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 why you`re shading me in front of everyone, especially Evie; it's not as if she did you guys right!
`Just shut up,` Dad growled, pointing his finger at him. `You would respect Tessa if you wanted to remain in this house, and for your information, I know your mom promised you a token if you stayed in the seminar. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it was a trick!`
I chuckled, not caring about the pain visible in James`s eyes. It served him right. He always thought he could get things his way because he was the last child and the only son of the family.
I stood up, smiling, and said, `Thank you, Dad, for the backup, and I also want to add one more thing for James's advantage: I am expecting a baby by September. No, I won't be revealing the paternity of the child, and I won't be answering any questions concerning my divorce.`
James whistled, `Congratulations, sis. I knew something was up when you rejected the wine. I promise to be a good uncle and stay within my limits. Also, avoid getting on Dad's toes.`
Everyone laughed as I settled back. I wanted to retire to the room since Vera had decided not to show up, but I thought against it. The dining table was livelier after James apologised and started his seminar adventures.
An hour later, the last couple left, leaving James and me to deal with the kitchen chores. I knew I needed to talk to him about working with the family company. Yes, I was pregnant, but it wasn't a bad thing to do part-time activities before I took a break.
`So,` I started, watching his facial expression. `I was wondering if you could speak to mom and dad on my behalf. You know it's pretty boring to stay alone in this massive house while everyone is at work or doing some activity. I know you might not want to help me because of tonight and other times, but I am really sorry.`
He laughed, arranging the plates on the rack. `You`re beating around the bush, Evie. What do you want? A job or tickets to the movie theatre?`
`Very funny, James.' I laughed. `I want a job and not just anyone, something that makes me take decisions and seal deals.`
He hummed, watching me closely. `Why do I have a bad feeling about this request? Are you planning on ruining somebody?`
Gosh! I knew I should have rehearsed my words before dropping them. Now, James is suspicious. It wasn't like I didn't want James to know the plans I had for Kyle and his family, but I needed to be sure they would work before letting anyone know. Also, my dad would disagree if he got to know that I was plotting against Kyle. He would prefer to do it his own way.
I had to think fast before I planted a seed of doubt in James`s mind.
`Well, let's just say, I want to be busy before Robert junior comes in. It will also be exciting to get on your nerves and suffocate you with my wins.`
`Right, Evie. I know you`re up to something, but I won't pry yet. I will talk to our parents, but I am not sure they will want you to work full time, so whatever decision they take, please accept it.`
I grinned, hugging him, `Thank you, James. You`re the best junior brother ever, and I love you so much!`
He shrugged. `I love you too, but don`t think of suffocating me with your wins because I am the genius here and you`re the talker!`
I nudged him lightly, `You haven't stopped this annoying bragging! Anyway, I might be the talker, but I do know how to make you give up.`
`Of course, Evie. I am off to bed. I have a late morning meeting to attend and a golf match to settle with a friend. Goodnight, sis.` he winked, giving me a brief squeeze.
Maybe I should have told him about my plan, but knowing James, he would want to know every detail about the marriage and the divorce. I wasn't ready to start reliving the experiences I passed through, nor was I ready for James`s cold judgement.
My phone buzzed. It was Vera. About time, she called.
`Hello, babes. I am sorry I missed your family dinner. After the delivery of the work, I got a call from my folks, and I had to drive to their place to resolve a drama. I just returned a few minutes ago. I am so sorry,` she breathed rapidly.
`It's alright, dear. I hope it wasn't a serious drama?` I asked, settling on my bed.
Vera chuckled. `It wasn`t. They had a misunderstanding with their neighbours and called the cops to arrest them, but plot twist: my folks were found guilty, and what should have been settled with an apology turned into an arrest. I had to spend an hour and a half trying to convince the cops that my folks were good people and not troublemakers. It was really hilarious and annoying.
I chuckled softly, imagining how Vera would have been soothing the cops while firing cold glares at her nice, stubborn parents. I had met them a few times, and they always had the best advice to give, even when it was unsolicited.
`Sorry, babes. I am sorry your parents had to go through that process. What was the misunderstanding though?`
She sighed, `Their rose garden! Their neighbour just plucked one and left a dollar bill as compensation, but I trust my parents to see it as an insult. Then, they accused their neighbour of destroying the patterns they used in growing the roses. I was shocked, Tessa!`
I chuckled harder. Her parents were the greatest comedians. Who calls the cops because of a rose plant that was paid for?
`I am sorry, babes. You know how your parents can be. They`re sensitive, especially when it comes to their rose garden. I am glad you saved them from cell, though.`
`I am glad I did. Enough about them; how was dinner? I hope James didn't give you much trouble,` she asked.
