She Had It All, page 4
Kian:
Kate, please, behave yourself. People are staring at us. Don’t forget that our family is well-reputed here. Sarah doesn’t want to sell her share of the farm and the lands; she wants to stay with the family.
Kate:
I don’t believe that. She is a sorceress and has come back to take all of your lives. You cannot convince me to stay on the farm after our marriage. Otherwise, you can go your way and I will go on my way.
Paul (murmuring to Sarah):
Can one day this miracle happen? Can she vanish into the thin air? I don’t think we are that lucky.
Kate left the mall to go back home. Kian was instantly relieved that he could peacefully enjoy his evening.
Sarah:
I am ready to give the cottage back and stay in the Connex.
Paul:
This was a collective decision of the family and Kate needs to learn to respect it.
Kian:
Come on, from where shall we start? We don’t have much time.
Three of them were so happy and busy shopping. Paul suggested going to one of the best restaurants in the area that served local food only. They reached the place and found a good table to sit at with a breathtaking view of a small lake in front of them. While Paul got up to go wash his hands, Sarah found an opportunity to speak.
Sarah:
I will give the cottage back to you, please stop fighting over me.
Kian:
Kate is just making excuses not to stay on the farm, she neither wants the cottage nor the grand house. She just wants me to take my share, move to the city, and start a fancy life. I am not going to do that. I am not leaving my family.
Paul returned, he had placed the order for food already and asked both of them to go freshen themselves up. When Kian left, Paul turned to Sarah.
Paul:
He is stupid, please help my brother leave this woman. She is not the right choice for him!
Sarah:
Oh my god, I can’t ever do that. These two love each other.
Paul:
The only thing these two don’t have in common is love. I think I should tell you the whole story myself.
Kian returned. The food was already served at the table, and they all relished the food. Kian got a call from Kate so he excused himself and went out to talk. Paul pulled up his chair to where Sarah was sitting and started narrating the happenings of an unfortunate night.
Paul:
Two years ago, Kian had his friend’s bachelor party in the grand house and Kate was one of the girls who invited herself with the groom’s friends. After a couple of shots, everyone was drunk and wanted to leave but Kian didn’t allow them since it was too late and didn’t want any drink and drive accident to happen. Two rooms were given to the ladies and two rooms to the men. Kian bid them goodnight and went to sleep in his room. To his utter shock, he woke up with Kate sleeping naked next to him. He has no memory of what happened and how she made it to his room. A couple of months later, Kate called him and announced she was pregnant with his child. Kate has a sister who is her legal guardian as she had lost both her parents in a car accident. She took Kate upcountry and let her deliver the baby there, Kian was not even allowed to see the baby! Since Kate was only 16 at that time, they could have easily sent Kian to jail. Kate was admitted to a mental asylum for one year and after that, Kian had been instructed to fall in love with her, marry her, and then take the baby back. This is a well- planned trap and Kian is aware of this, but he feels guilty about what has happened to the 16-year-old girl and he is punishing himself.
Before Sarah could process all this sudden bombarding of information, Kian came back asking if they could move as he got a call from the furniture shop that their men were on their way to do the fittings in the Connex. Sarah looked devastated and was sick to her stomach upon hearing how Kian had fallen into an intricately designed trap.
Kian:
What happened to you? Are you okay? Your face is so pale.
Sarah:
Nothing, I just ate so much. I will be fine. Come on, let’s move.
They made sure to leave a good tip for the delicious food and the prompt service. They drove back to the farm quickly, Sarah was silent throughout the drive. Kian thought that she was probably still upset with Kate’s behavior, but didn’t want to push or prod and bring the whole thing up again.
The furniture was all taken down from the truck and placed carefully in the Connex. Once the people left, Sarah excused herself and went to the cottage. She couldn’t stop thinking about what she had heard about Kian and Kate. She scratched her head, tensed, thinking about what if the baby were not his at all and this was just a massive game to extract money from Kian? She shuddered at all these thoughts and wanted to discuss them with someone. At the same moment, she heard a knock on the door. Pearl and Mary were at the doorstep.
Mary:
May we come in?
Sarah:
Yes, of course!
Mary and Pearl entered, Petros and Frank jumped in too, followed by Kian and Paul. The whole squad was there, but Sarah wasn’t in a mood to entertain guests. Nevertheless, she didn’t want them to be disappointed so she welcomed everyone for coffee on the top floor balcony. When nobody was looking, Kian took Sarah’s hand and pulled her aside.
Kian:
I know you are tired; it is just a family coffee evening and then we leave. I was just worried about you, please relax and sit with us for a while and let me make the coffee.
Sarah barely heard any of his words as she was just trying to feel her hand in his hand. She immediately brushed that feeling aside and sat with the others.
Frank:
Since you are still not comfortable reading your poems to us, I have asked Pearl to force you.
Petros:
Please, Frank! Let my cousin be, can’t you see she is tired?
Sarah:
Sure, no problem, let me find my notebook. I don’t mind getting some feedback on my writing today. Here is one of the poems I wrote a while ago, let me know how you guys like it.
