CHAPTER 118

Kyle King

Estella’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 what I had done. I didn’t want to feel bad about my decision. I know I was trespassing, and that was wrong. I shouldn’t even be in her house, but a desperate man would do anything, and right now, I was prepared to go to jail because of her. 

I had made the wrong decision by marrying Avaline. This was a second chance, and I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn't give it my all. Tessa was the person who completed me. Funny how it took me five and a half years to realise that fact. Also, I should thank Avaline for being the opposite of everything I wanted. If she had been a perfect match, I mightn’t have realised how much I had lost.

Avaline.

Her parents had used all the connections they could pull to move her to Nashville State Prison. She would be out by the end of the year. She was still trying to use my mom to stop me from moving on, but mom had stopped talking about her after I reminded her what Avaline did to Tessa. She was jealous, vile, and wicked. The King family didn’t want someone with that kind of attitude.

My phone rang.

Xavier

‘What’s up?’ I asked, frying the pancakes. ‘Is she still at the office?’

Xavier replied, 'Yeah, but she would be leaving soon. Is everything set?’

I turned the pancakes and said, ‘No, you need to delay her a bit. I just started frying the pancakes, and I haven't even prepared the yoghurt.’

Xavier sighed, ‘Damn, man. You have turned to a chef overnight. I thought you were just going to babysit the kids and not do anything else.’

I chuckled, ‘That won’t warm her heart, pal. She enjoyed the dinner date, and it won’t hurt to prepare her favourite, right?’

‘I hope everything works for you, then. I will see how I can delay her a bit. You owe me one.’

‘Of course I do. Keep me updated if your plan doesn’t work, though. I really want the surprise to work perfectly well.’

He yawned, ‘Get to work, Chef Kyle, and stop underestimating my abilities.’

I cut off the call and focused on the pancakes. I needed everything to be ready before she arrived, and hopefully she would like it. 

Estella helped with the table setting, even though I insisted she shouldn’t help me. The twins were hyperactive, and we couldn’t make them sleep. Estella hinted that they wouldn’t sleep until Tessa was home. Also, they had a lot of questions for their mom concerning me, so I should just let them be. 

We decided to read them bedtime stories while we waited for Tessa. They slept off after the third story. Tessa was yet to arrive. I texted Xavier, and he replied immediately.

She just left the office. 

I glanced at the pancakes, and Estella read my intention immediately. She helped in microwaving them and reheating the sausage rolls I had added as an afterthought.

The door creaked open. She was here.

I scrambled to my feet, waking up the kids. My first mistake.

‘Momma! Momma! Momma!’ they screamed, running towards her. She looked beautiful in her lace blue gown and the way she carried the kids, answering their numerous questions. She must have noticed the kids gazes towards me because she paused in her footsteps. 

‘What are you doing here, Kyle?’ she asked, glaring at me.

I swallowed. Her deadly glares always had an effect on me. I could never tell why it did. 

‘It’s a surprise. I just wanted to help Estella handle the kids. You have been complaining about how the kids take up a lot of Estella’s free time. I am sorry if I overstepped boundaries.’

She sighed, letting Estella take the kids. ‘I told you the kids aren’t ready to meet you, Kyle. Why are you trying to force things?’

I walked towards her, observing her mood. ‘I am not trying to force things. I just wanted to do something simple but amazing for you. I never used to have the time to focus on the little things that made you smile, but now I can afford to do that, and I want to ensure you’re happy as I do them.’

‘Still, Kyle. You can’t walk into my life and control everything just like that. This is my house, and they’re also my kids.’ She smiled a bit. ‘I don’t want to drag things with you, though. Thank you for your efforts and care. Estella looks more relaxed than I have seen her in days.’

I bit my lips, taking in everything she had said so far. I didn’t realise how controlling I could be until she pointed it out to me. I should say something. What?

‘I promise not to do this again, Tessa. I just got carried away with your text message. I am happy you appreciate my efforts.’

She nodded, sniffing. ‘There will be no next time, though. Is that strawberry I smell in the air?’

I nodded, my eyes shining.

She stood up immediately, walking to the dining room. Her facial expression was golden. I knew before she said anything that this was the right thing to do.

‘This is beautiful, Kyle!’ She smiled, grabbing a pancake and taking a bite. ‘Hmm, just how I like it. Well, you’re forgiven for tonight. Join me, please.’

I smiled widely. Baby steps made a big difference.