Karma - S01 E28

6 months ago

Karma - S01 E28

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 28

Living with the Thornes is driving me crazy. I feel like I'm teetering on the edge, one step away from descending into madness. Sometimes, I fear that I might wake up one day and find myself babbling in a language of my own invention, running wild and naked, beating anyone who crosses my path.

As I make my way out, a sigh of relief escapes me, knowing that at least for the weekend, I'll be away from them. Oliver and I are attending the 4 by 4 charity event at The Nickel Ranch, a temporary escape from the Thornes' grip.

"Where are you going with that bag?" Mr. Thorne stops me in my tracks, his voice piercing through the air.

I glance around, feigning ignorance, as if questioning who he could possibly be referring to. "Are you questioning me?" I retort with a hint of defiance.

"Who else is here with us?" he states with a tone of authority.

"The last time I checked, I'm a grown adult capable of doing as I please, without having to answer to you," I shoot back, refusing to yield.

"I see that sharp mouth of yours is back," He remarks with exasperation.

"It was never gone." I reply, unyielding..

He sigh agitated, "You are going on that pretentious event run by the Nickels?" He asks with a judgmental glare.

"The only one pretentious here is you." I say eyeing the expensive coffee he is drinking.

"You should learn to tame your mouth," He warns, his voice tinged with malice.

"Teach me," I dare him.

As a mental note to myself, I should probably stop provoking him. He swiftly closes the distance between us, taking long strides, until he wraps his arm around my waist, causing my bag to tumble to the floor. "What were you saying?" he corners me, leaving me helpless and unable to defend myself.

Suddenly, his lips find mine in a desperate, almost ravenous manner, carrying the scent of minty toothpaste and mouthwash. There's no tenderness in his kiss, only raw desire and a hunger for revenge. Our moment is interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing. I step back, feeling ashamed of what just transpired and where it took place. We're in his house, and Luna could have walked in on us.

I check my phone and see that Oliver is calling, I answer the call and when i end it Mr. Thorne has already left the room. I am surprised to find him outside talking to Oliver. They are laughing. Their relationship is a weird one, they compete and taunt each other but always there for each other like brothers.

"Are you ready," Oliver asks.

I nod and get in his car. "I hope not to See you again, Thorne." Oliver says as he walks to his side.

"The feeling is mutual Cooper," Mr. Thorne answers.

"You are living with him now?" Oliver asks more curious than judgmental.

"Unfortunately," I answer.

"They must love you." He comments.

"I could say that," I whisper softly, although deep down, I doubt any of them truly care for me. I'm merely a pawn in their marital games, adding spice to their relationship. Perhaps toying with my emotions is what ignites their passion.

I gaze down at the sprawling expanse of the Nickels' ranch. The helicopter smoothly touches down on the perfectly manicured helipad, and I step out the wind whipping through my hair as the blades gradually slow to a halt. My eyes widen with awe as I take in the opulence that surrounds me. I've heard stories of the Nickels family's wealth, but seeing it firsthand is a whole different experience.

The plantation extends as far as the eye can see, a huge expanse of golden waves softly flowing in the breeze. Each stalk strives for the sky, its delicate, pale green stems supporting the weight of the plump, amber-colored wheat heads that crown it.

Quinn himself, tall and impeccably dressed, stands there, a warm smile on his face. "Welcome to the Nickels' ranch," he says, extending his hand.

He leads us to the main house, the scent of fresh hay lingers in the air, mixed with the earthy aroma of horses. The vibrant energy of the ranch fills me with a sense of anticipation, and I can't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as I approach the main house. There are a lot of people and cars parked around the ranch.

A figure catches my attention as it approaches us. Her graceful movements indicating a deep familiarity. As she gets closer, i recognize her, it is Cara Cooper or now Cara Nickel. She kisses her husband and turns to me. I have seen her only in the papers and television, I am unsure how she'll receive me. But as our eyes meet, it's as if she peels back the layers of my soul, instantly. There's an intensity in her gaze, a recognition of something familiar within.

She extends a hand in greeting, her touch warm and comforting, "I've been expecting you," she says softly, her voice carrying an undercurrent of strength. "You must be Katerina."

I offer a sheepish smile, "Nice to meet you." It is the best reply i can offer.

"Let me welcome the other guest, honey." Quinn says to his wife. and he thanks me for coming before going to the other side of the house.

"And i will meet you at the fields in a while i have to prepare my truck." Oliver leaves me with his sister, Cara.

Her expression remains calm and i start to feel uneasy around her. "I hope you know the rules of the game you are playing." She says her voice laced with caution.

Her words catch me off guard. "I'm not sure I follow, Mrs. Nickels. What do you mean?"

"I was you and you are me now." She speaks in parables.

"Again, not following." I respond.

"Do you hear the whispers in your head that follow you around like a watchdog all day, becoming louder at night and never letting you sleep?" I am confused and yet understand her words.

"Elaborate," I try not to sound annoyed by her many words.

"I can see it in your eyes," she says, her voice soft but laced with a steely resolve. "I can see it in your eyes," she replies softly, but with steely conviction. "The agony, the despair, and the burning desire for vengeance." Her eyes are set on me in a suspicious way, missing nothing.

I gulp, surprised by her uncanny perception. I am speechless, my throat constricted by the emotions swirling inside me. Before her, I feel seen for who I truly am, and it doesn't scare me or anything.

"My brother is not like you and me," she warns, and I understand it is her subtle way of telling me to stay away from him as i am just another unwanted trouble.

Her words indirectly remind me of my mother. The loneliness and isolation that have plagued me for so long begin to intensify.

"I will do what is right," I assure her, just as another car drives in, and I recognize it as one of Mr. Thorne's collection. We both watch him step up, followed by Ava.

He sees me and wraps his arm around her.

"You must be one to go collecting a lot of trouble." She comments.

As they approach us, I feel as if I've crossed the threshold into the realm of madness.