Geneveive Tessa RobertYears ago, my birthdays were celebrated by Kyle, me, and a few friends. It was always a long day, and I tried to be happy about it, but deep down, I wished for my family to always be there. I did tell Kyle once, and he warned me never to talk about my parents. They had abandoned me when I needed them the most, so there was no reason why I should miss them. I didn’t accept his words because I knew he was the reason why they had abandoned me. I pushed his thoughts back into their cage and focused on getting the kids ready for school.They had surprised me earlier today with a beautiful cake and sweet songs, all coordinated by Vera and Estella. James had also surprised me with a key to my own art workshop. It was a condo that had everything I needed to draw and be the ‘crazy’ creative he defined me as.Vera gifted me a necklace with my name engraved on it and a wristwatch that had a tiny picture of us. She also made an album of all my photos with the kids, and to m
Geneveive Tessa RobertI ignored him, holding my glass tightly. ‘Where’s your friend?’Xavier smiled, bowing a bit. ‘You don’t look stunning now. Don’t tell me you’re not happy to see one of your favourite allies.’I shook my head and said, ‘I am not pleased. I thought I made myself clear when I told you and Kyle not to show up here. Both of you are troublemakers, and I don’t need that kind of vibe right now.’‘Fine, ma’am, I have heard you, but I am not leaving until the main show is over. So, get used to me being here for the main time.’ He smirked, taking my glass. ‘Hmm, this is good, Tessa. I thought you don’t drink alcohol.’‘Don’t try to change the topic, Xavi!’ I warned. Grabbing my glass. ‘What do you mean by the main show? I hope you and Kyle aren’t planning anything stupid, because if you are, I will make sure I get you guys arrested.’He raised his hands and said, ‘Easy, dear. We aren’t planning anything stupid, and I am certain that when you see what the main show is all a
Kyle KingI stumbled into my apartment, hating how pathetic I looked. It’s been almost six months since I left Nashville for the United Kingdom to complete a project and win the heart of my ex-wife. The project was completed but not ‘Project Win Tessa Back' . I had failed woefully throughout the previous months, but I wasn’t ready to return home until the second project was done.My team was working tirelessly to ensure the King’s company’s activities moved smoothly, and I attended all virtual meetings when necessary. I also kept up with tasks for each day to be aware of every move made in the company. I could afford to stay in the United Kingdom until I accomplished my goal.The main reason why I took on Richard’s project.I pushed my hand through my already dishevelled hair and sawed until I fell on the couch. I had taken a lot of Martini shots one hour ago with Xavier and some friends we made while working in the hotel. Xavier was still at the seedy bar joint, catching fun with lad
Geneveive Tessa RobertI walked into the burger and french fries shop and looked at the faces. Andrew’s face shone immediately. He was seated at the far end of the shop, waving excitedly. I suspected this was his first date since he moved to the United Kingdom from the States. I recited a little prayer and walked towards him. This was my fourth date since I moved here, and thankfully all has been well. I hoped the disturbing feeling I had tonight wasn't because of Andrew Fisher but because of the scent of salmon pepper. It always reminded me of a stupid incident that happened while I was in school.‘Hello,’ he greeted, helping with my chair. ‘I hope you didn’t find it hard getting here?’I smiled. A gentleman and a caring one. Nice one, Tessa. ‘ No, my chauffeur knows almost everywhere in this town. I suspect he used to be a cab driver once upon a time, even though he denies it and has been reminded several times about his former job as a teacher.He laughed, ‘That’s funny. How did a
Kyle KingI whistled my way through the shopping mall, helping an old lady pick a nice hat and allowing two women and a man to jump the queue. Xavier cast a curious gaze at me for the umptenth time before collecting our grocery basket and warning the fourth person who was about to jump the queue. I nodded throughout his complaints about my nonchalant attitude and said nothing when he compared me to a smiling donkey. He couldn’t understand how I felt. Tessa had finally given me a chance to take her on a small date. It didn’t mean anything, but I counted it as progress. I let Xavier drive my new car while I smiled and reread the text message Tessa had sent a few days ago. We had scheduled the date for tonight, and I had agreed to an in-house setting. She wanted to see where I stayed and avoid the public eye. I could understand. If some pressmen see us, there will be headlines flying tomorrow about the divorced Kyle King trying to win the heart of his ex-wife. I certainly didn’t need t
Geneveive Tessa RobertI picked up another mouthful of the sandwich cake. It was perfect. Kyle still knew his onions, even though he barely cooked when we were married. He never had the time due to his giant business. I was surprised he was able to create time to do something special for me. I stared at him again.He was quiet, stealing glances at me. I smiled slowly. I decided to start a conversation. Compliment his dinner efforts? Yeah, that sounded like a good way to make him feel comfortable with me.I dropped my spoon, smiling a bit, and said, ‘Thank you for the incredible dinner, Kyle. I really enjoyed myself, and this sandwich cake is awesome. How did you get a perfect taste?’He shrugged. ‘I know a few tricks. I thought you didn’t like the dinner. You said nothing throughout the meal, just curt responses to my questions.’Oh dear! I didn’t realise he had taken my silence to heart. I wanted to feel everything about the meal and not be forced to have awkward conversations. I th
