CHAPTER 157

Kyle King

My bed felt larger than it was. I turned, touching a warm body, and quickly recoiled my hands immediately. I opened one eye and then shot up from the bed. This wasn’t my room, and the body was a female. The scent is so familiar. No. It couldn’t be her. She’s supposed to be in Nashville.

A chill ran through my body as I realized I was in my briefs. What happened? Oh no. The kids birthday. I had missed it! My head was in shambles. Without thinking twice, I rushed towards her.

‘What did you do?’ I dragged her from the bed, not minding that she was still asleep.

She yawned, her eyes smiling. ‘Kyle, this isn’t the right way to wake up a girl from her beauty sleep. What’s the issue?’

I glared at her. ‘Start talking right now. How did I get here and what did you do?’

She pulled her hands from my grip. ‘Wow. The sleeping pills must have done more damage than I expected. Anyway, you are in a family’s house and still in London. Don’t you remember how I came to your house as you were rushing to Tessa’s place?’

Slowly, the events of yesterday started playing. I had concluded the meeting at the new branch and arrived home. I remember opening the door for her, but what happened after that was a blur. 

‘Did you drug me, Avaline?’ I asked coldly.

She moved backwards a bit. ‘You have been stubborn, and all I wanted was to sleep next to you. It’s been awhile, Kyle. We have really missed you.’

I shook my head, looking at her. ‘You’ve totally lost it, Avaline. How did you even find my house? You know what? Don’t bother answering. I am leaving now, but prepare to see the cops at your doorstep.’

She laughed, rushing towards the door. ‘You’re going nowhere, Kyle. You and I belong together. We made a vow at the church, and you promised not to leave me alone in the dark. You broke that vow by divorcing and letting me rot in jail, but I am ready to forgive you and welcome you into my life, please.’

‘Where are my clothes, Avaline?’ I yelled, ignoring her dark glare. ‘Whatever you think we had is all over. We’re divorced and are never coming back together. Accept that fact, okay?’

‘No, I won’t. You were mine before that woman came in and took you. I promise, Kyle. I would do anything if you would just return to me, please.’

I scanned the room for my clothes and saw them on the couch. I walked towards them, picked and wore them. ‘We are over, Avaline. Now, leave the door or I will hurt you!’ I ordered angrily.

She shook her head. ‘Never. Let’s just do one night together, and I will let you go home to think about us. Kyle, I love you so much, and I will do anything to make you mine.’

I laughed, shaking my head. ‘Including erasing the video from my laptop? I know you are the one who orchestrated my attack, but I won’t retaliate now, Avaline. I am going to let the cops take care of that. This kidnapping? I think your father’s fashion house is about to hit the rocks.’

She walked towards me, anger written all over her face. ‘You won’t dare touch my father’s business. It’s our only surviving business.’

I chuckled darkly. ‘You should have thought about that before kidnapping me and making me miss my children’s birthday party. Pray that Tessa forgives me, or else it’s all over for you.’

‘You can go, Kyle, but I will be here waiting for you. I don’t give up easily; don’t forget that core fact.’

‘Avaline, stop using my family’s surname. Enjoy the rest of your day.’

I walked out, slamming the door. Once I returned home, I was going to deal with her family and her. I am also going to have another word with the Nashville cops. How did she escape their surveillance? She was supposed to stay within radar since she was a prime suspect. She must have used her father’s connection to get to London. 

I searched my pocket as I boarded a taxi. My phone was probably in the car or in her house. I felt my wallet and brought it out. At least she had forgotten to empty my wallet. I recited the Cando address as the cab drove out of the street. 

I groaned inwardly. I couldn’t imagine what would be going through her mind at this point. I closed my eyes, thinking about the words I would say to make things right, but nothing was coming up. The cab driver peered at me through the mirror. 

‘Are you okay, sir?’ He asked in a thick British accent.

I nodded. ‘Yes, man. Thank you.’

He nodded and returned his focus to the road. I smiled to myself. One of the reasons why I like the cab drivers in London is because they are friendly and helpful. 

He suddenly pulled up at my cando. ‘Here we go, sir. Have a nice day.’

I stepped out, handing over his payment. ‘You can keep the change. Have a nice day too.’

He smiled widely, thanked me profusely, and drove off. At least I made somebody’s day. Remaining one more person. 

I rushed into the car and searched everywhere for my phone, but I couldn’t find it. I almost gave up when I saw it shining in between the couch. I rushed towards it and switched it on. The battery was dead. I searched for the charger and waited for it to charge. 

I had been gone for almost a day. The new branch manager would have tried reaching me, but that wasn’t my worry now. I needed to speak with Tessa. Something clicked immediately. She would be at work.

I sped up to take a shower, and an hour later, I was on my way to Hoplas Design with a large bouquet of red roses.