The Secret Contender

Chapter One

In the distance, the pulsating rhythm of music echoed, a clear sign of another of Kimora’s extravagant parties. The neighbors, despite being irrtated by the blaring music and blinding disco lights that adorned the porch, were powerless. Even the police were of no help. Kimora, the audacious and haughty daughter of George Delano, the mayor of Alaba, was untouchable.

After her mother's death, Kimora lived life on her own terms; unbound, unrestricted, and unapologetic. She was a vision of beauty, with her long blonde hair, a voluptuous pear-shaped figure, and a face that could rival any model’s, radiating an irresistible allure. Her wealth allowed her to maintain her stunning appearance, always adorned in the most elegant attire and footwear. This was Kimora, a queen in her own right, under the influential shadow of her father. She was a free spirit dancing to the beat of her own drum.

Gilbert Monroe, her boyfriend, was present at her party. He wouldn't miss it for anything. He belonged to her world after all. Born to Dylan and Zain Monroe, the billionaire power couple with a sprawling empire of firms across the City of Alaba, Gilbert Monroe was a living embodiment of wealth and allure. His appearance was a captivating spectacle of the luxurious life he was born into, making him a figure that was hard to ignore. His face, accentuated by a pair of piercing grey eyes and hair styled in a textured quiff with a low fade, made him impossible for the girls to overlook.

Gilbert was a beacon of charisma and sophistication. He garnered the most attention in school, and the city tabloids scrutinized him relentlessly. And he reveled in the spotlight. A playboy at heart, his gentlemanly demeanor was evident in his speech, his gait, and his interactions. Yet, this was merely a facade. Beneath the charming exterior lay the true Gilbert; a rebellious bad boy, brimming with arrogance and pride. He lived by a simple motto - to claim what he desired and to never bow down to defeat. This was Gilbert Monroe, a paradox wrapped in an enigma, a captivating blend of charm and audacity.

Like Kimora, Gilbert embraced life on his own terms. His parents, preoccupied with their numerous businesses, had little time for him. Their lives were a series of business trips, leaving Gilbert yearning for their affection. But over time, he came to cherish the freedom their absence afforded him. His newfound freedom became his sanctuary; a coping mechanism, and anyone who dared to take it away would was his worst enemy.

And so, the fate of sweet 17-year-old Maria Roldan unfolded. With a captivating smile that complemented the freckles on her face, Maria was ever jovial behind her big glasses and pretty face. Her sole focus was on her studies, driven by a single dream: to work hard and elevate her family’s status. A few days earlier, Gilbert had made a bet with his friends to propose to Maria. Haughtily, he followed through, convinced she would not reject him. After all, he was Gilbert Monroe. But his thoughts betrayed him. Maria outrightly rejected his proposal, leaving him feeling humiliated. In response, he vowed to make her pay—a twisted plan to make her fall in love with him, only to reject her in return. After relentlessly wooing Maria, Gilbert would execute his final scheme at Kimora’s party. He requested that Kimora invite Maria to the party as well. Although Kimora didn’t particularly like Maria, she agreed in an attempt to impress Gilbert. Little did she realize that Gilbert had ulterior motives once again.

As the music played, Kimora danced gracefully with her friends Penny, Tasha, and Coral, the unending cheers buoying her movements. But Gilbert, the person she most wanted to impress—had inexplicably vanished into the crowd. Frustrated, Kimora stepped down, basking in the compliments about her dance skills as she headed toward the kitchen. She craved another drink, a promise she broke despite her father’s strict no-liquor party rule. She would always pledge to abide by it, but as usual, it was a mere facade. Noticing her change in mood, her friends drunkenly trailed behind her.

“Girls, has anyone seen Gilbert? He’s vanished,” Kimora inquired, taking a large gulp of whiskey.

“Take it easy!” Penny, her most devoted and considerate friend, cautioned.

“Did you see where he went?” Kimora pressed, disregarding Penny’s concern.

