Geneveive Tessa Robert
The joy of simple things. Laughter, tears, and happiness. Family, love, and friendship I rolled my sweater and adjusted my sleeves. This was my last week in Arizona. I was going to miss everyone who made me happy, especially my dad and James. Funny how I thought James was going to be the headache I had to survive in the house, and he turned out to be a vital help in my recovery process.
I had created the interior design company business plans, and with the help of James, we had succeeded in convincing my dad to go ahead with his investment. I scrolled through my to-do list. Kyle. I wasn't done with him yet, but I was going to give him a break for now since he had succeeded in paying what he owed. His company seemed to be picking up, and James suspected someone was behind the sudden miracle.
I wasn't surprised, though. Kyle`s family was one of the most respected in Nashville, and they had a lot of connections who could assist them in terms of finances. Also, Kyle was desperate to return to the Big Gun League, so he would do anything to get there. I believe that was why he quickly paid his bills to escape a jail term.
The sound of laughter erupted in my reverie. Vera. What was she doing here?. We weren't supposed to meet until the evening. I saw her before she saw me. I waved excitedly, trying to capture her attention. She was engrossed in a conversation with one of the waiters. Probably trying to know what kind of dessert they had for lunch.
She saw me before I gave up and strolled to my table, smiling like a child. `What are you doing here, babe? I thought you had an appointment with your obstetrician and your mom. Where is she?`she asked, settling down.
`Yeah, mom has an emergency to take care of. One of her advertising firms had a clash with a competitor, and she had to rush over before it reached the court. You know how she can be with her firm. She asked me to wait here while she sorted out the issue and put someone to take care of anything that came up.`
Vera shook her head. `I thought she had transferred all the job responsibilities to your dad and James? Your mom is a puzzle, dear. When will she be back?`
I glanced at my wrist watch. `In one hour's time, My appointment is at two o'clock, so we won't be late. Have you ordered for something?`
`Yeah, I have. So, you will sit here for an hour? That's unfair, dear. She should have just called James to take care of it instead of keeping you hanging. What if something happens to you?` she replied, worry written all over her face.
I took her right hand and said, 'Thankfully, you`re here, so if anything happens, you will save me. Also, you don't need to worry about my mom's attitude. She doesn't joke with her business, and I know it feels like I am covering up for her, but that's my mom for you. I know I am supposed to be her top priority at the moment, but I can't tell her to put her life on hold because of me. She's already moving with me, leaving her husband and son. That`s a hard sacrifice, Vee.`
`Alright. You have convinced me, and I take back my words. Where`s James though?`
I smiled, thankful for her acceptance. I didn't want to start arguing about my mom`s priorities, even though I knew that what she did was wrong. However, I couldn't blame her. She had sacrificed a lot on my behalf, so taking one hour of my time to deal with this issue wasn't a big issue.
`He traveled to Nashville to finalize the court settlement with Kyle. I have a feeling this won't be over. I feel we are going to meet again, and then he will really beg me.`
Vera chuckled. `You said that the last time, and nothing happened. He ended up paying before we could say Jack. I think you should just forgive him and focus on your move to the United Kingdom and my godchildren too.`
`Don`t tell me you`re giving up already,` I laughed. `You were the one singing different tunes on how I could deal with him, and don`t forget you helped with the plans. Anyway, you don't need to worry about yourself. Once I am settled in the United Kingdom, I will focus on Kyle from afar. For his sake, I hope we don't cross paths.`
She took a spoonful of her ice cream. `And when do the kids want to know who their father is? What will you do?`
I had thought about this several times, and only one answer had popped up.
`I will tell them the truth, Vee. He divorced me and wanted nothing to do with me or them.`
She stared at me but said nothing for a few minutes. `Do you still love him? Don`t even dare lie to me, Tessa.`
The question caught me off guard. Did I still love Kyle? I used to, but after he stole from me and I returned the car, all I felt for him was hate and disgust. Then we met at the courthouse, and my feelings changed to pity. I couldn`t believe I had fallen for a proud and hard man who had no regard for others.
Kyle was the first man I loved, but not anymore. My love for him faded like a light blue jean.
`I don't love him anymore. He's in the past, and my babies are in the present and future. Why did you ask?`
She smiled, mumbling a bit. `Because of how your eyes still glow when you talk about him. I know you, Tessa. He was your first love and one to whom you gave your all. I know how hard it took you to recover from the divorce, but to stop loving him? I don't think that's possible, dear.`
I laughed, suppressing the urge to review my stance. `Whatever, dear. I do know; it's over between Kyle and me.`
`Alright, then. I will let you be, but don`t forget, love is a strange concept. I've seen it change people's perceptions and minds.`
Could she be right? Maybe time will tell but till then, I was going to focus on my new life with the twins.
Kyle KingWhen I walked in, Romina cleared the table. My mom and Ava hadn't bothered to wait for me. This has been going on for two weeks since I decided to halt my marriage decision. I felt I was seeing someone, and three times I caught her showing up at places where I held meetings with clients. Mom wasn't helping. She had started bringing up topics about children and how starting to make plans about them early helped. She had even gone ahead to show up with flyers on how to make babies as a couple when I was having a serious meeting with Xavier.When I complained about her behavior, she reminded me about the wasted years with Tessa and warned me not to waste Ava. According to the family, or so she claimed, Ava was or is fertile, and the earlier I get on her, the better for the family generation.I was mortified. What kind of mother walks into her son's sexual life like it was some talk show?I picked an apple and nodded at Romina. ‘Where are they?’ Romina looked up, then focused on
Kyle KingWould it end the chaos? I know it won`t. Uncle David was a family relative who wouldn’t take advantage of me, especially at my lowest point. He wouldn’t dare.‘It won’t end in chaos. I know it won't,’ I repeated. He is family, and I am certain he won’t try anything that will make my mom start a war against him. He fears her and her family.’ He smiled. ‘Of course. Who won’t fear your mom? She is as cold as ice and holds grudges like it’s a game. I always try my best to avoid her, and I hope your uncle does the same. You didn’t tell her about the deal, right?’ I shook my head negatively, ‘No, I didn’t. That would be stupid of me, wouldn’t it? Besides, you know she won’t approve. She hates Uncle Dave so much, like he’s the devil’s advocate.’ He laughed. ‘Your uncle was a terror during the heydays of the company’s battle of the heads. Enough of the company’s talk, though. How’s Ava? I'm surprised she’s still here.’ I breathed lightly. Thank heavens for the change of topic.
