"Marie Kord," Aunt Maya repeated "Is this who I think it is??"
"Of course it is," the voice answered cheerfully "Your long time old friend. Don't tell me you have forgotten me.""Of course not," answered Aunt Maya "It's so good to hear from you. How come you got my number?""Well.. that's not important is it??" a soft chuckle followed "The last time we met was perhaps a year ago. I thought that we should link up tomorrow?""That's good..but uhm-" Aunt Maya began but was cut short."Do you still live there?""Yes, I still do.""Great, I will come by tomorrow.""Alright,""Thank you very much, Amaya. I'm glad to know you're alive and well.""I'm glad to know that too." Aunt Maya answered before the line went dead...."Didn't see you at the office today," Ian spoke the moment he was ushered into Kevin's room. "Are you alright?""Can you believe that?" Kevin asked absent-mindedly. He was seated close to the French window, viewing the large city of Willow-ridge while caressing the million dollar ring meant for Selene."Believe what?" Ian took a seat next to him."She..she rejected me." Kevin turned his gaze to him "Why did she do that? Why won't she marry me just because I'm blind? Does that make any sense?""Perhaps you should speak to her. You could still change her mind." Ian suggested"She spoke like..." he paused and continued "She doesn't have an iota of feelings for me.""You don't plan on wallowing in your heartbreak for long, do you?" Ian asked "Your father's ultimatum-""To hell with him!" Kevin yelled furiously as he tossed the ring away "He could take away my inheritance for all I care! I will not marry any woman asides Selene!""Selene does not want to-""She will, by the time I speak with her," Kevin grabbed his stick and began to find his way to the door."Kevin-" Ian called but the door shut with a thud...."And what do you want, deceiver??" Selene stepped down the stairs and stood in front of Kevin."Deceiver??" Kevin repeated "Selene, did I do something to you?""You are deceiving me.""I am not!" Kevin was loosing it "I love you. What makes you think that I am deceiving you?""Your brother was down here on the night of New Year. He told me of your father's ultimatum. In order to secure your position, you want to trap me into marriage.""You really believed Elliot's words?? I agree that I have always loved you Selene but I just didn't have the heart to tell you. My father's ultimatum only pushed me out of my shell. I proposed to you because I really do love you and not because of some silly position.""Doesn't change a damn thing, Kevin! You can always use the excuse of love to cover up your real intention which is to secure your position."Kevin is quiet for a while. Running his hands through his hair, he says,"And you, Selene? Did you really mean it when you said marrying me would cause you disgrace?""Yes." Selene answered rather bluntly "Knowing that no woman would want to marry you because of your blindness you have decided that I'd be the perfect scape goat and that is why you had proposed to me.""Putting aside the fact that you had deceived me, I still cannot marry you as that would be a down point to my family on the social ladder." having said he piece, she turned and began to walk away."Do you love me," Kevin stopped her in her tracks "Selene?"However, without answering Selene continues up the stairs and out of sight....Karen served tea to Aunt Maya and her visitor before rushing out of the house, late for work. Zachary is rather surprised that Mrs Kord is at the house. Sending a suspicious gaze down their lane, Aunt Maya had to send him off so Mrs Kord would feel more comfortable."Your..uhm.. niece seems to have grown into a beautiful lady," Mrs Kord began the conversationAunt Maya nodded in agreement, "Of course, Marie. She takes after her mother in all areas.""Did she graduate recently?" Mrs Kord inquired further."Yes, early last year." Aunt Maya paused and then added "Now she works as a personal assistant to a very influential CEO in Willow-ridge.""That's a fine achievement," Mrs Kord smiled "My son would also be stepping up to his father's previous position as the CEO of Kord industries.""That's lovely," complimented Aunt Maya "You had called so late at night, what could be the problem?""Well, uhm.. it's an urgent matter, Amaya and I know of no one else who is worthy.""Worthy of what?""Of being a wife to my son." Mrs Kord said quietly."You want a wife for your son, Marie??"Mrs Kord nodded, "I have always admired your niece from afar, Amaya. What's her name again?""Karen," Aunt Maya replied"Yes, Karen.." Mrs Kord drew closer and added "She's beautiful and of age too. I guarantee a happy union between her and my