Kyle King
I 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 myself, but deep down, my hopes were on Robert`s project. That was the only way to pay the salaries of my staff. I used their salaries to settle the bills for the hall, Ava`s dress, and the make-up session because she refused to help with the bills.
Mom also demanded funds for her dress and other accessories, and I was too tired to argue anymore, even though my account was blaring red. I read through the bills the company still owed; thankfully, taxes had been resolved, as had electricity bills. It remained suppliers and employees and Xavier and my exorbitant lifestyle bills and renewing my vehicle licences. Then, I needed to boost the products and services of the company, which would be possible if Roberts picked him.
Thanks to Katherine, I knew that Tessa would not be involved in the selection process. I had worries about her getting involved and preventing me from getting the spot, but thank goodness, according to Katherine, she was still disowned and left out of family decisions. She had confirmed the information after listening to James and Ethan`s conversation at Mrs. Robert`s birthday party. It would be great to win the spot, knowing that Mr. Robert overlooked biases and grudges when picking his partners.
Xavier had noted an important fact, but I was confident that our proposal would work. In his words, `I don`t think Robert`s family would just hand over the project to you after what you did to their daughter. You are aware of the hate and disregard they hold against you and your family. I don't think we should go ahead anymore.`
I was confused at first because he was the one who advised me to jump in on the project, but when he said that, he was just looking out for me. I had to reassure him that everything would go according to plan because our project proposal was top-notch and the team had delivered a great job.
The door opened, revealing Ava. Her hair was already made up in a beautiful tiara style that revealed her pretty face. She was almost ready for the party.
`Babe, why are you here instead of checking the workers at the hall? You promised you would supervise everything and ensure nothing went amiss,` she said grudgingly, folding her hands.
I arranged the documents carefully, choosing my words slowly. I will check up on them in an hour's time. I just need to view some work documents and attend a meeting.`
She protested, `No, you have to leave those activities for now. The party is starting at exactly two o'clock, and this is already one o`clock! Do you want my parents, friends, and relatives to walk into a disorganised hall? If you knew your schedule would be so busy today, why did you not change the date?`
I sighed. Ava and her drama. It never ended.
I replied, drawing her closer to me, `I already assured you that the party is going to go smoothly, as you want. Nothing bad is going to happen, nor would your parents walk into a disorganised hall. I promised you already.`
She heaved, sitting on my lap. I just want everything to be perfect because I have always dreamt of this day. You and I are getting married and having beautiful kids. I can't wait to hold a mini Ava King and sing sweet lullabies to her and listen to her as she sleeps.`
`Wait, what about a mini Kyle King? Who will I sing lullabies to if you take Ava from me?`
She chuckled, pinching my nose playfully. `Don`t be silly. I am not going to leave you and take our child just like that. It would be cruel of me.`
I smiled, `I believe you. So, what about a mini Kyle? Two kids won't be bad, you know?`
`Well,` she drawled, `it won't, but I would like them to be mini Avas so that I can have them myself.`
`Oh really? I don't agree. There will be a mini Kyle and a mini Ava. That way, we share parental duties and not make one feel special than the other.` I replied, rubbing her thighs.
`Fine. Let's see, then. After the engagement party, we can stroll into the room and start making mini Avas and mini Kyles', she replied, getting up. `I will be leaving you now; I need to attend to the makeup artist. She wants to try another shade of colour for my cheeks and lips.`
I pouted, folding my hands. `So, you will leave me alone in this study just for make-up? That's unfair, babe.`
She laughed, `It's not unfair. You should start getting ready too, and your best friend, Xavier, I hope he will be coming. I know I have been tough and rude to him for the last few days, but he should understand. I couldn`t be nice when all the team members were being so annoying.`
`He will come; don`t worry about anything else, alright? I will be with you soon. Let me prepare for the meeting. It's just 10 minutes.`
She nodded, kissing me on the forehead and walking away.
Xavier had not wanted to come, but I was able to convince him that the party wouldn't have been possible if not for him. I knew he was angry about my decision to go ahead with the engagement. He also didn't like Ava's attitude and felt that she was a bad choice for me. Not wanting to fight with him again, I agreed with him and promised to talk to Ava about her attitude and behaviour. I knew she wouldn't listen, but it's the least I could try.
Yoshida Hall was the biggest in Nashville and the most expensive in the city. I walked into the hall holding Ava, like the world would fall apart if I let her go. The guests were all over the place, smiling and greeting us as I pushed through the bodies and sat down next to my mom and other family friends. Xavier had not come yet. I sent a text to him, and he replied almost immediately. He was stuck in traffic and will probably show up late because he had other errands to run.
I sighed. That was his secret code for telling me he wouldn't be able to make it. It seems my best friend wasn't happy with my choice. I changed my mind about calling him and sent him a text instead. He needed to know that Ava is the right woman for me, and nothing would change that fact. He just had to learn to accept her and hopefully, see the good I saw in her.