Geneveive Tessa RobertI took the last suitcase downstairs, ignoring James`s order not to stress myself. I wasn't going to sit down and watch them do everything for me. I was pregnant, not indisposed. I should be allowed to do certain activities, but no, my family disagreed. I shouldn’t be stressing the twins. I was showing a nice bump already, and the teases from James made me favor long flowing gowns over the designer dresses mom had bought at exorbitant prices. I couldn’t blame her. She wanted her daughter to look beautiful even when pregnant. ‘I told you to sit in the car while I help with the luggage, sis.’ James said, collecting the suitcase from me.I protested, ‘I just wanted to help and not sit down and do nothing. It’s been two weeks sitting at home and just going shopping and visiting family friends. If not for the interior design plans and Vera, I would have been bored to death.’He paused, smiling at me. ‘And I am glad our parents ensured you did nothing. You can’t expec
Kyle KingThe months went by rocket-fast. Between being buried with the robotics project for kids and getting to all the places Ava wanted me to be, I barely had time to follow up with other events in my personal life, like checking up on my mom and hanging out with Xavier.I also thought less of Tessa and more of the profits I was making since Uncle David sprinkled his blessings on the company. I had to say that the last three months since the Roberts case have been great. Tonight, we were visiting Katherine, who was in the hospital. She had gone into early labor, and the first grandchild of the King’s family came through—Carlos.Mum couldn’t stop talking about how cute Carlos was over the phone, and before her phone battery died, she had sent over a thousand photos of little Carlos and Katherine. I was happy for my elder sister but kind of sore because mom didn’t give up on reminding me about my stagnant relationship with Ava. I didn’t want to argue with her, so, like a good son, I
Kyle KingXavier picked up the account statement again, read through it, and threw it on the table. ‘You should confront her, Kyle. It’s wrong. How can she just take it to throw a party? Who does that?’I shook my head in disbelief. I couldn’t believe what the account statement said. Within the two days that Uncle David reported the withdrawal, Ava had spent close to two hundred thousand dollars on a party, her vehicle maintenance, a spa, and a lot of expensive shopping. He had been stupid enough to give her the company’s card and details for safekeeping.He had called her immediately. Christine brought in the account statement, but her line was switched off. I sent a text to mom, hoping Ava was around her, and she replied. Ava was in France for a fashion show. Unbelievable! How could she leave Nashville without telling me and after what she did?‘Xavier, I am trying to keep my cool. If I don’t return that money, Uncle David will start a war, and I don’t want that right now.’He breat
Kyle King‘I told you marrying Ava is the best decision ever, and no one is pressuring me.’ I said, checking if they were still in the kitchen. I didn’t want Ava to walk in while we were having this conversation. It won’t be funny.‘Yeah, you have said so a million times, and yet, I have a feeling you are trying to convince yourself and not me or anyone else you have been telling. I hope you’re making the right decision because I won’t be here to listen to your sad tales later.’ He replied, getting up.I sighed. I was tired of having this conversation with Xavier, but he is supposed to be my best man for the wedding, and I didn’t want to fight him now.‘I have already told you that she’s right for me, and I am really happy about this decision. I need you to accept that, Xavier.’He settled down and said, ‘Fine, I accept your decision, and I hope you acce
Kyle KingRather than waiting for my mom to arrive at the office for the meeting with Uncle David, II decided to drive over to her house and have the conversation. I also chose that option because I didn’t suspect that there was a reunion party within the King’s family. It will draw the press’s attention, and I didn’t want to start answering questions.Uncle David arrived shortly. He was wearing his signature perfume, Calvin Klein, his ever-smooth black suit, and designer shoes. He looked like a hot Hollywood sugar daddy. Maybe he wanted to impress my mom.‘Hello son. Sorry, I came late. An emergency meeting came up before I left the office, and I had to attend it. It was really important. Where’s your mom?’ He said it in one breath, sitting down.I smiled. ‘She’s in the kitchen, supervising the meals. She believes you are here to apologize and ask for forgiveness. I hope you are here for tha
Geneveive Tessa Robert The United Kingdom was everything I dreamt of. The estate where we resided was quiet and peaceful, with friendly neighbors. I remember when Hope and Nicjolas came to the world, and mom announced it to the neighbors. The love, gifts, and lovely messages that flowed in were so much that I broke down crying. It was massive, and I was grateful for everything. Also, my return from the hospital was greeted with a surprise party, and loads of gifts flowed in. I had to send most to the foster homes around and donate to orphanage homes too. I didn’t want to lavish the kids with too many gifts that they wouldn’t be able to play with at the end of the day. I smiled, looking at my mom as she carried Hope. She was a replica of Kyle, while Nicholas looked more like me and James. Strange, but beautiful. James called Nicholas his twin and bought him his first car. I was crazy about him then, but now it doesn’t matter since Nicholas wasn’t go