His Second Chance

Knowing About Him

Kane only moved his feet closer to the woman still on the floor when a man rushed towards the woman and yelled out her name, “Madeline!”

Kane froze on the spot as that name was like a siren in his ears. He never would have heard that name in a place like this and watched that man kneeling to help the woman up. Curiosity got the better of Kane and he found himself walking closer when Mariana grabbed his arm making him turn to look at her.

“Mrs Anderson and her chauffeur are coming towards us. Also, Mr Benson is waving at us.” Mariana uttered lowly while standing by his side and was quick to put her arm with his. To everyone, they looked like the ideal and perfect couple. “Mr Whitemon. A pleasure.” Kane walked ahead to share a hug with Mrs Anderson. “The pleasure is all mine Mrs Anderson. I wasn't expecting you at this fashion show. I thought you'll be chilling somewhere in the Philippines. Your husband once told me you loved the cities there.” Kane smiled and Mrs Anderson began to blush from ear to ear.

“I see you're a man with a sharp memory. No wonder you're cut out for business. Am sure the woman in your life would love having you in her life, speaking of woman...” Mrs Anderson caught Mariana's arm on Kane and slyly asked, “So...can I expect the both of you?...” But Kane was quick to notice and reply, “No Mrs Anderson. Mariana is just a friend and a good eye for sense of fashion. She's my company at this fashion show.” For some reason Kane couldn't help but turn around in hopes of finding that woman with the name Madeline but found no one except guests making their entries through the entrances.

For some days now ever since Amalie brought up Madeline, her name and thought never left Kane's mind. He wondered how she was doing and if she was even married. Six whole years had passed and he hadn't expected her to wait for him because he promised her nothing. But something inside him was pushing him to look for her. To find out about her situation and if she was happy with someone else. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't shake off that feeling of now wanting to know about Madeline after six years.

He felt his throat a bit dry and took a glass from a waiter passing by with a tray. “I need a minute. You can go in.” Kane told Mariana. “I can stay here with you...”

“That won't be necessary Mariana. I'll join you inside. Please leave me to myself.” Kane took a sip of the cold bubbling champagne and twirled his glass before staring at the golden liquid. “Is this because of Brenda?...” Brenda paused after seeing Kane's cold eyes on her. “Fine, I'll walk in. But you better come soon.” Mariana walked away and Kane felt his neck itching. He tugged his tie a little loose and didn't know why the itching feeling had something to do with that woman he bumped into earlier.

He saw himself walking back to the entrance and meeting one of the security. He enquired about a woman with the name of Madeline and the security were checking the guest lists but gave me a negative response. “Sorry sir. No woman with the name Madeline is here.”

“Are you sure? Check it again.” Kane inhaled and he didn't know what to feel and whether he would like knowing someone with the name Madeline was actually in the fashion show. “No sir. No person with the name Madeline is on our records.” The security said and Kane got a little frustrated. “How is that possible? I just bumped into someone whose name is Madeline...” Kane stopped in his tracks and saw himself as becoming someone he was not. Sparing a glance at the other guests making their way in while looking his way made him give up and walk back in. He gulped down the whole champagne and dropped the glass on a table before making his way into the fashion show.

Madeline was backstage thinking and pondering on that familiar voice. “Could it be...” She whispered to no one and got her breathing labored. She had seen him countless times on magazine covers and billboards in the last five years but not this close to hearing a voice that resembled his. She held her chest and refused to think of the past. Kane was nothing but her past and he made it clear six years ago when he chose to leave her pregnant. Maybe that voice was just a coincidence.