Chapter 27 I will never forget your kindness
Karen stiffened in his arms. Indeed, all she had been doing was self-pity. It was time to rise from the ashes and build something for herself. She didn’t care about her parents’ wealth or attention.
Tonia could have it all, but let no man envy or try to take what she builds for herself. Pulling away, she stared at him with genuine gratitude. “Thank you, Van.”
How she wished to have someone like him as a father? “Why don’t you adopt me?” She asked suddenly, Van’s brows raised. “You? No way.”
Disappointment sat in her eyes, but if only she knew the reason for Van’s refusal to adopt her, then she would be happy.
“How good are your hacking skills? I'll cook while you set up." He got up from the couch, leaving her to pick up the pieces of herself.
Karen's brows raised as she quickly wiped her tears. "You can cook?" She couldn't because that was done by their housekeeper.
She never even saw her mother cook, and most of the time she lived with Roger, he did the cooking and always had leftovers in the fridge for her when he was away.
Those actions made her think he felt something for her, but after those confessions, she knew she was just wasting hope and would never be a priority in his life.
"My wife likes to do it, so I had to learn along the way." Karen was touched by his words. Van's home must be a very peaceful and loving one.
She removed her laptop and, remembering all she learned from Dexter, she began with some coding, surprised when Van would appear and make some corrections here and there.
"You know cyber security systems too?" She was beginning to wonder if there was anything he didn't know.
"It's barely twenty-four hours since we met. Stop running faster than your legs." There wasn't much he wanted to reveal about himself, but Karen's affable nature might cause him to say more than necessary.
Karen should be confused but smiled. A few minutes later, he brought her a bowl of chicken salad. "Eat up. I have news that Roger is searching for you, but now, I'm ready with my terms."
Karen tensed slightly. "Please, tell me, what are your terms?" She didn't have much money but was not lazy either.
"It's simpler than you think, but first, empty your plate," Van said as he sat beside her with another bowl of salad for himself.
Karen's eagerness to get answers to her questions made her lose her appetite, but she could tell from the look in his eyes that he wouldn't speak unless she did what he wanted.
In the silence, Van was constantly responding to messages on his phone, occasionally taking a bite of his salad until she dropped her cutlery and informed him, "I'm ready. You cook like a world-renowned chef."
Van let out a faint smile that warmed her heart. He was safe to be around and never verbally abused her like her parents did, though she was still puzzled as to why he was helping her.
"Good. Here's the deal. After spending hours with you, I realized that you are smart but lacking in areas such as strength and personal grooming. I can help you with all of these, as well as ensure your safety as long as you never return to Roger."
Karen froze. Things would have been easier if Roger had agreed to the divorce, but he didn't. "How can I get the divorce without going back to him?"
"I think you misunderstand. I won't fight your battles for you, but rather equip you to fight them yourself. For example, I won't waste money on a bodyguard but will train you to defend yourself.”
“Similarly, you have to fight for that divorce when you are ready, and no matter how much he begs, you must never give in,” he said seriously, Karen smiled.
It was easy because she knew Roger would never beg. If she had the means, she would easily force him to divorce her. "That's easier than I thought. As long as I'm not at his mercy, I can get that divorce."
Van smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Rule number one. Don't underestimate your opponent."
If Roger's identity was revealed, would she be able to resist him? Even great men like Roger needed to learn the secret of love and loyalty in the most difficult way to understand that women were not items to be toyed with.
"Okay, so when do we start?" she asked excitedly. "For someone who was ready to pass me off to Hector after I deliver the baby, I am certain I won't be lured back."
The information caused something to flash in Van's eyes. He was not aware of that part. As he rose to his feet, he typed something on his phone before revealing,
"Tomorrow. Roger is already searching for you, so I have to go. Rest as much as you can. We begin with physical training at dawn, and don't worry about school. I'll have your courses deferred until you are strong enough to fight off any attackers."
Karen had tears in her eyes. She had no idea why this man was helping her, but he was like her guardian angel.
"I will never forget your kindness," she said.
Van smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. She might even be upset if she found out who sent him to help her.