C3 Karina

Karina got downstairs to see a well-dressed man touching an expensive vase. She frowned at him but did not say a word as she sat down and crossed her legs, the man seeing her, smiled but his eyes were filled with mockery.

"I see my brother is taking care of you to the point that you have no respect" The man spat and sat down to face Karina.

Karina didn't flinch, she was used to these comments since she became a daughter of the family. She sat properly and tossed her hair.

"Do you want a glass of drink?" Her words were soft but the man frowned. She was hinting that he was a guest who would leave.

"Never mind," he said and adjusted himself looking around. He was about to open his mouth when he saw Andrew coming down and his eyes shrank.

"Father sent me here, he wanted to know when you are coming home to introduce the bride," he said with a sense of unfamiliarity and Karina rubbed her head.

"Tell grandfather that he would get to see his granddaughter-in-law soonest" Andrew sat down beside his mother and held her hand.

"He said I should take a picture of the bride"

Andrew knew his uncle was just trying to look for gossip. He adjusted himself and faced the man who had forgotten how ruthless he, Andrew Anderson was.

"Uncle Davis, I heard my cousin brought a pregnant low-life home and grandfather is still angry" Andrew knew where to hit and Davis felt uncomfortable, he thought Andrew didn't know but he had just underestimated the demon before him.

"I need to go now, I just came to drop the information," He said standing up and arranging his suit.

"Send my regards to aunt" Davis understood what Andrew meant so he ignored him and walked away as quickly as possible.

After he had gone, Karina faced Andrew. "Son, what are we to do?" Karina was worried that Jelena would not fit into Anderson Elder's portfolio and this might cause an issue for Andrew.

Andrew rubbed his mother's hand as his lips curved upwards, "Just take care of her, everything will be smooth" Karina nodded, staring at eyes that swallowed her anxiety.

***

The next day

Nicole walks into the mansion with a folder in her hand. Mrs. Owen rushed to her holding her gown.

"Nico, is there any news on your sister?" her eyes widened as her eyelids flickered.

Nicole looked down at the folder in her hands, she sighed and looked at her mother, "Where is father?"

Mrs. Owen was confused but pointed to his study, Nicole nodded and walked past her mother but Mrs. Owen followed closely.

"Father" Nicole called out and Mr Owen looked up, he smiled seeing her and removed his glasses.

"Child, you are back. Any news?" he got up and walked to her but she stretched the folder to him.

Mr Owen was confused and collected the folder, he opened it and grabbed his glasses and his body shook slightly as he read through.

Mrs. Owen pushed Nicole and grabbed the paper from Mr. Owen, her body trembling.

"Nicole, what have you done? What did you do?" Mrs. Owen threw the folder on the floor and attacked Nicole who tried to grab her but her mother stopped and everything went blank as she fell but Nicole was quick enough to catch her.

"Father, ambulance!" Nicole laid her mother on the floor and started checking for a pulse.

Mr Owen made the call.

***

Jelena twirled in front of the mirror and her lips curved upwards revealing her one-sided dimple.

"You look so beautiful" Karina praised lost in her beauty.

Jelena stared at her reflection and seeing the girl in front of it, her heart jumped. She had always wanted this lifestyle but after that incident, she knew this grand stuff wasn't for her and she had agreed to lay low up until recently.

"Are you okay?" Jelena's eyelids flickered as she touched her hair and smiled.

"I'm okay, I just find the design so indulging," She said pointing to a stitch and Karina smiled.

"It seems you have an eye for fashion"

"My mama used to play with such things once in a while" Jelena looked at her reflection and smiled.

"Okay, that's good. You can wear this dress. The others would be sent to us" Karina explained and Jelena smiled.

"My dear, as we go out, there are a lot of reporters who are going to take your pictures, keep your head down but if you have to look up then smile" Karina advised and Jelena nodded despite not understanding what she meant.

Jelena wrapped her arm around Karina's and they both walked out of the boutique and with guards around them the clicking of cameras wouldn't stop.

In the midst of it all, Jelena looked up and the flashing of the camera blinded her and her left leg slipped from its shoe leaving the shoe behind, she got into the car and drove off.

***

ANDERSON CORP

Andrew was deep into his work when Daniel strolled into his office, sat down, and turned on the TV.

Andrew looked at him with a grave look but Daniel glanced at him and ignored his stares.

Andrew looked at the TV and was about to look away when he noticed Jelena and his mom. He recalled that they had gone shopping. He watched as Jelena held his mom's arms and she looked like a runaway bride.

From the beautiful pink dress that matched her pale skin to her healthy wavy hair that covered her face in some of the pictures making her look like a doll.

"Brother, you married a real-life Rapunzel," Daniel complimented, staring at the TV.

Andrew looked away with disgust, no matter how beautiful she was, she ruined his family and he couldn't forgive her for that.

"Brother, your Rapunzel lost a leg from her shoe. Perfect Cinderella Rapunzel, she is so cute. When can I meet my sister-in-law?" Daniel asked, staring at Andrew who was glaring at him.

"Shouldn't you be getting me information on my missing bride?" Andrew asked.

Daniel reduced the volume of the TV and frowned. "Why are you searching for that thing when you have such a princess?" Daniel grumbled.

Andrew stood up and faced the window, "I'm curious" he said plainly.

Daniel wanted to ask further when the door opened and a man walked in.