`Are you okay?` Mom whispered, smiling at a friend who was trying to get approval on something.
I sighed again. I knew what she would say if I told her; it was Xavier and his disapproval. But did her spiteful comments about him matter at the moment?
`It`s Xavier. He's not coming. He got stuck with some urgent job activity, and you know how he can be when it's about his work.`
She snickered, `Of course, son. You know, I would appreciate it if you could find good friends who respect your decisions and not nag like a child. I am aware Xavier doesn't like Ava or my ways of handling matters in the family, but like I always tell you, his opinion doesn't matter, especially in our family. I hope you take my words seriously now.`
I nodded, restraining the burst of words that I felt she deserved to hear. She had forgotten so quickly about Xavier's sacrifices for the family.
Ethan's announcement paused my thoughts. He wanted Ava and I to come to the dance floor and showcase our dancing skills.
The engagement party had just started.
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
Geneveive Tessa RobertI read through the mail again, avoiding Vee`s curious glance. The way I was going to make Kyle pay for everything! I had to find his proposal tomorrow and then speak to the family`s attorney. I couldn't wait to get at him!`Alright, I know that face. Did Kyle do something again?` she asked, grabbing my phone. `That wicked fellow!`I agreed. `He's wicked, and I am also stupid. I can't believe I forgot about the condo until this mail came in. He just used me!``Calm down. Let's see . Even if you don't sign the documents, he's still going to hand them over to Ava. I don't know much about these things, but I know it's possible to do so if he owns the condo.`I scoffed, collecting my phone. `He's lying. I paid eighty percent, while he paid twenty percent. I gave it up when his mother became unbearable, and he started supporting her. He made it feel like I was being controlled because I technically owned the condo. I wasn't thinking straight then.``Great,` she jubila
Kyle KingAttorney Smith had failed to convince Mr. Allen to drop the lawsuit, so I made up my mind to book a meeting with him. Attorney Smith felt it was a bad idea, but I didn't care. The king`s reputation was on line, and if I failed to defend it, there would be trouble in paradise.I instructed Christine not to divulge any information to the heads of departments in the company. I didn't want them speaking to the shareholders and clients until I fixed it. If they knew, they were likely to inform the press, and they would roast me again.I read through the lawsuit again before sending a letter to Attorney Smith to schedule a meeting with Mr. Allen by noon. Then, I called Xavier. I knew I had promised myself not to reach out to him on this matter, but he's the only one I could talk to.`Hello, bro. Please, I need you right now at the office. Where are you at?`He yawned, making an irritating sound. `I`m just waking up, Kyle. I worked all night preparing the business quota for that cl
Geneveive Tessa RobertAfter several hours of reading through the proposals and sending rejection emails , I came across Kyle`s project proposal. Dad was impressed, but he didn't want to select Kyledue to due to our past. I had to remind Dad that our personal lives should not affect the family business, and I was also impressed with the project. It was better than most of the proposals we had been checking.The selection for the final three was actually easy. Kyle got a spot,spot, and two new companies had eyes for our all--inclusive STEM project for women and girls. I yawned, typing the mail. It had been a long day, but Dad ensured II took long breaks due to the baby. He didn't want anything happening to his grandchild or grandchildren like I always chipped in.After sending the congratulatory mail to the three selected companies, II drafted a contract for Kyle King thatthat defined the terms and conditions for working with the Roberts family. Once the transportation project kick
Geneveive Tessa RobertI walked into my room, thinking about the conversation with my family. It turned out well, which I wasn't expecting. I had imagined my dad yelling and instructing James to call his attorney to start preparing a lawsuit, and I would also be roasted for keeping crucial information.Dad had insisted on speaking to the family attorney so that I could get a settlement, but I disapproved. I didn't want Kyle to think I needed his money or properties to survive. If a lawsuit showed up on his desk, it would confirm his opinion that I couldn't live without him. I had done well by not sending threats after he took the shares and the condo. I was also planning on returning the Porsche to him. I didn't want anything that belonged to him anymore.I picked up my diary and started scribbling down everything I wanted new in my life and my kid's life. I was going to apply to an art workshop and resume my painting. Then, invest time in taking Santiago`s free cooking class, and may
Kyle KingThe congratulatory mail came in on Monday. We celebrated in the office, and Ava insisted we throw a party. On Tuesday, the chief secretary of the Roberts family called and informed me about the details of the project and confirmed my availability for the contract signing.On Wednesday, I had a meeting with my mom, who brought up Ava's birthday celebration, which was scheduled for Saturday. Mum insisted I purchase the convertible if I can't afford something bigger.On Thursday, the team and I were busy with the arrangements for the project. I had to ensure that everything we were doing aligned with the requirements set by the Roberts family. Xavier helped out by creating innovative ideas to build the blueprint for the project.The Roberts family had decided that the transportation project was going to be purchasing ten coaster buses and creating a Roberts card that would allow commuters to enter with a ten percent discount.