became paranoid after I saw the text. He really couldn’t come here or could he? I started biting my lips nervously. Should we just cancel the party and take her somewhere private? The knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts.
“Who’s there?” I asked nervously.
“It’s me, Tess.” I heaved a sigh of relief as Evie rushed to open the door and it was truly Tess.
“Shay, what’s up?” Kel asked and I showed him my phone.
He sighed and locked eyes with me. “Nothing is going to happen, Shay, the security is going to be very tight, we’re going to have her around us at all times. I promise you everything is going to be alright.”
“I hope so Kel. I hope so.” I leaned closer to him for a hug.
“Don’t be sad, now go get ready for the princess’s party.” He said playfully and I chuckled getting up to get the day running.
The party was in full swing, everything was going on smoothly so far but I couldn’t help but worry. I was always on the lookout for something or someone out of place. After all, the day hasn’t ended yet. Evie came out dressed in her purple ball gown. She looked extraordinarily beautiful and I couldn’t help but admire the wonder Kel and I had created.
“She’s so beautiful,” Kel said as we admired her.
We had invited kids from a foundation Kel was a sponsor at and it felt nice seeing Evie interact with the kids and them being happy. Evie got to dress up as everything she wanted. Her cake was a pink castle and there were cupcakes in different colours with stickers of different princesses. Pictures were taken to serve as memories and in as much as I was so into the moment, I didn’t let my guard down for one second. Nothing was going to happen to her, not on her birthday, not on our watch.
The party ended and people were returning to their homes.
I was so glad that it was over and it was a success. My parents and Kel’s mom and grandmother were present and it was heartwarming although my parents didn’t like Kel’s mom. I was surprised she came but I’m glad she did, I noticed Kel’s joy in seeing her although he tried hiding it.
“Kel my son, can I talk to you?” His mom came over as we talked about how nice the party had been.
“I’d be right back Shayan.” He kissed me on the cheek and went with her.
I smiled and went to meet Evie, Tess was carrying her and they were talking about dresses. Tess had made all the dresses she wore, they had grown pretty close too.
“Your daughter is amazing Shayan. I’m so blessed to have a niece like her.” Tess smiled returning Evie to me.
“Thank you. I’m sure she’s happy to have you around.” I smiled carrying Evie.
Evie started playing with my hair while rambling about all the amazing ride that she went on and I just smiled listening to her. I was just so glad to have her, thankful that I had gone through with carrying her and had not aborted her. I was also grateful that Kel and I were finally okay and had put the past behind us and we were raising Evie with love.
“So you didn’t get tired after all those rides?” I asked laughing.
“I am tired now but it was fun. I played with all the kids.” She was so excited and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I love you, baby,” I said kissing her cheeks.
“I love you too mummy. This is my best birthday ever. Daddy is in it and I had a lot of fun.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself,” I told her as she hugged me.
“Gosh I’m jealous, now I wish I have a kid,” Tess said and Evie giggled.
“Don’t worry, I’m your baby too and I love you,” Evie said smiling.
“Awww. I love you too angel.”
The happiness I was feeling was so much, I was so glad for the turn out of things. It’s so much better to live without the worries and burdens of the past. Kel came over to where we were seated and Evie squealed excitedly saying “daddy!” It’s like she can’t get enough of the word.
“Hey princess. How are you?” Kel asked twirling her around.
“I’m fine. My birthday is amazing. ”
“So are you princess. I’ve got a gift for you, let’s go check it out.”
We all went out to the garden and it was a live in dollhouse. It was painted pink and was filled with different toys, there was even a portrait of Elsa and Anna on the wall. It was perfect for her.
“Do you like it?” Kel asked watching her reaction.
“Yes, daddy. I love it.” She smiled widely taking in the dollhouse as if she couldn’t still believe it was hers.
“I’m glad you love it, princess.” He said twirling her around and she was giggling.
“This is the best birthday ever.” She squealed and I smiled. I am so glad that she gets to have the life she deserves.
“There are still more to come, sweetie, it’s going to keep on getting better.” I smiled and she did too. My heart is filled with so much love for her.
