CHAPTER 116

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I 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 thought he understood me. 

‘I am sorry I made you feel that way, Kyle. I was just enjoying the meal and didn’t want to start any conversation that would upset the atmosphere. Honestly, thank you for the dinner. I enjoyed it.’

He smiled widely. ‘Alright, thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the meal. I didn’t want to order takeout because I knew you had a low tolerance for pepper.’

I chuckled. It’s been a while since anyone reminded me of my dislike for peppery meals. I had grown used to them due to Estella and her magical culinary skills. I didn’t tell Kyle, though. I didn’t want him to feel bad.

I replied, ‘Thank you for your concern. So, King’s Company When are you returning home?’

‘When you are ready to leave with me, Tessa, I am not going anywhere until you finally accept me into your life.’ He replied, smiling broadly.

I laughed, ‘You know this dinner date is just a one-time affair? You should make good of it instead of reminding me of ‘us’.’

He scoffed, getting up. ‘Let’s dance then. If tonight is my last time ever with you, I would like to make it memorable.’

I smiled, thinking for a moment. It was just a dance, not a bedroom offer. I took his hands, and immediately I felt that spark in me. I quickly withdrew my hands and noticed his confused gaze.

‘Your touch still does things to my body, Kyle. I don’t know if we should do this.’ I said, looking into his eyes. That was my second mistake. I remained transfixed as he took my hands slowly, rested his left hand on my back, and drew me closer. It took everything in me not to collapse in his embrace.

After an hour of dancing, he took me to his game room, and we played some station games and card games. I ended up winning most of them, and I felt happy. I caught myself several times ogling at him. I shouldn’t be having fun with someone I have sworn not to allow into my life anymore. I couldn’t stop myself, though. I think dancing with him opened up a new set of emotions. New set of emotions. I wasn’t ready for that lifestyle.

He called you a barren woman.

He divorced you because he wanted to be with his college lover.

He never loved you.

Why did you come here?

He still doesn’t respect you.

He’s only here because of the children.

My conscience attacked me as he led me to the parlour, and we fell into talking. I couldn’t shake the ugly feeling that I was starting something I might regret tonight.

I shouldn’t be on a date with my ex-husband. Mom had frowned at the idea, while Vera had approved. In her words, he was the twins' father, and it was necessary that I maintain a good relationship with him. I hope she was right.

‘What’s going on in your head?’ he asked, handing me a bucket of popcorn. We had decided to end the night with a comedy movie. 

I smiled, collecting it. ‘I am missing the kids, that’s all. What about Xavier? I was going to ask earlier, but it slipped my mind.’

He replied, looking at me. ‘I hope I can meet the kids someday and spend some time with them. I would love to know more about them, if you don’t mind. As for Xavier, he’s at an all-night party. He will be back in the morning.’

I nodded at his comment on Xavier, but not at his hope to see the kids. I still hadn’t made up my mind to introduce him to them. 

‘About the kids, you will have to give me some time, Kyle. I am only here because you have been trying your best to prove that you are a changed man, and right now, I know you're not the Kyle who divorced me years ago.’

He took my hand and squeezed it. ‘I am sorry for everything, Tessa. You made me who I am today. King’s Company is standing because of you, and I was so stupid to not appreciate your value until you left. Avaline proved that you are irreplaceable.’

I smiled. ‘How bad was Avaline?’

He chuckled, letting go of my hand. ‘So bad. The staff were afraid of her, including Christine.’

‘Well, you kind of deserve it, Kyle King. Anyway, can we start the movie?’

He stared at me for a moment, picked up the remote, and the movie started.

I fell on my bed after checking up on the kids. They were still up when I returned, and I had to read their bedtime stories to make them sleep. My phone buzzed. It was Kyle.

Thank you for tonight. I hope we can do this again with the kids. 

I sighed. Kyle King would never give up until he got what he wanted. He would have to try harder.

‘You are welcome. Thank you for the excellent dinner and for being a beautiful host. Would there be another time? Let’s see.’

I smiled, knowing my reply would keep him on his feet.