“You look pretty, Serena.” Karen said, smiling as she fixed the last piece of jewelry on Serena.
Karen sighed as she said, “I really hope things go well between you and Mr Vance today.”
“Nothing to worry about, Karen.” Serena replied cheerfully. “I wonder why Elliot insists on staying at his place before we go to his father's.”
“I also think it's best if you go together. Remember you have to look in love enough to convince the shrewd eyes of Mr Vance.” Karen reminded her.
Serena drew a deep breath, her hand resting on her belly.
“I do hope everything ends before it's born.” She said absentmindedly.
“You have a good figure. It shouldn't be much trouble keeping it a secret until then.” Karen encouraged her. “You can always come to me for help whenever, Serena. Don't forget that.”
Serena looked away from the mirror and at her friend. She noticed that Karen still had that sad look from yesterday. Even her voice did not sound as excited as she has always known it to be.
“Karen, are you keeping something from me?” Serena asked. “Ever since you spoke to that person yesterday, you haven't looked happy.”
Karen gave a wry smile. “I'm doing just fine, Serena. It's nothing to worry about.”
Serena rose from the seat, giving off the vibes of a hot chic in a short black bodycon dress. The spa had not only given her flawless skin but also made every part of her body smooth enough to give a second look.
“I don't believe you, Karen. It seems there's something bothering you and I don't understand why you can't share it with me.” Serena was displeased.
“Believe me when I say it's nothing to worry about, Serena.” Karen argued. “Remember the driver who picked you up the day you left to give Elliot his suit?”
Serena nodded.
“We had something going…well, I was becoming into him because I liked his vibes and all but I had to stop everything for some reasons.” She explained.
Serena drew her friend into an embrace. She wouldn't have withdrawn if the horn of the car outside did not blow out a second time.
“See? I told you it's nothing to worry about. You shouldn't think about me today and just focus on getting Mr Vance to like you.”
The horn blew out a third time, followed by the buzzing of Serena's phone. It was Elliot.
“C’mon!” Karen grabbed Serena and began to walk out of the room.
Serena was skeptical. “Do you think this dress is okay to meet with Elliot?”
Karen laughed. “Yes, Serena. I told you I'll be in charge of helping you capture his heart!”
“Oh, stop that!”
They arrived outside the house and Karen bid her friend farewell as she settled into the Maybach.
She waved goodbye as the car sped off and turned back towards the house. No sooner had she shut the door behind her than a frantic knock on the door began.
She was startled. Could it be Serena? Did she forget something? Karen didn't think so. The knock became incessant and so loud was it that Karen thought she was in danger.
She grabbed a flower vase and took her stance before opening the door. However before she could bring down the vase on the intruder, the figure had forced himself in and stopped her arm just in time for the vase to hit.
Karen stepped back, breathing heavily. “Kelvin??”
Kelvin kicked the door shut and locked it from behind. His actions sent shivers down Karen's spine.
“What are you doing??”
Kelvin turned to her, his hair tossed all over his face. Karen wondered if he had come running.
“You need to leave.” He told her.
Karen blinked. “Have you lost it?”
“Get your clothes, leave the city for a few months. You can return afterwards.” He continued, ignoring the quizzical appearance on her face.
“You barged into my house after nearly bringing the door down and you expect me to just pack my bags and leave?!”
“I know..” he tried to steady his breathing. “I'm sorry for that. Finn is planning something. The only way to avoid it is to leave immediately.”
Karen laughed. “What?”
“You don't have much time. I didn't use my car just to avoid suspicion.” Kelvin continued to speak what sounded gibberish to Karen's ears.
“He's probably on his way now.”
“You need to leave now, Kelvin. I don't understand whatever it is you're talking about and there's no way I'm leaving my home because of Finn!”
He reached out but she stepped back. “Karen, I-”
“Please leave.” Karen snapped. “I should have never gotten involved with Finn. You both must really take women for fools.”
“That's not it.” He stepped forward again but she also retreated.
“I said leave!”
Kelvin was in a tight spot. He was beginning to regret coming here to help her. He should have turned a blind eye just like he'd always done when Finn begins his s**t.
He couldn't exactly tell her what Finn has planned. He was the only person aware of his plans and should Karen know, Finn would definitely find out that he had informed her.
“What are you waiting for?” Karen was almost yelling. “Do you want me to yell for help?”
Kelvin decided to try again. He didn't know why he cared and he didn't want to think about it. Not right now.
“Finn has information about you.” He started. “I can't explain it but you just need to leave first.”
“No. This sounds like another of your plans to help your friend again. I won't fall for it this time.” Karen replied.
“You have three seconds. Please leave.” She added, avoiding his gaze.
“Or what?” Kelvin was shocked at his own reply. “Judging from how you slapped me the other day, I should have known you're the fiesty type.”
“What?”
“I shouldn't have come here to convince you.” He paused and added. “Abducting you would have been the better choice.”
Karen's expression turned grim. Without further hesitation, she walked past him towards the door and unlocked it from behind.
He grabbed her just when he realized what she was about to do.
“Help-”
He covered her mouth, pushing her scream back into her throat. They became invested in struggling that they didn't hear the first and second knock on the door.
The third one sounded very fierce, halting Karen and Kelvin in their struggle.
“Karen, I know you're in there.” Came Finn's soothing voice. “Please let me in.”