7 DOUBTS

MAX’POV I checked my phone and realized it was Alexa. Picking her calls right in the presence of Karen might put me at risk. I still can't let go of Alexa, fully but on the other hand, Karen seems like a perfect example of someone that can take care of the house in my absence. All Alexa knew to do was smoke and part away all her time, if she was not shooting or having a secret meeting with her producers. Having her as a wife would only put my lineage at risk. I've decided to keep Alexa as my mistress without Karen's knowledge. As my phone continued to ring, I guessed what she might want to say this time around. I looked at Karen, and back to my phone, stuck between two decisions. Karen smiled at me and lovingly moved a part of my hair to the back. Her smile warms my soul and I wanted nothing more than to see the smiles, frequently. “Hey..hey. Max? Baby? Are you well? Can you hear me?” She said with worry already obvious on her face. I was lost in thought and could not hear what she was saying or how fear was dominant in her voice. She shook my shoulders gently and snapped me out of my imagination. “Jesus! Babe! Are you listening?” She asked again. “Sorry. I was totally lost. Lost in your beautiful gaze that attracted me the first time I saw you. I am being captured all over again by your sleek movements and charming smile. I am so glad that I found you. You are my missing piece, Karen. I'll always love you.” I confessed even though it all emanated from the pit of lies. Yeah, I love her but I love Alexa's body and skills. “Aww. That's so sweet of you. I'm flattered. But, your phone has been ringing since. I think it might be an emergency. Pick your call.” She said I stood and went to one corner to speak to Alexa. “What?” I answered with irritation “Awwwn, oh, silly boy! Are you not hungry yet? I can satisfy your cravings more than that piece of garbage. You know I am aware of all your weak points, let me blow your mind.” She moaned over the phone. “Let this be the last time you'll call my line or else I will have you arrested. And, if you call Karen a piece of garbage one more time, you won't love to tell the tales.” I threatened “You know threats do not move me. So, try something else.” She said and hung up. I ignored her tantrums and went back to Karen to finalize our discussion. We made the decision to visit my parents in two weeks. Two weeks felt like a long time, but the day finally came when we went to my parent's house. My parents failed to conceal their disgust for Karen as soon as she stepped in. “Before you say anything….have it in mind that you're not welcome here. Maxwell is only doing as he wished.” My mum said. “Jesus, mum! What's all this? Why do you want to embarrass me all day? It's not anyone's fault.” “No! I can't and won't accept her. She looks like a gold digger and a perfect one for that matter. Look at her appearance, she looks like she's sick or hungry.” My mum added I made the mistake of bringing her over here. I shouldn't have done that. Whether you like it or not, we are getting married with or without your blessings” I said while vibrating with anger. Karen was totally speechless and calm as I argued with my mum. After a while, my dad intervened. “Enough. I say enough!” He shouted. His loud voice made my mum and I chill. We've never heard his voice that loud before, so we kept quiet. “Let us hear from the young lady herself before we make our final decision. Now, young lady, tell me what you do?” “T..t…th…thank you sir. I am a junior pharmacist at Linda groups. I help with the checking and proper packaging of drugs before they get shipped.” She explained. “Not bad for a young lady. Now, tell me. Can you survive for six months, without your salary? Or other financial assistance?” “It will be a bit difficult for me, but I can work harder to survive.” Karen said “And that's what we've been trying to avoid. We want an extremely independent young lady as our daughter-in-law, not someone like you. I'm sorry to say, but you are off the game. You can go ahead and search for another wealthy home to wreck.” My father concluded I watched Karen gently stand and exit the living room with tears in her eyes. I ran after her and tried to cinsilenher, but she only carried harder. I led her into the car and drove to my apartment. I made the decision not to leave her alone in her condition, so I took her to my place. After twenty minutes of weeping, she fell asleep on the cold floor like a child. I was still thinking of ways to convince my parents when my mum's call came in.. “Are you excited now? You've finally broken the little confidence she had. What do you stand to gain, mum?” I said angrily into the phone. “Watch your tongue and how you talk to me. I am still your mother and I won't tolerate your rude ways of addressing me.” “Okay, mum. What do you want?” I asked “For all we care, you can marry that girl. But, have it in mind that we won't accept her as ours. I have nothing more to say.” MH mum concluded and hung up on me. I knew it was going to lead to this, and I had already prepared my mind for it. I looked at the sleeping young lady on the floor and made up my mind to marry her, whether my parents desire it or not. I woke up after two hours of sleeping on the cold floor. The cold had no meaning to me, but remembering the hurtful words of Max's parents brought tears to my face. I never expected such a treatment from them. I thought they would gladly accept me for who I am, but I was disappointed when they spoke to me like I was some abomination. “Hey, babe. I am sorry you had to face such a humiliation from my parents. It won't happen again. I apologize on their behalf.” Max pleaded immediately he discovered I was awake. “I don't think I can do this. I have to find someone of my status. Someone whose family would respect me.” I argued “Please, let's forget about what they said and concentrate on our personal affairs. Please, Karen. I am really sorry.” He apologized. “Alright. I've heard you. We'll forget it. But, what if they bring it up again?” “Don't worry. I will talk to them. Karen, will you marry me? I've humbly come to you. Please, let your light brighten my whole life. Please, marry me.” He said “Wow. So fast?” I giggled “Yes. There is no point in waiting. You are all I want. I need you.” He said with all seriousness. “If that is the case, yes. I will marry you, Maxwell. Willingly without thinking about your parent's actions.” I said and agreed. In excitement, he lifted me in a bridal style and kissed my lips, softly. He placed my legs on the cold floor and held my hands. “I am glad you accepted to be mine. I think we should start shopping for the wedding, right?” He asked