CHAPTER 135

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I glanced at the table across the room, and my eyes settled on the figure who was the cause of my distraction. Kyle King. I thought he was kidding when he informed me a few days ago that he was in the United Kingdom. Seeing him now, I knew I should have taken his words seriously and prepared my body and myself for his reappearance in my life. 

I watched him take a glass of juice while his focus remained on the magazine he was reading. He was oblivious to his environment or me watching him. Xavier was trying to capture his attention, but he said nothing and continued reading. Whatever was in the magazine must be extremely serious. 

A deep, masculine voice called me. My lunch date is Sam. I had completely forgotten about him. Mum had hooked me up with him because she was tired of seeing the faraway look on myself. 

‘Just for now, okay? Get to know him and have adult conversations with him. You aren’t ready to accept Kyle back, so stop holding yourself back from meeting people,’ she’d said as she surpervised my dressing. It was Saturday. It wasn't my ideal day for a date, but Mom wasn’t bothered. 

‘What if he bores me with business talks?’ I asked, squeezing my face. I knew she was looking out for me, but a date with one of her circle’s sons wasn’t welcoming to me.  

She sighed. ‘It’s a lunch date and not a marriage proposal. If he bores you, figure something that would lighten the table.’

If only she knew that I lost interest in the date after ten minutes. Sam was the typical arrogant businessman who only knew how to boast about his contracts and the profits he made daily. 

I smiled, focusing on him. ‘I am sorry. I thought I saw someone I knew. You were saying?’

Sam smiled, taking my hands. ‘I was wondering if we could do this again. Not during the weekend, though, but Friday next week? Same place and time. I will do the booking.’

Nice. He really thought I would love to sit down on another boring date with him. Not happening ever again.

‘I enjoyed my time with you, Sam, but I don’t think I would love to repeat this. You’re not my type. I am sorry.’ I said, not minding my straight-forwardness. I wasn’t trained to beat around the bush, so I continued. ‘Throughout our lunch, you kept talking about business and interrupting me when I wanted to contribute something. You took charge of my order, and now, on another date, you’re taking charge? You can’t boss me around, dear.’

His face flushed, his hands in a fist. ‘I didn’t know you didn’t like to be treated like a lady, Geneveive. It’s true what they say about you. Proud and rude! I thought I could tame you; that’s why I accepted this date offer, but I see you are not worth it. Forget the fact that you’re wealthy; you are still not worth my efforts!’

I laughed, not minding his words. ‘I can see you’re pained, Sam. Anyway, this was a mistake. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday.’

He grabbed my hand roughly, yelling. ‘You can’t leave yet; I am not done talking!’ 

‘Let me go! You’re causing a scene, Sam. Don’t let me call your mom and report you, okay?’ I breathed harshly, slowly removing my hand from his grip. 

He adjusted his suit and stood up. ‘Enjoy the rest of the evening, and since you’re so wealthy, take care of the bills, please.’

I shook my head, steadying my breath. The fool! I was going to give mom a piece of my mind once i return home. How dare she allow me to go on a date with a despicable and angry fellow? I stared at my wrist. It was red. The fool!

 I counted the bills and placed them on the menu. It was more than I expected. Sam had ordered one of their expensive wines to show off, obviously, and I suspected he never planned on paying for it. Angry, stingy, and an opportunist. 

‘Hi… Can I join you, Tessa?’ A familiar voice interrupted my reverie. The scent hit me before I looked up at her face. Kyle King. I had forgotten for a minute that he was here and must have witnessed that fool’s drama.

He had also caught me red-handed! 

I cleared my throat, smiling widely. ‘Yes, please. I got your text. I am sorry I didn’t reply. I have been so busy with a lot of activities.’

He nodded. ‘I know you have been busy for a month and twenty-five days now. It’s two days until Christmas, so I will forgive you all. How are you and the kids?’

I shrugged—I wasn’t expecting his calm response. ‘We’re doing great. They miss you.’

‘They do? Wow. I missed them too. Hold on, though. What’s up with that dude? I wanted to intervene, but you settled it quite well.’

‘Oh, Sam? He is nobody. Just an angry man who can’t take no for an answer. I don’t want to talk about it, please.’

He nodded, smiling. ‘Alright. I hope he didn’t hurt you, though?’

I stared at my red wrist. ‘Just my wrist, but I will be fine once I place some ice blocks on it.’

He took my wrist, swearing immediately. ‘That spineless fool! Give me his full name, and I will call my men to search for him and give him the punishment he deserves.’

I laughed, enjoying his alpha side. ‘It’s alright, Kyle. He’s not worth it. Do you want to see the kids? They’re at my mom’s place.’

‘Yes, Yes. I would love to. Can we go now?’ He asked eagerly, his eyes shining.

I stood up and said, ‘Let’s go. I am really sorry for the silent treatment once again. I have no excuse for what I did.’

He waved it off. ‘It’s fine, Tessa. I deserved it and more. I shouldn’t have harrassed you with a lot of calls and messages. It’s not like you’re my wife or girlfriend.’

I didn’t know why my heart thumped faster, but I felt his words. He was no longer thinking of me in that affectionate way.

Shouldn’t I be happy? His next words made me review my thoughts.

‘Tessa, I know it’s too early, but I wish we could go on a date when you’re ready. I have really missed you.’

I bit my bottom lip, saying nothing. And maybe he still thought about me in an affectionate way.