07-On his way

"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 you like to-"

"No,"

"Okay sir, Daniels Corporation is seeking for a-"

"Get them all out of my sight, Lydia!" Kevin groaned

"I'm.. I'm so sorry, sir. I'll have them cancelled right away. I..I didn't know you were in a bad mood." she apologized as she gathered the files and began to match out of the office.

"Don't you let anyone into my office," he ordered.

"Of..Of course sir."

Shortly after the secretary's departure, the door to the CEO's office dashed open and Ian stepped in.

"Leave," Kevin groaned.

"It's Ian," he said and Kevin said nothing.

"You've been cold to the employees," he said "Is there a problem?"

Kevin relaxed on his chair and massaged his temple.

"I think I'm going crazy," he explained.

"Still Selene?"

"Even worse," Kevin sighed "Mother found me a bride."

"Saw that coming," Ian said "She wouldn't let you lose your inheritance, would she?"

"That is not the point, Ian!" he banged his desk

"Ohhh, take it easy on me.."

Leaning back into his chair, Kevin muttered "Sorry."

"Who's she?" Ian asked

Kevin racked his brain for a second, "Don't remember the name."

"I wonder what your mother must have said to her."

"She's certainly a gold-digger" Kevin concluded "The name didn't ring a bell so I'm guessing my mother must have picked her from nowhere. Probably won't tell her of my blindness till we're married."

"You can't entirely blame your mother, you know? She's doing this for you."

"Tell me what's worse, Ian" Kevin paused and added "Staying a bachelor and losing my inheritance or getting married to a greedy thief who's probably gonna rid me of my inheritance?"

"The first for me," Ian answered.

"What?"

"Well, if you lose your inheritance to your brother you have automatically lost everything. Your large mansion, money, your sight included which means you wouldn't even get a job elsewhere. Think of your mother."

Kevin shut his eyes tighter and leaned back on his chair.

"I can't get married to her, whoever she is."

"Do you have anyone else in mind?" Ian asked.

"Selene," Kevin whispered

"But-"

"Ian," Kevin caught him short "Do you really think that Selene doesn't love me?"

"I..I..don't know for certain. She said marrying you would bring disgrace to her family which is..true."

"I-" Kevin began when loud noises from outside the door interrupted him.

"Please, ma'am you can't go in." Lydia yelled "He wouldn't see anyone. Please, ma'am."

"Don't you dare touch me!" the other voice yelled.

Suddenly, the door to Kevin's office dashed open. Mrs Kord stepped in along with Lydia who was trembling in fear.

"I'm.. I'm so sorry, sir" she quivered in fear "Your mom wouldn't listen to me."

"It's okay, Lydia," Kevin said calmly "You can leave."

The secretary thanked her stars and closed the door behind her.

"This is a company, mother" Kevin started while Ian quietly left the room.

"Of course it is," she replied sarcastically "Come on, it's time."

"Time for what?"

"Time to see your bride," Mrs Kord responded

Kevin scoffed, "Mom, please. I have work to do."

"Is that so? Seemed to me you had all the time in the world discussing with your best friend."

"That was-"

"Kevin please don't make this hard for me," she pleaded "Didn't you understand any of my words??"

"What I don't understand is this woman you have bribed."

"My God," Mrs Kord drew in a sharp breath "Bribe? I didn't bribe her!"

"What did you do? Keep my blindness from her??"

"Her aunt happens to be an old friend," Mrs Kord explained "She has known you ever since you were a child and was present at the time you went blind. She does not have a problem letting you marry her niece."

"So what you mean is, she simply agreed to marry a blind young guy just like that?" Kevin gave a mocking laughter "Mom.. you've got to be kidding me!"

"Yeah, it sounds crazy but it's the truth. That is why I trust her and I'm sure she's going to be a good wife to you not some woman who cannot marry you because you're-"

"Enough," Kevin uttered sharply and then picked up his keys and walker "Since you wouldn't tell the truth, perhaps she will. Let's go, mother."

"There is no truth, Kevin."

Walking towards the door, Kevin replied "Let me be the judge of that."

....

Karen arrived home from the day's work. Rather than tired and stressed out she looked pensive and in a confused state.

When she stepped into the house, she hanged her coat that dripped with snow as the aroma of waffles passed through her nostrils and got rid of her nervousness.

"Oh my," she exclaimed as she rushed to the kitchen and found Zachary by the cooker. Recollecting their conversation yesterday, she turned and left before he could see her.

She walked up the stairs and passed by Aunt Maya's room. She looked happy and joyous as she spoke on the phone. Karen stood by the door and smiled, wondering the last time she heard Aunt Maya laugh so heartily.

Ending the call, Aunt Maya turned with flushed cheeks and caught Karen about to leave. A grin crawled up to her ears as she rushed to her.

"You're back, Karen!"

"Y-yes, Aunt..you..you look so happy." Karen said

Aunt Maya nodded, "Indeed, I am and you will be too."

She paused and added, "Kevin Kord is on his way here with his mother."

Karen froze on the spot.