What could have been

Kate stood by the beach. She wanted some peace, or at least some escape from the party. Her dad had thrown a party to also serve as a fund raiser for his company. A lot of elites were invited.
Kate had gotten tired of faking a smile and trying to force conversations with people in the party as her father had demanded. She took a deep breath as she enjoyed the view of the ocean that night, finally escaping the noise back in the house.

Source

Suddenly, she noticed someone beside her and she was startled. However, he looked like he came by the beach to let off some steam.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I needed some peace and quiet” He said.

“No problem. It seems you’ve had enough of the party. Me too” Kate replied.

They stared at each other for a while. Kate noticed how much his blue eyes glowed in the dark. He was insanely handsome, and she couldn’t help but be in awe of him.

They enjoyed each other’s company in silence as they watched the waves of the sea. After some minutes Kate decided it was time to get back to the party.

“I have to go back now” Kate said.

“Alright. It was nice sharing this peaceful moment with you. What’s your name?” he asked

“I’m Kate. What about you?”

“I’m Kenneth” he said in a smooth calm voice.

“It was nice meeting you Kate” He further said as he extended his hand to her for a handshake.

Kate’s heart melted as they touched hands. Everything about him was calm and attractive.
Kate went back to the party.

A few minutes in, Joe spotted Kate. It was his first time seeing her and she was absolutely stunning. Joe was the son of one of the richest men in the city. She caught his attention immediately, so he approached her.

"I believe we haven't met before. I'm Joe"

"I'm Kate" she replied.

"You look beautiful beyond words" he said.

"Thank you" Kate replied with a smile on her face.

They got talking and Kate found out he was a nice guy. They exchanged contacts before Joe left the party.

After the party, while Kate was in bed trying to get some sleep, all she could think of was Kenneth and the time they spent together at the beach. She couldn't get him off her mind. Was she falling in love with a complete stranger? She kept asking herself.

The next day. Kate decided to go to the beach again, hoping that by some miracle, she would find Kenneth there. One getting there, she saw Kenneth and she lit up. Kenneth let out a bright smile on seeing her too.

They both had longing stares. There was so much chemistry between them, it was consuming. Kelvin held her hand and Kate grabbed his in return.

"What are you doing here this early, young man?" Kate asked, pretending like she wasn't hoping that he would be there.

"Well, I couldn't get you out of my mind, and I hoped that I would find you here" Kenneth replied.
Kate blushed on hearing what he said.

They kept on talking for a while. She enjoyed his company. He gave her peace. He was kind and compassionate. He was everything Kate ever wanted in a man, and she was helplessly in love with him.

Kenneth was in love with her too. It was an instant spark between them. As they talked, suddenly, they kissed. It was passionate. That was the start of something electric and beautiful between them both.

Joe on the other hand, was also in love with Kate. He was ready to do whatever it would take to make her his wife. He usually sent thoughtful gifts to Kate. He was a good guy, Kate appreciated him, but she loved Kenneth.

One day, Kate's father came home with bad news. His business had failed. They were in so much debt. The family got into a terrible financial situation. Life was getting difficult for them.

Kate's parents convinced her to marry Joe, so that the family's financial situation can be salvaged. He was more than willing to help.
The pressure on Kate was so much that she had to give in. She accepted Joe's proposal and within days, the wedding happened.

Kenneth was heartbroken that Kate married Joe, but he understood why she did it.
Kate was unhappy in her marriage. She would cry almost every night, and Joe noticed. For Kate, it has always been Kenneth. She always dreamed of a life with him. Now, she ended up in another life.
She felt like a hostage in her marriage. Kelvin was the love of her life, but for the greater good, she had to make her marriage work, even if it was at the expense of her own happiness.