Chapter 56 Chapter 56
Tessa
By Friday my kitchen was up and running. I bought a phone because I didn’t have one.
Two weeks—it took two weeks for my house to be completely up-to-date. Hunt and Taylor knew all the places that delivered on time and were known for quality. Within two weeks my house was up-to-date; with Mike’s help all the papers were done and filed.
I had a house I was happy about; I was starting over. I needed to make friends. I started looking for a job, just something to keep me busy.
Zaiel
For the past three weeks the scowl has been a permanent fixture on my face. The marketing team was sitting in front of me, and they all looked like they were afraid I would murder them at any second.
“The purple one is fine. “Get it done and public by the end of the week,” I said, pushing back from the table. I walked out and headed back to my office. When I walked in, Avani was in my office. She returned one week ago and has been a fucking nuisance to my life.
I walked around the desk and sat down. “So Kai, Hannah mentioned someone hit her, and you did nothing,” she said, looking at me. I didn’t react.
“She followed Clarissa and did something stupid; I won’t defend that.”
“Defend? Stupid?” She asked in that tone that said trouble was coming. I sat back and looked at her.
“Avani, The girl was a caretaker. Clarissa had the bright idea of assuming the girl was after me. Clarissa put her hands on the girl and dragged Hannah with her, and they got their asses beat,” I said casually.
“We are Rhyland’s; we do not tolerate disrespect from anyone. I’ll deal with the caretaker. She should pray she doesn't run into me," she said, standing up. I sighed.
“Avani, don’t go around making trouble because I won’t save you.”
“I don't need you to save me. Also be at home for dinner tonight,” she said before walking out. I sat back in my chair. It’s been almost three weeks since I walked out of her house, since I’ve seen her shadow. I had Jax and Rob doing other stuff.
I haven't tried to track her or trace her; the only time I allowed her into my thoughts was when I was alone in my apartment. Seth and Jared came for me a few nights ago to go to some club, and I declined.
They were still trying to get me involved with some woman or the other. Clarissa was trying to make her way back into my life, and after my firecracker, no one else would fucking compare.
I spent my nights just thinking about her; all it would take was one phone call, and I would know where she was and what she was doing, but I didn't do it. The truth was I cared more than I let her know; I was starting to fall in love with her, and I knew it would have been bad if I kept her in my life.
My family would have destroyed her, and I would have destroyed them too. It was better this way. I pulled the phone out of the drawer and pulled up the text thread and reread the messages. I began typing a new message.
KAI: I miss you.
My finger hovered over the send icon for a few seconds, but I deleted it and threw the phone back into the drawer. She was better off without me. I ended the workday at five and headed home. When I walked into the hallway, Carlo looked at me. “Umm, Ms. Smith is in there and refuses to leave,” he said, and I nodded. I walked into my apartment and closed the door. Before I could take another step, Clarissa walked out in lingerie.
“Get out.”
“Come on, Zaiel, we can forget it all and continue,” she said, pulling the straps down. I walked over to the door and opened it.
“Carlo?”
“Yes, boss?” he asked as he stood in front of me.
“She has five minutes to get dressed and get out; if she doesn't, drag her out just the way she fucking is,” I said before turning towards my room and walking in to her screaming my name.
I locked the door, and she began banging on the door; after a few minutes, it stopped. I pulled my jacket off and headed to the shower.
When I walked into the Rhyland estate, they were already there, and so was fucking Clarissa.
“Zaiel, I thought you wouldn't show up,” my mother said.
I didn't answer; I just sat down.
“So the scandal has died down; I believe it’s time you and Clarissa can make it official,” Avani said as the glass of wine snapped in my hand.
“Zaiel, what on earth. “You’re bleeding,” my mother said, calling to one of the servants.
“He’s a man. Clarissa will be his wife; she’s perfect for him. She comes from a wealthy family. Better her than some money-hungry bitch,” Avani continued. I kept my eyes on her.
“Want to tell them what you've been up to?” I asked calmly, and her face went pale for two seconds.
“What is happening here? Avani, what is he talking about?” My father asked, and I smirked at her.
“I have no idea, Dad. Besides, why doesn't he want to marry Clarissa? She has been in his bed for the past two years; it's high time he makes it official,” she continued.
“And it’s high time you tell our parents that you’ve already had four abortions and were a whore while you were in France for the past two years,” I replied, smiling. Forks dropped, a glass shattered, and gasps were heard; her face went pale.
I stood up and looked at her. “You might be my sister, but a whore is what you are…”
“ZAIEL RHYLAND,” my mother shouted, and I dropped the napkin.
“If you expect me to marry the other whore sitting beside you, then you probably lost your fucking mind in France too. She’s been fucking the whole business district from Monday to Friday. Let me make something clear to you, Avani. I am not that fucking Zaiel Rhyland that you left here and me. I made the fucking Rhyland name, and I would not hesitate to fucking take myself out of it,” I said before walking out.
I walked straight out and got into the car. Jax was in the driver's seat.
“Take me to Irvington,” I said, leaning back into the seat. Fuck, I needed her, just for a minute. The entire drive my mind was on her; Clarissa and Avani wouldn't stop. I felt the car stop and sat forward.
I looked out, and the front porch lights were on; it was only eight, the car was in the driveway, and she was here. I got out of the car and walked up the front steps. I didn't bother knocking; I turned the handle, but it didn't open.