CHAPTER 155

Kyle King

The pilot’s voice woke me up from a pleasant dream. I stifled a yawn as the old woman sitting beside me casted a hateful glance. I smiled widely, irritating her the more. Few hours ago, she accused me of being the lover who jilted her daughter. 

I didn’t even recognize the daughter when she shoved the picture at me before the plane took off. I tried to explain myself but the old lady was adamant and kept telling whoever cared to listen about how I had dated her daughter, given her a ring and disappeared.

All I could do was listen and shake my head. When she noticed I wasn't going to argue with her anymore, she settled with throwing me hateful glances and I reciprocated with wide grins. 

‘I hope someone breaks your heart just as you did to my daughter and you have several sleepless nights too!’ the old lady said, rolling her eyes as she took off her seatbelts.

I sighed, tired of the false accusation. ‘Ma, I am sorry your daughter got jilted but like I told you a few hours ago, I don't know your daughter nor you. I am Kyle King, the CEO of the Kings company and Planet O. You might’ve heard of me.’

A flick of recognition shone in her eyes and disappeared immediately. ‘I don’t believe you. The Kyle King I know won’t use public airplanes. He’s richer and hotter and doesn’t look anything like you. You think I am crazy, right?’

Dear Lord, save me! ‘Alright, you win. I am sorry about your daughter, and I hope she finds someone better someday.’

The old lady rolled her eyes, standing up. ‘She has found someone better than you, Nate. Don’t call her ever again, or else I will hunt you!’

I stifled a laugh as she dragged her suitcase out of the plane. I had never been accused of being someone else before. This was my first, and it wasn’t a sweet experience. I dropped down from the plane, passed through the airport procedures, and waited outside for the cab Tessa had booked for me. She wanted me to spend the night at her place first before going to my condo. Xavier had been the brain behind purchasing the condo after the rent for the apartment we used rose up ridiculously.

I switched on my phone, and a flood of messages popped up. Some from my mother, Xavier, clients, and Tessa. I strolled to hers and sent a message.

Me: I am here already. I didn’t know London’s sun is brighter and harsher than the States' on Wednesdays.

She replied immediately. This is why you should’ve kept to your promise. Tuesday’s night was cooler and warmer.

Me: I will be at your place soon, then we can talk about my broken promise.

An emergency meeting had made me change my travel plans, but Tessa wasn’t pleased because I informed her late and she had prepared dinner for me, which was wasted. She had sent me the bill before I left Nashville and an angry text message. From her last reply, it was obvious she was still angry. I looked up from my phone and noticed a cab driver holding a placard with my name on it. He recognised me slowly, dropped his placard, and walked towards me.

‘Good morning, Mr. Kyle. I am the cab driver sent by Miss Tessa. Are these all you brought?’ He asked, looking at my lonely suitcase.

I nodded, not caring about his curious question. ‘Is there a diner where we can get a quick bite before we arrive at Tessa’s place?’

‘Yes, the Buck’s place. Their hamburgers and milkshakes are the best in town. Is this your first time in the city?’ He asked, driving out of the airport. 

I groaned inwardly. I hated cab drivers who were talkative. They were always filled with exaggerated stories, and right now, all I wanted to do was focus on a particular female who was waiting for me at the moment. But I wasn't a rude person, so I replied. 

‘No, this is my third or fourth visit here. I am building my company’s headquarters here, so I am just staying here.’

He whistled, turning to his right. ‘That’s big, man. I suspected you were a CEO from your clothes and that wristwatch. Congratulations, man.’

His response made me feel uncomfortable. I peered at him through the mirror as I slowly removed my wristwatch from my hand. He didn’t look like a thief, but statements like that had gotten someone robbed off their items before. 

‘Thanks, man. How long before we get to the Buck’s place? I am really hungry.’ I said, hating that my stomach was ruling my head at the moment. The plane’s food had been trash, and thanks to that old lady who took the pancakes they prepared specifically for me.

