KAREEZHA: His Love, Her Death

▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️ CHAPTER I. THE ENGAGEMENT A luxury car stopped at the entrance of the 5 star hotel stealing the crowd's attention. A man in black suit stepped out from the Red Bugatti making the onlookers gawk. He's screaming of oozing appeal that can make women crawling to his side effortlessly and men feeling jealous of his features. He handed the keys to the valet and was ushered to where the Marquez event was held. Music and chatter filled his ear as he got near the ballroom. He never likes going out to parties but this is different for it was a party held for him by his soon to be in-laws. His engagement to the Marquez's only daughter, Heira. It was not a typical Love caused Engagement process, but will be a Marriage of Networks and Assets. He will be marrying Heira not because he loves her but it was an agreement from her and his families to extend their networks and eventually profit from the union of their families. His family, The Montenegros, especially his father Señor Julio wanted him to be the sacrificial lamb for his gains. He cannot retaliate his father's command for his words are mightier than the steels. It'll be a gain for them to be in the good side of Alvero Marquez, who is known for his ruthless ways of living. Not that he doesn't want Heira who he knew too well was head over heels with him ever since they've known each other. She's quite a catch, men will be on their knees if she says so. She can even compete with VS angels with her looks and curves. Somehow, he doesn't feel anything for her, not love. Maybe a little l**t. His heart was stolen already and the thief was nowhere to be found. 7 years had passed and still no signs of the culprit who left without a trace. "There's my future son in-law!, Welcome Mijo " Alvero Marquez exclaimed, tapping his shoulder. Heira encircle her on a hug. "You're late, I was beginning to think you aren't coming", she pouted. He give her a sheepish smile making her smirk. Heira was indeed one of the daughters of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. She is wearing a body hugging peach gown covered in swarovski crystals with its neckline cut in V shaped exposing her cleavage that is accentuated with diamond necklace paired with diamond earrings. She looks even taller in her 5'6" height with her added 5 inches stilettos still covered on swarovski crystals. She is indeed the star of the night. Every man would definitely pay anything just to be in Gabriel's shoes. They were envious of him. Having a perfect woman by your side takes more than any luck. Beauty, money, and power. Almost perfect, only if he loves her. Gabriel greeted everyone in their table and place a kiss on the cheek of his mom Martha and Heira's mother, Eivah. Heira is a mix of a pure American and Spanish blood, blessing her with features any woman would dream of. Martha looks proud looking at his son and soon to be daughter in-law who was getting well. She knew well Gabriel don't love Heira but was here out of his obligations to his family. Even he was forced by her and his dad to marry the Marquez heiress, he show no signs of remorse. Smiling nonchalantly, acting as if he adore and love Heira. He's good at hiding his own emotions. Reason that they never knew he was secretly meeting with the Salazar's daughter, Kareezha. The family whom Señor Julio loathed for decades. Not until she had him followed one day, Martha found out their secret love affair. Her heart bleed for her son but she cannot take the risk of losing what she had been working on. Martha will do everything to put her dreams to reality. Even if it would mean stomping unto other's lives, she would go far as wiping out the thorns to get her vines cover the rose and have her own flower bloom in power. Señor Julio patted his son's back as he walked to his assigned seat next to Martha and having a conversation with Alvero. Eminent on their faces the anticipation of having their families united as one making them more invincible or so they thought. They were oblivious of the demise they were about to experience. The party went on smoothly, as Alvero prepared himself to stand up and officiate the engagement, Maloch came to his side and whispered something, he almost lost his balance. He then composed himself and step outside the ballroom discreetly. He was shocked at the scene waiting for him. Lying on the floor was the lifeless body of his younger brother, Andres. Eyes bulging and his pants unzip showing half his torso. On his hand was a syringe he used to inject himself. His veins were almost visible with his mestizo complexion. "What the hell happened in here?!!" Alvero's angry voice roared. Eivah, who was a doctor kneel on the floor to check Andre's eyes and eventually closed them up with her palms. "He seemed to have aneurysm. Overdosed perhaps. We have to get him down to the hospital and examine what's the cause of his death" she motioned the guards to carry Andre's body. "Go back inside, I will take care of Andres", she tried to hold Alvero's arm. "No! I'll go with you. Maloch, get the car," he snapped and take his leave. "Mavy, take care of everything from here", Eivah instructed her assistant. "Ma, what's going on? Where's papa?" Heira was confused of why his father step out earlier. He seemed bothered. When her mother followed him that's when she knew something is off. "Hija, go back in there and continue with the engagement", Eivah answered. "Not until you tell me what's going on. Where's papa? Something happen to him? Where's papa?", she's getting hysterical when Gabriel arrived at the scene. He followed Heira when he hear commotion at the corridor of the hotel. "Babe, what's going on?" He asked when he see Heira tear strained. Eivah sighed, "Your Tio Andres just died. Your papa found him in one of the comfort rooms", she told the couple. "What?" "How?", they asked in unison. "That I don't know yet", she answered. "But I have to go and follow your papa to the hospital, he was surely devastated". "Gabriel, pls drive Heira home safely" Eivah kiss her daughter's cheek and leave to follow Alvero. "Babe, I'm sorry, but I can't go on with the engagement with my uncle gone. I just can't continue celebrating, not without my papa. He's going through a lot right now." She said between sobs. Gabriel hugged her to calm her down. "I understand Babe, no worries, I understand," Gabriel said caressing her back. "I'll have Mavy take care of the things in the ballroom", he guided her to the bench nearby and let her sit while he dialed the number of Alvero's assistant. Mavy was already instructed by her boss so that's settled. He then called up his dad. to inform him that they will have to cancel the engagement. For now.