`He did, but Dad came to my rescue. He also promised to change immediately. I announced I was expecting a Robert Junior.`
`Nice. You should check the gender of your baby, though, so that we can start getting ready. I personally hope it's a junior, Tessa.`
I giggled. I had played with the idea of checking the gender after four months, and after speaking to mom, I felt it was a good idea.
I replied, `Alright, I would check it. I also spoke to James about the job, and he promised to speak with Dad.
She hummed, `Good girl. Once you check it, inform me immediately so that I can start shopping! About the job, I still feel you should have told your parents yourself. You`re the older one, not him, and they value your opinions more.`
I sighed. She won't understand why I decided to let James do the talking. `I am a bit tired, babes. We will talk better tomorrow, okay?`
She sighed, saying good night and cutting the call.
I might be older, but James was the decision-maker when it came to the family business. I used to be, but after I abandoned my folks for Kyle, things changed. Vera was right about me telling my parents myself, but based on previous experiences, James was good at getting them to say yes to his requests, while when it came to me, they would ask questions, do research, and ensure the requests were profitable.
As I closed my eyes, my thoughts wandered to Kyle and his family. It would be a great shock when they discovered I had been accepted back into the Robert family.
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 KingsI know I shouldn't have listened to my mom and Ava when they brought up the idea of logging into Tessa`s account and retrieving the money. Reading through the mail I sent her now, I felt awful, but I pushed through the feeling. I needed the money more than her at the moment, and she also didn't quite deserve anything for me since she didn't give me a child. It was unfair, but life was unfair too.I picked up my phone and sent a message to Xavier. We needed him during the meeting. Something made me pause. The mail I mistakenly sent to Tessa. I hoped she wouldn`t inform her parents not to allow me to participate in the project. She wouldn't dare do that to me. Besides, through a friend in Arizona, I knew she wasn't part of the family business, which meant her parents were yet to forgive her for leaving them for me.Tessa. I scrolled through the mail she sent and imagined how furious she would be now. I sighed. My conscience was doing a great job, making me feel guilty. I sho
Kyle King`Mom, when will you be available?` I asked, cutting her short. `I am already at your house with your fiance, Kyle. Get here immediately, you close from work. Please don`t bring Xavier with you, alright,'she replied, hanging up the call.I sighed, picking up my briefcase, `We will meet at the club house after I am done with Ava and my mom."`Xavier stood up, glancing at his wrist watch. `I thought we were supposed to meet at your place by seven o'clock? Never mind, I will call you once I get to the clubhouse. Good luck solving your mother`s issue.``Wait,` I called out. `Do you think I should return the money to Tessa?`I still felt guilty, even though everything in me tried to justify my actions, but my conscience was unstable.`It's up to you, bro. I told you it was a stupid idea, but you listened to your mom as always. I can`t give you any advice because you won't listen to me. You know, bro, you should stop involving me in your family affairs because, according to your p
Kyle King`Mom, you know the company hasn't been too well, and this project we`re able to apply for is going to consume the little resources we have. I can't risk the company's future just because of an engagement party. I can`t.` I said, raising my voice a little.Ava chuckled, `Then I will sing like a bird, and the world will know how lowly you can be!`I snapped immediately, `You would do nothing, Ava. We planned everything together, and I remember you took a certain percentage to take Mom for a spa session. So, if you sing, we will go down together, alright?`She jumped up instantly, glaring coldly at me. `If not for your mom and the love I have for you, I would have walked out of your life earlier today. Just be grateful; I am still here, okay?`I chuckled. Why was she changing the topic? She should be defending her threat. I decided to push her a little.`So, are you backing down on your threat and agreeing to the engagement plans? Or you want to sponsor it because of the love y
Geneveive Tessa RobertMum decided her birthday party would be held in the city hall, even though it was she who insisted that she wanted a small gathering. At the end of compiling the guest list, I discovered that her definition of a small gathering was quite different from what I knew. She had sent invites to almost five hundred people, and each of them was bringing someone along. I rubbed my temples as I supervised the last decoration for the day. The party was starting at four o'clock, and I was glancing at my time; it was already two o`clock, and I hadn't eaten breakfast.Mom mustn't know I played with the life of her grandchild. I quickly dismissed the last worker and checked everything before handing over the key to the security team. Luckily for me, Robert`s villa was just a mile from the hall, so I could walk.My stomach grumbled in protest, but I ignored it until I couldn`t. Maybe I should have eaten before leaving the hall. I rub my stomach while sending a text to James to