04-Dangerous for Karen

"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 conversation

Aunt 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