CHAPTER 163

Genevieve Tessa Robert

‘My parents still believe I made a wrong mistake introducing Kyle to the kids. They don’t think he has truly changed, and I tried convincing them, but it was futile.’ I said, stretching my body on the mat beside the pool. 

Vera raised her head a bit. ‘You should know the Roberts by now. They never liked Kyle and will never like him. I think they are just tolerating him because of the kids.’

I agreed. ‘If not for the kids, I am certain they would have scared him off and warned me to stay away from him.’

‘Did you tell Kyle about it?’

I nodded. ‘Yes, I have, and he wants us to meet with my parents. I declined. I don’t think it’s a wise decision yet. We’re still friends for now, and I am yet to decide if I want to go further with him.’

She laughed, looking at me. ‘But you enjoyed his lips on yours, right? Honestly, I like the baby steps, but a man can’t wait forever, you know?’

‘Kyle King would wait for me even if it takes years for me to decide. He’s obese and in love with me.’ I smiled, taking a glass of juice from the table.

She scoffed, ‘You’re just confident because Avaline is locked up in Nashville’s cell. When’s her trial though? I wish I could be there to say, ‘Goodbye, jailbird.’

I shook my head, staring at the clear water. ‘Vee! That’s not nice. I feel sympathy for her. She has always had a thing for Kyle since college, and I was even surprised when Kyle asked me to marry her. They were the predicted couple, not me, and I guess she hated me for stealing her spot.’

‘I don’t pity her though. She bullied you in case you have forgotten and also called you condescending names. I was angry when she got out last year, but now justice is going to be served properly.’

I muttered. ‘That’s if her parents don’t interfere. They’re the reasons she got a lesser sentence last year. I won’t be surprised if the story repeats itself.’

‘It won’t. I have ears in Nashville’s law system. Her parents are broke. Someone hacked into their accounts and transferred the funds to an NGO they had a feud with. Few friends are trying to pull the strings, but nothing is working because her parents have lost their status.’

‘Wow, how the mighty has fallen.’ I whistled, changing the topic. I really didn’t enjoy talking about Avaline because she reminded me of the reason why Kyle divorced me. ‘How’s Murphy? I was hoping I would see him in the house.’

Vera raised her eyebrows, understanding what I had done. ‘We aren’t done with Avaline, but it’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.‘ She paused, sitting up. ‘Murphy has a lot of work activities to do. Your dad called this morning and changed his work schedule. No more part-time duties. He wants Murphy to help out in areas James has been covering.’

I sat up too, looking at her. ‘I am sorry my brother’s departure affected Murphy’s schedule, Vee. I know how helpful he has been since you got pregnant and delivered our gorgeous baby. Do you want me to throw in a word for him? I am certain Mom can convince Dad to give him a day off.’

She nodded, smiling widely. ‘I would appreciate that. The nanny is trying, but I have gotten used to Murphy being around and supervising everything. Also, the naughty jokes have gotten better in the bedroom.’

I chuckled, scrunching my nose. ‘You shouldn’t be talking about that with me. I would speak to Mom and let you know her feedback.’

She nodded, picking up the magazine. ‘So, any update on your friendship with Kyle? Are you guys considering going on more dates?’

I chuckled, shaking my head and not responding. Vera was the only person I knew who didn’t enjoy letting sleeping dogs lie. I ignored her threats and placed my headphones over my head. She would get the message and return her attention to resting. I stole a glance at her and noticed she was occupied with her phone, smiling. It was obviously Murphy. I felt happy for her. Two years ago, if someone had told me Vera would finally discover the one and be married to him, I would have called the'someone’ crazy.

Except for the hiccups of her health, their marriage had grown stronger in just one year. They complimented each other in strength, love, and laughter. It was what I secretly prayed Kyle and I would have if we ended up together again. 

I slowly traced my fingers on my lips and smiled. I could still feel his touch even though it’s been four days. I stared at my phone, resisting the urge to text him. I didn’t want to seem desperate, but I really felt like talking to him.

My need got the better of me, and I picked up my phone, ignoring Vera’s hawk eyes. 

Hey, stranger. How did the meeting with your mom go yesterday?

His reply popped up immediately. Better than what I imagined. She has given up on the Avaline’s campaign. We should celebrate.

I chuckled. He had turned Avaline’s case into a joke. She’s your ex-wife, Kyle. Have some respect.

Kyle: She lost the respect when she kidnapped my kids and said mean things to you at Nashville. I gotta go. I will call you at night.

I smiled, dropping my phone and removing my headphones. ‘Kyle’s mom has given up on Avaline. I don’t know if I should be happy about that.’

Vera scoffed. ‘Dahila King always has something up her sleeves. I would advise you to be careful. I don’t trust that woman one bit. She can become an angel just to get what she wants.’

I agreed. ‘You’re right, Vee. She always has an ulterior motive for everything she does. I have never liked that woman.’

Vera laughed. ‘Neither have I.’

I laughed, stretching my full length on the mat. Whatever Dahila King might be up to, I had to be one step ahead of her.