Kyle King
‘I am sorry, sir, but we can’t allow your wife in. She isn’t on the invitation list,’ the secretary said, looking through the list again. We were at the Tech Seminar 1.0, but the secretary had refused to give Ava a tag that would allow access into the hall. I called one of the facilitators of the seminar, but all he could tell me was that I should pay a ticket if I wanted Ava to attend. They didn’t invite her, but just me, my mom, and Uncle David. ‘Let’s go home, then. They can’t disrespect us and still expect you to speak at their annoying seminar, Ava yelled, attracting people’s attention. ‘Calm down, babe. I will pay for your ticket, and we can go in.’ I said, bringing out my card.’ She smiled and said, ‘Thank you. I thought you were done spending lavishly on me.’ ‘No, I can’t be done,’ I said, swiping my card against the payment machine to pay the ridiculous price of five thousand dollars. The machine screamed red immediately, with written words staring boldly at me: Account is blocked. What? Who blocked the company’s account? I swore inwardly as I called Christine’s number. ‘Who authorized that the company’s account be blocked?’I yelled, not caring that people were watching us now. Christine mumbled, ‘Good evening, sir. It was one of the executives that you gave full access to. David Logan. He said you authorized him to do it, so I gave him the passcode. I hope I didn’t do the wrong thing.’ ‘Damn! Christine, why didn’t you call me? I didn’t authorize anything, and right now, I am at one of the biggest events in my life, and instead of him being settled inside enjoying the seminar, I am here trying to fix your stupidity. You’re on suspension until further notice. Don’t call me.’ She whimpered, pleading, ‘I am sorry, sir. He sounded genuine, and I thought you knew about it; that was why I gave it to him. Please forgive me,’ I cut the line. She wasn’t worth the agreement. I had to speak to Uncle David to understand why he did what he did, but first, I needed to sort out the ticket issue. ‘Ava, do you have the money? If yes, please pay for the ticket. A As you overheard, there is an issue with my account. I promise to reimburse you as soon as I fix the issue.’ She sighed. Can we call your mom to help out? I don’t have that kind of money to pay for a boring seminar ticket. You know I only came here because there will be fashion icons who might want to connect with me. Also for the trends, but not to be embarrassed!’ I couldn’t argue with her at this point. It would soon be my turn to speak, and I couldn’t leave because Mom was in already. This was also an opportunity to talk about the tech industry we were building and get clients. Ava didn't understand, but being here was very important. I stared at her once again, wondering why she was reluctant to spare five thousand dollars. It wasn’t even up to a quarter of the allowance I gave her. It won’t even leave a dent in her account balance! I couldn’t complain, though. I had convinced her to come because of the attention her beauty drew to us. Also, being the latest couple, it will help spread word of mouth about the new company. An idea suddenly popped up. I couldn’t access my personal account either, but I had someone who could pay for me. Xavier. I sent a text to him that contained the seminar’s account number. He made the transfer immediately, without any questions. I knew he would be expecting an explanation later. I shoved my phone in front of the secretary. ‘Your organizers should be grateful; I am a patient man! They invited us here, and according to the law of hospitality, I am not supposed to pay for my fiancee’s ticket.’The secretary smiled, ignoring my heated tone. ‘I apologize for the inconvenience, sir. I am just following the policies of the seminar. If you would like to complain, I can give you the organizer's help desk number.’
Ava hissed. ‘You must be silly! After we have made payment, do you want us to complain? I don’t blame you, fool, but Kyle! I don’t know what is so important about speaking at a foolish seminar that just embarrassed his fiancee!’ She grabbed the tag from the secretary and walked into the hall. Everyone who just witnessed her was talking already. I knew speaking about the new company to these people would be a waste of time. Ava had ruined it with her utterances. I mumbled, ‘I am sorry about my fiancee’s outburst. She’s just stressed due to our wedding plans and the turn of events.’ The secretary swallowed, managing to smile. ‘It’s alright, Mr. Kyle. Please enjoy the seminar and have a great evening.’ I picked up my tag and walked into the hall. Mom was addressing the crowd. She was also a key speaker, even though they knew she had little to say about technology and its family, but due to her influence in society, it was right that she spoke. I settled in the reserved area for guest speakers and waited for my turn while I watched Uncle David. I was beginning to wonder what his plans for the company were. A few hours later, the seminar was over. Ava seemed to be in a better mood, but nobody paid attention to her or her outfit. I tried to be her best friend by introducing her to some connections. Although they were pleased to meet her, it was obvious that they were reluctant to have a conversation with her. They kept on asking about Tessa and if we had plans on getting back together. I heaved a sigh when I saw Uncle David and excused myself. There were more important things to take care of than listening to Ava try to blame me for my connections.Geneveive Tessa RobertI agreed to attend the monthly meeting of the company because it’s been a while since I've been actively involved in any programme. Also, due to my kids and the interior design building construction, I wasn't available to assume my full responsibilities as director of my assigned department, which was administration. Dad wasn’t bothered because I was his daughter, after all, but James? He reminded me that I was still a remote employee of the family.After the long talks and a long speech I had prepared as a comeback and the public relations officer sharing new updates on our branch in Nashville and a client’s successful contract with the company, Dad brought the meeting to an end. Everyone clocked around me, asking about Hope and Nicholas. They weren’t familiar faces because our branch in the United Kingdom was run by a relative, so I never had the chance to pop up here until we relocated.I just smiled and shook hands with most until a familiar voice greeted
