CHAPTER 136

Kyle King

‘Here we are, Kyle. They’re probably at the swimming pool learning a new skill or reading. James always ensures they are never bored, whenever they are.’ Tessa said, switching off the car.

 

I nodded, talking in the magnificent structure of her father’s house. It was situated on a private estate, and there were more houses than expected to be here. I stared at her again. She was talking about the kids' favourite sports and wondering if it would be great to allow Nicholas to join his school football team next year. 

 

She wanted my opinion on Nicholas. Change, is this you?

‘Yeah, I think it will be great if he joins the soccer team. He’s a natural, and James has been training him pretty well.’ I replied, following her into the house. I paused, looking at the view. Okay, I wasn’t expecting Robert’s house to be stunning! Extremely stunning. There was beautiful artwork of Tessa and the kids covering the wall of the living room. It was beautiful.

 

‘Did you draw this?’ I asked, walking towards the artwork. 

 

She nodded, smiling widely. ‘I did. It took me two months to complete it, but it was worth the time. You like it?’

 

‘Yes, I do. You’re a talented artist, Tessa. I never knew you had it in you.’ I shut my mouth immediately. ‘I am sorry; I didn’t mean it that way.’

 

She smiled tightly. ‘Of course you didn’t mean it. You must have thought I wouldn’t make it back on my feet after the divorce, right?’

 

I shook my head. ‘No, Tessa. I always knew you would make it with or without me. I am very sorry for what I said.’

 

‘That’s fine. You haven’t changed a bit. The kids are in the gameroom. It’s the door on your left-hand side. You won’t miss it due to the noise. Also, you have one hour, so use it wisely.’

 

Well done, Kyle. You just used your condescending tone to destroy the little progress you were making.

‘I am really sorry for what I said, Tessa. I didn’t mean it.’

 

She waved it off. ‘One hour, Kyle. My parents will soon be home, and you know they don’t like you so much. I would advise you to use your time wisely and now.’ 

 

I sighed, watching her walk through the door. I suspected it was the kitchen because of the scents that rushed out immediately after she opened the door.

 

I followed her description and found the room. It was slightly opened, so I knocked and stepped in. It wasn’t what I was expecting. What were Tessa’s parents worth again? 

 

The gameroom was actually a casino. Okay, the casino was a bit elaborate for my description, but the room had everything a casino had, but there were modifications for the kids. A tiny basket ball pitch. A large dollhouse. A swing and different board games. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts had really outdone themselves.

 

‘Stop staring, or you will make me believe that you have never tasted wealth before. You like it, right?’ James asked, grinning. 

 

I nodded, still amused. ‘This is massive, James. I didn’t know your parents could invest so much in a gameroom.’

 

He chuckled. ‘Not my parents, but Tessa and I. We wanted something that would blow their minds, and this came up. They play here sometimes or in the living room if they want to get on their grandparents' nerves. It’s pretty cool, right?’

 

‘Yes, it is. Tessa must have spent a lot on this place, I believe.’ I replied, running my hands through the snooker table. It’s been awhile since I played snooker! I felt a bit jealous. My ex-wife was living a life that we had both imagined for ourselves.

 

‘She did spend a lot, but it was chicken change.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Tessa said you came to check up on the kids, right?’

 

I nodded again, trying to swallow the fact that Tessa was now way above my league. Once upon a time, it was the opposite. Well, technically, the opposite. Her parents were and still are wealthier than my family.

 

‘Hope, Nicholas! Kyle is here. Where are you kids?’ James yelled, walking to the other side of the room. 

 

‘We are here,’ Nicholas replied, walking towards him. He paused and saw me. ‘Kyle! We’ve missed you!’ he yelled, running towards me.

 

I took him in my hands. Even though it was hurtful that he still called me by name, I was happy that he was pleased to see me. ‘I have missed you too. Where’s Hope?’

 

He smiled. ‘She’s coming, Kyle. Why did you leave us? Momma said you'd have a lot of work to do.’

 

‘Yes, I did, but I am back for now. How’s school and your friends?’

 

He started a story immediately, and soon I was laughing. It was great to be with them again. James excused us, and I played a lot of games with Hope and Nicholas. We also did a storytime session, and I did piggybacks for them. I felt so much like a father, and I was tempted to tell them I was their dad, but I knew if I did, Tessa was going to cut my head and send it as a gift to my mother.

 

An hour later, Tessa called us to have dinner. Her parents were back, but they didn’t join us. Luckily for the kids, the atmosphere was lively, and I caught Tessa glancing at me a few times. She spoke a few times to me, but her smile told me she had still not forgiven me. 

 

Her mom joined us when we were having dessert. She mumbled my greeting, and I felt stupid immediately. Why was I trying to impress her mom anyway? They had never liked me when Tessa and I were married, and even now, the dislike is shining like the sun.

 

‘Hope you aren’t planning on staying here tonight?’ Mrs. Robert asked, holding my gaze.

 

That’s it. I dropped my fork and said, ‘I will be taking my leave now. Thank you for the hospitality. Tessa, thank you for allowing me to see the kids. I will call you tomorrow. Goodnight.’

 

I doubt if she heard me because she didn’t move a bit to respond, or if she was pretending. I smiled and stepped out. 

 

I shouldn’t have stayed for dinner.