Chapter 1

Chapter 1 (Kiara)

“Kiara, please promise me that you are going to protect Mia all the time.” Rachel was losing all her strength.

“I will protect her, Didi. But you please try to breath properly. You have to fight for me, for JB and for Mia.” I assured her, holding an 8-month-old Mia in my arms who was crying looking at her mother. I looked over JB who was fighting with his life on the hospital bed close to her. Their car got into a severe accident and according to Rachel, it was on purpose.

I live with my sister, Rachel Marshall Ashton and her husband, my brother-in-law, Maximus Ashton. He is more like a brother to me that is why I call him JB which is Jeeju+ Bhai in my language.

I handed Mia to Raymond Uncle who has been with JB all his life.

“Raymond Uncle, please take Mia outside.” Raymond Uncle went away with Mia.

I went to him and held his hand.

“JB, please don’t give up on us. I can’t handle any of this.” I pleaded.

“Trust me, Little Lioness. You can manage everything. Listen to me very carefully, London is not safe for you and Mia anymore. I have told, Raymond about everything, he will take you to United States. You will stay safe with Mia. There is my publishing company. You have to resume your duties as COO over there then once you graduate you become the CEO of that publishing company.” Maximus chuckled.

“JB, why are you saying all of this? How can I take responsibility of a COO when I haven’t even started my bachelor's degree?”

“Trust me, Kiara Marshall, you were born ready for this post. Don’t worry, my dearest Lioness, Raymond will guide you, during your first two years, you will assist him and then you will be given the whole responsibility. No one could handle this company as good as you. You will understand everything after you read my will.” JB chuckled.

“No, JB I won’t be taking such a huge responsibility. I am only 18 years old. Didi has told me to take care of Mia and you are telling me to handle your company. Nothing is going to happen to you both. Do you both hear me?” Rachel and Maximus looked at each other and then they looked at me.

“Kiara, right now, you will not understand these things. But once you grow up you will understand. You do know that your JB and I got married against the wishes of our families. His parents and our parents don’t talk to us. Besides, you do know that Maximus’ family is really powerful and since your JB stood up against them that’s why this all happened to us all. Now, they are after Mia and since they don’t know that I have a sister so you are the only one who can protect her. Promise me that you will do as your JB told you.” Rachel held my hand.

“Yes, Kiara. Promise us.” JB also forwarded his hand, and I held it tightly.

“Yes, I promise. I will take Mia far away from here. I protect her at all times. I will take over JB’s publishing company. I promise.”

Both Rachel and Maximas smiled at same time. “That’s our Little Lioness.” Suddenly, the lines on the screen went straight. Rachel and Maximus’ hand dropped out of my hands.

No, this can’t be happening.

They can’t leave me.

No.

NO.

NOOOOO.

“No!!!” I heard my alarm beeping through my phone. I woke up and sighed looking at my phone. It was 5 o’clock in the morning. I could see the morning birds chirping near my window. I got up and walked towards my window.

Again.

The same dream.

That day I lost the two most important people in my life. My Sister and my Brother-in-law. Rachel and Maximus have been my rock. It has been 8 years now and I still get that same dream about their death. But I promised them that I would protect Mia with my life.

I will give her everything she deserves.

I will make sure of that.

She is my everything. The only family I have.

I went towards Mia’s room and saw her sleeping. I laid down next to her.

“My Little Fairy, I love you so much. You just look like Didi, and you have the same eye color as JB.” I kissed her forehead and pulled her closer to me. She snuggled into my chest just like she used to do when she was a baby.

I know I haven’t given birth to her. I am just her Aunt. Her Masi. But still, I can’t help but feel maternal towards her. She is my daughter so what if I didn’t gave her birth. I love her more than anything in this world.

“Kiki? Wake up, it’s 6 o’ clock.” I felt a small hand on my cheek. I opened my eyes and saw a mini version of Didi looking at me.

“Good Morning, my Little Fairy, did you sleep well?” I ruffled her hair.

