Geneveive Tessa RobertMum decided her birthday party would be held in the city hall, even though it was she who insisted that she wanted a small gathering. At the end of compiling the guest list, I discovered that her definition of a small gathering was quite different from what I knew. She had sent invites to almost five hundred people, and each of them was bringing someone along. I rubbed my temples as I supervised the last decoration for the day. The party was starting at four o'clock, and I was glancing at my time; it was already two o`clock, and I hadn't eaten breakfast.Mom mustn't know I played with the life of her grandchild. I quickly dismissed the last worker and checked everything before handing over the key to the security team. Luckily for me, Robert`s villa was just a mile from the hall, so I could walk.My stomach grumbled in protest, but I ignored it until I couldn`t. Maybe I should have eaten before leaving the hall. I rub my stomach while sending a text to James to
Geneveive Tessa RobertWhy did I feel like James was about to deliver some bad news? I clutched my seat belt as a some sense of protection and waited as he switched off the car engine.`Okay, Kyle`s sister, Katherine and her husband would be attending mom`s birthday party. Trust me, I didn't want to send them an invite but her husband is one of our top clients and it wouldn't be great if we decided not to invite him.I laughed, breathing normally now, `Oh, that's fine. I can handle Katherine if she comes looking for trouble. You know for a second, I thought you were about to deliver a news about the death of a loved one.`He chuckled, `No. I know you don`t like Katherine and preparing you for arrival was the least i could do, so that you won't attack me viciously later.``Yeah, right. Thank you for the heads up,` I replied, walking into the house. Finally , home sweet home.Ten minutes to four o`clock, Dad ushered everyone into the limousine for the birthday party. I couldn`t protest
Geneveive Tessa Robert`I`m surprised you came to my mom's birthday party. I thought you don't hang with trash and these weren't your kind of party or usual crowd,` I said, eyeing her.Her fingers run through her hair. `You`re right, Tessa. I didn't want to come but Ethan insisted I come with him, and you know, I don't dislike your family, just you. By the way, Kyle`s engagement party is on Saturday, and you`re invited.`I snarled, `I don`t care about your cowardly brother and your dislike for me. Please excuse us; we were discussing something important before you interrupted us with your boring presence.``Keep saying that, darling till you believe it and FYI, my brother isn`t a coward but the boldest man ever, and that explains why he divorced your barren ass. I`m glad he ditched you for Ava. She's a better woman than you.``Shut it, Katherine. You should know better about using condescending and insultive words towards your fellow woman. I don't blame you, though. You weren't train
Geneveive Tessa RobertShe made me understand what life and the unexpected can mean to one`s plans. She survived death and lived through the pain. She is an incredible woman, and through the conversations I had with her, I knew I could survive without Kyle King. Okay, maybe I didn't pick the most important lessons from her words, but I knew where my strength lies.`Mom, she wanted to come, but today`s her cafe`s special, and she's in charge of the cooking preparation. She sent in her apologies; she really wanted to come,` I said, showing mom her text message. She had crafted a lovely message and also attached a beautiful voice note with a cute birthday song. I almost cried listening to it.Mom sniffed, dabbing her eyes. `Sharon is such a beautiful soul. I love this. I will check up on her tomorrow and show my gratitude. This is one of the best gifts ever.`I agreed. It reminded me of my first birthday in the King's family. Kyle had organised a little get-together, inviting his friends
Kyle KingI hit the submit button after completing the application form, and the word `successful’ popped up. The King`s Company was in the project partnership race. I read through the proposal again and watched the video. Xavier and Ava had done a great job, even though I had to settle childish arguments and plead several times with Xavier not to seriously hold Ava`s comments in his heart.My eyes rested on the last message I sent to Tessa. She left unread, and somehow, I still felt angry for her audacity. The Tessa I knew would have replied immediately with an apology. She was always so scared of offending me because of the love she had for me. I guess that love had faded, just like it had faded here. I was in love with Ava, and with her, I understood what a relationship really meant. That's why I made the effort to ensure that the engagement party made headlines.And it did. People were already talking about it, and the Yoshida Hall had been tagged several times. I was proud of mys
