CHAPTER 99

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I was in the middle of writing a proposal letter to a friend of a prospective client when I remembered that today was when Vera was to meet Murphy and his parents at their family house in Bristol. I sent a quick text to her. Don’t be nervous, babe. Just be yourself and remember what I told you.

She replied immediately, I am still regretting the outfit I wore, even though Murphy has whispered several times into my ears that I look lovely.

I shook my head as I replied. Vera could exaggerate at times. According to the picture you sent, I think you look gorgeous, girl, and Murphy is right about you looking lovely.

Alright, his parents are nice and receptive. I will tell you about everything once I return home!

I dropped my phone, smiling widely. I had met Murphy’s parents. His father was Dad’s stepbrother, Stephen, and he was a nice, pleasant man, while his wife, Naomi, was the definition of a pure-hearted soul. I suspected the only issue they were going to have was Vera’s past relationships. Even though Murphy had forgiven her past, I couldn’t tell of his parents.

Anyway, I hope everything went well for her. She deserved a great man, and Murphy definitely checked all the boxes. I returned to the proposal letter when a knock on the door distracted me. Mom peered in.

‘Baby girl, you look tired. Did you sleep at all last night?’ Mum asked, throwing her bag on the couch.

I sighed, ‘I tried my best, Mom. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?’

She had been scared a bit a few days ago when she complained of heartburn. The doctor blamed it on stress and an unhealthy diet. He instructed her to rest properly and reduce her job activities, but knowing mom, we knew she wouldn’t follow his instructions. Dad employed a part-time nurse to ensure she took her drugs and rested. I could see his tactics weren’t working.

She ran her fingers through her short blonde hair and said, ‘I am better than a few days ago, and I feel holed up in that house with that poker-faced nurse your dad hired. I promise to tweet during the weekend, but for now, let me enjoy today with you.’

‘Alright,mum. What can I get you? Did you eat before leaving the house?’

She scoffed, ‘Of course. The poker-faced nurse forced me to eat a lot of vegetables with my yam porridge. I wasn’t even allowed to have a chicken lap!’

I laughed. Mom could be a child at times. ‘Your nurse name is Tabitha, mom, and she’s just following the doctor’s order. You aren’t pissed about that, or are you?’

She replied flatly, ‘I just miss eating chicken, lamb, and beef. Can you tell your dad to return me to my regular diet, and I promise not to overwork henceforth?’

‘No, mom. It’s not overworking that is the problem, but the travelling and showing up at every place. You don’t rest, and it’s telling on you already. It’s just three months, anyway, so I am sure you can wait, right?’

‘Well, I can. So, Kyle. Your dad said he found out about the kids. Has he confronted you yet or said anything?’

I replied, admiring the swift way she had changed the topic. ‘I am not sure he has found out the truth, but Xavier heard most of my conversation with Vera, and the hospital called yesterday to say that Kyle checked the files of the kids. I am going to deal with that rat who told him, by the way. Anyway, he hasn’t confronted me about it, but I know soon he will do so. I noticed something else.’

Mum sat up, reading my expression, ‘What did you notice?’

‘He has stopped following and showing up at the meetings. You know how he used to follow me and create unreasonable excuses? He has stopped all of that. Do you think he is planning on suing me? For keeping his children away from him?‘ I asked, tears welling up. ‘I know I should have told him about them, but look at how he treated me, mom. Five good years, and he sent me out of his house with nothing to my mom.’

Mum stood up, gathering me into her hands. ‘It’s okay, darling. I know he won’t try anything, though. He’s afraid of our family, and he knows what kind of trouble he might get into if he decides to sue you. A can of worms will be opened, and he will be taught a lesson.’ 

I sniffed, ‘Are you sure, Mom? I don’t want to be caught unexpectedly. Kyle King doesn’t give up easily. I also heard his wife is in town.’

She whistled, ‘Wow. Avaline is here. Why? Is it because of the divorce?’

I wish I knew, mom. I just don’t want any of them near my kids, especially Avaline. That woman is evil!’

‘You don’t need to worry about the kids' protection. James and the two security guards would ensure no harm comes their way, okay?’

I nodded. ‘I wish we hadn’t met in California, Mum. He wouldn’t have known about the kids or anything about me.’

She hushed me, ‘It’s okay. I know I caused part of it. If I hadn’t signed that deal with Mayor Kim, this wouldn’t have happened.’

I smiled. ‘Don’t blame yourself, mom. You were looking out for me and my financial security. So, would you like to come over to the house to see the kids? They've missed you.’

‘I would love to. Why do you think I brought an extra bag? I will be spending the weekend at your place, away from your dad and poker-faced nurse.’ 

I chuckled, standing up to check the bag. She had come prepared. ‘You won’t stop calling her poker-faced, will you?’

She shook her head and replied, ‘No, I won’t until she starts smiling, of course. I don’t know why your dad couldn’t hire a sexy male nurse instead.’

‘Mom! You have a sexy husband already!’

She giggled, ‘I am just joking. Don’t worry, Tessa, we will get through this phase together.’ 

I nodded and hugged her fully. Everything was going to be alright, hopefully.