A Baby For Billionaire Knox

Theme: A kiss for Knox

(FLASHBACK TO FEW AGO)

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you, Knox

Happy Birthday to you.

The people present at Knox’s party sang for him, paparazzis flashing pictures and it was great. But Knox Martins hated the fact that they were here. He didn’t want any of the media houses to know his place of residence that’s why he has never disclosed it on any of his interviews on screen. But now, his mom had invited them all without his consent.

“Thank you very much.” Knox managed to get words out.

And that’s all he could say to them. He saw the prepared place to entertain the guests somewhere far from his home which caused him to utter a profanity. He wondered when his mom had sent someone to put the area up without him finding out.

Knox Martins looked wonderful as he greeted some familiar faces in the crowd. He was dressed in a casual and comfortable dark fitted jeans and a garnet colored polo shirt that hugged his broad shoulders and sculpted chest.

“Excuse me, Knox.” Betty called at his attention.

Knox turned to face Betty and she leaned in closely to him. They stood face to face because she was on a stiletto high heels.

“Happy Birthday, Knox Martins.” Betty Lawson gave him a brown paper bag.

Knox peered into the bag and saw a box in it. “Thank -” But Betty kept his words at bay with a kiss on his lips.

Knox Martins gasped out and his eyes widened in shock. Mrs Elaina Martins started the clap and others joined in and people took pictures. Knox was annoyed and he didn’t respond to the kiss. And just when he tried to pull back, Betty slid her hands up the back of his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss.

Mrs Elaina Martins and Mrs Precious Lawson were glad that Betty took the bold step to kiss Knox hoping he would be able to realize that she loved him.

Knox never expected it, he had never even dreamt of kissing Betty. Now everyone would get the idea that they are dating whereas it was just a stupid act and a meaningless facade. Knox pulled back from her and stared at her with anger crashing over him but he controlled himself.

“Thank you, Knox.” Betty said happily.

The brightest smile found it way to her lip. She was happy that they just shared a kiss!

Knox Martins turned away from her and motioned towards his home and the clapping stopped abruptly. Betty followed him immediately.

“Oh! please let us move to the venue for merriment.” Mrs Elaina Martins pointed towards a direction reserved for the guests.

“Thanks for coming!” Mrs Precious Lawson added.

And they led everyone to the place decorated to entertain the guests.

“Wait up Knox..” Betty tried to catch up with his fast pace.

Knox stopped after he was sure nobody would see them and Betty nearly bumped into him. “Knox-”

Knox turned to face her. “What is it?” He asked with annoyance clear in his tone.

“What’s wrong, Knox? You left the party without -”

Knox cuts her off. “Why did you have to kiss me in front of everyone like that?” He asked, clenching his fist and his jaw tightened.

Betty leaned in closely but Knox stepped backward to avoid her touch. “Do you realize what you did you out there?!” He yelled.

Betty was surprised by his outburst. “Knox.. I.. love you and I wanted to tell everyone about us.” She said.

Initially Betty wanted to confess how she felt for him since it was hard to tell his feelings. But since his mom assured her that Knox loved her so she just concluded that he didn’t have the courage to confess his feelings.

“About us?” He snorted.

“Yes Knox.” She confirmed.

“What is between us Betty? Nothing, we are not even in a relationship.” He pointed out clearly.

“Yes I know.. but.. we are in love.” She countered.

His forehead creased. Betty was totally mistaken. “Love?” His frown deepened.

“Yes Knox.” Betty nodded.

“Betty, I don’t believe in love.” He said.

“I want to prove to you that it does… love exist.” Betty tried to touch him but Knox pushed her hand away.

Knox shook his head slowly. “You think you love me and you think I love you in return, that was why you kissed me right? And took away my first -” He stopped and swallowed hard.

“First what?” She asked.

“Never mind.” Knox started to walk away as he felt bile rose up in his throat.

“Knox!” She called out to him.

“Leave! I want to be alone!” Knox unlocked his apartment and rushed to the bathroom.

He poured the content in his mouth into the toilet. When he was done, he rinsed his face and brushed his teeth again.

He could hardly believe Betty just took away his first kiss. Just like that! And now pictures of them kissing would be everywhere soon!

He clenched his fists. “Damn it! I can’t take that as my first kiss… Never!” He brushed his teeth harder.

Knox pointed to his reflection in the large mirror. “It was a mistake! She kissed me but I couldn’t respond to her false kiss. It was an act! No a mistake?! A mistake! Aish! That’s not my first kiss!” He concluded with a grumble and stomped his feet.

(FLASHBACK ENDS)

“You and Betty made it to the number search trends on celebrity blogs.” Mary Ann said.

Acknowledgement registered on his expression. “Oh! That stupid news.” Knox huffed.