Kyle KingThree hours have passed since Uncle David scheduled our meeting. I dialled his number again, but it was switched off. Xavier had long given up on Uncle David's showing up. He was talking to one of the bartenders in Lourdes, probably trying to get a girl’s number or maybe secure a spot in their exclusive karaoke night.Last week was drama-filled. The wedding had to be shifted to next month because Ava was pissed at the entire world for trying to ruin her image after the seminar. She fought more with me and spent almost all the money in our joint account until I was forced to remove her as a signatory. Did she learn her lesson? No. She came to the company, embarrassed me, and made sure everyone knew how I was trying to get her pregnant because my dumb ex-wife couldn’t do it. She also called me names I can’t even whisper in my heart. Mom sided with her this time around, and I ensured I reminded her about the playboy incident. If she repeated that act, I was going to personally
Kyle KingThe wedding ceremony finally came and went. We travelled to Paris on Ava’s insistence, and I couldn’t say no. She had become less troublesome ever since our little fight. I was surprised she didn’t report me to the cops or her dad after all the threats. Well, she won’t. I had been letting her have her way, and finally, I showed her who the real Kyle King was.She rolled on the bed, smiling peacefully. We were still in one of the resorts in France and had planned to rest all day after spending the week on tour and in bed. I was restless, though. I have been thinking about the wedding and what Uncle David said to me before I travelled for this honeymoon.‘So, you are going to marry Ava? I thought you were slowing things down until you knew she was the right woman after Tessa?’I smiled, feeling indifferent to his statement. ‘ I am certain about Ava now, sir. The longer I wait, the longer I delay my chances of a second chance at marriage and having a child. I don’t want to die
Geneveive Tessa RobertAccording to an online page I read, the Hotel New Grand is the best place to book a room whenever you come over to Paris for a family vacation. Mom had suggested we celebrate the holidays in another country, and according to the votes, France was the pick. So, on a bright Friday morning, everyone hopped into Dad’s friend's private plane, and the next day we arrived in Paris.I couldn’t sleep through the flight because of the kids, but my mom assured me it was fine. They were almost two anyway! I was still worried, so I read through the historical novel I brought along and buried myself in it until I slept off.Mom’s voice woke me up. We were about to land. I scanned everyone in the suite: mom, dad, Vera, James, a cousin, Mary, and her kids. She was from Dad’s side of the family. I didn’t know her too well because her mom, Dad’s sister, never visited us while we were in Arizona. She was married to royalty, so it was pretty hard for her to visit family members in
Geneveive Tessa RobertI sent the last aspect of our project. Thankfully, it wasn’t a drawing but a summary of what everyone had done and our major inspirations. It was like a reference paper, but with insights into our work. I sighed, hitting the submit button on the website. We were done, finally. I sent a message to our Slack group and waited for their celebrations, which came faster than I expected.They jubilated with words, emojis, and prayers. They also thanked me for taking up the task of compiling our names and inspirations and making a great reference paper. I smiled, reading through the comments. It’s been a while since anyone praised me for my artwork or achievements. Mom thought I was wasting time on getting a skill I might never use, but I have always had a comeback since the interior building at Hoplas Designs was unveiled. She would later remind me in the coming years that she was the one who inspired me to take the art classes, and as always, I won’t argue with her.
Kyle King‘That’s the result. It says I am okay and you are, so tell your mom to exercise patience. We’ve only been married for two years. I am not in a hurry to get kids, anyway.’ Ava slammed the test results on the table. ‘If she can't exercise patience, then we go for a surrogate. I don’t manufacture babies!’I picked up the test results. Everything was okay, according to the doctor. The same thing that happened with Tessa was almost repeating itself again. I couldn’t understand why fate was playing tricks on me. All I wanted was a child and to get Mom off my back. She kept forgetting she had a grandchild already, and each time I reminded her, she claimed the child belonged to Seth’s family but not hers. She wanted a grandchild from me.Her friendship with Ava’s mom was strained due to her constant reminder that she had cheated. Mum felt that Ava's mum knew Ava couldn’t have children quick like she wanted but didn’t tell her because of the woman’s greed. I tried to intervene, but
Geneveive Tessa RobertI rubbed my temple as it throbbed. Hope was driving me crazy with her cries. I didn’t know what was wrong with her. Mom wasn’t here to help out. She had travelled to Arizona for a meeting and had left me in the hands of the nanny. A Mexican woman with an amazing British accent. I checked her temperature again. She was okay, so why was she crying?‘Probably, she’s growing a new tooth. You know, she just clocked four days ago,’ the nanny said, placing a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table.I nodded. That could be it. She was probably growing a new tooth and couldn’t endure it. But she was four years old! A four-year-old didn’t cry because of a new tooth. I rubbed my temple again and sent an emergency text to mom. I was out of options on what to do with my daughter. Nicholas was quiet, watching his sister. He merely stared and then returned his food. He didn’t understand what was going on. ‘I don't know if it’s a new tooth. She was perfectly fine this morning, an
Kyle KingThe hospital reminded me of the times I brought Tessa for tests and consultations with the doctor. Now, I was here because of something that troubled me. The letter that Ava brought. There was something wrong with it, and I knew why. I had a low sperm count issue, although I started private treatment after the first consultation with an old general practitioner. I had threatened him not to reveal anything, Tessa. So, all the years we visited the hospital, I collected the results and kept them from her eyes. Tessa believed every word from me, and sometimes I tweaked it to fit her questions. Now, Ava was playing a similar game. I knew she didn’t run any tests. A confirmation from Doc. Brown told me all I wanted to know. I scheduled an appointment to run another test and discuss it with him. The nurse on the seat was a new face. She looked like a high school leaver, but I could tell she wasn’t from the way she talked. She mumbled some words when I informed her about the appoi