“He was by the pool with his friends,” Tasha informed.

“And you didn’t think to tell me? Christopher and Liam are a negative influence on Gilbert,” Kimora retorted sharply.

“They’re his friends, Kim. You can’t control them,” Coral responded.

“I may not be able to control them, but I can certainly keep an eye on them,” Kimora declared. “Now, go find them for me. I’ll be at the table.”

“Why should we?” Coral asked, puzzled.

“Really?” Tasha said, rolling her eyes.

“Just do it!” Kimora sharply commanded.

“Let’s go, girls,” Penny urged, gesturing for Tasha and Coral to follow.

“You would agree,” Tasha muttered to Penny as they departed. Kimora felt a surge of satisfaction knowing her friend was searching for her boyfriend, but only Penny had genuine intentions. Tasha and Coral harbored secret affections for Gilbert, each hoping for a moment alone with him.

The girls spotted Gilbert with his friends, engrossed in a challenge game. The loser had to gulp down a glass of beer. Eager to catch his attention, the girls cheered. Tasha and Coral joined in, but Penny slipped away to inform Kimora about Gilbert’s lively demeanor. As Maria entered the room, her radiant smile lighting up her face, Gilbert's eyes fell on her. She was accompanied by her brother, Michael, and her best friend, Julia.

Intrigued, he decided to approach her. But Kimora beat him to it, enveloping Maria in a pretentious hug. Then she kissed both her cheeks, her expression remaining vapid.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Maria said politely.

“It was nothing,” Kimora replied, her tone equally empty. Then she stepped closer to Gilbert, slipping her arm around his waist. “You should thank him instead. He cares about people like you.”

“People like us?” Julia echoed.

Kimora waved her hand dismissively, “Oh, you know what I mean.” Her laughter held a subtle mockery. Maria felt uncomfortable. Had she made a mistake attending this party?

“They’re avoiding us.” Julia voiced her frustration.

“We’re clearly in the wrong crowd. Maria, are you sure you received an invite?” Michael chimed in.

Maria considered leaving. But unexpectedly, Gilbert grabbed her hand, surprising everyone, including Kimora.

“It’s just a party, Kitty Cat,” he told her. “Enjoy it. You’re already here.”

“No.” Maria swatted his hand away.

“Maria?” Gilbert touched her shoulders. “Why so strict?”

“Release my sister,” Michael interjected, seizing Gilbert’s hand.

“Why don’t you join us, Michael?” Gilbert suggested, placing a hand on Michael’s shoulder.

Thrilled, Michael quickly agreed; this was a rare opportunity after all. When he joined them, Gilbert leaned in and whispered to Liam and Christopher.

“Make sure Michael consumes plenty of alcohol. I don’t want him getting in the way,” Gilbert murmured.

“Are you sure about this?” Christopher asked. “Think it through.”

“If I forget everything, I’ll lose my charm with the girls,” Gilbert reasoned. “I don’t want another rejection like Maria’s. She’ll serve as an example to them all.”

“What’s the plan?” Liam inquired.

“First, distract Kimora,” Gilbert replied. “Then, you’ll help me get Maria into my car.” With that, Gilbert went to talk to Kimora.

“Honey bear,” she embraced him passionately. Gilbert smiled and kissed her.

“The boys kept me busy, but now I’m all yours,” Gilbert told her.

“Shall we go upstairs?”

“Let me grab a drink first,” Gilbert said, heading toward the kitchen.

Gilbert poured himself a glass of wine, took a sip, and discreetly added something to it. Kimor watched him secretly. Then, she quickly hurried upstairs, where Gilbert found her on her bed, another glass of wine in her hand.

“You had wine in here?” Gilbert said, placing the glass on the table alongside hers. then he kissed Kimora to distract her, deftly switching the glasses while she wasn’t looking.

“Dad won’t be home until Sunday evening,” Kimora hinted. "Please stay over."

