has not been faring well ever since I made you the CEO, Aidan. This is far from impressive." The lines that formed on his forehead showcased his obvious disappointment as he gave Aidan a piercing gaze."I understand, Father. I will ensure things are handled properly," Aidan replied, his tone filled with determination.However, before Cole could press on, Amira made her entrance."Good morning, everyone!" she greeted cheerfully, receiving warm smiles from Cruzita and Wally. She hugged Aidan from behind while Xander gave her an indifferent look, quickly pecking his cheek. "Hey, baby. Did you sleep well? I missed you," she said with a beaming smile.Aidan simply nodded and continued to eat, trying to mask his displeasure with her presence.Amira took a seat next to him, giving
The woman, Anita Salvatore who’s Lucas' elder sister, shifted her gaze to where Karina's car had disappeared, sporting a sly grin."She's classy," Anita commended."And beautiful too, Momma," her daughter, Lilly, chimed in, earning a chuckle from Lucas. "Uncle Lucas, were you on a date with the beauty?"Lucas hesitated, a hint of disappointment in his tone as he replied, "Um, not really, my dear.""But that woman, how do you know her?" Anita interjected before Lucas could respond, her head tilting in thought. "She looks familiar.""Yeah, Mom. I think she's the famous actress, K. Everhardt," Lilly answered.Anita's eyes widened slightly. "An Everhardt?"Lucas nodded, a sense of apprehension creeping in. "She's an Everhardt, Anita."Anita's expression soured. "What?""She's the granddaughter of Sir Lawson," Lucas clarified, observing his sister's jaw stiffen. "I understand why you're reacting this way..."Leaning closer, Anita whispered through gritted teeth, "Then why are you sociali