“What a strange feeling is this love
I love you because you are the one, my only one Love so precious, love so deep Love made for you and made for me What a strange world to be So, take my hand and walk with me When things get tough, your love is my hope When things get better, your hope is my heart
Our love is ready for the ever-after Relieving pain and spreading laughter What a strange feeling is this love
I love you because you are the one, my only one.”
Kian was standing near the balcony door and looked at her in amazement and simultaneously wondered if he would ever have that kind of love. Sarah saw him and couldn’t resist his look so she closed her notebook.
Sarah:
I think this is enough for today.
Everyone clapped for her and she thanked them for listening. Kian then served coffee to everyone.
Paul:
Sarah, the person who has made you feel this love must be an admirable man.
Sarah:
Love doesn’t exist just between people. It could be for anything.
Frank:
A poem gets more interesting when one beautiful lady, with her amazing charm, reads it for all. The way her lips touch the words, the way her beautiful eyes read those lines makes the whole thing more intriguing.
Sarah blushed and thanked him, but she was not comfortable with the way he was staring at her. She quickly changed the subject.
Sarah:
We should have our coffee as it is getting cold. I am excited to taste it since Kian made it!
Everyone smiled and started having their coffee. After a while, Kian stood up.
Kian:
I think I will call it a night. I am going to my cozy bed and I know the bed is also waiting for me! Goodnight, all.
Petros:
Wait, I am coming with you.
Others stood up too to bid goodnight to the host. Before leaving, Pearl just held Sarah’s hand.
Pearl:
Why do you want to be alone? We have so many rooms in the grand house and servants to serve you at any time. Why do you want to be here, at the end of the farm, by the stream?
Sarah slightly smiled at Pearl and she understood that there was no way to convince her to move to the grand house. After everybody left, Sarah took a quick bath and got ready for bed, but she couldn’t find peace. Her thoughts were all over the place. She thought about Kian, Kate, Frank, and all of them. She remembered her mother telling her that they are a very strange family, now she understood what she had meant. She was restless so she came to the balcony to breathe some fresh air and saw the light of the Connex was on. She was happy Kian was next to her and she felt safe, but her heart was not in the right place.
The Connex door opened, Kian came out and saw her sitting on the balcony. He called her name but she didn’t answer. He got worried and started walking toward the cottage, and called again.
Kian:
Sarah, are you alright?
Sarah jumped up and noticed him.
Sarah:
Yes, I am! What about you? What made you walk all the way here?
Kian:
I saw you sitting outside, I thought you were scared again. Called your name but you didn’t answer so I thought I will come closer and have a look. Sorry, if I disturbed your thoughts.
Sarah:
Nah, don’t be sorry. As usual, I can’t sleep! Maybe because I haven’t gotten used to this bed yet. I should have brought my own pillows.
Kian:
I know it is more than that. Since the afternoon, you have been in this mood. Are you still upset about what Kate said?
Sarah (nodding her head): Not all of it.
Kian:
Can I tell you something if you don’t mind? Frank is crossing the line.
Tonight, Petros also noticed and spoke to me regarding that.
Sarah:
How? Why? He is Pearl’s fiancé.
Kian:
Not yet, maybe in future. He likes to flirt, and he said this is part of his work. You are a respectful lady, and Petros is worried about you and Pearl. Just wanted to let you know to be careful around him. I am going to sleep now. What’s your plan for tomorrow?
Sarah:
I need to start doing my routine exercise; since the last three days my body is hurting, so I might go for a long walk. Or to the grand house’s gym, if it’s still there.
Kian:
Yes, the gym is there, and Paul has added a lot more equipment. You need to see it; it has had a 100% makeover!
Sarah:
Alright then. I will hit the gym tomorrow.
Sarah also went to bed and fell asleep in a flash.
Chapter 7
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
The family tries to put the past behind and walk further, but they all seem to hit constant obstacles. They get to know secrets about their family that they had never anticipated in their wildest dreams.
In the morning, Sarah woke up to Kian’s voice.
Kian:
Wake up, my princess! Wake up! (She sat up on her bed, observing Kian staring at her.) Time to go to the gym. Come on, lazy girl, move!
Sarah got ready and both started walking toward the grand house’s gym. It was located behind the main kitchen, and a pool was recently added next to the gym room. Sarah couldn’t believe how much Paul had spent on renovating this. It was like a five-star hotel gym, including a sauna and jacuzzi. They headed to the treadmill.
Kian:
One month ago, when the lawyer told us he had invited you to the farm, we were all surprised and every night we were talking about you.
Sarah:
I can imagine what preconceived notions you must have harbored against me. The first day when I arrived here, I saw the hate on everyone’s face. Sometimes, I feel I did the wrong thing by deciding to stay back. I can’t change what has happened in the past. Your family might never believe that I had no idea about Patrick and what he felt for me.
Kian:
Come on, I just wanted to talk with you. Please don’t be upset if I brought up something to clarify. You are now behaving like Kate.
Moreover, I do agree that I used to think negatively about you because of all the stories involving your mother and you. Patrick’s sudden death made it difficult to understand your side of the story. Please understand that we had no control over the narrative, we believed whatever was fed to us. Right now, everyone knows you and they get that the whole thing was a misunderstanding.