He stopped in front of a dainty restaurant. ‘Here we are. What should I get you or you want to eat inside?’

The restaurant’s building reminded me of spooky movies. ‘Two hamburgers and a milkshake or soda. You can also get it for yourself.’I said, handing him cash. Thank heavens, I remembered to pack enough pounds and coins before leaving Nashville.

An hour later, the driver drove into Tessa’s magnificent driveway. She had extended it and started a garden. I bade the driver goodbye, dragged my suitcase and knocked lightly on her door.

Estella opened, smiling widely. ‘We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Kyle King.’

I stifled a yawn and walked in. ‘Thank you, Estella. Where is everybody?’

She collected my suitcase and suit. ‘The kids are still at their grandparents place while Tessa is in the kitchen supervising the meals. She will be out in a second. Let me drop this in the room and get you a glass of water while you make yourself comfortable.’

I replied, falling on the couch. ‘Oh, yes. Tessa told me about the kids. I forgot. Thank you, Estella.’

I stretched my legs and resisted the urge to sleep. Except for those few hours of sleep on the plane, I hadn't slept properly since my discharge from the hospital. I scrolled through my phone, replying to Xavier's messages, the cops and some clients. 

I must have dozed off while enjoying the aroma coming from the kitchen because when I opened my eyes slowly, Tessa was smiling and watching me. 

‘Hey. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. It was a long flight and I’d a bit of drama.’ I replied, yawning widely.

She smiled, handing over a glass of water. ‘You were asleep for an hour. Estella wanted to wake you up to eat but I stopped her. You look cute while you sleep, Kyle.’

I laughed. ‘Don’t tell me you were checking your ex-husband out as he slept. That’s creepy, you know?

‘Whatever. Are you hungry or do you still want to sleep? I spent hours preparing your breakfast with the chef, but it’s okay if you aren’t ready to eat.’ she replied, folding her hands.

I breathed out, then in and replied, ‘I am sorry for changing my plans yesterday. I should have told you earlier and I didn't. Please accept my apologies.’

She shrugged. ‘You’re forgiven but you owe a thousand pounds, Kyle. Let’s eat.’

I rose up, following her, and paused when she stopped in her steps. ‘You said you had a little drama. What happened?’

I chuckled, remembering the old lady’s incident, and told her everything. She listened attentively as we stepped into the kitchen and settled at the dining table.

‘I guessed you looked so much like the daughter’s lover that she couldn't be convinced otherwise. Wow. Did she show you his picture?’ Tessa asked, passing a plate of loaves of bread to me.

I shook my head. ‘She didn’t have it but swore with her life that I was the guy. I had to accept when we landed here. I have never seen a stubborn and adamant old lady like her before. She almost made me lose my cool, but thankfully, the fact that I was innocent kept me together.’

‘Well, take the false accusation as a price of being gorgeous and well-built. I am certain if you had left that CEO look behind, she wouldn't have accused you.’

I chuckled. ‘I thought you loved me for being gorgeous. That’s one of the reasons you fall for me, right?’

She giggled. ‘Kyle King, you are a proud man. I fall for your kindness, not gorgeousness, okay?’

‘But you love me being gorgeous, right?’ I winked, watching her red flushed face.

‘That was just the bonus point. Did Xavier come with you?’

I shook my head. After the cops got the video, the investigation took a new turn. Avaline had been the one who erased the video with the help of one of my housekeepers- sitting in a cell right now but they still needed evidence that proved she was the one who orchestrated my attack. Xavier had to stay behind to help the cops discover the evidence. I told Tessa that much. 

‘Avaline thought she was clever but my library camera proved her wrong. My guts knows she’s the culprit but the cops don’t want to act on instincts but evidence. If we don’t get anything, the case will be closed.’ 

Tessa sighed, touching my hands. ‘I suspect her too but the cops are right. Only strong evidence can convict her.’

We talked more about the incident , the kids and after breakfast, we did the dishes together.  It was one of my most remarkable mornings.