Kyle KingMondays were no different from other days of the week except for the long hours of meetings and following up with every executive in the company. Thankfully, Ava decided to follow me to the office today, and all morning she had been speaking with employees and getting activities started, leaving me to work at my pace.I picked up some files and read through them. Christine had brought them earlier. It was a contract termination from a high-end client. Mom had worked hard to ensure we got them as clients, and now they are gone. She was going to kill me if she found out they terminated their contract, and I did nothing to stop them.I had to schedule a meeting with them and maybe change their minds. They were the clients who made King`s company what it is. I had to know the reason why they decided to terminate the contract, especially at this time when they know our financial status. I called in Christine.`Hi, sir. Do you need another cup of Starbucks coffee?` she asked, smil
Kyle King`So, you finally decided to crawl out of your shell, Xavier. Care to tell me what brings you to my office today?` I asked, watching him sit.He smiled, unbuttoning his suit. `I suppose I owe you an apology, right?``Of course you do. You didn't show up for the engagement party, and you declined all my calls throughout the weekend. I was almost worried I had finally lost you as a friend. What happened?``I am sorry, Kyle. I had to settle some important matters that came up, and about the calls, I am still pissed you decided to spend a lot on that party. What were you thinking, Kyle?` he asked, letting out an exasperated sigh.I could see he was still angry due to his hardened eyes. At this point, I knew nothing I said would make my actions feel right before him, so I decided to be the lesser man and apologise for not listening to him yet again.I looked up at him, reading his eyes. `I know I promised to always listen to your advice, and honestly, I tried my best to take in yo
Geneveive Tessa RobertEveryone had little beginnings they treasured in their hearts. I had one too, and when I was desperate for a memory that could comfort me, I would take it out of my memory playlist and play it.aToday, I needed that memory not because I was desperate but because I had been accepted fully into the family. Dad had also ensured no one spoke to the press about the annulment of my disowned status. He didn't want wagging tongues to disturb him or be the topic of certain gossip. I was happy with the decision because no one would know the roles I played in the family henceforth.I scanned through the first page of a proposal before closing it and relishing the memory of my little beginnings. I had just entered college when Dad advised me to apply for a student grant project. I wasn't sure I could build a business idea that could get me the grant, but Dad had so much confidence in me. I started doing a lot of research, and soon I knew what I
Kyle KingFive months laterAfter 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 toge
Geneveive Tessa RobertI took the blanket from Kyle’s quiet housekeeper and covered the twins. I hadn’t planned on sleeping over,over, but the kids had fallen asleep after our third monopoly game. I kissed their cheeks and followed the housekeeper out. Another reason why I hadn't wanted to sleepover was Kyle.He had stirred my feelings with his call conversation on my way here. Lately, I had been struggling with admitting my feelings for him because I was afraid of envisioning a future with him. Would Kyle give me all the happiness I wanted in life? Would he wake up one morning and demand a divorce because I couldn’t give him more children? children? ThereThere was also Dahila. I didn’t want to think about what Vera had insinuated about her always having an ulterior motive for everything she did. I shrugged, entering the living room. I would also have to talk to Kyle about his mom and suggest a truce. If I was going to accept it into my life finally, Dahila and I needed to sort out