son."Aunt Maya went quiet suddenly.Feeling a warm hand on hers, she lifted her gaze and met Mrs Kord's."There's no need to think so much about it, Amaya. We have been very good friends and you can count on me to give your niece the life she deserves."Aunt Maya chuckled softly, "Marie, of course I know you. I was just surprised at how things work because I was thinking of seeing Karen get married although I had no hopes for it."Mrs Kord was giddy with excitement, "Well then, we are of the same mind because Kevin is not growing any younger and the young man will not make the move unless I do so."Aunt Maya smiled heartily, "I am sure, Karen will be glad to hear this, it has always been her dream.""Then I will begin the preparations for their pre-wedding shoots. I can't wait to shake the foundations of Willow-ridge!" Mrs Kord declared excitedly and both women chatted and laughed as they walked out of the house.After escorting Mrs Kord, Aunt Maya returned to the house. However, the moment she closed the door she met with Zachary's cold gaze."Zachary, guess what?!" the woman said ecstatically as she crossed the distance between them "Karen will be getting married very soon."When Zachary showed no reaction, the happiness on Aunt Maya's face ceased to exist. She held his arm."Is..is something the matter??""I'm sorry, mother but you would have to disappoint your old friend." Zachary uttered coldly"What? Why??""Kevin Kord is dangerous for Karen." Zachary stated"Dangerous?" Aunt Maya hissed slightly "Ha! He's blind, Zachary.""Mum, Kevin's blindness is his only disability. Without his eyes, this man is arrogant, cold and vicious! Despite the fact that he cannot see, he wields much power, he has this..manipulative aura around him and all of this is a great contrast to Karen's innocent and naive nature. That is why he is dangerous.""Zachary, you don't know him.""But I have heard of him," Zachary replied quickly "Just few days ago he got rejected by the woman he truly loves. Why is his mother here to seek Karen's hand in marriage?""They might be poles apart on the social ladder but my friendship with Mrs Kord has earned Karen her life-long dream." she lets out a sigh and adds "It has always been her dream to get married to a responsible man.""Maybe you've forgotten that she added love. Karen has always wanted to marry a man she loves. She has, most certainly never crossed path with Kevin. She does not know this man and without her permissio
Karen is home."Aunt Maya?" she called as she walked into the kitchen but found no one. Turning back, she found Zachary who had a forlorn look on his face."Hey," Karen greeted casually "Is something wrong? Where's Aunt?""Oh, Karen you're back!" Aunt Maya said as she emerged from the passage. Karen walked over to her and gave her a peck.Aunt Maya asked "How was work? You didn't stress yourself, did you?""I'm used to it, Aunt Maya." Karen replied as she poured the woman a glass of water."I have something to tell you," Aunt Maya began as she took the glass from Karen."I guessed," Karen chuckled as she glanced at Zachary "The atmosphere is..daunting.""Well," Aunt Maya started "A proposal came in earlier today.""A proposal?" Karen took her seat "For who?""You, my dear," Aunt Maya answered "Kevin Kord wants you to marry him.""..." Karen opened her lips and shut them again. Her heart beat accelerated almost the same time. "T-to..to..marry..him??" Karen repeated nervously."See mot
"Zachary, how..how could you?" Karen's voice cracked."I know right," he replied casually and closed the distance between them. His tall frame hovered over her as he stared down at her with grey glistering eyes."I couldn't stop myself despite knowing that it's not possible.""I...I don't know what to say right now.""Nothing," he ran his hand through his hair "Don't say anything. Forget I ever said this.""But Zach-""Don't marry him, Karen."Shaking her head, Karen walked out and slammed the door behind her...."Mr Kord, Mr Lyons asked to meet with-""I'm not available," Kevin answered his secretary with a cold voice."Okay, sir. How about the scheduled meeting with the manager of the company's resources?? The meeting has been delayed for-""Delay it again."The secretary nodded as she scrambled to read up all the CEO's pent up schedules."Mr Kord, there's a complain about the increasing-""Take it to, Elliot.""Mr Kord, you had twenty-five extended interviews last weekend. Would y