“For two nights,” Gilbert chuckled with mischief.

“I’d love that,” she said, leaning on his shoulder as they continued their conversation.

After coercing Michael to drink, Christopher and Liam exchanged a furtive glance. Their mission now was to distract Kimora. But guilt gnawed at Christopher’s insides. He hoped that Liam and Gilbert would reconsider their clandestine plan.

“Is this the only way?” Christopher’s voice trembled as he leaned in, his eyes imploring Liam to reveal an alternative path.

“Yeah,” Liam replied, his gaze distant. “Kimora is sharp. We can’t risk any slip-ups.”

“But shouldn’t we let things lie?” Christopher hesitated, his conscience tugging at him. “I feel sorry for Maria.”

“No second thoughts now. Let’s get this over with.” Liam’s pout deepened.

Reluctantly, Christopher followed Liam up the staircase. As they reached the hallway, they collided with Penny, Tasha, and Coral. The trio blocked their path, eyes locked in enigmatic stares.

“Where are you two off to?” Penny’s voice dripped suspicion.

“Looking for Gilbert,” Liam replied, feigning nonchalance. “Why do you care?”

“Penny’s right,” Tasha chimed in. “Gilbert and Kimora—quite the item. Don’t disturb their love nest.”

“Then perhaps you ladies would like some company? We could all—” Christopher’s mind raced.

Penny shook her head, her expression inscrutable, “I need some fresh air.”

The boys exchanged worried glances but agreed to leave Penny behind. And true to her word, she slipped onto the moonlit balcony, the night breeze caressing her face. Yet, as she leaned against the railing, thoughts of Kimora tugged at her. The boys looked suspcious, she thought and returned to the hallway, her eyes a witness as Gilbert sielntly slipped out of Kimora’s room.

Suspicion flared anew and she trailed him downstairs. And there, in the dimly lit room, Gilbert conversed with Maria. Worry etched on Maria’s face —it was unmistakably about Michael.

“Micheal is so drunk. We can’t go home like this," she complained, her voice edged with frustration. "What will I tell our parents?”

The dimly lit room seemed to close in on them, the air thick with the remnants of a wild party. Maria’s eyes darted around, searching for an escape plan but there was none. Gilbert shifted uncomfortably, his disheveled hair falling into his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, reaching out to caress her cheek. But Maria’s anger flared, and she swatted his hand away.

“You have no remorse, so don’t apologize falsely,” she snapped.

Gilbert sighed, glancing toward the door, “Why don’t we step out and come back later? Your brother would have sobered up by then.”

“I won’t go anywhere with you,” she declared as she crossed her arms, her resolve hardening.

“It’s just a drive to the park, Maria,” Gilbert insisted, desperation creeping into his voice. “Michael will have sobered up by the time we return.”

She hesitated, torn between the chaos inside and the unknown waiting outside. The party had taken an unexpected turn, and Julia was nowhere to be seen. Maria nodded, a silent approval that made Gilbert’s heart leap. He took her hand, his joy palpable, and they dashed out of the house together.

The night air hit Maria’s face, and she laughed—a sweet, unexpected sound that echoed through the empty streets. Gilbert’s car was parked nearby, its engine humming softly. As they climbed in, Maria felt a rush of adrenaline. Maybe this impromptu escape was exactly what she needed.

Penny watched them from the window, her eyes wide with curiosity. Then she dashed back inside, tramping up the stairs to Kimora’s room. Soon, Gilbert and Maria were on their way to the park, the city lights fading behind them. As the car moved, Maria’s mind whispered warnings, but she brushed the thoughts away.

“I can take care of myself,” she thought, stealing a glance at Gilbert, his profile illuminated by the dashboard lights, and she wondered what other surprises this night held.

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over Greenview Park. Gilbert eased the car to a stop, the engine purring softly. The place was quiet, wrapped in darkness, with only the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets as their companions.

