The One

Towards A Uncertainty Future

 But the warmth of their hug did little to quell the simmering anger that bubbled within them. Rising from the depths of their hearts, they felt a sense of betrayal that made them tremble with rage, while Karol teetered on the precipice of madness at the chaotic state of her family. One minute they were soft like marshmallows, the next, ready to launch into full-blown retribution.

"Please, listen to me! He was not in his right mind—he was as drunk as a skunk! I know what he did was horrendous, and I get it, but can we not resort to murder? If you kill him, I will perish too, along with my innocent small bean!"

"What do you mean?" William's brow knitted with confusion.

"He marked me, mummy! When he... when he raped me, he marked me," her said, her voice trembling with a mix of dread and defiance. In one swift motion, she tugged at her oversized shirt, revealing the faint mate bite—a mark so subtle it was nearly invisible to the mortal eye.

William stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Why can't I see it?" he demanded, the intensity of his gaze reflecting the agreement of Anna and Sharon, who nodded along.

"That's because you're not a werewolf! Only those of our kind or other supernatural beings can see it," she replied, exasperation lacing her tone.

"But your neck shimmered just now under the fluorescent light!" Anna exclaimed, bewildered.

"Are you done?" she retorted, amusement sparking in her eyes despite the gravity of the conversation.

"For now, yes. What's your plan?" William pressed, eager for a course of action.

"I'll take care of my little bean and run away from him. He doesn't deserve to know. He can find another woman—maybe his girlfriend Blair, who he hides like a shameful secret," she declared boldly.

"Blair?!" William, Anna, and Sharon chorused in astonishment, their expressions a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

"You'll hear about her from him later. Trust me; wherever they are, trouble follows. I may not have pictured my life this way, but I'll embrace this fate and transform this mess into a miracle," she proclaimed, fire igniting in her gaze.

"And we will always be here for you, every step of the way," William said tenderly, rubbing his daughter's back in a soothing manner.

"I know, and I'm grateful you're here for me," she replied, her voice thick with emotion.

"Always, baby sister, always," Sharon chimed in.

"Indeed, through thick and thin, we're your unwavering support," Anna added, her heart swelling with familial pride.

"We will always stick together because you're our blood," William insisted firmly.

"Seriously, mummy, daddy, sissy—thank you. Thank you so much!" she couldn't hold back the tears, their love wrapping around her like a protective cocoon. The night deepened, with Sharon spending the night in her sister's room, their laughter and whispers twining like a comforting blanket, a balm for their battered hearts.

The next day, Karol awoke feeling leaden and sore, as if sleep were a distant memory after last night's emotional upheaval. She trudged downstairs for breakfast, where the morning flowed like a familiar tune—jokes exchanged and laughter echoing until the peace shattered like glass.

Sharon's phone rang from the living room.

At first, she ignored it, but after the third call, she rose and headed to the living room, only to find an eerie silence as she reached for her phone, which abruptly fell quiet. "How odd," she mused, returning to the dining room while attempting to call back the persistent caller. On the first ring, someone picked up.

"Hello, Jason?"

"Huh?"

"Can you say that clearly?" Sharon retorted, putting her phone on loudspeaker.

"I asked if you've seen your sister."

"No, why?" Sharon glanced at her family, signalling silence with her index finger pressed against her lips.

"It seems she's changed her number. I've been trying to reach her," Jason's voice sounded uncomfortably distant.

"No, that's impossible! I was on the phone with her only thirty minutes ago!"

"Oh, that's my bad. Just let me know if you hear from her," he replied, his voice laced with concern.

"What about checking Christian's mansion? I'd wager she's there with him," Sharon suggested with a hint of bitterness.

"The problem is she's not here. I'm at Christian's house now. He's tried calling Karol but only reached voicemail. That's why I'm reaching out to you," Jason said, urgency creeping into his tone.

"Oh, right. Everything's alight there, though?" Sharon asked, her heart racing.

"Yes, everything's fine. Um, that's all. Bye, love. Talk soon," Jason hurriedly said, disconnecting before she could reply.

"Okay, take care. Bye," she said, setting the phone down.

William's eyes narrowed as he caught her gaze. "He knows," he said, taking a casual bite of his food.

"I concur, yes—he absolutely knows," Sharon added, sensing the weight of the revelation.

She sighed heavily, mirroring her sister's frown as they all sat in quiet contemplation, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. The day had only just begun, yet the shadows of uncertainty loomed larger than ever.

"And that's my cue to leave the country," she declared, her voice tremulous with a mix of resolve and trepidation. "Don't worry, I'll ring you frequently to keep you in the loop, but you mustn't come over for a visit — who knows if they're tailing you without your ever realising."

"We understand," William replied, a furrow of concern bundling his brow, "but you can't do this alone."

"Yeah, sissy, you're pregnant and vulnerable," Sharon pointed out, her eyes darting with agitation.

"I may be pregnant, but I'm no wilting flower! Don't you dare underestimate me — I have Benjamin and his men at my beck and call!" she retorted, her inner strength surging.

"Very well then, I'll arrange a few more for the two of you — safety first," William conceded, a hint of protectiveness threading through his tone.

"No need, Daddy. I'll retreat to a remote haven with a view that takes my breath away for some peace of mind," she insisted, her spirit unshakable, even as the shadows of danger loomed.

Suddenly, with a flash of fury, Sharon burst out, "Why do I feel this overwhelming urge to hunt down that bastard and make him pay for this?" Her fingers tightened around her utensils, knuckles white from the strain.

"Steady now! I'm begging you, keep my whereabouts under wraps. Just tell them you don't know where I am and that you can't get in touch with me," Karol implored, her eyes piercing with urgency.

"Do we even have a say in this?" William smirked, sharing a knowing glance with Anna, who practically cackled at her husband's boldness.

"At this juncture, do we even have a voice?" she added, her innocent yet mischievous smile spreading warmth and defiance in the tense atmosphere.

With a teasing grin, she retorted, "No and no, you don't get a say! This isn't a democracy; I'm the queen of this decision!" Her laughter rang like chimes, bringing just a hint of levity to their grim reality.

After their hastily gobbled lunch, Karol rushed about packing her essentials into a medium-sized suitcase. An hour later, she descended the stairs, Sharon dutifully helping her with the baggage while their parents awaited with hushed breaths, teetering between encouragement and despair. They parted ways at the airport with barely a glance back, leaving behind the comforting chaos of family as she ventured forth into the great unknown, a turbulent storm brewing with each heartbeat.