Chapter 57 Chapter 57
Kai
I pulled the key out and opened the door. The minute I walked in, I knew something was off. I flicked the lights on, and I could see the house was stuffy. I closed the door and stepped into the middle of the room. I saw the phone, the car keys, and the envelope, and my heart fucking sank. She was gone.
She really fucking left because I asked her too. I walked through the house; everything was quiet, and there was a thin layer of dust on the dresser. I walked back into the living room. I picked up the letter. I stood there for a minute. This was the best decision she made.
I left the phone and car keys. I walked back out, turning the lights off, and got back into the car.
“Take me back to my palace.”
“Yes, Boss,” Jax replied. I had the envelope in my hand. My phone was ringing. I checked it; it was my mother. I didn't answer. The ringing continued; I walked into the elevator, and it didn't stop. I just turned it off. I walked straight into the apartment and took a shower.
After my shower I sat on the balcony with a stiff drink and opened the envelope.
“Thank you. For everything, the money, for getting rid of Alex and Mark. I've had nightmares for years; I could never have a life, and you gave me that. I’m grateful for it, but you hurt me, Zaiel, in a way they never did.”
I folded the letter and let out a sigh. I regretted doing that. I opened the letter and continued reading.
“You betrayed whatever trust I had in you. Maybe if you had told me, I would have been angry and given you a chance to explain, but you didn't. We’re from two different worlds and can’t be together. Yes, I feel something for you, but we both know oil and water can’t mix. Even if you hadn’t asked me to leave, I would have, because I wouldn't have been able to see you. Please don't try to find me; I have no interest in relationships, not after everything. Just go on with your life and forget I ever existed. I wish you nothing but the best. Goodbye, Kai. - Tessa
I folded the letter and downed the last of my drink. She did what was right for her, for her sanity, and for both of us because I would have fucking ruined her, and she would have made my life better.
I put the letter back into the envelope and tucked it away in the darkest part of my closet. I had to let her go.
Six months later,
I was sitting in front of my parents along with Avani and Hannah. In the past six months I worked so hard that it forced me to stay away from them. That didn't stop Avani from trying. Which was why we were sitting here at nine AM on a Monday morning in their living room.
“Zaiel. Avani, this has to stop,” my father said.
“Then tell him to stop acting high and fucking mighty,” Avani yelled, and I looked at my mother.
“Zaiel is an adult, and so are you, Avani. You have no clear path for your life…” my mother said
“I do. I’m going to get married and become a good wife and good mother,” Avani said, and I saw Hannah roll her eyes; at least that one had some much-needed sense.
The past six months have been nothing short of a fucking warzone in my family. Avani and Clarissa, looking for Tessa. Avani was forcing Clarissa on me, and it always ended badly. But she crossed the line a few days ago and publicly announced my engagement to Clarissa.
“Very well. As you want to get married, we’ll find a suitable husband…” my father was saying, but she cut him off.
“No,” she yelled, jumping up.
“Why not? I mean, if you can decide that Clarissa is perfect for your brother, that means we have the choice to choose your husband,” my mother said.
“I don't care what you do, but your actions are bad for my image and business, and if you do one more thing that affects my business, I’ll forget that you’re my sister and treat you the way I treat everyone else.” I said, standing up.
“I won’t be here for a while; I’m travelling regarding the new building,” I said, looking at my father.
“Sure,” my father said.
Tessa
We were just walking out of the restaurant. It's been six months since I officially moved here, and no sign of Kai. Not a peep, and I was glad. I settled in nicely and found a job at one of the restaurants. Brooks, Gage, Colt, Harper, Paige, and Savannah were now my closest friends.
I got to know my neighbors, who were so kind and friendly. Three weeks after I moved in, the neighbors came over in a group to introduce themselves, bringing pies and desserts. The second month after I was fully settled, I had a barbeque and invited my neighbors and the guys from the restaurant, and I had never felt so relaxed and so normal in my life.
“Well now, it’s Friday night, and we’re fixing to have us a party!” Harper said, throwing her hands up in the air.
“Y’all fixing to get drunk, then?” Gage asked.
“Damn straight!” Paige replied.
“Lord, we’re going to be so hungover come morning,” Savannah said.
“Well, that’s the only way to do it,” I said.
“Alright then, whose ride are we taking’?” Colt asked.
“Mine, it’s big enough,” I said.
“A'ight then,” Brooks said.
“Okay then, I’ll pick you all up at eight,” I said.
“A’ight then, I’ll catch y’all ladies in a bit,” Gage said.
We said bye, and I headed to my Jeep. Just as I opened the door, I had the weird sensation down my spine that there were eyes on me. I looked around but didn't see any weird cars or anyone that looked suspicious. Brooks blew his horn at me as he drove out, and I waved him off.
I got into the Jeep and drove straight home. I got home, parked in the driveway, and headed in, waving at My neighbor Mrs. Georgia, Betty Jo, was on the sidewalk with her friends playing. I walked through the front door and headed straight to the kitchen and reheated some of the pot roast from yesterday and went to the shower.
After my shower, I ate on the back porch. By seven thirty I was already dressed and out the door. I drove down and got Harper first, then Colt, Gage, and Brooks were together, and Paige and Savannah were last.
The engine was roaring, but you couldn't hear it over the absolute racket inside. There were seven of us jammed in; Harper was practically sitting on Colt’s lap, Gage and Brooks were wrestling over the aux cord in the back, and Paige and Savannah were busy doing a quick makeup check using the tiny sun visor mirrors.