CHAPTER 166

Kyle King

Five months later

After sorting Avaline’s court case, I officially named Xavier the CFO of Planet O. The board accepted him with no grumblings, and I wasn’t surprised because he had been performing well even in my absence. I also took Mom to London, and we finally had a peaceful conversation with Tessa. Mom apologized for everything she did in the past and present. She also acknowledged the kids as her grandchildren. Tessa had been happy and didn’t hesitate to draw Mom into a hug.

We scheduled a dinner with Tessa’s parents to officially declare my intentions. I had married Tessa the wrong way years ago, but now I wanted to do right by her. Her parents had been stiff during the dinner at first, but Tessa was a beautiful instrument in converting them to accommodating individuals. Mom also carried on the conversation by being herself, and before long, she and Mrs. Roberts were laughing like old pals. 

During a sleepover with kids at my place, Tessa had suggested we move in together. She wanted us to be closer and was tired of counting days when she would see me again. So, I returned to Nashville to complete any major projects that needed me and moved to London finally.

 Murphy helped us to sell the penthouse and Tessa’s three stories, and as a reward, we got a massive building with five stories, an incredible rooftop, and a large backyard. There was also an impressive garage for cars, and the driveway was almost the size of a mini golf pitch. The swimming pool was the standard Olympic size with beautiful lighting. The building was protected with a gate and bodyguards. It was one of those luxurious private houses that protected one from the curious eyes of the public.

Tessa and her team took charge of the interior designs while her parents took charge of the furniture. The outcome was mind-blowing. We converted the driveway into a playground for the kids and created a garden for Tessa. 

I also replicated the game house in one of the master bedrooms in the house, and Tessa did an elevator. I didn’t want that, but she complained about the stairs being a lot and due to the kids. I had to accept when we agreed the kids room will be on the ground floor and they will be with an adult when using the elevator.

I did miss Nashville sometimes. My old house, the memories Tessa and I married during the early years of our life, but when I remember how I allowed Avaline in and almost lost everything. I smiled in satisfaction, knowing justice had finally been served. I could still remember the horrified look on her face when the judge read her sentence. Her screams had been a bit terrifying. Luckily for her, her father’s interesting influence reduced a term of seven years to four years. A sad tale of the most loved Paris beauty goddess.

I returned my focus to the box on the desk. It was time to officially make Tessa mine. I closed the doors of my home office and took the elevator to the ground floor. After a long week of parties, dates, and meetings, Tessa had decided the best way to spend the weekend was watching movies with the kids. I had passed the offer because of pending job tasks I needed to complete, but walking out of the elevator and watching her laugh as Tom made chase after Jerry, I scolded myself for being a workaholic. 

‘Hey, babe,’ I called, settling near her. The kids were sprawled on the duffle, asleep. Estella was going to be furious once she knew what Tessa had made her angels go through. Estella believed Nicholas and Hope’s weekend should always be spent playing and being with friends instead of being locked here with Tessa and me and getting spoiled with food and too many cartoons.

‘Hi, baby,’ she said, kissing me. ‘Are you done with the tasks?’

I nodded, enjoying the warmth of her lips. ‘I am done, dear. I thought this was supposed to be a movie marathon. What happened?’

She followed my eyes to the kids, chuckling. ‘They slept off. Estella is going to be mad once she gets to know what I did to her angels. They overate the chicken pepperoni pizza.’

I laughed. ‘Your second mother would switch to Spanish once she gets to know that. Tessa, I am happy we are finally together. I have waited almost two years for this, and finally, you are here by my side. I pinch myself sometimes to be sure this is real and what we have is real—when I feel you by my side, I plead to God not to ever let you go. You’re my reason for living, Tessa, and I am grateful for the second chance.’

Her eyes pooled with tears. ‘Kyle, are you trying to make me cry?’

I drew closer, taking her hands. 'No, but I am trying to make you understand this.’ I brought out the box, opening it. ‘I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and this time, I mean always and forever. I failed you once, but fate brought us together, and God made me see what I had missed when I divorced you. Tessa, will you be my wife again?’

