Karachi (Romance Stories Online) — The mansion’s grand foyer smelled of polished marble and old money, the air humming faintly with the ticking of a gilded clock. Mary, Lisa, and Gabby stood in the cavernous space, their dresses whispering across the marble floor. A thin, commanding voice called them forward.
“Were there any doubts you three would remain?” asked the tall, silvery-haired woman, her voice as cool as the marble beneath their feet. She flipped through a velvet folder. “Next: it’s my turn,” she declared. “You’re staying.”
Mary forced a polite smile. Lisa’s hand twisted at the fabric of her dress. Gabby’s eyes were wide, scanning the corridors.
“You,” the woman said, pointing at Mary, “Lisa, and Gabby—you’re the favorites. Everyone else is free to go. Goodbye, losers.” Her tone flicked like a switch.
No one moved.
“So,” she continued, folding her hands, “the next step is simple. I want grandchildren.” She regarded them each with a soft, predatory smile. “Whoever gets pregnant from my son first will become his wife—and inherit his fortune.”
A gasp echoed in the high ceiling. Mary’s heart pounded. Lisa’s cheeks drained of color. Gabby exhaled, as if she could reject it all in one breath.
“But wait,” the mother’s voice softened unexpectedly, “that’s not even my son.” She waved a finger, and a door creaked open. A young man wheeled himself in. His face was pale, his movements slow, the wheels whispering across the marble.
“Meet Austin,” she introduced. “Say hi to the girls.” He nodded, lifting a weak hand.
Mary’s stomach fluttered. She forced composed words: “Hello…”
“Hello,” Austin responded softly.
Lisa swallowed. Gabby looked away, the shiny floor suddenly absorbing her gaze.
The mother held up her hand. “We’ll wait for you in the… bedroom. Who wants to be first?”
Mary straightened. “I will,” she said, bold. “As long as he’s… able.” She glanced sideways at the wheelchair. “I don’t care.”
A pause. The mother smiled approvingly.
Lisa chuckled nervously. “Let’s just… make you a baby.” Mary’s lips parted.
Austin’s blue eyes flickered. He said, quiet but clear: “I… just want you to know the responsibility involved.”
Mary reached out and touched his hand. Cold. “Think about it later,” she whispered.
In the bedroom, the scent of sandalwood and silk filled the space. The mother closed the door behind them, the click echoing. Lisa’s dress rustled. Mary leaned forward and kissed Austin platonically. His lips parted in confusion. Everything—intentions, reality—blurred.
Lisa exited abruptly. “Sorry, I… can’t.” Her voice cracked.
“Why?” Mary demanded. Lisa turned the silver handle. “I was threatened with deportation. Marriage was my only way. But I’m not ready for this.”
Gabby, seated outside the door, watched the door close. She inhaled, steadying herself.
The mother’s voice came from behind them. “That was fast.” She sounded disappointed.
Gabby stepped in. Her heart hammered. She saw Austin’s pale skin, the quiet dignity in his eyes. She realized this wasn’t about the prize—it was about him.
Days later, Mary waltzed into the parlor, her rose-gold belly visible beneath the low light. “My baby is real—you can touch it,” she declared to the mother and Austin.
The mother’s eyes narrowed. “I know you’re carrying a baby. But not my son’s.”
Mary froze.
“What? That’s not true!” Mary sputtered.
“How will you explain that?” the mother asked, cold. “Get out. You’re not worthy of my son. You’re fired.”
Mary stumbled away, humiliation flooding her. Austin turned to Gabby, who stood silent at the edge of the room. His voice cracked: “I always knew I couldn’t have children… but you’re the only one who didn’t try to deceive us.”
Gabby’s throat tightened. “I… I don’t know if our relationship will work—but I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re not deported.”
Austin leaned forward, his chair barely moving. “Thank you.”
Outside, the night air smelled of rain about to fall. Gabby wrapped her arms around him. He didn’t care for the contest or the inheritance anymore. He cared for her.
The mother watched from the window, her silhouette framed by the townhouse lights. Her golden ambitions unravelled like the silk thread of a promise.
The mansion grew quieter. The contest had ended. A new, fragile hope began.
And in that hushed space, against the echo of grandchildren and fortunes, two hearts quietly resolved to build something honest.
FAQs
Q: Is this story about love or revenge?
A: It’s about both: love found in unexpected places, and revenge—of a mother’s power being challenged.
Q: Why did the mother choose such a twisted method?
A: Because she wanted control and grandchildren—wealth used as leverage.
Q: Does Austin truly accept Gabby?
A: Yes—he accepts her honesty and her willingness to care for him beyond the contest.
Q: Will the fortune matter in the end?
A: The fortune becomes almost irrelevant. What matters is the genuine connection that develops.
What would you do if you were Gabby—stay and fight for love, or walk away to protect your dignity? Share your thoughts below!
