Six years later.
"Kimberly!"
"Yes, mommy!" My daughter yelled in response as she hurried down the stairs.
"Mommy". Kimberly cooed as she walked closer to me. I knelt down, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and tucked her long brown hair behind her shoulder.
A small smile crept on my face as I stared at my beautiful daughter dressed in a white school uniform. My smile slowly faded when I noticed a drop of tears roll down her cheeks.
I quickly used my hands to brush the tears from her cheeks then I held her tender little hands. "What is going on Kimberly?
"Mommy I miss my brother". She said, pouting her thin lips.
I grabbed Kimberly by her wrist and made her sit beside me. " Kimberly, your brother is upstairs, you can see him whenever you like".
"No Mommy. I want Kelvin to come with me to school. He has been on that bed for too long".
"Kimberly, you will go to school, play and do everything with your brother as soon as I get enough money for his medication".
"Ok, mommy".
I giggled softly when Kimberly stretched out her tiny pinky finger so I could make a promise to her.
"Promise". I assured, intertwining my pinky fingers with hers.
"Come on Kimberly let's go see your brother before I drop you off at school".
"Kelvin". Kimberly cheered happily when she got to her twin brother's room. Her brother Kelvin was awake and it made Kimberly happy because he was always asleep whenever she wanted to go to school.
I noticed how Kelvin tried so hard to smile but he was too weak. "Kimberly you don't want to stress out your brother right?" I asked Kimberly as I used my eyes to signal for Kimberly to get off from her brother.
"Mom it's fine". Kelvin muttered, his voice was barely above a whisper.
"Sorry Kelvin". Kimberly muttered as she released her brother from her tight embrace.
I walked towards my son, sat beside him, and began playing with his hair. I didn't know what to say to my son. He was sick and I couldn't gather enough money to get his medication, the thought of it made my heart ache.
"Mommy It's not your fault I'm sick". Kelvin interrupted me from my thoughts as if he had read my mind.
My lips curved up in a fake smile as I stared at him.
He turned to face the wall clock and then back at me. " Mommy you are going to make Kimberly late for school". Kelvin pouted, making me giggle lightly.
After a little chit-chat with Kelvin, I and Kimberly left our small apartment. I hailed a cab and drove with Kimberly to her school.
"Bye Mommy". Kimberly yipped, waving at me as she walked into the school premises.
I smiled and waved back until she was out of sight.
I was about to hail a cab when my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text message.
My brow furrowed in surprise as I read the content of the message. The sender offered to pay me five million dollars if I met up at the address he had texted to me.
"There is no way I would meet with a stranger right? I muttered.
Almost immediately I found myself heading towards the address.
I stretched my body as soon as I got out of the car, my back cracking from hours of sitting in the cab. It had been a while since I last visited the busy streets of Los Angeles.
"Mrs Kara?" A security guard inquired as soon as he saw me.
"Ma'am this is the CEO's office". The security guard said as he pointed toward the door in front of me.
"I'll be on my way now ma'am". The security guard bowed and left.
I knocked gently on the door but there was no reply. I knocked again several times, but still no reply.
I pushed the door open and I walked in gently with my head fixed on the door.
"Kara".
My heart stopped beating and my breath hitched when I heard that familiar stern voice.
"B-Brandon". I mumbled.
I blinked severally hoping that I was only seeing stuff.
He got up from his seat and began walking towards me and I walked backward in fright until my back hit the wall behind me.
"Kara". Brandon called again. This time his voice was soft.
"W-what do you want?" My voice shook as I asked.
"A second chance Kara. A second chance to make things right".
I don't know what came over me but I raised my left hand and sent a hard slap across Brandon's face
"A second chance? A second chance for you to ruin my life?". I screamed at the top of my lungs, tears streaming down my cheek.
It was as though the slap didn't have an effect on Brandon because he didn't flinch.
"Kara I have realized my mistakes please give me a second chance to make amends".
I couldn't stand and listen to whatever Brandon had to say so I turned and was about to leave.
"Ninety days Kara".
I paused and I turned back slowly, my brow furrowing as I stared at Brandon in confusion.
"Sign a marriage contract with me Kara". He paused as if he was waiting for my reaction.
"If I fail to make you fall in love with me within Ninety days the contract will be terminated". Brandon stated firmly.
"I am not interested". I scoffed.
For the sake of my kids Kara".
My heart raced and my eyes widened in surprise "You must be mistaken Brandon. I don't have a child with you".
"Kimberly and Kelvin". Brandon blurted out.
My heartbeat increased and tears mixed with sweat rolled down my cheeks.
"Kara, all I ask for, is a second chance with you and my kid".
"I know I don't have the right to ask for this but please let me be shameless just this once".
"Kara, our son is sick and I can take care of him".
"You have a huge debt to take care of and you are on the verge of sleeping on the streets".
My face scrunched in anger as I balled my hand in a tight fist. "Are you trying to manipulate me into signing a contract marriage with you?"
"Oh, what about your lover Mara". I asked, adding more emphasis to the word Mara.
"Kara, as soon as you left, I ended things with Mara".
"Brandon I don't have time for this please I need to leave".
It took everything I had in me to stop myself from crying. Staring at Brandon, reminded me of the incident that happened six years ago.
"Kara!". Brandon yelled as I was about to leave.
"Give me a second chance Kara".
"At least for the sake of our kids". Brandon begged, guilt dripping from his tone.
Suddenly, an idea popped up in my head
"I will sign the contract".
Brandon scurried towards his table like a six-year-old kid ready to much on some ice cream. He grabbed an envelope and stretched it towards me, smiling.
I wasn't surprised to see my ID card and other documents ready to sign a contract. I noticed Brandon had already signed the paper. I stared at the paper for a while before signing on it.
I agreed to sign the contract and become Brandon's wife because I needed to find out the truth about my parent's death.
I could only hope Brandon wasn't involved in my parent's death for the sake of my kids.
"I'm doing this for the sake of my kids Brandon". I mumbled, silently hoping and praying that Brandon wasn't involved in my parent's death.
"They deserve to know their father". I said in a voice that was barely above a whisper.
I cleared my throat gently before speaking. "Brandon, I can't go home with you now. I need to prepare my kids for the sudden change". I paused and stared at those amber eyes that never failed to get my knees weak.
I glanced back at the floor, playing with my fingers as I tried to avoid his calculative gaze.
"I-i hope you understand".
Brandon let out a loud sigh before muttering". I understand. Let me know when you are ready".
My heart raced uncontrollably and my eyes widened in shock when Brandon leaned in and kissed me softly on my cheeks.
I could tell my face had turned red and I scurried out of his office, holding my thumping chest as I tried to calm my nerves.
Why is it so difficult to hate you, Brandon". I thought out loud as I walked out of Brandon's company.
"I am so sorry sir". I apologized, bowing to the man I had bumped into.
Suddenly the man began laughing uncontrollably. His laughter sounded like those villains in an action movie and I couldn't help but stare at him in confusion.
The man stopped laughing and I noticed how the aura around him suddenly turned cold.
"You have successfully walked into your downfall. Those you love will only get hurt and you cannot run from it".
I stood frozen unable to find a word as I w