“Is it a stupid news?” Mary Ann glanced up at the ceiling in a facade to think. “But it helped me find you.” She added.

“Come on Mary, you won’t locate this place with those pictures. And I made it clear to the reporters that I would sue whoever disclosed my residence to the public.” He grimaced.

“You got me again.” Mary Ann threw her hands up in surrender.

“Let me guess, you made use of your father’s connections.” Knox said.

“Not really, I met your mom yesterday so she gave me your address.” Mary Ann eyes sparkled with happiness.

“How did you find my mom? You did not forget my family home address?” He asked.

“The last time you gave it to me, I wrote it down in my diary. And I am glad that your mom remembered me even though we met just once. Oh Knox! I am super excited to see you again!” She beamed in excitement.

“I am happy to see you too.” Knox said.

They lapsed into silent for some seconds before Mary Ann spoke up. “Knox, I don’t mean to prey…” she bit her lower lips.

“What is it?” Knox asked.

“Why haven’t you settled things with your mom?” Mary Ann questioned.

Knox smile slipped away and was replaced with a frown. “Can we not talk about that woman?”

“Knox, she is your mom and not just any woman.” Mary Ann lifted up her brows.

Knox’s frown deepened. “I am the one who gets to decide that.”

“Well your mom told me some certain things about -”

Knox interrupted her. “Same words she told you years back.”

“Maybe.. but I think you are taking things too far.” Mary Ann said with a serious face.

“Just the same lines you said two years ago after you met my mom. Mary can we discuss something else please?” The corners of his mouth turned up.

“Like what?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Anything else.. maybe about you.” He replied with a smirk.

Mary Ann sighed, giving up on trying to convince Knox to get back with his mom. In the first place she wasn’t here to reconcile mother and son.

“How have you been? How was getting a degree in Germany like?” He asked.

“No let us start with you, from the kiss with Betty Lawson. How was it?” She teased him with a half smile on her lips.

Knox drew his lower lip between his teeth. “That kiss with Betty was absolutely nothing.”

Mary’s mouth set in a hard line. “It was nothing?”

“Yes.. nothing but everyone thinks we are in a serious relationship. All the articles on the internet are not true. And thinking about it now I should have sued those people.” He gritted his teeth.

“So you guys are not in a serious relationship?” She demanded.

“Betty Lawson is not my girlfriend.” He answered.

“Oh.. okay I believe you.” Her mouth curved into a smile.

“I should do something about all these fake news.” Knox’s face screwed up.

“So why don’t you arrange an interview with the press to let them know that they are mistaken about your relationship with Betty Lawson.” Mary Ann suggested.

“I hate interviews.” He responded.

“But it would really help clear up the misunderstanding.” Mary Ann countered.

“I don’t have time and moreover it would die down in few weeks time.” He answered.

“Well if you say so.” Mary Ann stood up, moved around the living room, checking out the paintings on the wall.

“Those art works and painting are worth thousands of dollars.” Knox boasted.

Mary laughed. “I know you can spend all your money on artworks.” She went back to him.

Knox checked his phone to reply some messages from his designer.

“So.. I need to know if you still the same old Knox Martin.” Mary stood in front of him.

Knox glanced up at her. “What do you mean?” He asked.

“I mean.. the Knox Martin I used to know, tough, boastful-” She settled beside him on the couch.

Knox chuckled. “Can you go straight to the point, Mary.”

“Well don’t you want to know anything about me aside my degree program?” She asked.

Knox thought of questions to ask her and only one occurred to him. He looked down at her fingers and there was no ring.

“I am not married.” Mary said in a tight whisper with a big smile on her face as if she had read his mind.

“Are you in a relationship?” He asked.

“No I am single.” She answered.

“Okay.” Then they lapsed in silence with Knox concentrating back on his phone. It was needful for him to have a chat with his designer.

“You are single right?” She asked.

He nodded. “You should know that answer even before asking me.”

“You might have changed, who knows if you are love with someone now maybe secretly.” She said with a shrug.

Knox laughed. “In love with someone secretly? Unbelievable.”

“So you are telling me that you haven’t been with any woman all these years?” Mary Ann demanded.

“Never have I been with any woman.” He responded.

“Why Knox?” Mary forehead creased.

Knox pursed his lips and grew silent. An image flashed through his mind but he tried to block the image from his mind’s eye but failed at it. The image was engraved in his mind that he has been finding it hard to think straight.

“Knox?” Mary Ann called at him snapping him out of reverie.

And he jerked back to life. “Sorry.. what were you saying?” He sniffed.

“I know that look on your face, are you in love with someone?” She blurted out.

