Chapter 2

Chapter 2 (Kiara)

I was getting impatient as time passed. It has been an hour since Mr. Parker has been blabbering about how his work is better than Ms. Kim’s work. But how to tell him that her writing style is entirely different compared to him. She writes dark romance novels with strong female leads while he writes mystery romance stories where women are shown as victims and a prince charming is required to save the day.

“Mr. Parker, I understand that people are comparing your work and I know it’s really humiliating for you. But kindly don’t compare yourself Ms. Kim, I respect you both and you both are my best writers. Besides, your genres are extremely different I don’t know why are you even comparing.” I kept his manuscript on the table and looked at him.

“I know, Kiara.” I glared at him, and he fakes a cough realizing what he said.

“I mean, Ms. Marshall. But it’s getting really overwhelming for me. Please help me out.” He whined and if the table wasn’t between us then he would have definitely held my hand. I took a sip of water trying to think of a better way to help.

“Okay, Mr. Parker. I think you should work on making your plot a bit stronger because your overreliance on cliches in your every story is the main problem.” He looked at me perplexed.

“I mean your stories are good but it’s 21^st century and mostly your novels are studied by women. Now a days, you and I both know women don’t need a knight in a shining armor instead they need someone who trusts that they are strong enough to fight their own battle. I know men love protecting the woman they love, this is never gonna get old. But women also want to support the man they love. So, instead of going the cliché idea of women being victims and men being their knight in a shining armor, make them equals let them protect each other. That’s what I felt is missing in your plot. I guess these little improvisations would work for now.”

I was so absorbed into explaining to him that I didn’t noticed him staring at me without blinking his eyes.

“Mr. Parker?”

“Yes Beautiful?” He said while still looking lost.

I sighed and clicked my fingers in front of his face. He came out of his trance and started clapping.

“Wow, Kiara. I mean Ms. Marshall. You are so brilliant at this. I never thought of it that way. I just wanted my readers to know that how men can go to any extents to protect their woman. But that doesn’t mean that their women have to be weak. Thank you so much, Ms. Marshall. I will start working on it.”

I smiled at him and wished him luck. I was about to go but he stopped me in the corridor. Oh no, here we go again.

“Um, Kiara. I mean Ms. Marshall. I-I—” He stutters because no one dares to call me by my first name and if someone does, then…..

“It’s fine, Mr. Parker. Please carry on.” Yes, I know he can be an ass but still he isn’t a bad person who doesn’t deserve to be my acquaintance.

“Alright, Ms. Marshall. I know you are really busy, but I hope if you would want to grab a bite if you are free.” He ran his hand behind his neck and his cheeks were really red by now.

Oh no, why can’t these guys take a hint? I guess I have to tell him directly now.

“Um, Liam.” I smiled. “I know you are a really nice guy but I don’t think that it would be appropriate for us to go out.” He was about to say something, but I cut him off.

“I know you have been trying really hard but I guess I have to stop you right here. I don’t really date since I am really focused on my career and my niece. I don’t think that I can handle dating anyone right now. I hope you find a nice girl for you.” I patted on his shoulder and he smiled painfully.

“No worries, Ms. Marshall. I understand. I hope we can be friends though” He smiled and forwarded his hand.

“Yes, of course.” I shook hands with him and he went away. At least, he is understanding.

“How long will you keep pushing away nice guys?” I heard Raymond Uncle’s voice who came towards me and stood in front of me.

“Oh Gosh, Raymond Uncle. Not again. You know the reason really well. I have—”

“I have responsibilities and Mia needs me.” He completes my sentence before me. Yes, he is right. I can’t date anyone because I don’t want my attention to be divided. Mia needs me as she don’t have anyone beside me. If I started dating, what if the guy I am dating doesn’t understands my responsibilities and love for her. What if I get married and he asks me to leave Mia behind? What if I had my own child and I am not able to give Mia the same love as before? These are my fears which keeps me away from guys. I can’t let this happen. I promised Didi and JB that I will protect Mia with my life.

“My daughter, Max and Rachel did asked you to protect Mia, but they never said that you should stop living your life. You haven’t been yourself since they died.” He keeps his hand on my shoulder. I know Raymond Uncle loves me as his daughter and he cares for me. But how do I explain my fears to him? Because no one in this world can understand it and there is no one who can actually take them away.

“I know, Uncle. But I am fine. I have Mia.” I said firmly.

“But she won’t be with you forever, my Bacha. One day, she has to choose her own path and then who will be there to hold you when you are old.”

I know he is right. Mia is growing up really fast and I really hope that her future stays bright. But to make that happen, I have to sacrifice my needs. I have given my whole life to Mia, and I will make sure she gets the future she deserves.

“Raymond Uncle, you know that the guys I dated in college and university. They were never able to understand the fact that Mia is always going to be a part of my life. She is my first priority. So, isn’t it better that I don’t waste my time and their time?” Of course, I have dated people when I first came to London. I know I am a Pakistani girl but that doesn’t means that I can’t have fun. I was also a normal teenager girl who used fell in love with donkeys. All girls are the same in each and every continent.

“Who told you to date guys, Kiara? You should have dated men. If you date right men, then you will understand that real men understand the responsibilities of their women.” He whined which made his forehead a bit wrinkled.

“Oh God, Raymond Uncle, you sound like Mohalay ki Aunty who just keeps telling young people that it’s their age to get settled now.” I chuckled and he rolled his eyes.

“I am just looking out for you, my Bacha.” He said with a concern in his voice. I smiled and hugged him. In all these years, Raymond Uncle has been a fatherly figure in my life, even though he is not that old but still.

“Your Urdu pronunciation is getting better, Uncle.” He chuckles. “Don’t worry about me. I will be fine. Did you forgot that I am Didi and JB’s little Lioness and Lionesses goes for hunting on their own. I will be fine.” I assured him.

“I know my dear. But can you blame me? I really hope that one day, you find yourself a Lion who is going to protect you at all the costs.” I sighed at his statement because I know that he isn’t going to give up. Sometimes, I also wish that I have someone to lean on. Someone, who can protect me when life is being a Bitch to me. But as usual I throw these thoughts back from where they are coming from. I went to my office and sat down staring at the twin photo frame, one had a picture of me and Mia and the second one has the photo of Didi and JB. I smiled looking at the concert tickets underneath them.

These concert tickets are for the concert of Mia’s favorite singer, Jaxon Klein aka JK. Mia has a huge crush on this man which is extremely adorable. I can’t wait to see her expressions when she will find out that I will be taking her for his concert and then she will attending the fan signing event after the concert. Finally, my little fairy is going to meet the man of her dreams.

The one and only Jaxon Klein.

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Hello my dear Kassians,

Long time no see, I am really for making you all wait for so long. It's just life has been really busy.

Anyways, don't forget to like and comment. Will try to update as many chapters as I can.

Take care Honeybuns.

Love Author Kassia Marie Monroe.