CHAPTER 120

Kyle King

I watched as Vera and Murphy took their vows while Tessa and the train of bridesmaids smiled widely. I noticed Tessa throw a few glances at me, and I could read what she was thinking.

Our massive wedding in St. Catherine’s Cathedral The vows and smiles.

She had been thrilled years ago, even when her parents refused to attend the wedding. She wasn’t bothered because I made sure she didn’t feel lonely. My mom and one of her distant uncles had stood by our sides, and the proceedings had been exciting.

I could remember that the media had talked about it for months, and we had been the most trending couple. I didn’t do well with her. That was certain. I glanced at her again. Her eyes were red. Damn. Whatever she was thinking about must be hurtful. 

It’s you.

My phone vibrated. A message. I quickly checked it out. It was Xavier.

There’s a big problem, pal. The Planet O company is hitting the rocks. You might want to check in after the wedding.

Is Planet O hitting the rocks? That was a rival company owned by Christopher Gomez. A big talker who did shady deals and crumbled anyone who tried to grow bigger than him. Kyle had met the man a few times, and they had done some deals that always ended in arguments and grunts. They weren’t in the same line of business, though. Planet O was the largest health insurance company. Used to be anyway. 

Two years ago, Christopher took out a lot of loans and couldn’t pay them back to some people, including the banks. The banks came for him, and he sent them running. He had the best connection list, and he came from the wealthiest of the wealthiest families. They couldn’t hit the rocks except for the publicity stunt.

I replied, ‘I would reach out to a few people in Nashville to get the latest updates. Meanwhile, where are you? The reception is about to start!’

Christopher Gomez and his company could wait until another day but not have the chance to be with Tessa again. I looked up as the crowd strolled out. The vows had been made. Murray and Vera were finally married. I was really happy for Vera, and as I congratulated her again, I made sure I mentioned it.

‘We have been expecting this for a long time. Congratulations, dear.’ I said, hugging her.

She smiled. ‘Everyone has apparently been waiting for me to join the marriage train. I discovered that fact a few days ago. Thank you for showing up, Kyle. Even though we still have a score to settle, I am glad you created time to be here.’

A score to settle will mean a five-year mistake and a divorce. Vera wasn’t my best ally, but she had been the only person who stood by Tessa when we wanted to get married then. For that loyalty, I respected her a lot.

‘I know I messed up a lot, Vera. I am doing my best to rectify my mistakes, but you know how Tessa is.’ I admitted, smiling at familiar faces who greeted Vera as we walked into the reception hall.

She nodded. ‘Give her time, Kyle. I am sure she will come around when you least expect it. I just hope you won’t mess up this time around.’

I shook my head, raising my hands. ‘After everything that happened with Avaline, I don’t think I will be repeating that mistake. It took me another divorce to realize what I had lost the first time.’

She laughed, ‘Was Avaline that bad? I thought she completed you. You guys were the hottest couple in Nashville for years, and she did well to make your family name trend. I remember you always wanted to be the latest gist and the most talked-about personality in the city, and Avaline fulfilled that wish.’

I agreed, ‘Yes, she did, but I realized I wasn’t really happy. My wealth tripled, business was booming, and I had the perfect wife. But something was missing.’

‘Children? Is that why you are trying to get back with Tessa?’

I raised my eyebrow, noting the trap. I couldn’t walk into it like a fool. I had to be wise in my answers.

‘No, don’t get me wrong. I am here because I fell in love with Tessa again. I know it’s weird, but that’s exactly why I haven’t left for Nashville. I am in love with Tessa.’

Wow. I finally said it out loud.

She nodded, smiling. ‘I believe you, Kyle King. I hope she gives you a chance. I have to go. It’s time for the couple’s dance.’

I watched her join Murphy, and they immediately started the chicken dance. It was hilarious.

‘I can see you’re enjoying the party, Kyle.’ Tessa said, joining me. She had cleaned off her make-up, and I couldn’t help but stare at her natural beauty. She was hot.

I focused on the couple. ‘Vera and Murphy are great hosts. Thank you for inviting me once again.’

She nodded. ‘Yeah, you’re welcome. This wedding reminds me of our wedding. Did you remember how you were so excited when the DJ played your favourite song?’

I chuckled. ‘Yes, I did, and I danced like I was competing for a medal. You weren’t bad yourself.’

‘Well, I didn’t want you to be a loner on your wedding day,’ she laughed. ‘Kyle, why did you stop loving me?’

The pain in her voice made me look into her eyes. I could feel all the emotions: hurt, pain, and hate. 

‘I didn’t stop. I was just blinded by my greed and selfishness. I am sorry, Tessa.’

She sniffed, a tear falling. ‘After I left Nashville, I tried to unlove you, but it was so hard. Even after the twins came, I still thought about you, but when I remembered what you did to me, I knew I had to make it in life, so that when you returned to us, you would go on your knees and beg us to become yours again.’

‘Tessa…’ My voice broke. I didn’t realize the depth of her pain until tonight. While I was travelling the world with Avaline, she was dealing with emotional stress and heartbreak. God!

‘You don’t need to say anything, Kyle. Enjoy the party.’ She patted my hand and walked through the crowd.

I clenched my fists, letting out a silent cry. I had lost her again.