“I’d like to talk to you Shayan.” I turned only to see Kel’s mom.
“I’m with my daughter at the moment, I don’t want to lose her from my sight,” I said rather sternly.
“I’d keep an eye on her.” Tess jumped in and out went my excuse.
We walked out of the garden to a more quiet place and I kept on wondering what she wanted to say to me. Or was she going to murder me, drown me in the pool perhaps?
“Your daughter is beautiful. She looks like Tess when she was little but she still has that semblance to you.” I couldn’t help but smile, come on we’re talking about Evie.
“I know, she has Kel’s hair and all.” I smiled, an image of both of them coming to mind.
“I’m sorry for everything I did to you Shayan, everything I said.” Well, I wasn’t expecting her to say that, I said nothing staring at her wondering what to say next.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell Kel about the pregnancy, it’s just that I wanted a better life for him. I knew he would have left everything to be with you. And you weren’t exactly the person I wanted him to be with but I’ve come to terms with it. My son loves you and I respect that. Right now I just want the best for him and you are the best for him Shayan. I’m sorry I looked down on you all these years. As you said, you reminded me of me so much. I was a naive girl who fell in love with a man that was married and ended up getting pregnant for him with him discarding me after. He only wanted me just because of the children. I couldn’t live with that, I was miserable then. I hated that your background and everything else reminded me of me.”
“And also I was jealous of the love Kel had for you and I feared it too. He loved you so much Shayan, he still does. I know I’ve wronged you on so many levels, but I’m hoping you’d forgive me, I know it’ll take time, I just want to work it out with you. To have a cordial relationship with you. A happy family.”
I didn’t even know where to start from, is it from the part of her knowing about the pregnancy and not telling Kel, I know she made him believe I cheated too, all the bad things she said to me. I inhaled and exhaled. I’m no longer holding on to that. Kel and I are together now, that’s all that matters. I’ve let the past behind.
“It’s cool. I’d like for us to be a happy family. For Evie to interact with your family too.”
“Thank you, Shayan.” She said with a small smile and I returned it too.
I think everything is settled now, everything is okay between all of us. I just can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. Thoughts of the future made me smile, me with my awesome family. How much I love them.
A text from my phone jolted me away from my imaginations.
THE BIRTHDAY GIRL WOULDN’T LOOK SO PRETTY IN RED, WOULD SHE?
I started running back in the direction of the garden, my heart racing. She has to be safe, she shouldn’t be with him.
The scream of a little girl and what my eyes saw stopped me in my tracks. He is here, he has her.
My heartbeat turned frantic, I searched everywhere for Evie until I found her playing with Jess and Tess. My parents were behind them watching Evie, everything was fine. A horrible scene just played in my head, was I going crazy already. I couldn’t wait for this day to end already.
Kel spotted me from the corner of his eye and came to meet me. He was smiling until he saw my expression and a worried look took over.
“What’s wrong baby?” He touched my face staring at me intently.
He pulled me close to him, his hands encircling my waist. I rested my head on his chest taking in his scent and sighed.
” It was Carlos, he sent another message.” I felt him stiffen, I didn’t need to look at him to know that he was pissed.
” He’s not going to come near Evie or you Shay, I won’t let that happen okay? Please don’t worry too much baby. I’m here for us.”
Somehow his words relieved me and I sighed, I worry too much but I couldn’t help it. I slowly started to relax as he kissed me on my head.
“Now smile for me, baby.” An automatic smile appeared on my face and he smiled too.
” I love you Kel,” I said looking up at him, a smile pulling at my lips.
“I love you too Shay.” Just as we were about to kiss I felt a tug on my dress to see Evie and I chuckled.
” Uncle Jess wants to see my baby pictures.” She excitedly said.
“I’d go get them,” I said chuckling.
I smiled going upstairs to the room to get the album. I like that Evie was already connecting with his family. I took the album from the drawer making a mental note to get another one, a family album. I smiled turning to the door. My smile dropped as I saw the person in front of me. My heart was beating fast and this time I had every reason to. He was standing right in front of me. The album dropped to the floor and I screamed as he came closer.
