CHAPTER 112

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I 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 about, you will thank me.’

‘Right,’ I replied, watching him. ‘My eyes are on you, Xavi. If you ruin my party, I won’t forgive you.’

I steadied myself and walked away. I didn’t even know who invited him to the party. I suspected it was my mom, but confronting her right now wasn’t necessary. I settled down with James and checked my mail. There were some requests from one of the creative directors to begin our new project plan. I replied, ignoring James’s giggles. 

He had invited all his friends, and they were a loud crowd. I wondered why he kept Such people as friends. It wasn’t as if their jokes were funny. I saw Kyle walk towards Xavier. They were laughing and getting along a lot. I felt a ping of jealousy. How could he be so bold to be happy and rub it on my face at my birthday party? The freaking audacity.

They moved to the disc jockey, and before I could stand up and stop them, The music switched to my favourite musician of the century, Phil Collins. Wow. He still remembered. I observed him, took the mic, cleared his throat, and he started speaking. I was rooted to my seat, and I noticed the angry gazes of my parents. Kyle was going to be at the receiving end of their pissed mood today.

‘Tessa, happy birthday to you, and I hope you get everything you want from life because you deserve it and have worked hard all your life. This is me saying an apology to you for divorcing and humiliating you.’ Kyle sniffed.

I adjusted a bit in my chair as I noticed everyone’s attention was on us. I felt choked with anger and admiration. He was doing what no man I knew would do—kneeling and crying for forgiveness.

A projector came on, and the videos of our marriage and years of our happy times started playing. I didn’t know when I started crying, and James held my hands. He continued his speech, confessing everything he did to me, including the money he stole and the years of emotional assault.

It was too much to take, so I stood up and walked out, not caring how pathetic I looked with tears ruining my mother’s multidollar make-up artist’s handiwork. How could he reveal everything to the world, just like I could dissolve the coldness in my heart for him? 

He knew our memories would stir something in me. He knew I would be forced to change my mind, but I wasn’t going to fall into his hands, just like. I was stronger than he knew.

I paced, replaying everything he said and the genuineness of his confession. Also, the way my parents facial expressions changed immediately after the videos started haunting me.

I heard footsteps and turned. Of course, it had to be him.

‘Why did you do that hyped display, Kyle? Especially on my birthday!’ I asked, staring coldly at him.

He sighed, walking closer. ‘I am sorry, Tessa. I just thought it was high time I accepted my crimes publicly. I did it with your parents, and it seemed right to do this.’

‘Right, Kyle. Well, bad news for you. I am not touched by what you did, okay? It was a waste of time.’

‘I disagree, Tessa. I know you to an extent, and from what I saw in there, your reaction spoke volumes. How long are you going to keep punishing me for what happened five years ago? Can’t you just find a way to let go of everything?’

I laughed sarcastically, ‘No, Kyle. I can’t let you into my life just like that. I know you are doing all these things because of the kids, but let me tell you now, your plan has failed.’

He scoffed, ‘Come on, Tessa. Please, just give me a chance to prove my love for you. I beg you.’

‘Interesting. The mighty CEO of the King’s companies. Oh, sorry. I heard the D.K. company will be liquidated soon, right?’

He shrugged, looking up at me. ‘You are right, Tessa, but let’s not change the topic.’

I rode on, ignoring his plea, ‘We aren’t changing the topic yet because I have some news for you. I bought the shareholders and the company, and now you will report to me.’

‘What? How did you get into the company in the first place without my being aware?’

I smiled, walking closer to him. ‘I have my ways, dear. Prepare to start living your hell on earth because I am about to crumble.’

‘Tessa, I am ready to leave the company for you if you will just promise to return to me.’

I laughed, ‘Do you think I am stupid, Kyle? You want us to remarry so that you can take control of my life like you did back then? That’s not going.’

‘Tessa, please. Just give us another chance.’

I glanced at him, smiling broadly. ‘Your time is up, Kyle King.’