"Here?" Karen repeated absentmindedly "To..to do what, Aunt Maya?"Aunt Maya pulled Karen to her room and threw her wardrobe open. Pulling out a short gown she held it to Karen's chin and grinned sheepishly."Yes.. perfect for the occasion!" she placed it on the bed and began to scurry for more."Aunt," Karen called more loudly to get her attention.Aunt Maya turned, "I'm so sorry if I'm acting weird, dear. It's just that I'm so excited to have to plan your wedding and witness it as well."She held Karen's hands in hers. "Don't be nervous.""I'm.. I'm not," Karen assured herself "It's just that..why..why is he coming here?""Probably to get to know you?" Aunt Maya chuckled and sat Karen down "I know this will be your first time with..with the opposite sex, Karen and you need not be nervous."Karen let out a sigh."I know you'll be fine," Aunt Maya smiled "Now go on, freshen up quickly."After that, Aunt Maya went back to Karen's closet and began to rummage through, muttering to hersel
Karen jerked her hand from his grip while Kevin cleaned his palm against his coat, as if he just held dirt. Karen scoffed softly, "Too much pride for someone who got reject-"Raising his fingers to the air, he warned "Don't you dare say that!""Mr Kord, not all women want you" Karen proceeded to say "If it were up to me I wouldn't be here speaking with you, I just..I just have to do this because of my aunt.""Baseless excuses," Kevin dismissed her words "You've no reason to marry a rich, blind man save for his money.""I know your dream girl rejected you because you're blind, Mr Kord and this has led you to believe no one can accept you just the way you are but you're wrong." Karen saw a muscle twitch in his jaw but did not stop talking."I don't know about other women, but I'm not looking for perfection nor am I looking for something to increase my status on the social ladder or even money to embezzle,"Kevin went suddenly quiet as he listened to her.Karen continued, "Hell, no mat
"Dad, it's four days since you gave the ultimatum" Elliot said to his father as he barged into his study "Kevin hasn't found a wife."Mr Kord placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and stared at Elliot, "Are you eager to become the CEO?" Mr Kord asked"Of course, dad." Elliot answered impatiently."And you're proud for not having to work for it??" "What?"Mr Kord leaned back on his chair and completely removed his glasses."When will you become something, Elliot?" Mr Kord's voice was stern "Look at your blind younger brother! You are nothing beside him despite having your sight which he doesn't!""Dad-""Silence!" Mr Kord fumed "When I brought you here and raised you, did I teach you to become useless?"Elliot's hands curved into a fist. Mr Kord banged at his desk,"Answer me!" "No." he curtly replied "Then?" he got up on his feet abruptly "Why do I have to do every single thing for you? Even the position of the CEO which supposed to be yours, you cannot even clinch it! I ha
Stepping out of the car, Karen followed Mrs Kord into the hall with Kevin behind. While Mrs Kord took Karen to her make-over section, Kevin went the other way."Look at this dress," Mrs Kord held out a red off the shoulder gown "Do you love it?"When Karen didn't answer, Mrs Kord drew close, "Karen??""Y-yes," Karen answered absentmindedlyMrs Kord kept the dress back and took Karen's hands in hers, "What were you thinking about, you zoned out completely?"Karen shook her head and forced a smile, "Nothing, Mrs Kord.""It's the impromptu wedding, right?" Mrs Kord blurted out "I know this is all too soon for you and you probably don't want to marry my son but I want you to know that it's not as bad as it seems, Karen. With time, you and Kevin will get to know each other and grow close."Karen nodded and feigned a smile. As she moved with Mrs Kord through the clothing section, she cheered herself up and soon forgot about her predicament.After the artist performed a glorious work on her f
Elliot was going through his phone, searching for a possible match on a dating site when he saw a couple of female workers giggling sheepishly at something they found on their cellphones.Sitting back, he realized that everyone at the office seemed to be giggling into their phone especially the female workers.Due to this, he left the dating site and moved on to social media for the latest news and the first thing that popped up on his feed was the arrogant face of Kevin against that of an innocent, and beautiful woman Elliot had never seen before.His muscles tensed as he scrolled through and realized that Kevin was the trending topic. Everyone was talking about the much anticipated wedding and only few were able to question the suddenness of the marriage.The spinsters who had their eyes on Kevin complained bitterly of Kevin picking a low class lady as his wife. Many people attributed it to the fact that Kevin was only trying to make Selene, his true love, jealous while others saw t