He was in front of me in seconds, his hands roughly placed on my mouth stopping me from screaming. I scratched and bit his hands.
“Fvcking bitch.” A harsh slap connected to my face causing me to stumble backwards. When I regained composure he was hovering above me a cloth pressed to my nose and that was the last thing I remembered.
KEL’S POV
I’m so glad that the birthday was going on well. I love the smile that I saw on Evie and Shayan’s faces. I’d do anything to make them happy, I already planned a surprise for Shay after Evie’s birthday, I’m going to give her the queen treatment for the rest of my life.
I looked around, we were surrounded by family and loved ones and that’s what matters. Jess was making a phone call and Tess was talking to Shayan’s mum, my mom was talking to Shay’s dad and I liked that everything was fine between us.
“Hey bro, something came up. I’d have to go” Jess walked up to me and Evie pouted.
“Why do you have to go, mummy went to get the album,” Evie whined.
“Something came up, I have to go. I’d see the album some other time, I’d make it up to you.” Jess apologized but Evie was till hurt.
“Do you think you could stay a while till Shayan comes?” I asked not wanting Evie to be sad.
“I’m sorry Kel, I have to go.” He said as his phone started ringing again. He mumbled an apology and left.
“Daddy, I want ice cream.” I was carrying Evie waiting for Shay to come back.
“Sweetie, don’t you think you’ve had enough already, your stomach would explode.” I teased tickling her stomach.
“No … it … won’t.” She said in between laughs.
“What’s taking Shay so long?” She should have been back by now.
“Maybe she can’t find it,” Evie answered.
I just hope everything is alright. “Princess, go stay with your grandma don’t leave her side, let me go check on your mom.”
She nodded and I placed her down, when Shayan’s dad carried her that’s when I went in to check on Shayan. I neared our room and the door was left ajar, I rushed inside to find an empty room, the album was left on the floor.
“Shay… Shayan… where are you?” I called out searching around for her.
I caught sight of a note on the bed that read: I already took my prize.
Heck, it was Shayan he wanted the whole time, not Evie. He played us.
I called the head of security at the gate. “Lock all gates, nobody leaves the estate.”
I called the head of the bodyguard. ” He has my wife.”
I was trying to stay calm, trying to think right despite all the things going through my head. What do I do next? Where will he take her to?
I met the bodyguards. downstairs, I had assigned almost all of them around Evie, some were still watching her I don’t know if he is still within the premises and what he could do next.
” Can someone please tell me how he managed to get in here and kidnap my wife?” I angrily demanded and none of them said anything.
” I fvcking paid you to protect my family, every one of them,” I shouted.
“We could still get them.” One of the bodyguards by the name of Toby spoke up.
” Let’s check the CCTV.” Another suggested.
We wasted no time in getting to action. We played the events that happened in the last one hour until we saw Carlos. He was discreetly following Shayan until she entered the room and he followed too, the next thing we saw was him dragging her out, she had passed out. The bastard drugged her and then it went blank. That was thirty minutes ago.
I dialled 911 and reported the case, I’d be damned if anything happens to her.
” I want everywhere in this house searched in case he has her somewhere around. Everywhere within the area also.”
I went back outside to make sure everyone was alright. Tess was carrying Evie and she was rambling about something.
” You were gone for so long daddy, where’s mommy?”
“Is something wrong Kel? ” Tess asked.
I didn’t know what to say, should I lie about it? They are bound to know that she’s missing anyway.
” Something happened, I’d like for everyone to get back inside,” I answered instead.
” But I’m waiting for mommy, she didn’t bring the album.”
I sighed massaging my temples, I was having a headache, too many things were going through my mind. I was fvcking pissed but I didn’t want to lose my cool.
“Evie sweetie, can you go meet grandad for a moment.”
She looked at me as if she was going to complain but probably seeing the look on my face she decided against it going to meet them.
“What happened Kel, where’s Shayan?”
The sound of the siren wailed in the distance.
” She was kidnapped by Carlos.”