CHAPTER 162

Kyle King

In the mirror, I stared at my eyes. I always thought they lacked the spark seen in other people’s eyes. But, after Tessa teased me about having the brightest eyes she had ever seen, the spark somehow emerged. I washed my face and returned to my bedroom. Today was the last day of King’s company headquarters construction. The project manager had been hard-working, and his team was perfect. They had executed everything according to the construction team plan, although there were some hiccups on the way, but we were able to scale through.

I scanned through my outfits, and my eyes rested on a blue shirt with a love emoji at the side. Tessa had gotten it for me a few days before my decision to divorce her six years ago. I never had the courage to throw or wear it, but every morning after she left, I would stare at it like it was a reminder of what we had. My hands lingered on it as I remembered the kiss we had shared when she came to pick up the kids yesterday. She had been reluctant but had slowly dissolved into my embrace as she fell into my hands and I sucked in everything about her—her taste, breath, and warmth.

I smiled as I took the shirt and slid into it. It seemed tighter but fitted perfectly. I hadn’t grown totally out of it. I picked black jeans, a fez cap, and splashed with perfume. I checked the mirror and enjoyed the approval in my eyes. I was tired of walking into the construction site as the cold CEO in black suits and shining boots, or sometimes shoes. 

I ordered an Uber because I didn’t want to drive and also because I would be meeting with my mom later in the day. She had arrived in London early this morning due to Avaline’s case, which was still pending because I wasn’t in Nashville. Mom wanted me to drop the case, but she knew I would never do that. After hitting Avaline’s family wealth, they had tried to sell their assets, but Avaline’s arrest had made people wary of doing deals with them. 

I pushed thoughts of Avaline and smiled as I flipped through my screen, looking at Hope and Nicholas's photos. I had enjoyed taking care of them even though I had to call Tessa all week for help with the simplest tasks, like how to brush Hope’s hair properly, the cartoons they watched, and preparing their favourite new meal, meatballs and spaghetti. For the record, that was the only meal I couldn’t prepare by myself. 

The Uber suddenly stopped. There was an accident; the cops, some paramedics, and a blaring ambulance stood around the crashed vehicle, trying to assess the situation. I told the Uber to slow down because the vehicle looked familiar. I scanned the plate number and instructed the driver to increase the speed. The accident was quite serious, but knowing London and the swiftness of the cops, I could tell they were working harder on it. 

A few minutes later, the Uber driver stopped in front of the King’s massive building. I paid quickly through the app and stepped out, enjoying the chill breeze. The weather app had predicted there would be heavy rainfall today, but so far, it has been cloudy. 

The project manager saw me as I walked into the building. He greeted me immediately and updated me. I followed him to check the plumbers who were completing their last milestone in my office. I nodded at their work and walked into my office, falling on the soft couch Tessa’s parents had supplied. I scanned the large space, admiring the wallpapers Tessa’s team had chosen for the walls and my portrait with Nicholas and Hope.

I remember the day Tessa drew us. I was in their house, supervising plumbing work in the bathrooms, while she decided to do some nice artwork for me. She used a photo we took, and in twenty hours, she completed the piece. I remember her eyes furrowed in concentration as she drew every part and captured every expression. It was magical.

My phone vibrated. I glanced at it. A reminder from my mom. I had almost forgotten about our date. I was almost tempted to cancel and avoid her until she returned to Nashville. But knowing her, I know she would show up at my doorsteps the next day.

I replied, You should be in Nashville watching over your business, Mom. I am really busy at the site.

I sighed, dropping my phone. Mrs. Dahila was a pain in the ass. I wasn’t surprised why almost all my employees were scared of her. If I were an employee, I would be too. 

My phone came on. She had replied. I picked up my phone and read it.

If you had listened to me and not divorced Avaline, I wouldn’t be jumping into a plane every month to check up on you in London. Don’t miss lunch!’

What a mother!

After a long meeting with the construction team, I took a taxi to the restaurant Mom had chosen for lunch. She had sent the location details to me immediately after she stepped into London today. She was supposed to be resting due to jet lag, but hello, hello, Mom was a superhero. One hour later, thanks to traffic and a stop at the filling station, I stepped into the restaurant, scanning the room for Mom. I saw her immediately smiling grimly at me.

‘Hi, Mom. I am sorry I kept you waiting.’ I smiled, taking the empty seat beside her.

She replied, returning her focus to her pancakes. ‘You have never been a punctual person anyway. I will just go straight to the point. You need to drop the case or settle out of court. Avaline’s mom and I just mended our relationship a few months ago. You can’t just walk in and scatter it again.’

I laughed, shaking my head. ‘Mom, that’s not going to happen. Avaline crossed the line, and she must pay for it. Did she tell you about my abduction? That woman has issues and needs help. Getting into prison again will teach her a solid lesson.’

Mom took my hands.‘But, Kyle. Her family has lost everything. Do you want them to lose their daughter too?’

I looked at her. ‘They aren’t going to lose her. She was an accomplice to the crime, and she abducted me. I am certain she won’t be given a life sentence.’

‘Is this your decision, Kyle King?’

I nodded, squeezing her hands. ‘I am not settling out of court or dropping it. Let her dance to her music, okay?’

Mom picked her pancake and changed the conversation. I was amused. I had expected an argument, but it seemed she had realised I wasn’t that Kyle who could be pushed anymore.