Sarah:
No one knows what struggles my mom and I have gone through all these ten years. I was raised without a father because they lied to me about him dying in the war. Just two years ago, my mom told me that he had gone missing in the war, and there might be a chance that he is still alive somewhere. Now your family’s hatred and Patrick’s death is also added to the long list of things that have made my life miserable. How do you want me to be or to act? I was the only child, raised alone with no supportive siblings. You people are lucky to have each other’s back.
Kian:
Please don’t say anything about your father to the lawyer; otherwise, this case will be postponed indefinitely. Now let’s go and have some breakfast because I am going to faint.
Both of them reached the grand house balcony where breakfast was already served. They sat down to eat, and a while later Paul joined them.
Paul:
Sarah, darling! How was the first day at the gym?
Sarah:
The gym session was great! You have completely revamped the place and it looks amazing. I will make sure my routine workout is done at the gym and maybe will go swimming as well! Is the pool temperature controlled?
Paul:
I will make sure that feature is added tomorrow! Please let me know before you go so that I can join you. Haha, just joking! Just inform me so I can ask the security guard to let you swim in peace, my lady.
Sarah was laughing. Talking to Paul completely changed the mood in any situation. She was feeling quite refreshed after a grim discussion with Kian in the gym.
Kian:
I can see someone is smiling and enjoying her breakfast!
Paul:
Everyone gets benefitted by talking to me, my brother! When are you going to know that I am gifted? (Sarah was still laughing due to his conversation) Kian was planning to show you around the farms. Do you want to ride the horse, or will you go in his car? Also, if you don’t like Mr. Kian, I am at your service!
Sarah:
Oh, I didn’t know this was the plan. I honestly don’t remember riding horses anymore, and I don’t think we should go together because Kate may not like it. I feel bad for her. I know that if I plan to marry someone, I would not like his attention being diverted from me.
Kian:
You are right, so we can all go together.
Kian brought the safari car, Sarah and Paul jumped into the back seat. He drove them around to many places, while Paul was explaining and guiding Sarah throughout the journey. Kian stopped by the south river, brought out a small box from under his seat, passed it on to Sarah, and asked Paul to explain what it is. Paul just sadly nodded his head.
Paul:
No my friend, I will not do it! (He stepped out of the car.)
Sarah didn’t know what was in the box, her body tensed up and she asked Kian to open it. Kian opened the lid and placed it on the car’s dashboard. In the box were four wooden horses and two clay cups; on one was written ‘Patrick’ and on the other ‘Sarah’.
Sarah:
Patrick made these? For me?
Kian:
Yes, I always wanted to post them to you. I didn’t know if your mother would let the parcel reach you. Do you remember making these with him?
Sarah’s hands were shivering, a series of memories flashed back. Kian noticed her body stiffen, jumped to the back seat and took away those cups from her hand. Sarah fainted in the car, Kian shouted Paul’s name and asked him to run for help.
Paul (came running):
What did you do to her? What happened?
Kian was just as shocked as Paul. Kian got in the driver’s seat while Paul secured Sarah from falling, and sped up to reach the cottage. While Kian was behind the wheels, Paul called up the family doctor and requested him to reach the cottage as soon as possible. They reached the cottage and Kian lifted Sarah in his arms and brought her to the bedroom in the cottage. In the meantime, the doctor had reached and all the cousins rushed in anxiously as well.
Kian:
What are you all doing here?
Pearl:
We came to ask what you did to her? What did you say that she lost her consciousness?
Kian (getting increasingly furious):
As if you people care about her! Please stop acting. This is me you are talking to.
The Doctor:
Please, everyone! Keep it quiet in here and try to give her some space to rest, her body is extremely weak right now. Did any of you give her any bad news?
Everyone looked at Kian accusingly and were anxiously waiting for him to narrate the incident.
Kian:
I am sorry. I just passed Patrick’s box to her; all those things which he had made for her were inside it. Once she touched the clay horses and how their names were carved on the cups, her body tightened and she fainted.
The Doctor:
Alright, everybody, pay attention to me. Your brother Patrick was not a normal child. Because he was aware of his illegitimate birth, and the dislike society showed toward him, he was suicidal since he was nine years old. He was brought to me and I tried to talk him out of it, but our therapy sessions did not help him. He was sad due to his mother, father, and your mother as well. Just stop blaming this girl for his death.
There are too many secrets that your family hasn’t involved you in.
Sarah was back to her senses by now but was pretending to lay motionless so she could listen to the conversation.
The Doctor:
Your father is now dead, so I can open my mouth and warn you against doing anything wrong to this poor angel. Because Patrick’s case was so sensitive, I hid a recorder in the workshop to keep a check on the conversations. He always complained that he was being haunted by ghosts. Your mother detested his existence, but only pretended to accept him as her son because of your father. In his absence, she misbehaved with him, abused and rebuked him and his mother’s involvement with your father. It was your mother’s idea to let him stay away in the workshop. He was not even allowed to play with his stepbrothers and stepsisters. Because she knew how much your father liked him, she was increasingly getting jealous.