Kyle King‘So you brought her into the house and hid the gist from me? That’s cruel, man.’ Xavier said, pouring another glass of juice.I had decided to tell Xavier about my date with Tessa, but now I regret my decision. The man didn’t know when to stop talking.‘So you mean Tessa left her house and dined with you in here? And left around nine p.m.? That’s weird, and I am finding it hard to believe you.’ He continued, rubbing his palms. ‘How did you convince her?’I shook my head. ‘You should have been a journalist, Xavi, not an ethics hacker or business developer. I would have loved to tell you how everything happened, but I will save the gist for next time.’He shrugged. ‘Right. He brings the girl home and keeps the gist to himself. Would you guys be having another date, or are you keeping that a secret too?’‘No, we aren’t having another date yet. I still need to win her heart, or better yet, prove to her that I am not just back for the kids but for her too. This is where I need yo
Kyle KingEstella’s suggestion was the perfect idea. The kids ended up eating everything, and I couldn't help but laugh at how they rushed through the meal. I guess it’s been a long time since they had a delicious pasta meal. Once they were done, they helped with clearing the dishes and changing the tablecloth to a new one. I was amazed with their organisation and meticulous skills. Tessa had raised them well. Without me.I felt a pang in my chest, but I quickly shook it off. I was here now, and that was all that mattered. I helped them arrange the tablecloth properly and ushered them to the parlour to watch some cartoons while I focused on dishwashing and preparing Tessa’s favourite. Glancing at the wall clock, I realised I had like three hours to do everything before she showed up. That was enough time. The kids would probably be asleep by that time, or they might join us for dinner. If Tessa’s mood was great,.I hadn’t stopped to think about how she would feel once she realised wha
Kyle KingFive months laterAfter sorting Avaline’s court case, I officially named Xavier the CFO of Planet O. The board accepted him with no grumblings, and I wasn’t surprised because he had been performing well even in my absence. I also took Mom to London, and we finally had a peaceful conversation with Tessa. Mom apologized for everything she did in the past and present. She also acknowledged the kids as her grandchildren. Tessa had been happy and didn’t hesitate to draw Mom into a hug.We scheduled a dinner with Tessa’s parents to officially declare my intentions. I had married Tessa the wrong way years ago, but now I wanted to do right by her. Her parents had been stiff during the dinner at first, but Tessa was a beautiful instrument in converting them to accommodating individuals. Mom also carried on the conversation by being herself, and before long, she and Mrs. Roberts were laughing like old pals. During a sleepover with kids at my place, Tessa had suggested we move in toge
Geneveive Tessa RobertI took the blanket from Kyle’s quiet housekeeper and covered the twins. I hadn’t planned on sleeping over,over, but the kids had fallen asleep after our third monopoly game. I kissed their cheeks and followed the housekeeper out. Another reason why I hadn't wanted to sleepover was Kyle.He had stirred my feelings with his call conversation on my way here. Lately, I had been struggling with admitting my feelings for him because I was afraid of envisioning a future with him. Would Kyle give me all the happiness I wanted in life? Would he wake up one morning and demand a divorce because I couldn’t give him more children? children? ThereThere was also Dahila. I didn’t want to think about what Vera had insinuated about her always having an ulterior motive for everything she did. I shrugged, entering the living room. I would also have to talk to Kyle about his mom and suggest a truce. If I was going to accept it into my life finally, Dahila and I needed to sort out
Kyle KingPlanning a perfect date was always a nervous activity for me because I had to ensure everything was perfect and tailored to my partner’s taste—in this case, my partner was Tessa, and she deserved to be treated perfectly well. I glanced at the table as the housekeeper helped arrange the dishes properly and set the tablecloths. I glanced at her work and nodded my approval. This was going to be a perfect date. I rushed into the shower, and a few minutes later, I was out. I picked a casual outfit—a Ralph Lauren shirt and black jeans. I ran my comb through my black curls. I mentally noted to check in with a barber across the street to reduce the fullness of my hair. I preferred it to be moderate and looking shabby or rough.After a quick view of my appearance, I strolled out of the room and settled in the living room, waiting for Tessa and the kids. I had wanted to take them out, but Tessa preferred a house date. She also felt it was right; the kids came. They were missing me e
