Chapter 21: Get her back at all costs.

Tasha was dumbfounded to see her brother kneeling on the ground and immediately went home to report the situation to their mom, Mrs Harlow.

“What?! My precious son's knees were on the ground? For that wench?” She furiously asked, anger causing her body to vibrate.

“I swear mom. I saw it with my own two eyes. He knelt down in front of Kara. It usually doesn't take much to persuade her like a dummy, when did get so strong headed?” Tasha asked no one in particular.

“I'll make her pay for making my son kneel publicly! Why were you around her family's residence in the first place?” 

“I went to meet Serena to remind her of the purse and clothes she promised to get me the last time she was here.” She paused putting her hand on her chin

“But mom, what'd you think he could've done so wrong to kneel in front of her family residence? Could it be because of you? You've always been harsh to her.” She shifted backwards as she asked

“Who? Me? I'm just trying to teach her. Is that what she took to heart to make Aiden kneel?.” 

“I wish I knew. I was a bit far from them so I couldn't hear what they were talking about but it seemed serious.” 

“ I hope she's not thinking of calling off the marriage for real? We figured she'd come back and I'll give her an earful for breaking off the engagement at first– could it be? No it can't be.” She shook her head in denial. 

“Mom, don't be paranoid. Kara's been obsessed with Aiden since high school, she even knelt down in front of her family, crying and begging when they refused to let her marry him. 

There's no way she's over him in less than a week she broke off the engagement. Aiden will persuade her in no time.” 

As they were talking, Aiden walked in dragging his feet looking utterly dejected with droopy eyes.

“Son you're back early today, hope there's no problem at the office?” Mrs Harlow rushed to her son's side, taking his work bag from him.

He dropped into the nearest couch and sighed wearily.

“I had other things to attend to. I called in sick and left early.” 

“What's this I'm hearing about you kneeling in front of the Jones residence? Why were you kneeling for that wench? What did you do so wrong? There's nothing my son could have done so wrong to kneel.” 

“Mom. Kara called off the engagement and is getting married to my boss. She's not coming back.” 

“What do you mean by that? Why would she do that out of nowhere? What did you do? Kara is such a meek and obedient girl, plus she's been obsessed with you for so long. She wouldn't just call the engagement off without a good reason.” 

“I don't know how but she found out about my love for Serena. I really didn't do anything.”

“She did what? How did she find out? Do whatever you can to win her back. I don't care if you have to grovel or roll in the dirt as long as you guys get married. How will I get the money to buy my fancy shawls? Not like you can afford them.” 

“Mom's right Aiden. She still owes me a designer purse.” 

“Mom, how could you guys switch up so fast? I thought you just said there's nothing I could've done wrong that'll be worth me kneeling?” he asked in bewilderment.

“What good are your knees if not to kneel for your wife? It's not like they're worth anything else.” 

“Mom! Perhaps it's this money sucking attitude of you guys that led her to break off the engagement, you money grubbing thieves.” 

“Not like you have any money for us to grub! Bring her back at all costs.” His sister countered, shielding herself with her mom.

Aiden got up and left the house, slamming the door angrily. 

He got a text from Serena as soon as he stepped outside.

“Meet me in front of Pierce's private residence, we have work to do.” 

He knew the location. Pierce had invited him and his colleague for dinner one time after they closed a deal and that's exactly where he headed.

~~~~~~~

Kara 

I was on my way to meet Gia to get the necessary information I'll need in winning Pierce's family over.

If I'm going to get their approval, I'd better know just what I'm dealing with.

Once they were both seated and finished exchanging pleasantries, Gia spoke up.

“Hey Kara. You know, they say when you're getting married, you're marrying your husband's family. You think you can keep up with the women in the family? They all have their strong suits, yunno?”

“ Spill it.” 

“ Firstly, his grandma. Lila kay. The founder of the Kay group of companies. Her husband started out in the construction sector with a loan and now, half of the buildings in our country's built with their materials. She started the cooking sectors and later proceeded to build hotels before they merged and expanded.” 

She paused to make sure Kara was following then continued.

“His mother, my aunt, Lydia Kay. Sharp tongued and string willed. 

Then lastly, Scarlett Kay. His sister and my cousin who's just plain crazy and also crazy strong too.” She paused “ so you see what you're getting into? A super smart fearless grandmother, a sharp-tongued mother-in-law and a crazy sister. Complete recipe for a hell's special dish.” 

“Got it, anything else?” 

“Really? You still want to go ahead with your marriage to that annoying b*stard? He's so annoying because he knows he's handsome and hot, not to mention smart too. Grandma always favored him more but he still decided to go start his own establishment against her will. Probably because he and Justin are always at odds.” 

“Okayy. So much for a family encyclopedia.” 

“If you're still hellbent on marrying him, I guess I can only help you. If you want to sway all of them and get their approval, focus on my Aunt. His mom, Lila Kay." 

“Isn't she like, the toughest to sway? Mom couldn't win her over, how can I ?”

She reached inside her bag and brought out a membership card.

“What's this? A membership card for a cooking class? ‘CHLOE’S COOKING CLUB’ was boldly written at the top.”

“It's not just a cooking club, it's a social club hosted by a woman in her 50’s called Chloe Gemma for elite women. You'll find Aunt there, those old ladies love to gossip and since that article came out, she must be the center of the gossip.” 

“Wait, you're telling me to just show up there and face her head on as the cause of her being the center of gossip?” 

“Yeah. Aunt likes straightforward people. So no matter what, just do what you want. My break’s over, gotta go now.” 

“Thanks for the info G, I owe you.” 

They both left the cafe and Kara headed up. 

As soon as she pulled into the open parking lot, she started taking her stuff out of the backseat and Aiden showed up. 

“Let me help with that.”  she swatted his hand away like he was a fly.

“I don't need your help. Why're you here?”