CHAPTER 78

Kyle King

I checked my outfit again before stepping down from the car. I hoped Tessa wouldn’t run off once she realised that I was the representative of the D.K. tech company. Uncle David wanted to fly over, but I assured him that I wouldn’t mess it up. Tessa would have no choice but to stay because her father had already agreed to the contract details. All we needed was to run through the plans for the job, and I would send a go-ahead to the team in Nashville.

I walked into Dio’s lounge. I had picked an open environment because I wasn’t sure if it was going to be Tessa or her brother who would show up. Seeing her now, I was proud of my decision. I took a last glance at Robyn’s rare collection suit and a pair of specially made black shoes by an old friend. I looked exactly like my title: The Billionaire CEO. 

‘Hello, Mrs. Tessa,’ I smiled, taking my seat. ‘I am sorry for keeping you waiting.’

She rose immediately, shock written all over her face. ‘You are the representative from the D.K. tech company?’

I nodded, standing up and saying, ‘Yes, I am. Can we please sit, Tessa? People are looking at us.’

‘I am not going to sit down with you, Kyle! If I knew you were the one behind this contract, I wouldn’t have allowed my dad to agree with it. What part of staying away from me do you not understand?’

‘I am sorry, Tessa, but I needed to talk to you and ask some certain questions. You wouldn’t listen to me, so that’s why I created this plan.‘

She laughed. ‘We have nothing to discuss, Kyle. You are a little too late for any reconciliation conversation. I will be taking my leave now.’

He grabbed her hand and said, ‘Wait, what about the job contract? Your dad already gave the go-ahead.’

She whipped his hand off her. ‘Don’t touch me ever again.’ 

I mumbled a sorry, hating how pathetic and stupid she made me feel.

‘Save your apology!’ she continued. ‘You are lucky; your company is the only one that has the services that our hotel needs. Let's have the documents.’

I sighed, opening my briefcase and handing over the certificate. ‘Thank you. Will you sit down now?’

She grabbed it and settled down. ‘What's the duration of the project?’

‘Three months. We have to be certain the tablets are fit for the cafe and work perfectly well, so we will be taking our time.’ I replied.

She scrolled through the documents, glancing at her wristwatch occasionally. I used that time to enjoy the fine features of her face. I had totally forgotten how beautiful Tessa was when we were married. Now, sitting in a pink suit and pencil trousers, she looked perfect. Her red hair gave her a dignified appearance. He felt unworthy to be in her presence, and he was aware of the hatred that shone in her eyes. Yet, there was this push to say something.

‘I am sorry for everything that happened between us. I shouldn’t have said those hurtful things to you that day. I shouldn’t have unlawfully taken the money from your account and treated you like trash.’

‘Oh, you mean like a barren woman? Listen, this is a business meeting, not an apology date. You should respect that and stop dwelling on personal issues.’ she said, handing over the document. ‘I have signed the necessary parts. James or one of the executives at the Nashville branch will visit your company soon to discuss further, and the project can officially start.’

I nodded slowly. She didn’t even bother to acknowledge my apologies but went on like we were just discussing the weather and business matters. Was this still Tessa, who used to adore him and do everything to please him? 

She stood picking up her bag. ‘It’s obvious you have nothing else to say, so I will be taking my leave.’

I quickly said, ‘Tessa, can’t you at least give me a chance to have a conversation with you? I have felt guilty since I set my eyes on you at the mayor’s party. Then I saw your kids and knew I had messed up big time. ‘

‘You should have reached out before marrying Avaline. Anyway, I am married now, and whatever you are thinking won’t work. I respect my husband so much to have conversations with the likes of you.

I swallowed hard. The last part of her words hit hard. She had really changed, and from the way she regarded me, I knew I had lost her forever.

I watch her walk off without saying anything. I couldn’t even ask her about the kids because it was obvious that my presence irritated and pissed her off. I sank into the chair and suddenly realised I hadn’t given her a copy of the job contract. Uncle David had reminded me earlier in the day not to forget because Mr. Roberts was a meticulous person. I rushed outside to check on her, but there was no sign of Tessa or her red hair. She had disappeared, and I had no way to contact her. It hadn’t even occurred to me to collect her contact number until she had walked off, and then I remembered her attitude towards me. She wouldn’t have given me even if I knelt down. 

I walked to the waiter to make payment for the meal. I noticed Tessa ordered my wine. I suspected she didn’t make payment for her meal before leaving. It was my fault she left early, though it felt like paying.

The waiter stared confusedly at me. ’The young lady’s bill has been covered already, including your own.’

 I shook my head. ‘I think you are mistaken. She didn’t leave any bills on the table, and I came after her. So, how come her bill has been settled?’

 The waiter sighed, ‘Her father is a joint owner of the lounge. I hope that provides enough answers to your question.’ 

I nodded, leaving the lounge. So, I had brought my ex-wife to an expensive lounge to impress her, only for a cold twist to happen? Life was truly playing a crude joke with me.