Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Brody’s POV

It had been so hectic for me. With my work going on smoothly, I knew my mom would definitely meet Karen. I knew it would be a BUMMER!

I quickly closed my drawer as soon as Alex walked into my office and dropped a file on my table. “That’s the report, we’ve become the best soap-producing factory and I’m sure your dad would be proud of you.”

I countered with a frown. “I don’t care.”

His smile was feeling a little frozen. “How about Karen? I’m sorry, but I might not come for the party tonight.” He explained gently.

I nodded swiftly. “Karen already knows about the party, and she already knows that my family would be coming. She’s not used to parties and fun, I was not sure if she would cooperate and pretend to be my girlfriend.” He replied.

Alex fiddled with a pen before dropping it on the table. “I can’t wait for your mom to find out the truth.”

I shot him an annoyed look. “She won’t find out,” My eyes glimmered suspiciously. “I’m really sure Karen would be in trouble if my mom finds out that she’s poor.”

He chuckled and his face lit up shyly. “Well, how about your therapist?”

I raised my eyebrows slightly, and I softened my eyes a bit. “He’s in love with her.”

“He’s married.” Alex reminded me.

His eyes lit with humor, and we laughed. “I don’t know, Karen is not a kid, but he wants to make sure that she’s alright. I would never hurt her, would I?”

“I totally understand, she’s his client. He should care about her.”

“She’s my girlfriend and I.....”

He interrupted. “Contracted girlfriend.”

“If you remind me one more time, you’re going to regret coming to my office.” I aggressively whispered, and he chuckled.

“And the announcement? What was that for? You shouldn’t have announced to the public that you were in love with her.”

I looked disappointed. “How did you know about that?”

“Well, I found it on a blog and your video is trending on social media. It felt as if you were in love with Karen, your eyes...”

I cut in quickly. “I’m not in love with her.”

He shook his head in disapproval and looked at me. “Why did you do that?”

“I would not sit and watch Sarah insult her, I wanted to do something.”

“Your ex girlfriend can’t seem to get over you. What was she doing at the party?” He asked.

“I don’t know, my mom must have called her to embarrass Karen.”

He grinned in reply. “Maybe,”

I caught my breath. “And you? You should get married soon.”

He chuckled and flashed me a look. “I’m not getting married soon, marriage is a commitment and it’s final.”

“I should get going,” I said standing up. “My mom would be on her way to the house and Karen might not be able to handle her questions.”

Karen’s POV

Diego smiled when I walked into the room. “Hi Karen.”

I smiled at him and sat on the bed. “How are you doing?”

“I’m alright.” He answered with a grin.

“I was bored so I decided to come and play a little with you.” I hugged him, delighting in his sturdy body as I ruffled his hair affectionately.

He curled his little body into a ball and did a slow-motion somersault across the bed. “What can I do to make Brody’s mom like me?” I asked, concerned.

He laughed and scratched his cheeks."Huh, I  don’t know. She gets annoyed easily and huh, I’m just confused. I can’t help you."

I nodded with a sigh, it was totally useless talking to him but I gave him a peck and stood up. “So when is she coming?” I asked.

“She’s around already,” he paused and looked at me “In the house.” He added.

My heart skipped a beat and I ran out of his room. The door opened and a woman walked in. Diego came out of his room and went to hug her. “Grandma, I’ve missed you.”

She hugged him before scolding me. “Don’t call me Grandma, I’m not old,” She said and looked at me. “And who are you?” She asked.

I shuddered in fear and faked a smile. “I’m Karen Miller, Brody’s girlfriend.”

She smiled and pulled me in for a hug. “Wow, that’s wonderful. You are so beautiful.” She said.

Smiling, she made me sit near her and she squeezed my hands gently. I looked at the door with the hope that Brody would come in and help me. “I can’t wait to get to know you.” She remarked and my eyes widened. There was absolutely nothing about me.

“Thanks ma’am.”

She frowned. “You should call me Mom, I already like you.”

I smiled. “Thanks mom.”

“Do you love my son?” She asked with a smile and I looked at her.

I was definitely not in love with Brody, I hated his arrogant attitude. “I’m in love with your son, mom.”

She hugged me again and touched my cheeks. “Your parents, How are they doing?”

“They’re doing alright.”

“I should probably invite them over here for the party in the evening.”

My eyes widened in fright. My mom was in a reality show and my dad was a driver for a wealthy company. They would not be able to come. “They’re busy, I’m not sure if they’ll come.” I told her.

She smiled. “Yeah, I understand. They must be having a wealthy company that keeps them busy.”

My legs were wobbly with fear. She thought my parents owned a company. “We don’t own a company.” I replied, raw panic in my voice.

She frowned and raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I don’t understand.”

My heart almost stopped beating, how was I supposed to tell her that I was not wealthy, I stole a glance at the door hoping Brody would come in and save me.

“My parents are poor.”

Those words seemed to make her angry. She stood up in shock and looked at me, shocked. My heart almost leaped into my throat.

“I’m not wealthy.” I muttered, ready to face her and when the door opened and Brody walked in.

“How dare you bring this thing to my house?” She asked him and looked at me. Did she just call me a thing?