CHAPTER 22

Kyle King

I hit the submit button after completing the application form, and the word `successful’ popped up. The King`s Company was in the project partnership race. I read through the proposal again and watched the video. Xavier and Ava had done a great job, even though I had to settle childish arguments and plead several times with Xavier not to seriously hold Ava`s comments in his heart.

My eyes rested on the last message I sent to Tessa. She left unread, and somehow, I still felt angry for her audacity. The Tessa I knew would have replied immediately with an apology. She was always so scared of offending me because of the love she had for me. I guess that love had faded, just like it had faded here. I was in love with Ava, and with her, I understood what a relationship really meant. That's why I made the effort to ensure that the engagement party made headlines.

And it did. People were already talking about it, and the Yoshida Hall had been tagged several times. I was proud of myself, but deep down, my hopes were on Robert`s project. That was the only way to pay the salaries of my staff. I used their salaries to settle the bills for the hall, Ava`s dress, and the make-up session because she refused to help with the bills. 

Mom also demanded funds for her dress and other accessories, and I was too tired to argue anymore, even though my account was blaring red. I read through the bills the company still owed; thankfully, taxes had been resolved, as had electricity bills. It remained suppliers and employees and Xavier and my exorbitant lifestyle bills and renewing my vehicle licences. Then, I needed to boost the products and services of the company, which would be possible if Roberts picked him.

Thanks to Katherine, I knew that Tessa would not be involved in the selection process. I had worries about her getting involved and preventing me from getting the spot, but thank goodness, according to Katherine, she was still disowned and left out of family decisions. She had confirmed the information after listening to James and Ethan`s conversation at Mrs. Robert`s birthday party. It would be great to win the spot, knowing that Mr. Robert overlooked biases and grudges when picking his partners.

Xavier had noted an important fact, but I was confident that our proposal would work. In his words, `I don`t think Robert`s family would just hand over the project to you after what you did to their daughter. You are aware of the hate and disregard they hold against you and your family. I don't think we should go ahead anymore.`

I was confused at first because he was the one who advised me to jump in on the project, but when he said that, he was just looking out for me. I had to reassure him that everything would go according to plan because our project proposal was top-notch and the team had delivered a great job.

The door opened, revealing Ava. Her hair was already made up in a beautiful tiara style that revealed her pretty face. She was almost ready for the party.

`Babe, why are you here instead of checking the workers at the hall? You promised you would supervise everything and ensure nothing went amiss,` she said grudgingly, folding her hands.

I arranged the documents carefully, choosing my words slowly. I will check up on them in an hour's time. I just need to view some work documents and attend a meeting.`

She protested, `No, you have to leave those activities for now. The party is starting at exactly two o'clock, and this is already one o`clock! Do you want my parents, friends, and relatives to walk into a disorganised hall? If you knew your schedule would be so busy today, why did you not change the date?`

I sighed. Ava and her drama. It never ended.

I replied, drawing her closer to me, `I already assured you that the party is going to go smoothly, as you want. Nothing bad is going to happen, nor would your parents walk into a disorganised hall. I promised you already.`

She heaved, sitting on my lap. I just want everything to be perfect because I have always dreamt of this day. You and I are getting married and having beautiful kids. I can't wait to hold a mini Ava King and sing sweet lullabies to her and listen to her as she sleeps.`

`Wait, what about a mini Kyle King? Who will I sing lullabies to if you take Ava from me?`

She chuckled, pinching my nose playfully. `Don`t be silly. I am not going to leave you and take our child just like that. It would be cruel of me.`

I smiled, `I believe you. So, what about a mini Kyle? Two kids won't be bad, you know?`

`Well,` she drawled, `it won't, but I would like them to be mini Avas so that I can have them myself.`

`Oh really? I don't agree. There will be a mini Kyle and a mini Ava. That way, we share parental duties and not make one feel special than the other.` I replied, rubbing her thighs.

`Fine. Let's see, then. After the engagement party, we can stroll into the room and start making mini Avas and mini Kyles', she replied, getting up. `I will be leaving you now; I need to attend to the makeup artist. She wants to try another shade of colour for my cheeks and lips.`

I pouted, folding my hands. `So, you will leave me alone in this study just for make-up? That's unfair, babe.`

She laughed, `It's not unfair. You should start getting ready too, and your best friend, Xavier, I hope he will be coming. I know I have been tough and rude to him for the last few days, but he should understand. I couldn`t be nice when all the team members were being so annoying.`

`He will come; don`t worry about anything else, alright? I will be with you soon. Let me prepare for the meeting. It's just 10 minutes.`

She nodded, kissing me on the forehead and walking away.

Xavier had not wanted to come, but I was able to convince him that the party wouldn't have been possible if not for him. I knew he was angry about my decision to go ahead with the engagement. He also didn't like Ava's attitude and felt that she was a bad choice for me. Not wanting to fight with him again, I agreed with him and promised to talk to Ava about her attitude and behaviour. I knew she wouldn't listen, but it's the least I could try.

Yoshida Hall was the biggest in Nashville and the most expensive in the city. I walked into the hall holding Ava, like the world would fall apart if I let her go. The guests were all over the place, smiling and greeting us as I pushed through the bodies and sat down next to my mom and other family friends. Xavier had not come yet. I sent a text to him, and he replied almost immediately. He was stuck in traffic and will probably show up late because he had other errands to run.

I sighed. That was his secret code for telling me he wouldn't be able to make it. It seems my best friend wasn't happy with my choice. I changed my mind about calling him and sent him a text instead. He needed to know that Ava is the right woman for me, and nothing would change that fact. He just had to learn to accept her and hopefully, see the good I saw in her.

`Are you okay?` Mom whispered, smiling at a friend who was trying to get approval on something. 

I sighed again. I knew what she would say if I told her; it was Xavier and his disapproval. But did her spiteful comments about him matter at the moment? 

`It`s Xavier. He's not coming. He got stuck with some urgent job activity, and you know how he can be when it's about his work.`

She snickered, `Of course, son. You know, I would appreciate it if you could find good friends who respect your decisions and not nag like a child. I am aware Xavier doesn't like Ava or my ways of handling matters in the family, but like I always tell you, his opinion doesn't matter, especially in our family. I hope you take my words seriously now.`

I nodded, restraining the burst of words that I felt she deserved to hear. She had forgotten so quickly about Xavier's sacrifices for the family.

Ethan's announcement paused my thoughts. He wanted Ava and I to come to the dance floor and showcase our dancing skills. 

The engagement party had just started.