Chapter 4 Ch. 4 - SHE HASN'T BEEN BORN

KURT

(EARLIER BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN)

"Good morning, Uncle."

I looked back and saw my niece. She looked different; older and beautiful. I saw my sister in her. I saw Martha, and I always try my best not to show that seeing her daughter, Bianca, broke my heart.

Was it already twenty years since she died in that horrible car crash, leaving Bianca as the survivor? Yes, it was twenty years ago, yet it felt like yesterday.

She flung herself into my arms, and I hugged her warmly. "Hey, kiddo! What brings you here today?" I asked, smiling.

"I'm getting married, Uncle Kurt!" She exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "We picked the date already. You've been too busy, that's why I didn't tell you since. And I'm going to get my wedding gown sewn at Joan's fashion company."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Joan's company, huh? That's interesting."

Bianca nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I love Joan's designs, and I know she'll create the perfect dress for me. You know, I can't just wear anything. Joan will see that I get the best."

I nodded. I couldn't help but think about my past with Joan. We had ended on a bad note, many years ago before I began to grow old. But I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on my niece's happiness.

"That's great, Bianca. I'm sure Joan will do an amazing job," I said, trying to sound neutral.

Bianca seemed to sense my reserve, and she tried to engage me further. I don't know why she likes Joan. Joan was everything I never wanted in a woman; she was rude, she loves money and she could do absolutely anything for it.

"Uncle Kurt, don't you think Joan is talented? I know you two didn't exactly part on good terms, but I really admire her work."

I sighed inwardly, not wanting to get drawn into any conversation about Joan. "My love, I am happy for you, and I trust your judgement. Where you get your dress sewn is up to you. Just hit me up about the bills and I'll have it settled. I've got somewhere to go in an hour."

But Bianca wasn't deterred. "I know you two have history, Uncle Kurt, but I really like Joan. She's been so kind to me, and I think she deserves a second chance, don't you think?"

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that Bianca was trying to play peacemaker. But I couldn't just forgive and forget, not after everything that had happened between Joan and me.

"Bianca, let's just focus on your wedding, okay?" I said gently, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

Bianca nodded, though I could tell she was disappointed. I knew she wanted me to make amends with Joan, but that was a long way off. If ever there was even a way.

"Okay, if you say so. I'm happy for you though, I will make sure you win this election."

I got up, adjusting my cufflinks. "That is what you should actually work on. Thank you. I have to go now."

I left the house and settled into the backseat of my car. "To the National TV, please."

The driver nodded and started the engine as I gazed out the window. My mind began to wander, drifting back to the painful memories I had tried to bury.

Joan and I had been in love once. Or so I thought. But it all came crashing down when she terminated our pregnancy. I remembered the day vividly; the feeling of betrayal and anger still lingered. I was twenty five, a young billionaire, and she was twenty four, a fashionista. All I wanted was to build a family with the woman I love, but Joan had other plans.

"You don't want to have a baby?" I had asked, incredulous.

"I don't want to get fat," she replied, her voice cold and detached. "Having a baby is stressful, I'd have to push in the labour room, or get opened up by the doctors, I don't want that."

I had been taken aback by her reasons. Joan did plastic surgery and she had had a lot in just a year, still, she decided to kill our baby. "That's not a reason to end a life!" I had said, trying to reason with her.

"But it's gone now, you can't do anything again."

But she had already made up her mind. And I couldn't change it. The baby was gone and from that day, the love died.

The memory still haunted me, the pain and hurt I felt that day. I thought we were building a life together, but it was all a lie. Joan's priorities were elsewhere, and I was just a pawn in her game.

I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts. I had moved on, or so I told myself. But seeing Bianca's enthusiasm for Joan's designs, hearing her praise Joan's talent - it brought it all back. I wanted to see her, see if she still had her beauty intact or if she had concealed old age with surgery and make up.

Soon enough, the driver stopped in front of the TV station. I met Cole, my PA, waiting for me. He greeted me with a nod. "Morning, Mister Nelson, your supporters are out in full force today, canvassing the streets and spreading your message."

I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my dedicated team. But Cole's expression turned serious, like a dark cloud casting a shadow.

"I am a man of the people."

"But sir, I need to say this," he said and continued, "your opponent has a wife and kids. And let's be honest, that's a powerful combination. Voters love a family man."

I felt a twinge of unease, like a whispered secret in my ear. I had known my opponent was married, but I hadn't thought much of it. Now, it seems, it could be a game-changer.

Cole leaned in, his eyes locked on mine. "I know what you're thinking, sir. But hear me out. We can give you a family too. Just for the campaign, of course."

I raised an eyebrow. "What are you suggesting, Cole?"

"A rented wife," he said, his voice matter-of-fact. "Someone to stand by your side, smile, and wave. It's all about optics, sir. And trust me, I have just the right plug for that."

I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. After Joan, I vowed not to love any other woman, I respected all women and I never wanted to trick any into getting married to me for me to get fame or position. "No, Cole. Absolutely not. I won't rent a wife like she's some kind of prop. And I am too old for that, I can do without a family."

Cole shrugged. "You are forty seven sir. And trust me, you're missing out on a golden opportunity. A fake wife could make you look more relatable, more human."

I shook my head, firm in my resolve. "I'd rather lose with integrity than win with deceit. Besides, I have Bianca. She's my niece, and she's the only family I need."

Cole sighed, like a deflated balloon. "Okay, sir. But you're making this harder than it needs to be."

I smiled wryly. "That's what makes me a good politician, Cole. I'm not afraid to take the hard road."

The relationship between Cole and I was deep. I was his boss, but I made him free with me, not so free that he'd disrespect me. He was my confidant – for now.

I would need a new one, but for now, that woman hadn't been born, or, she doesn't even exist at all.