Genevieve Tessa Robert‘My parents still believe I made a wrong mistake introducing Kyle to the kids. They don’t think he has truly changed, and I tried convincing them, but it was futile.’ I said, stretching my body on the mat beside the pool. Vera raised her head a bit. ‘You should know the Roberts by now. They never liked Kyle and will never like him. I think they are just tolerating him because of the kids.’I agreed. ‘If not for the kids, I am certain they would have scared him off and warned me to stay away from him.’‘Did you tell Kyle about it?’I nodded. ‘Yes, I have, and he wants us to meet with my parents. I declined. I don’t think it’s a wise decision yet. We’re still friends for now, and I am yet to decide if I want to go further with him.’She laughed, looking at me. ‘But you enjoyed his lips on yours, right? Honestly, I like the baby steps, but a man can’t wait forever, you know?’‘Kyle King would wait for me even if it takes years for me to decide. He’s obese and in l
Kyle KingIn the mirror, I stared at my eyes. I always thought they lacked the spark seen in other people’s eyes. But, after Tessa teased me about having the brightest eyes she had ever seen, the spark somehow emerged. I washed my face and returned to my bedroom. Today was the last day of King’s company headquarters construction. The project manager had been hard-working, and his team was perfect. They had executed everything according to the construction team plan, although there were some hiccups on the way, but we were able to scale through.I scanned through my outfits, and my eyes rested on a blue shirt with a love emoji at the side. Tessa had gotten it for me a few days before my decision to divorce her six years ago. I never had the courage to throw or wear it, but every morning after she left, I would stare at it like it was a reminder of what we had. My hands lingered on it as I remembered the kiss we had shared when she came to pick up the kids yesterday. She had been reluct
Genevieve Tessa RobertI knocked lightly at the door, opened slowly, and walked into my parent's large library. They had invited me for a meeting after James informed them about my night with Kyle. I rehearsed my speech and reminded myself why I had forgiven Kyle and revealed who he was with the kids.My dad was scrolling through his phone while Mom was laughing at something on her phone. They were seated on the long couch, ignoring my entrance until I settled near them.‘Good afternoon, Mom and Dad. I got your message. But firstly,’ I took Mom’s phone. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be on bedrest?’She folded her hands, pouting. ‘The doctor cleared me yesterday, and I decided to chill with my husband. Is that bad?’I handed the phone back. ‘Alright. It’s not bad, then. So, why did you guys request my presence here this afternoon?’Dad dropped his phone, sitting up. ‘Welcome, dear. I will go straight to the point. I called you because of Kyle. I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t be returni
Kyle KingI held Tessa’s hands as we stood outside her house and replayed our moment in her company. How she held my hand tightly and used her action to define our status. I smiled, looking at her. She was engrossed with a phone call. I decoded it was her father because of the way she kept laughing and calling him Pops. I watched her face, the tilt of her head, and the glow in her eyes. These were part of the reason why I reacted for her. She was mine. My Tessa.‘Are you done admiring my face?’ Tessa asked, smiling widely. ‘You know you take a picture and keep it, right?’I chuckled, releasing her hand. ‘You are irresistible, Tessa, and every time I see your face, I fall harder. You’re my obsession, and I am not afraid to admit it.’She blushed, shaking her head. ‘We’re still friends, right, Kyle?’I drew a breath, nodding. ‘Yes, we are, but that won’t stop me from admitting my feelings for you. I love you now and forever.’‘Okay, Kyle. Thank you. Can we meet the kids now?’I felt a b
Genevieve Tessa RobertI listened as Kyle told me everything that happened between him and Avaline. He also gave me updates on his case, and I wasn’t surprised when he said Avaline was an accomplice to the crime. She had all colours of suspicion written on her when we spoke in Nashville, or rather, when she forced me to listen to her ramblings. He was looking strangely at me. Did he say something that needed my response? ‘Did you say something, Kyle?’ I asked, not caring that I made him feel like I wasn’t listening to him.He shrugged. ‘I have been saying a lot of things, but it’s obvious that you aren’t listening to me. I am truly sorry for not showing up. Avaline just showed up suddenly, got me talking, and before I could figure out what was going on, I was gone.’I replied, taking his hands. ‘You didn’t return my calls. I was worried, and the kids were waiting for you. They refused to sleep after the party because they insisted on seeing you. Kyle. We were supposed to tell them a
Kyle KingI walked into her building, but the receptionist blandly told me she was busy with meetings. I dialled her number several times, but she wasn’t picking. I sent her numerous texts, pleading and informing her I was at the reception. She didn’t reply. I decided to wait until closing hours. She doesn't stay cooped up in her office all day. If she still kept to her schedule, I know by two p.m., she always drove over to her house to check up on the kids and Estella. I winked at the stiff security guards as I settled at the reception. They wouldn’t dare to disturb me because they knew my status. I scrolled through my phone as the early moment with Avaline replayed in my mind. I was going to start with her family. I will reduce them to dust and then ensure their family’s name becomes history. I sent a message to my Russian ethical hacker: Whenever I wanted to do dirty deals, I didn't want trace to my name. I used him. He knew how to walk into an encrypted bank account, drain them,