She sniffed, letting out a surprised cry, and nodded. ‘Kyle King, I will be your wife again.’ 

I slipped the ring onto her finger, smiling widely. ‘Thank you, Tessa. I promise to be everything I wasn’t when I had you once. I promise not to intentionally hurt you. I promise to always be there for you, Nicholas, and Hope. I also promise never ever to take you for granted or the opinions of others cloud my judgement when it comes to you and the kids.’

She drew near, holding me tighter. ‘You don’t need to promise me because I know you will never intentionally hurt or break my heart again.’

Her lips met mine with a fierce hunger, and I melted into her hands, forgetting that one of the kids would wake up and see us.

Genevieve Tessa King

The slow walk to the altar made me smile wider under the veil as I clutched tighter to Dad. He reciprocated as he whispered the same words he said before we started the long walk to the aisle: ‘I am proud of who you are and becoming, dear. Happy married life. I am glad you got what you wanted finally once again.’

I chuckled a bit, appreciating the veil for concealing what was going on underneath. I trained my eyes on Kyle as he stood out in his black suit, trousers, and shining shoes. His black curls were more shining than I remembered, and I couldn’t help but yearn to run my fingers through them. I glanced at the bridesmaids and smiled, noticing Hope as she stood gracefully like a little bride. I hadn’t wanted her to be the maid of honour, but everyone felt it was alright. She was my daughter after all. Nicholas got his place as the official groom of honour—Kyle formed that title, by the way.

Vera had joined the bridesmaids, and I couldn’t help but notice the tears streaming down her face. I knew why. She had watched me overcome everything to this moment and stood by me through those times. I was emotional too, but I tried my best to suppress the tears.

As Kyle said his vows, I noticed tears dripping from his face. I bit my bottom lip, resisting the urge to draw him in and kiss the tears. The priest said the final blessings after I struggled with reading my vows too. It was an emotional one.

We sealed the union with a long kiss, and the guests cheered us. Kyle led me out of the hall to the reception. We were finally married again.

‘Congratulations, baby! I am so happy for you!’ Vera said, hugging me. ‘I am glad you and Kyle are back together. You were always his own, and I confirmed it during my wedding. I am glad I was right.’

I giggled, sliding my hands across my slim-waisted gown. ‘Thank you, Vee, for everything. If not for you, I wouldn’t have made this decision. You made me realise what love really means and what Kyle stood for in my life. Thank you.’

She hugged me again. ‘It’s okay, Tessa. You finally got him, and I am so happy that you are happy.’

Murphy called her to join his parents, and she kissed me on the cheek and promised to be back. I scanned the crowd dancing and chatting across the room, and my eyes finally rested on the one I wanted. He was with Estella, and the kids were apparently looking for me. I pushed through the crowd, but the journey was longer than I expected because familiar faces—my parents, relatives, colleagues, and employees—stopped to greet and exchange pleasantries with me.

‘Hi, husband. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.’ I said, taking Hope from him. 

He shook his head. ‘No, you didn’t. However, it’s almost time for our dance, and we need your permission to let Estella supervise the kids. Are we good to go?’

I chuckled, nodding. ‘Permission granted. Be good, kids, and let Aunt Estella have fun too, okay?’

They nodded as Estella mouthed a ‘thank you’ and took them to the buffet table for food.

‘Shall we?’ Kyle said, taking my hands.

I nodded as he took my hands and the crowd gave way for us. We danced, enjoying the quiet moment and cheers from the crowd. We also did a dance competition, and my parents won, which wasn’t surprising. They were known during their heydays as professional dancers. As the party increased its vibrancy and fun, Kyle stole me from the hall and led me outside.

‘You look so beautiful, wife. I can’t wait to take you home and be yours alone.’ Kyle said, staring at me with eyes filled with pure love.

I smiled, kissing him lightly. ‘I am yours alone. Always and forever.’

He smiled, drawing me closer. ‘Always and forever, Tessa King.’

We closed the gap and kissed, not minding that there were people watching us as we devoured each other. This wasn’t any kind of love, but love in its purest form.

The End.