GENEVIEVE Tessa ROBERTSThe flight home was long and pretty boring because I kept thinking about what Kyle said and the years I invested in his life. Closing the book I was reading, I yawned, and the phone conversation I had with Vera slowly replayed.`I still can't believe that Kyle left you for Ava! That`s a step down, honestly, and I think he should have done better.` Vera said.I sighed, massaging my temples. `Forget it, Vee. I am just glad I am out of that house and coming home. I also have a surprise for you too.`She groaned, `You know I don't like surprises, so please spill the beans right now!``No. You've got to wait until I land in Arizona. I have really missed home and my parents. I hope you didn't tell them?` I asked, remembering the last fight I had with my mom.`I didn`t. I still feel you should have called and informed them about the latest update. I am sure they would forgive you immediately, Tessa. It's been six years already.` she replied sadly.The fight between me
Genevive Tessa Robert`Dad, is there a problem?'I asked.He heaved, `I am just shocked you left the father of your child and came here. That`s a big sacrifice, Tessa.` `It isn`t, Dad. He divorced me before I could even deliver the news to him, and he made me feel like I wasn't worth fighting for. His family never liked me, and he made it clear that I was barren, so I had no use in his household anymore.` `But you should have stayed. I know you agreed to the condition, but you can't raise a child on your own, Tessa.` Dad stretched, staring sternly at me.Mom coughed, clearing her throat a bit. `She's not returning to that household if that's what you are implying, honey. We`re going to support our only daughter to raise our grandchild and also ensure those lowly fools pay for making her life miserable.`I smiled, hugging mom. She always knew how to convince Dad and stand up for what she believed in. Also, the announcement of my pregnancy softened her heart immediately. She had always
Genevive Tessa RobertThe weeks passed quickly, and the next month came. I still hadn't started showing signs of pregnancy, i.e., that bump, but the cravings were there, and the chef, Santiago, was always available to take care of me.Vera had also become a regular visitor, and even after pleading with her to move in, she refused, insisting that my parents were overly nice. She had a feeling something was up. I gave up after that and accepted her visits like a child receiving his first Christmas gift.I stood up from the bed and strolled into the kitchen. Santiago was preparing his special chicken soup and other dishes I knew nothing of but had a good feeling about my baby, and I would be able to take them. `What're you thinking of, Madame?` Santiago asked over a pot of boiling chicken soup. `Nothing really. I`m just wondering how my parents survived staying in this big house after I left. I am sure a lot of times they travelled because, knowing the Roberts, they treasure exotic tri
Genevive Tessa Robert`I didn't mean to disrespect her, mom. I am just reminding her of her place in the family. She might be the elder one, but I am the one who remained and stood by you and Dad.` James replied, gaining the approval of other people on the table apart from my parents.I breathed hard, trying to suppress the anger rising up. I am carrying a child. I don't need this kind of negative feeling, but somebody needs to put James in his place. Thankfully, Dad came to the rescue.Dad raised his right hand, silencing everyone. `James, you`re right, but do I need to remind you about your failure as the company's head of operations? Your exorbitant parties that sucked our profits? The investments you made that made us lose investors and shareholders? If I hadn't sent you that seminar, maybe we would be sleeping on the streets at the moment.`James stuttered, `But, Dad, I apologised for the mistakes and went to the seminar because it was the right thing to do. Also, I don't know wh
Kyle KingIt's been two months since Tessa left and Ava moved into the King's family. Ava had been so nice and kind to me, and I was grateful I made the decision to let Tessa go.However, there was a little problem. Ava had suddenly turned me to her money machine, and my mom had approved it. She didn't care that the profits of the company were reducing since there wasn't any reasonable business idea or strategy to use to draw in customers. A message popped up on my laptop screen. A notification mail on a business proposal was submitted to one of our crucial clients. I hurriedly read through the document and paused when I saw the usual apology I have been getting all week from other clients.I needed to think outside the box; if not, the company would crumble and my dad`s relatives would be on my neck.I started reading through the latest business projects when I came across a headline talking about my divorce from Tessa. The article reviewed the progress of the company while Tessa wa
Genivive Tessa RobertJames had spoken to my parents, but I had yet to get a positive response or a meeting, so I decided to focus on changing my wardrobe a bit and get some dresses that would fit as my stomach grew.Due to Vera's persistence in determining the gender of the baby, I scheduled an ultrasound in the next two months. It was an early decision, but I wanted to be organised and be able to make plans without waiting for a father figure.At night, I still thought about Kyle, but with disgust and hatred. According to Dad, the KIng`s company was slowly losing customers and investors due to our divorce. That served him right. He was in a hurry to get rid of me but forgot that in the business world, a bad rumour could ruin your reputation. Also, every now and then, some strange journalist would call in for a statement and clarification of physical abuse, but I wasn't ready for that publicity yet. There will be time for that, and Kyle wouldn't see it coming. Checking my outfit—a
GENEVIEVE Tessa Robert'Stop crying, babes. You will get through this. Don't forget your family background and mine too. We've got all the resources to deal with Kyle and his family.’I sniffed, trying to stop the tears. “I know, babes, but I am still hurt. How could he do this? I am so worthless that I don't deserve some sense of happiness.”She smiled, lifting my chin. “You're worthy of every bit of love and happiness, Tessa. Don't let Kyle's dislike for you and disregard make you think otherwise. He's not worth it, nor is he worth your tears, okay?”“Okay, thank you for the pep talk. You're the best friend ever. Also, thanks for saving my ass at the store. You saved me from fresh gossip.”She grinned and said, “You're welcome, babes. There's one question, though. Why did you insist on buying the necklace set? You know your mom wouldn't approve of you spending a lot on a birthday gift.”She was right. Mom wouldn't be so excited when she discovers how much I paid for it, but she will
Genevieve Tessa RobertI nodded, mapping out my plan. Dad wouldn't resist me when I used his grandchild as leverage. If he agrees, it will remain, mom. Yeah, her birthday gift will do the magic.“Okay, I feel your idea would work; thank you,” I replied, gathering the dishes. He patted my shoulder and said, “Sincerely, I am glad you're home. I kind of missed your competitive and dark glares.”“Really, James? I thought I was the senior sister who stole your shine. I am really surprised you missed me. Really surprised,” I emphasized.He grinned, his brown eyes glowing. “Ola, you're still that sister that stole my shine, but I forgave you after your marriage. I finally got what I wanted, so having you wasn't worth it anymore.”Little wonder he was nice to me when I arrived.“Alright, James. Thank you for your kindness so far. If it makes you feel better, you know I also missed you too.”He smiled, giving me a tight hug and walking away. My dear junior brother had finally grown up.The ni
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,