“Yes, I did. But why are you in my room, Kiki? Did you have a nightmare again?” She adjusted herself in my arms. I looked at her not knowing what to say. Just like Didi, she can read me really well, even though she is only 8. I nodded and she hugged me tightly.

“Don’t worry, Kiki. I will protect you. I am a brave girl.”

I chuckled. “Of course, you are my Little Fairy.” I kissed her cheeks.

“Oh God Kiki, I am not that little anymore.” She pouted.

“Aww but you will always remain my Little Fairy.” I pinched her nose, and she giggles.

“Come on, get up now. It’s time for your school and then Kiki has to go to office.” I carried her and took her to the bathroom handing her toothbrush.

“Get ready while Kiki will make you some yummy pancakes.”

“No, I want Aloo Paratha.” She said.

“Of course, whatever my fairy wants she gets it”

Bilkul apni Ma pe gayi hai.

I went to Kitchen and started making breakfast. I looked over the picture of Didi and JB. It was the picture of their wedding. I smiled because I know that they are watching over us.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

I stopped the car and removed Mia’s seatbelt. “Okay, so you do know what you have to do? Right?”

“Yes, Kiki. I remember everything. I have to study hard, respect my teachers and friends but don’t let anyone disrespect me.” She says as if she has memorized each and everything I have taught her.

“My Perfect Girl. You are growing up so fast which is making me happy and sad at the same time. Your parents would be so proud of you if they saw you.” Tears formed in my eyes. Why did God has to take Rachel Didi and Max JB so soon?

“Don’t cry Kiki. Ap rotay howay bilkul achi nahi lagti.” Mia wipes off my tears with her frock. This immediately reminded me of Rachel Didi.

(You don’t look pretty while crying)

“Don’t cry Kiaru. Tu rotay howay bilkul achi nahi lagti” Didi wiped my tears with her dupatta.

“I know you miss my Mom and Dad a lot. I miss them too. But I am thankful that I am living with you. You are both my Mom and Dad, Kiki and don’t worry I will always stay by your side. Remember you are the one who taught me Us against the world. Right?” She cupped my cheeks.

“Right, my Little Fairy.” I kissed her cheeks. We got out of the car, and I made her wear her bag.

“Hurry up, go to your class. Kiki has a meeting to attend.” She hugged me for a last time and ran to her class joining her friends Davina and Elianna.

“Leaving without meeting us.” I turned around and saw Sienna and Emily grinning at me.

“How is that even possible?” I grinned back and hugged them.

A few months ago, I just met Kaiden Kincaid, one of the famous architect in New York. I contacted him since I wanted to build a second floor of my Publishing Company. Yes, I am officially the CEO of Marshton Publishing Company at the age of 26.

I have been working the company since I was 18 learning how to manage each and everything while doing my Bachelors with double majors in English Literature and Marketing. Then, I completed my MBA degree so that I can successfully take over JB’s business. I have been fascinated by literature all my life and I really wanted to become a writer, but I guess God had other plans…

Anyways, I was talking about Sienna and Emily. Sienna is Kaiden’s wife while Emily is Kaiden’s sister-in-law. Both became my friends since their daughters go to the same school as my Little Fairy, however their daughters are only five but still they are really close to Mia.

“How are you doing, Bhabhi dearest? Wow, you are glowing day by day.” Sienna is 5 months pregnant with her and Kaiden’s twins. Their love story has been an emotional rollercoaster but finally they found their way back. Kaiden really loved Sienna more than anything.

I don’t know if I will ever find love like that.

What the hell am I thinking? I am never going to get married. I have given my life to Mia and besides no man in this world can handle a strong woman and a single mother like me.

“I am doing really well but these twins are getting really naughty.” She chuckled, which made me smile.

“Yeah, and Kaiden has become really strict regarding her diet and work schedule.” Emily joined in. I chuckled remembering how Kaiden cut short our meeting when he received a call from Sienna’s work that she was having morning sickness, and they are sending her home.

I leaned against my car, arms crossed, as Sienna ranted about her overprotective husband. Emily left few minutes ago because her Baby Boy is still on mother’s feed. The school parking lot was mostly empty now, just a few parents still lingering while their kids played near the entrance.