Maria shifted in her seat, her unease palpable, “We should go back now,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gilbert turned toward her, amusement dancing in his eyes. “We just arrived, Maria,” he replied, a hint of laughter in his voice. “Why are you in such a hurry? Do you hate me that much?”

Maria's fingers traced the edge of the car seat, her thoughts racing. “I have nothing against you,” she declared, her gaze fixed on the moonlit trees outside. “But we can’t be together. You have Kimora.”

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. “I can break up with her,” he offered, his voice earnest.

Maria shook her head. “But I don’t love you,” she confessed, her heart heavy.

“Give me a chance,” Gilbert pleaded, desperation tingeing his words. “We all deserve a chance, don’t we?”

“Gilbert, I love Christopher,” she blurted out, surprising herself.

“Christopher?” Gilbert’s shock was evident. “But don’t tell him about it,” she added quickly.

“Will you tell him?” he asked, searching her eyes.

“I can love him from a distance,” Maria replied, her brow furrowing. “We’ll soon graduate high school anyway.”

“Then will you give me a chance?” Gilbert’s voice cracked, and he reached for her hands.

Maria hesitated, torn between loyalty and curiosity. “You don’t understand,” she whispered.

“Please,” he persisted, brushing his lips against her knuckles.

“Okay. Relax,” Maria finally relented, withdrawing her hands. “I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you!” Gilbert repeated, his joy bubbling over. And then, without warning, he pulled her into a tight hug—a moment suspended in time, under the moon’s watchful gaze. “Since I have to prove that I love you, can I start now?”

Maria’s heart raced as she confronted Gilbert. “You’re dating Kimora,” she stated, her voice trembling. But before she could protest further, Gilbert reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate bracelet. He slid it onto Maria’s wrist, the silver chain glinting in the moonlight.

“This was my mother’s,” Gilbert explained, his flustered demeanor at odds with his usual confidence. “She told me to give it to the girl I love.”

His eyes danced with affection as he gazed at Maria, and she tried to remove the bracelet, but he held her hand firmly. “I’m going to wait for you,” he declared, leaning in to kiss her shoulder.

Maria jerked away, caught off guard, but Gilbert persisted. His lips brushed against her skin, planting a kiss just under her ear. The world seemed to tilt, and Maria’s resolve wavered as he pulled her closer, his arms enveloping her.

“Wait!” she gasped, and Gilbert groaned, making her chuckle.

“I haven’t done this before,” she confessed, her nerves getting the best of her.

“I know,” Gilbert whispered, his breath warm against her cheek. He leaned in again, but Maria pushed him away.

“I don’t want to be a mother before college,” she blurted out, her words blunt.

“That won’t happen,” Gilbert assured her, his fingers gently caressing her face. Maria hesitated, torn between desire and practicality. Then she surrendered, letting his arms embrace her. Then Gilbert’s eyes flickered toward the camera, and he smirked. The last step of his plan was complete —blur his face and upload the video online.

“This shouldn’t have happened,” Maria murmured.

“But it did,” Gilbert chuckled. “And my plan worked well, didn’t it?”

“You’re despicable,” Maria spat, her anger boiling over. “I shouldn’t have trusted you.”

“You had a choice,” Gilbert replied, unfazed. “But as usual, no girl can resist my charm.”

“So that’s why you brought me here?” she demanded, her voice raw. “How could you?”

“Pull yourself together, Maria,” Gilbert said, starting the car. “I’ll take you home as promised.”

“I won’t go anywhere with you again!” Maria snapped, ready to flee. But then the headlights of another car flared to life, blinding them both. Fear gripped them, and panic surged. The night had taken an unexpected turn. The engine growled like a cornered beast, its fury echoing through the night. Then, with relentless determination, the car surged forward, tires screeching, and collided with bone-jarring force. The impact sent shockwaves through Maria and Gilbert, their world spinning out of control.