CHAPTER 102

Kyle King

‘What’s wrong with you, Ava? Why does everything always have to be about you? I warned you not to come here, but you disobeyed me. I warned you not to come to the hotel, and again, you disobeyed me. You even had the audacity to wear a skimpy dress! Ava, honestly, I am tired, and this has to end.’ 

Ava stood up, clenching her fists. ‘You aren’t going to end anything, Kyle. You love me, and I love you too. I made a mistake, and I apologised for it. Can’t you forgive me?’

I shook my head. ‘I have forgiven you, but I am sorry; we can’t be together anymore. I'm in love with someone else.’

‘You are in love with Tessa?’ She asked, shock written on her face. ‘But you told me you never loved her during your five years of marriage. How can you love her now?’ 

‘You won’t understand, Ava. I made a mistake, and now I am rectifying it. But with you being here, you are disrupting my plans and my chances of getting back to Tessa. I have booked a flight for you for tomorrow. It leaves by noon. Pack your belongings and the divorce papers. I have signed my part, and I urge you to do the same. I am no longer interested in this thing called marriage.’

She laughed, looking strangely at me. ‘You are joking, right? You know you can’t return to your vomit. Your mom won’t allow you to do so. She doesn’t even like Tessa. Baby, I know I messed up, but please don’t throw what we have away.’

I smiled. ‘You are leaving tomorrow, Ava. Please don’t create any scenes as you leave. You have done enough damage to my reputation, and I don’t need more.’ 

‘I am not leaving, Kyle. I won’t let that woman steal you from me! You loved me before and after her, and just because I couldn’t give you a child, that doesn’t give you the right to just cast me away!’

‘No, you are wrong. I didn’t cast you away, Ava. You did that by yourself. I stayed with you even when your red flags were so embarrassing. I told myself you would change and become a better person, but I was wrong. I loved you, but did you ever love me, or were you after my family’s name and the security my money provided? I feel you used me to get those deals and lift your family’s drowning status up.’

She yelled, ‘I have told you repeatedly that my family’s status doesn’t need your helping hand. I am going to sign the divorce papers, but I will make sure you suffer for throwing me away like thrash.’

I stared at her, wondering why I hadn’t seen the real Avaline all these years. Maybe because I was satisfied with being in love with her and okay with the security and happiness that came with being married to her. But that was all. 

‘Avaline, if I were you, I would be careful of my words. You know, Attorney Smith wanted me to send evidence of the threats you have made on my life so far, but due to the respect I have for your parents, I refrained from doing so. I will leave you to rest now.’

She hissed and stormed out of the room. I smiled. I had finally put her in her place. I brought out my phone and blocked my mom’s number. I had a feeling Ava was off to report me to her, and right now, I didn’t need my mother’s irritating threats. I had a date to meet up with. A family date.

_

I walked into the Roberts estate, and I was astonished. How much was Tessa’s family worth again? I couldn’t remember, but I knew my family didn’t reach out to them. I was still amazed that Tessa had left everything just to be with me, and at the end of the day, I ended up divorcing her. At that time, it was a pleasurable thing to do because her parents had cut her off, but now it is one of the things I regret doing.

I just hoped that tonight I would be able to atone for my sins, finally.

The housekeeper ushered me into the massive living room. I was given a glass of juice and some biscuits while the housekeeper informed me to wait. I took in the eloquence and beauty of the house and noticed Tessa’s signature artworks around the room. As much as I wanted to feel envious of her success, I knew she had done greatly for herself, unlike Ava.

I still felt hurt by her betrayal, but I wasn’t going to let that weaken my decision. 

Tessa’s voice interrupted my reverie: ‘Oh, you are here. Unfortunately, my dad travelled for an urgent meeting, but my mom and James are here. Please, follow me, Kyle.’

She led me to a larger room, which seemed like a library because of the books surrounding the walls. James and Mrs. Roberts were seated together, engrossed in an argument. Tessa’s cough announced her presence.

‘Right. Kyle King, my daughter said you wanted to speak with us?’ Mrs. Robert asked, without beating around the bush.

I swallowed, not liking the straightforwardness. ‘I actually wanted to speak to just her, but it’s good you and James are here.’ 

Tessa said, ‘Just get on with what you have to say. James and my mom have an appointment to stay at the hospital.’

‘I just want to apologise for everything that happened between us, Tessa. Also, for the Roberts project and tricking your father into signing a contract deal with me. I was so desperate then, and greed blinded me. I hope you can forgive me, Tessa. I have lived with this guilt ever since I saw you in California. ‘

Mrs. Robert laughed, ‘You really think we are stupid, huh? I know why you’re doing this, though. You know the twins are yours, and due to the obvious fact that your hookup wife can’t have a child, you want to play a repentant soul and claim your position as the father of the children. Anyway, I am sorry to disappoint you, but that’s not happening. Tessa might forgive you, but you won’t be Nicholas and Hope’s father!’

 I sucked my teeth, feeling the venom in her words. Right there, I knew that whatever I had hoped would come out of this was all in my head. I pushed it anyway. Worst scenario, I will piss them off, but at least I knew I had tried my best.’

‘Mrs. Robert, Tessa, I am really sorry about everything, and I know it feels like my messy marriage is the reason I am trying to rectify my mistake. But, I am honest right now, even if Tessa didn’t have those kids, I would still seek her out and plead for forgiveness because I know I was wrong.’

James rose up, glancing at his wrist watch, and said, ‘Man, your time is up. Try your luck next time. Big sis, you got anything to say?’

Tessa shrugged, standing up. ‘I forgive you, Kyle, but like my mom said, you can’t be a father to the kids. Your time is up.