CHAPTER 117

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 your help, Xavi.’

He whistled, looking up at me. ‘So, now you need my help? I thought you were keeping the whole affair a secret.’

Xavier and always being Xavier. I knew he would never let this down for life. I had just signed a taunting contract with him, and I was going to regret it now and forever. Nevertheless, I needed his help, so I had to bend to his rules.

‘I am sorry for keeping Tessa’s affair a secret. I just didn't know if she would keep her promise and then end up getting jeered by you.’

‘Oh, brother. I wouldn’t have jeered at you. What made you think that I would do that? I am not so wicked, you know?’

I laughed, ‘You have been on her side lately and even advised me to stop trying to win her back. Do you expect me now to tell you that she finally agreed? Also, if it hadn’t worked out, you would have turned to a preacher immediately. I know what you’re capable of doing, Xavier.’

He stood up, grinning. ‘Okay, I accept your verdict on my attitude, but you know, I must always tell you the truth, right?’

‘Of course. So, would you help me?’

He nodded, and I proceeded to tell him my plan. I wanted to do something simple but memorable. I was thinking of babysitting the kids while she was at work. I have already spoken to Estella and James. They agreed to keep it a secret and help me accomplish the task. I also planned on repeating the dinner scenario, but with a different choice of food. His favourite is strawberry pancakes with plain yoghurt decorated with strawberries. I had everything I needed to make sure it worked, but I needed someone to be on the lookout for Tessa. I didn’t want her to come in unexpectedly and ruin the surprise. Xavier was the right person for the job, and as I explained my plans to him, I suddenly had a great feeling that it would work.

Operation Win Tessa’s heart was in progress.

The kids were excited to see me. I had barely sat with them for five minutes before Hope started interrogating me. For a five-year-old or five and a half-year-old, as she kept correcting me, she was a curious young toddler. She wanted to know if I was Tessa’s friend and also their nanny. Nicholas wanted me to play with him, and I ended up taking them to the yard to play a piggyback game. It was exciting, but I felt a bit sad. They couldn’t call me Dad yet. Someday, they will. I comforted myself with that fact as I pulled out a puzzle game for kids and taught them how to play it.

After the games, Estella took them to take their baths while I got busy with their lunch. Dinner would be Tessa’s special pancakes. I checked the dos and don’ts list and found something intriguing. The twins were allergic to peanut butter, just like me. If I needed more proof about being their father, this was solid evidence. I stared at the list, and slowly a memory surfaced.

‘So, tell me. What are your allergies?’ Tessa asked as I joined her on the couch. We were in her room at the college, disobeying the rules and regulations. We weren’t bothered because I was Kyle King and she was the daughter of one of the most famous entrepreneurs in the country. The authorities couldn’t touch us.

I laughed, rubbing the back of her foot. ‘No one has ever asked me that. I guess it’s because I am a king and immune to sickness and failure.’

She looked up, her eyes watching me. ‘Do you believe you’re immune?’

‘No, I am not. I am allergic to peanut butter and groundnuts. I can’t stand the scent either.’

She’d hummed and said nothing for a few seconds. ‘I am allergic to nothing though, but I understand you. It’s not easy to deal with allergies and being different from others.’

I agreed, ‘Yeah, but when I am with you, I don’t feel different. I always want to be the best version of myself when we are together because you have a way of inspiring me.’

We had laughed over my words, but I never forgot how her face glowed with happiness that day. It was perfect.

Estella’s voice brought me back. I wasn’t in college anymore but in Tessa’s kitchen, trying to figure out what to prepare for the twins. 

‘Why not make pasta, tomato sauce, and chicken chops for them? It’s their favourite.’ Estella said, after helping me scratch a list of meals I couldn’t make for them due to one reason or another.

I smiled immediately. ‘That’s not a bad idea. Thank you, Estella. I appreciate you for everything.

She took my hands and said, ‘I hope she forgives you, monsieur.’

I hope she does too.