Karl's eyes darted open in shock. Where is he? His blurry vision finally settled around his surroundings. White walls, the gentle sound of the air conditioner, the clicking of keyboards in the corner, and that noisy printer in the farthest end of the office… ‘Where am I?’ He thought. “Come on, Mr. Karl! What were you going to do? We can see a ring box in your hand!” Karl finally took a glance around to see that he wasn't alone. He was surrounded by faces, faces of people he knew all too well. Faces of people who worked for Melody.. He glanced down at his hands, he was indeed holding a ring box and a bouquet of flowers. It all felt too familiar, like he'd been here before. He was dying moments ago! Hell, he thought he was dead already but.. Karl glanced down at his hands, he was here. Real. In flesh. What the hell happened?! Melody folded her arms, her brows creased. “I hope he's not trying to propose to me!” She said out loud, loud enough for Karl to hear and draw his attent

Karl exhaled, he had expected his old man to end the call as soon as he heard his voice. For a moment he was silent, unable to speak. “What is this? A breathing competition?” Grandpa Maxwell scoffed. “Speak boy, I don't have all day.” Karl chuckled, he had no idea how much he missed his old man until now. “I’m doing fine thanks for asking.” Maxwell tuts, “If you were, you wouldn't be calling me, no?” Karl sighed. “I lost.” “Lost what?” “Our bet.” Karl admitted. “You were right.” Maxwell exhaled on the other end, he didn't need to rub it in. He could tell his boy had gone through some serious eye opening. “I'll have one of my drivers pick you up.” “No.” Karl said, “I'll meet you at the office.” Maxwell sighs, “Very well. I'm expecting you.” ~~~~ The drive from the company down to the Maxwell Empire was all he needed to get his shit together. Karl stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of Gordon Holdings, hands clasped behind his back as he looked out a

Morning came quietly. Karl stood alone in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, the kettle resting on the stove as steam curled softly into the air. The house was quiet almost like its occupants were rethinking the exchange from last night. Good. That was exactly where he wanted them to be, on their damned toes. His eyes scanned the house, it looked terribly unkempt. Dirty plates piled on the table, throw pillowcase on the floor, used tissues littered the living area. He looked away, his attention returning on his kettle of boiling water. Usually, he'd be up earlier to do the cooking and cleaning before everyone was out. Now, he felt none of that urgency. The kettle whistled softly. Karl turned it off, poured the water and set the mug down on the counter. “Oh my goodness!” Karl had barely lifted the mug to his lips when he heard Melody’s voice behind him. He lost his appetite all of a sudden. He set the mug down and exhaled. “Why isn't this place cleaned yet?” s

Karl stepped out of his room, dressed for work, dressed in a dark shirt, trousers, a jacket he hadn’t worn in months. The house was suspiciously quiet. Sara and Jay weren't around as often as they always were. As much as he wanted to know why, he couldn't care less what their reasons were. He wanted them far away from him anyway, the less he sees them around, the better for him. The pain from his jog weighed heavily on his limbs but he ignored it. The sooner his body gets used to the pain, the better. When he stepped into the hallway, the air felt different. Clean even. That's odd, he usually does the cleaning which he had opted out of the past few days. Karl walked down the hallway, the air smelt of soap and air freshener. His eyes flickered to the floors; the floors gleamed faintly, as though someone had scrubbed it too thoroughly. Rita’s voice drifted from downstairs in angry hushed tones. Karl paused briefly at the top of the stairs, listening. “…I’m telling you the tr

Karl did not move. The door remained open behind him, but he stood there with a look in his eyes that neither of them could read.His hand rested loosely against the doorframe, almost in amusement. “Oh my goodness..” Melody gasped, scrambling on her feet, her movements frantic as she tugged at her panties and then her skirt, hands shaking. Caden swore under his breath. He stepped back, fumbling with his trouser and then his belt. Papers slid off the desk as he moved, landing on the floor in a mess neither of them noticed. Karl chuckled, “I didn't mean to interrupt you. I didn't realise you two were so busy with work..” Silence, neither of them could speak. They could only stare at him in disbelief. Karl's eyes moved from one person to another, neither of them had the right words to say. His smile turned dark. “You got so carried away that you forgot to lock the door.” He mused. That was how little regard they had for him. His office was right next door and that didn't stop