“Come on, Mary Ann.. you know love -”

“Love doesn’t exist in your world.” She completed his intended statement

He snapped his finger. “Exactly.”

“Knox, I understand that what happened between your parents changed your mind about love. But seriously? I don’t think it should change your perspectives about love. Take a look, you are getting older. Knox.. you are twenty six, clearly old enough to start a family.” She said.

“Save the lectures, Mary. Ann. You are also twenty six clearly old enough to get married.” He smirked.

“Yes I know.” Mary nodded.

“So why are you still single?” He asked again.

“I am waiting for the right guy.” She responded.

“Oh great! I am sure the right guy for you will come along.” Knox clapped his hands.

“Yes and I think have found him.” She said.

Knox’s forehead creased. “So tell me about mr perfect.” He pinched her cheeks and folded his arms.

“I am serious, Knox.” She giggled.

“And I am serious, Mary Ann.” He grinned.

“Do you know the reason why I moved back to America?” She asked.

“I was about asking the same question.” Knox replied.

“So do you know?” She asked again.

“No.. I don’t know but let me guess-” he pursed his lips to think. “You want to spend some time here and enjoy America breeze for a while. I know you like traveling and seeing new places, so you will probably be leaving to another country soon. Tell me I am right.” He pouted.

Mary Ann sighed and held his hands. “No, that is not the reason.”

His face fell in disappointment. “Then why are you in America, Miss Mary Ann?” He asked.

“Well the good news is that, I won’t be touring countries anymore. I have decided to stay in America.” She responded.

Knox plastered a smile on his face. “Oh that’s good.”

“And I made that decision because of you.” She nibbled in her bottom lip.

Knox’s smile faded. “Me?” His jaw went slack.

“Yeah..” she nodded.

“You must be kidding.” The corner of his mouth quirked up.

“To be honest Knox, I couldn’t stop thinking about you since you left Italy.” She admitted sincerely.

No! He didn’t want to hear her telling him about love! Knox shifted uncomfortably on the couch.

“Mary -”

She placed a finger on his lips to silence him. “Knox, I think I am in love with you.”

He flashed her a half smile. “Mary, you can’t be serious about what you are saying right now.”

“I am serious, Knox. And when I saw that picture of you and Betty, I thought it was true and I felt sad that I had lost you to another woman. I blamed myself for not telling you about my feelings when we were together.” Mary Ann expressed herself.

“Mary, you don’t have to -”

She interrupted him “And.. I couldn’t tell you how I feel back then because I did not want ruin our friendship. And I also had thought traveling to Germany would make me forget those feelings.. but no.. I was wrong. It kept growing and I regretted not coming with you to America when you asked me to. Maybe things would have been different now.” She bit her lower lip.

Knox Martins was surprised! He never knew Mary Ann was in love with him! Oh! maybe she did a good job at hiding her feelings for him! Mary never acted like she wanted something more than just being friends with Knox during his stay in Italy and he never thought of her as more than a friend too.

“So are you saying for two years now, you didn’t love or date any other guy?” He asked.

“I did.” she replied honestly.

“So what is this feeling about?” He asked.

“Listen Knox, every relationship I had didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to be. I never loved my men the way I love you, Knox.” She replied.

He ran his hand into his hair. “What do we do now?”

“It is simple. Knox, open your heart to love and give me a chance to show you that love truly exists.” She answered.

Knox stood up from the couch. “I don’t think it is a good idea.” He answered.

“Why not? Knox, this is going to work if only you are ready to let go of everything you have against your mother.” She pointed out.

He nodded impatiently. “No, you are wrong.”

This wasn’t about his mom! Mary Ann wasn’t the right woman for him and same goes with Betty Lawson and there was no doubt in his mind about that. The feeling of love was the missing puzzle between their relationships and even if he changed his mind and decided to fall in love then the woman would be different from the women in his lives.

A woman that would make his heart flutter at the mere sight of seeing her and thinking about her. A woman that would make him realize that love existed without being told. He thought deeply

“I am sorry, Mary Ann.” He apologized.

Sadness clouded her features. “No.. no Knox, you don’t have to turn me down now. I will give you enough time to think about it.” She stood up from the couch and went to him.

“No Mary it just can’t work. Let us just be friends.” He said.

Her face went blank. “I cherish our friendship and I don’t wanna lose you.” He added.

Tears shimmered in her eyes. “But I want to be more than that. Knox, I want you to see me as a woman and not just a friend.” she responded in a tight whisper.

“Mary -” He screwed up his face.

Mary Ann leaned in closely. “Think about it Knox. I will take my leave now.” She said.

Knox shook his head in response. But he knew in his mind, there was absolutely nothing to think about. Knox Martins doesn’t love her and he wasn’t ready to love any woman! He can only regard them as friends not lovers!