Chapter 28: Five days before the article was released.

Chapter 28: Five days before the article was released.
Chapter 28: Five days before the article was released.

When Dara first moved into the Keller estate, she was met with disdain from Ian’s enitre family. They all saw her as some low-class downgrade. They may not have cared much for Cassandra, but they did acknowledge what she did in order to help Ian grown. His mother, Nancy, was the first to show her irritation.

“Honestly, I didn’t care for that girl, but I’m extremely surprised my son chose you over her.”

Nancy sneered as they made their way back to the grand room. Dara was seething inwardly.

‘You old bitch! When I become Mrs. Keller I’m going to make sure Ian throws you into a nursing home!’

Dara’s thoughts ran wild as she made her way to the sofa.

“Mrs. Keller, I mean no harm to either Ian or the former Mrs. Keller, but with all due respect, they are now divorced and I’m having Ian’s child. I hope that we can all get along.”

Nancy lit a cigarette and scoffed.

“That child….I supposed you think it’s your lifeline…..We’ll see.”

With that, she stood and left the room leaving Dara furious. Later that evening after getting settled in, Dara could hear the other Kellers fussing over the situation.

“WHAT!!! What the hell does he think this is….his whore house!!”

Ivan Keller fumed as Nancy Keller filled him on everything.

“Ivan….calm down. There’s nothing we can do; she’s carrying the next heir of the Keller family.”

Ivan seethed.

“And his WIFE! What of her! Where does Cassandra fit in all of this?”

“According to that girl….Ian and Cassandra are divorced.”

Ivan could hardly believe his ears! A few weeks back, they'd all seen the article of Ian and Dara but chalked it up to him merely having a mistress. They had no idea the situation was this severe! A divorce in the Keller family wasn't just a scandal....it was an embarrassment!

“He has no respect for values! If he hadn’t flaunted his money I would have never…..”

Ivan seethed. Losing the empire to Ian was always his greatest regret as well as embarrassment! Though they never spoke of it, everyone in the social world knew of the hostile takeover Ian did with Keller-Corp. He hated it, but Ivan had no choice but to fold. Ian had the money and the corporation. The board backed him immediately. Ivan also knew it would have never been possible without the help of Ian’s business savvy wife….Cassandra Davis.

Scoff. “What kind of man leaves a woman that helped him build an empire and assume power for a damn intern!”

Ivan stalked into his study. Leaving Nancy and Ian’s little sister Isabelle.

“Mom….does that girl really have to stay here?”

Nancy smiled bitterly.

“She does. And I would suggest you treat her well….your brother will be visiting the estate more often now that she’s here.”

Nancy walked off leaving Isabelle fuming! She couldn’t stand Cassandra either, but at least she helped elevate her brother! What good would this non-educated intern be! Ian will become the laughing stalk!

Isabelle stalked her way up to Dara’s rooms pounding on the door. Irritated, Dara immediately opened.

“Yes?”

Isabelle looked her up and down before speaking, clear disgust in her eyes.

“So you’re the intern. Hm. Nothing special. Why’d my brother choose you?”

Dara’s mask almost slipped! Just who the hell did this little bitch think she was talking too! As Dara’s inner thoughts burned, she maintained her perfect smile.

“You must be Ms. Isabelle. Ian’s told me so much about his precious little sister. I truly hope we can be friends! As for Ian and I….well, we bonded after I saved his life.”

As Dara stepped out of the room, Isabelle grabbed her arm.

“What do you mean saved his life? How?”

Dara explained to the night of the robbery to Isabelle. Her eyes widened in shock! She had no idea! Still, she wasn’t about to just roll over for this intern.

“Hm. While I thank you for saving my brother’s life….that still doesn’t give you the right to cause him shame! If word gets out about his divorce….that could ruin his reputation! Everyone knows Cassandra is the one that helped him build his empire! So just stay out of the way!”

With that, Isabelle stormed off!

Now, for the past several months, Dara had been stuck in this hell of an estate dealing with Ian’s pain in the ass family! After coming home from her doctors appointment, Dara stormed to her room with Ian following behind her. The family watched as they could sense the tension.

“Now what the hell is going on!”

Ivan fumed as they watched them storm upstairs to Dara’s suite.

“It’s none of our business Ivan.”

Ivan glared at Nancy; he hated how she always sided with Ian. Back in Dara’s room, she and Ian were arguing.

“The baby is five months now Ian! He’ll be here soon!”

Ian rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“I know that Dara.....I was just at the fucking appointment-”

“So then why haven’t you asked me to marry you yet!”

Tears began to pour out of her eyes! She knew Ian would want to wait for the cooling period before proposing but months had now gone by! Cassandra didn’t even live in the Western Coast anymore! Clearly she’d moved on!

“Dara….it’s not that simple! I have-”

“A reputation to uphold! I know! But what about our child Ian! Do you want our son to be born a bastard!”

“No!”

“Then what do you plan on doing!”

“I don’t know!!! I…..Dara I need time think! I won’t be pressured!”

With that, Ian stormed off leaving Dara angry and crying.

As he made his way downstairs, the room got quiet. Everyone watched with caution, too afraid to say anything. Ivan was the first to speak.

“Ian…..you’re my son and head of this household….for that I’ve chosen to follow your lead. But this is getting out of hand! You have to make a decision….it’s only a matter of time before the press finds out about the child!”

Ian glared at his father.

“Don’t you think I know that! I'm…..thinking of the best way to handle this!”

Nancy spoke next.

“Ian dear….forgive me for asking….but is Cassandra the reason for your holdout?”

Ian’s eyes widened as they darted to his mother. Even without saying anything, the answer was loud and clear. Ian was still in love with Cassandra. Nancy let out a deep sigh.

“Well sweetie….I mean….she’s moved to the East right? I don’t see how you would be able to reconcile; especially with the baby on the way.”

Isabelle suddenly raised her hand.

“I have a suggestion! Look….Ian you know I couldn’t stand Cassandra but that doesn’t mean I didn’t understand her value as your wife. My nephew will be here soon. Why don’t you go to the East and win Cassie back. As much as she loved you….she's probably just waiting for you to gravel a little. When she comes back….we’ll say due to complications you both hired a surrogate. That was the baby can stay, and we’ll send that intern overseas.”

Everyone looked at Isabelle. Her plan actually wasn’t bad. Granted if Cassandra decided to forgive him. Ian rubbed his temple.

“I’ll think about it.”

As she listened from the upstairs balcony, Dara was furious!

“Those fucking jerks!!! Now they’re trying to give MY baby to that bitch! After everything I did to get pregnant!! Over my dead fucking body!”