CHAPTER 69

Genevieve Tessa Robert

 

‘Mum, you should have consulted me before agreeing to the deal. You know, I can’t return to that country. I can’t. I will send my staff, but I can’t go there.’

She laughed. ‘You think you will come across that loser called Kyle? You won’t. He’s in New York, and you are going to be in California. I already promised Mayor Kim Jun that you would personally be in charge. Please, you have to go, and don’t worry; Estella and James will come with you so that they can help with the twins.’

‘But, mum. I have the McPhee project and other client jobs to oversee and approve. I can’t just put them on hold because of the mayor. Can't he get other good interior designers in his country?’ I asked stubbornly. I knew mom wouldn’t change her mind, though. One thing she hated was going back on her words.

‘I will take care of the projects. Besides, Vera is available now. She can come in to take charge. Isn’t that why you gave her a place at Hoplas Designs? To take charge when you are not in?’

I sighed. Mom was right. Vera wasn’t on full-time staff yet, but I had given her a CFO position in the company, just in case I had emergencies. She had more experience than me, and it was due to her insights that I was able to build this company. I could trust her with the company. 

‘Fine, I will go to the United States, but please, next time, let me know before you conclude on these deals. I don’t like unexpected surprises.’

She smiled and said, ‘I am sorry, baby. Next time, I will inform you before taking the deals, but the money can be a deciding factor.’

I laughed, ‘You and money, mom. I am sure that’s why Dad is always working hard.’

‘Of course, he needs to take care of his intelligent and beautiful wife. That reminds me, Tessa. I saw your childhood friend, Kanebi. Do you remember him? I saw him in Bristol, and he promised to show up in Liverpool soon. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to speak with you. You need a man. Kyle has moved on, and I think you should do the same. Kanebi has always been your childhood crush, and I must say, he will make a fine husband, dear.’

Was Mom matching me with Kanebi? She had always loved Kanebi because he was respectful and her late best friend’s son. Kanebi spent most of his life with us until his father remarried and moved to England. We talked once in a way, but he stopped responding to my emails when I told him I had gotten married to Kyle. I had a crush on him, but am I loving him? No.

I saw Kanebi as a brother, and the crush died after he left.

‘Mum, what I had for Kanebi died years ago. I am sorry, but I am not open to a relationship at the moment, please.’

She sighed, ‘Okay, but please see him when he comes, okay?’

I mumbled a response focusing on the twins. This wasn’t the time for relationships. I was done healing and had enough from men.

The next few days, I spent them completing projects that needed my approval and final touches. Vera helped a lot, and we were able to start the McPhee project too. 

I made sure Vera understood the project and pleaded she shouldn't let his perfectionism character disturb her. I also went shopping for the kids. I didn’t want to arrive in the United States unprepared. I wanted to leave them behind due to their school, but mom advised me to take them and enroll them in one of the preparatory schools. 

‘It would help them interact with kids of their change and get used to the environment before you return.’ she had said, before zipping their school bags. 

I’d argued, ‘That’s the issue. I don’t want them to get used to the environment. It will affect their social lives.’

‘It won’t. You are just staying there for one month. I would have advised you to homeschool them and let them enjoy the one month as a holiday, but you want them to be in school, right?’

‘Yes, I will just find a good preparatory school. I can ask the mayor once I arrive in California.’

She wished me the best of luck and made me promise that I would take enough rest and protect her grandchildren.

The flight to California was long and tiring. The twins behaved, and she allowed Estella to have enough sleep throughout the flight. The middle-aged woman had been working really hard since I announced the job.

My team had arrived in California yesterday and had started getting everything ready. We were supposed to be there too, but Mom wanted to spend one extra day with the twins.  

I yawned, checking through the window. The pilot had announced a few minutes ago that we were landing in five minutes. I closed my eyes, holding Hope’s tiny hands, as I felt the plane land successfully. 

‘I think we should drop at a restaurant before arriving at the hotel,’ I said, dropping our luggage into the jeep the mayor had sent.

Estella nodded. ‘I agree, ma. Nicholas couldn’t eat the mashed potatoes and fish they served on the plane. I'm sure he’s hungry now.’ 

I stared at them. Hope was dozing while Nihcolas had taken his drawing book and was coloring. He was a left-handed man, just like James, and also a brilliant artist. Mom claimed he inherited it from me, but I knew better. Kyle was the perfect artist while I was still learning. I smiled a bit, returning my attention to Estella. 

'Hope  didn’t eat too. I just hope that her picky habit hasn’t returned. I will inform the driver to take us to a nice place where we can have a quick breakfast. I am sure the mayor must have prepared something for us, but I don’t want to give him the impression that we are hungry people.’

Estella laughed,'I am certain he won’t think that way, though. Thank you, ma.’

I smiled, opening the passenger door to let her in. I scanned the crowd, and a familiar feeling rose up. I was returning to my past life.