Chapter 63: Memories of Her Kathleen’s P.O.V I had a feeling that my presence would make things awkward, so I decided to head back to my room and find something to do while Arthur takes Hayley to meet her mother for the first time. However, as I turned to leave, Arthur’s voice stopped me from behind. "Aren't you coming?" "Arthur, Hayley is about to meet her mother for the first time.” I told him, trying to speak past the lump in my throat. “It’s better if I’m not there. She will…I mean, you guys will feel more comfortable if I’m not there.” "Miss Kathleen, I want you to see my mommy." Hayley said, walking towards me before she reached out to grasp my hand in hers. “Please…come with us?” I swallowed hard. Truth was, I didn’t want to look at Sophia’s image. I knew as soon as I did, I would start to compare myself to her and how unfit I am to even think about standing beside Arthur. I mean…Hayley was gorgeous, so I already knew that the woman who gave birth to her would be just as
Chapter 64: Where We StandArthur’s P.O.VI watched Kathleen leave the room, her hand slipping out of mine before she left the room in a hurry, muttering something about not being here. I wanted to stop her, to ask her what was wrong, but I was interrupted by Hayley.“I look like my mommy, don’t I, daddy?”I looked down at Hayley, who was now standing in front of the wedding dress case, looking at the clothes and the picture of her mother in wonder. Watching her like this made me realize that I should’ve brought her here sooner, but I just didn’t have the courage to.If it weren’t for Kathleen, I would’ve probably delayed the inevitable even further. But I don’t know why she had started to feel distant ever since she stepped into this room.She was the one who told me that I needed to explain everything to Hayley properly or she wouldn’t stop asking questions, that if I didn’t explain things to her properly, she might get hurt later on…then why did she leave so suddenly like that?But
Chapter 65: Broken Trust, Broken HeartsKathleen’s P.O.VI watched Arthur leave in a hurry, aware that something was not right. The announcement seemed to have startled and I didn't understand why.I expected him to be excited that his family had paid him a visit, after all, I didn’t even know he had a family until now, which was absurd because I should’ve guessed that just he didn’t live with them. But instead of excitement, he looked nervous, especially when he heard the name Savannah.I swallowed nervously, the first thought I had was…were they even going to like me? Did I even look presentable? What if his parents were extremely strict and conservative? What if they didn’t think I was fit enough to be with their son?After all, they’ve had Sophia as their daughter-in-law before. And it was hard to compete with someone who must have been so perfect.Feeling my anxiety kick in, I tiptoed after him to the living room, holding my breath as I listened to Arthur ask as to what they owne
Chapter 66: One Step AheadKathleen’s P.O.VMy first thought was to run, to leave this godforsaken place and never return. After all, I could go back to my parent’s restaurant and start working there as if nothing had happened.Even though the pay wasn’t as good, I could still count on the fact that I would be surrounded by my loved ones and have their unrestricted support. I will slowly find my footing and my heart will heal eventually, and then, everything will be alright in the world.But then I remembered that this wasn’t just about what Arthur had done to me, or how things have soured between us. This…arrangement…also included a five year old, innocent child who had done nothing wrong and me leaving at such a crucial point in her life without a proper explanation would ruin her trust in people forever. Despite what her father had done, Hayley needed to know that there were still good people in the world and she could trust some of them.And besides, I was her nanny, in many ways
Chapter 67: MisunderstandingsArthur’s P.O.VI slowly looked up at Savannah, a subtle look of annoyance passing between us. I had nothing against her. She was my best friend, after all. But the fact that she let my family drag her down here, to create a scene that would disrupt my plans, made me feel extremely irritated."Stop staring at her like that!" My mother scolded me with a chuckle. "You both get hitched first and then you can do whatever naughty things you want, behind closed doors."I immediately looked away. My mother thought I was looking at Savannah lustfully? That was laughable to say the least. Everyone else seemed to think the same as well, since they all burst out laughing, before the discussion about wedding preparations resumed. I felt disturbed.The way Kathleen had looked at me when my mother had asked who she was…it was still embedded in my mind. God, I needed to get out of here and find her. I needed to explain everything properly!"How about we a beach wedding i
Chapter 68: Truth and LiesArthur’s P.O.VI let Savannah go, and she shifted away from me immediately, the both of us looking in the direction of the closed door, dumbfounded."Go after her!" Savannah told me after she regained her composure. "Explain what’s happening before its too late, Arthur! You just might lose her if she doesn’t understand the truth!”I turned towards Savannah in shock. "Will it be okay with you if I tell Kathleen the truth?"She looked down at the ground, swallowing hard before she looked up at me with determination in her eyes. “Yes. If it saves your relationship, then I’m okay with her knowing, no matter what the consequences. Go!”This was the first time that Savannah was doing this…willingly letting me tell others. She wasn’t being stubborn or selfish, actually. But Savannah had been bullied as a teen, relentless throughout high school and it made her weary to express who she was. But now, she seemed to have gained some form of courage after watching Kathle
Chapter 1: The KidnappingIn a cozy mansion at the heart of Queens, New York, a man who seemed to be in his mid-thirties took quick strides into a tastefully furnished living room. He had an athletic body and a handsome face, but his expression remained impassive. He exuded an air of authority and the butler at the entrance bowed his head to his master in respect.Behind him was another woman who wore her bright blonde hair in curly waves around her delicate, innocent face. She was younger, in her mid twenties and wore a bright light pink dress that barely reached her mid-thighs.Turning to face her, the man motioned for the young woman to sit. "Hold on, let me call her." "Alright sir," She beamed at him, hoping to get at least a polite smile in return, but his expression remained impassive.“I’ll wait here.” Her smile faltered a bit, and she went and settled on one of the sofas closest to the entrance door. Scanning through the ornately decorated living room, she looked impressed. "
Chapter 2: The Unexpected SaviorKat’s P.O.V"Kathleen! Why the hell aren't you ready yet?" I heard my mother's voice from downstairs, calling out to me angrily.I smiled to myself but said nothing in response as I quickly changed into my work clothes. But my mother continued to speak, annoyed by my lack of response."I asked you to change into something decent and you're taking forever to get ready." She sounded very impatient. "You know how important the delivery time is for our customers. Get going already."Taking my time to fix my collar and tuck my tee into my jeans, I smiled at the image that stared back at me. Satisfied, I made my way out of my room and down the stairs to our little family owned fried chicken joint, where I worked as the delivery girl for my hardworking parents."Kat, I don't want to keep reminding you that you have an important delivery to make. What's the hold-up?" My mother's voice sounded angry now. "If you do not come down now, I'll get mad at you."I eme