06-I finally did

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 mother?" Zachary came from behind "She doesn't like the idea. Please don't force it on her."

"Zach, stay out of this" Aunt Maya ordered "It has always been Karen's dream to be married."

Turning to Karen she asked, "Right, dear?"

Before she could reply, Zachary interrupted "Not to that man, mother. Haven't you heard the rumours?? He is cold and vicious. Why would you-"

"Those are just rumours, Zach!" Aunt Maya raised her voice "He's my friend's son. I've known him since he was a child. You make it seem like I'm giving Karen off to a Lion."

"That's exactly what you're doing, mother" Zachary continued to argue "Karen does not know this man!"

Aunt Maya sighed, "What's wrong with you, Zachary? The Kord family is responsible and well known in Willow-ridge. They have companies doing well in the entire city. Apart from their illegitimate son who nobody really thinks about, this family is close to perfection."

Seeing that his mother was beyond reasoning, Zachary turned to Karen.

"Speak, Karen" he said "Do you really want to marry this man?? Why are you quiet?!"

Breathing rapidly, Karen fidgeted for her inhaler when she couldn't contain the feeling anymore.

"Damn it," he hissed "I can't believe you." With that he walked away.

Aunt Maya held Karen's hands and looked up at her.

"You know," she spoke softly "I read that diary of yours. You loved romance fairy tales so much when you were a little girl and you wished for one when you became older."

"I am no genie, of course" Aunt Maya chuckled sadly "But if I can give you just this one wish, why shouldn't I? I want to make your wish a reality before you..you leave." her eyes glistened with tears.

Karen wiped her tears away, "Don't cry, Aunt Maya. I..I understand."

"Although, your fairytale has a flaw." she said

"A flaw?"

Aunt Maya nodded, "Your suitor is blind."

"Oh," Karen muttered "The blind CEO."

"Despite that he is very agile and skilled in what he does. That is why he's loved more than his illegitimate brother."

Karen nodded.

"Your cousin, Zach is just protective of you. But I'm sure he will come to understand."

"He will," Karen agreed.

"Let me make you dinner, dear." Aunt Maya got up and disappeared into the kitchen.

Karen was dazed for a moment. She couldn't believe the event that took place moment ago and thought that she was dreaming however she knew she wasn't when she felt the pain from her pinch.

Taking deep breath, she calmed herself down and thought that since Aunt Maya wanted this there was no harm. Besides, what could a blind man possibly do?

Karen then found her way to Zachary's room. Opening the door she walked in and found him staring through the window.

"I have never seen you that angry in years, Zach." Karen began. "Do you have a grudge against Mr Kord?"

Zachary turned to her sharply, "I don't. He's just not good for you, Karen."

"What is good for me?" she asked

"Anything but Kevin Kord," he answered almost immediately "Karen think of it, he is rich and wealthy. You both are poles apart. You do not even know each other!"

"Zach, I won't be the first to be getting married to someone I do not know."

"What? You think this is some kind of historical drama?? This is about your life, Karen."

"Zach, your mother wants this. She seems happy about all of this and I hate to make her sad. You should go and apologize to her for hurting her feelings."

"Stop kidding, Karen" his eyes blazed with anger "I know you're doing this because you believe you owe my mother everything."

"I do," Karen nodded "She raised me after my parents' death and has since treated me like her own daughter."

"You don't owe her a dime, Karen." Zachary replied "As your only relative left, that was her duty. All she did for you was her duty."

"I have a responsibility towards her too,"

"The responsibility does not include getting married to a total stranger!"

"Zach-"

"Isn't this whole thing suspicious, Karen or are you and mother just pretending not to see it??"

"What are you talking about?" Karen asked

"Kevin got rejected by the woman he loves few days ago, and now he suddenly wants to marry a low class girl."

"What are you saying, Zachary? That I don't deserve to marry someone sophisticated simply because I'm a low class girl??"

"That is not what I meant, Karen."

"It sure sounded like it,"

Furious, she turned to leave. However,

"I..I love you, Karen."

Turning, her gaze lingered on him.

"I always have," Zachary admitted "Since mother brought you from the orphanage, I have been fascinated by you. I guess that's why I can't let you make this mistake."

Shrugging, he added "It kinda took long for me to confess but I finally did."

Karen's nose twitched.

"And hey," he continued "You don't have to love me back, sincerely."