Kyle KingPlanning a perfect date was always a nervous activity for me because I had to ensure everything was perfect and tailored to my partner’s taste—in this case, my partner was Tessa, and she deserved to be treated perfectly well. I glanced at the table as the housekeeper helped arrange the dishes properly and set the tablecloths. I glanced at her work and nodded my approval. This was going to be a perfect date. I rushed into the shower, and a few minutes later, I was out. I picked a casual outfit—a Ralph Lauren shirt and black jeans. I ran my comb through my black curls. I mentally noted to check in with a barber across the street to reduce the fullness of my hair. I preferred it to be moderate and looking shabby or rough.After a quick view of my appearance, I strolled out of the room and settled in the living room, waiting for Tessa and the kids. I had wanted to take them out, but Tessa preferred a house date. She also felt it was right; the kids came. They were missing me e
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 l
Kyle KingIn 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 reluct
Genevieve Tessa RobertI knocked lightly at the door, opened slowly, and walked into my parent's large library. They had invited me for a meeting after James informed them about my night with Kyle. I rehearsed my speech and reminded myself why I had forgiven Kyle and revealed who he was with the kids.My dad was scrolling through his phone while Mom was laughing at something on her phone. They were seated on the long couch, ignoring my entrance until I settled near them.‘Good afternoon, Mom and Dad. I got your message. But firstly,’ I took Mom’s phone. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be on bedrest?’She folded her hands, pouting. ‘The doctor cleared me yesterday, and I decided to chill with my husband. Is that bad?’I handed the phone back. ‘Alright. It’s not bad, then. So, why did you guys request my presence here this afternoon?’Dad dropped his phone, sitting up. ‘Welcome, dear. I will go straight to the point. I called you because of Kyle. I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t be returni
Kyle KingI held Tessa’s hands as we stood outside her house and replayed our moment in her company. How she held my hand tightly and used her action to define our status. I smiled, looking at her. She was engrossed with a phone call. I decoded it was her father because of the way she kept laughing and calling him Pops. I watched her face, the tilt of her head, and the glow in her eyes. These were part of the reason why I reacted for her. She was mine. My Tessa.‘Are you done admiring my face?’ Tessa asked, smiling widely. ‘You know you take a picture and keep it, right?’I chuckled, releasing her hand. ‘You are irresistible, Tessa, and every time I see your face, I fall harder. You’re my obsession, and I am not afraid to admit it.’She blushed, shaking her head. ‘We’re still friends, right, Kyle?’I drew a breath, nodding. ‘Yes, we are, but that won’t stop me from admitting my feelings for you. I love you now and forever.’‘Okay, Kyle. Thank you. Can we meet the kids now?’I felt a b
Genevieve Tessa RobertI listened as Kyle told me everything that happened between him and Avaline. He also gave me updates on his case, and I wasn’t surprised when he said Avaline was an accomplice to the crime. She had all colours of suspicion written on her when we spoke in Nashville, or rather, when she forced me to listen to her ramblings. He was looking strangely at me. Did he say something that needed my response? ‘Did you say something, Kyle?’ I asked, not caring that I made him feel like I wasn’t listening to him.He shrugged. ‘I have been saying a lot of things, but it’s obvious that you aren’t listening to me. I am truly sorry for not showing up. Avaline just showed up suddenly, got me talking, and before I could figure out what was going on, I was gone.’I replied, taking his hands. ‘You didn’t return my calls. I was worried, and the kids were waiting for you. They refused to sleep after the party because they insisted on seeing you. Kyle. We were supposed to tell them a
Kyle KingI walked into her building, but the receptionist blandly told me she was busy with meetings. I dialled her number several times, but she wasn’t picking. I sent her numerous texts, pleading and informing her I was at the reception. She didn’t reply. I decided to wait until closing hours. She doesn't stay cooped up in her office all day. If she still kept to her schedule, I know by two p.m., she always drove over to her house to check up on the kids and Estella. I winked at the stiff security guards as I settled at the reception. They wouldn’t dare to disturb me because they knew my status. I scrolled through my phone as the early moment with Avaline replayed in my mind. I was going to start with her family. I will reduce them to dust and then ensure their family’s name becomes history. I sent a message to my Russian ethical hacker: Whenever I wanted to do dirty deals, I didn't want trace to my name. I used him. He knew how to walk into an encrypted bank account, drain them,