“I swear, Kiara, he treats me like I’m some fragile glass doll. I can’t even sneeze without him thinking I need a full medical examination. And don’t get me started on how he—”

“—follows you around like a stalker, makes sure you don’t sneak spicy food, and tracks your work schedule like the FBI?”

Sienna froze. Her face morphed into something between shock and horror as she slowly turned around. And there he was.

Kaiden stood with his arms crossed, a smug smirk playing on his lips, looking far too pleased with himself. “Please, continue, sweetheart. I’m fascinated by this analysis of my overbearing ways.”

I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. Sienna’s eyes narrowed into thin slits.

“Are you stalking me again?” she shot back, hands on her hips.

Kaiden shrugged. “Not my fault my wife has a habit of running her mouth in public places.”

“Oh, so now I talk too much?”

“I didn’t say that. But if the shoe fits…”

Sienna gasped, ready to unleash a storm, but I stepped in before the chaos could escalate. “Okay, okay, let’s all take a deep breath before Sienna Bhabhi gives birth right here in the parking lot.”

Kaiden grinned, clearly entertained. “Don’t tempt her. She’d probably do it just to prove a point.”

Sienna let out an exasperated groan. “You are the most annoying man on this planet.”

Kaiden smirked, stepping closer. “And yet, you married me. Twice.”

I whistled lowly. “Oof. That was a good one.”

Sienna scowled at me. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

I held up my hands in surrender. “Sorry, Bhabhi, but that was legendary.”

Sienna huffed, but the slight twitch at the corner of her lips gave her away. Kaiden winked at me before wrapping an arm around her, kissing the top of her head despite her grumbling protests.

I shook my head, amused. These two were something else.

This has been my daily routine. Dropping Mia to school, catching up with Emily and Sienna, Kaiden making his entry every damn time and then going to work. While I was driving, I received a call from my secretary, Clara. “Yes, Clara.” I got a call from my car. “Ms. Marshall, the writer of young adult fiction genre is here.”

“Clara dear, please be specific. We have half of the writers who write young adult fiction.” I rolled my eyes. Even though she has been my secretary for 4 years now she still doesn’t realize that I love things to be specific and to the point.

“Um, Mr. Parker.” She said nervously. I sighed understanding her nervousness.

Yes, I despise Mr. Parker and Clara knows it really well. His work is going really well and is one of our top 10 writers. But still he is an ass who doesn’t takes hints really well. He has been hitting on me since the moment I become the COO and these meetings well they are nothing work-related but just an excuse to drool over me. But I can’t let him go because despite his flirtatious nature he is an excellent writer, and I don’t discourage any of the writers as long as they remain respectful.

“What does he wants now?” I tried making myself sound professional but who am I kidding Clara is not a fool.

“Ms. Marshall, he wants your opinion on how to improve his plot development since he received some criticism on his plots and was compared to Ms. Kim’s work.”

What the hell? I can’t believe these readers every time why do they have compare each and every writer? Each writer is different and has it’s style of writing. Guess this world would never stop criticizing others.

“Oh God, didn’t I advised him to talk to Mr. Addams, our developmental editors head.” I parked the car after reaching my company. I ran my hand in my hair.

“Yes, you did but Ma’am you and I both know your ideas have helped half of the writers to reach on top.” I smiled because that’s what I wanted. I wanted to be a writer not some CEO of a publishing company. But since I couldn’t fulfil my dream due to responsibilities but that doesn’t mean that other people can’t. I will help each and every writer present in this world to live their dream.

“Okay, I am almost there. Make him sit in the meeting room.” I entered the lift. At least he will be a long table away from me. I cut the call and took deep breath after the lift closed.

Here goes nothing, Kiara Marshall.

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Hey my dear Kassians,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry I forgot that I have an account on scrollstack as well. Life got so busy after I started working.

Anyways, I have decided that this month, I will upload all the written chapters of Melodic Obsession on this platform.

Hope you enjoy the story. If you are new, then let me tell Kaiden and Sienna are the main characters from my first book Fractured Vows which is available on Wattpad.