Agenda To Bring Them Back

Agenda To Bring Them Back
CHAPTER 185
ZYLIAH'S POV
"I thought we were supposed to be going out on a date. What is this?"
I couldn't understand why Kevin would bring Sayge to my house. There was a reason why I left his house, taking my kids with me. We only stayed two days in Delia's house before finding this place, and within twenty-four hours, I had it furnished.
Now I had access to my company and my personal accounts, all of which I'd left in Delia's care before my accident and subsequently the whole drama.
My life was back to normal... almost. I mean, if I didn't think of the state my heart was currently in, I would be fine.
Kevin was a good distraction. The best. In fact, I had Grandma Charlotte to thank for introducing me to Kevin. He was funny, smart, considerate, and I believed his feelings for me were genuine.
Though mine for him was obviously real, it wasn't as intense as it had been between Sayge and me. And to a great extent, that was okay. It was acceptable.
I didn't want to have to feel the same way—if things ended between me and Kevin—Sayge made me feel. I was yet to even get over that.
"Let's go inside, please," Kevin pleaded, touching my face softly.
I met his gaze with a puzzled frown. "Is something going on you're not telling me?"
"Would you rather stand out here and talk about it?" The patience and calm way he'd posed the question, not the question itself, had me succumbing.
I didn't mind Kevin coming into my home. But for Sayge? No. This was a fresh start for me; I didn't need any more drama.
"Fine, let's go inside."
Sayge stood a few feet from us, but he was quiet. I didn't want to look at him so I wouldn't be reminded of what I'd gone through in the past.
Yes, it was just a week, but he was in my past.
Maybe it was to make him jealous or to tell myself that I didn't care nor love him anymore. I didn't know which it was, but I intertwined my hand with Kevin's.
I stole a look and saw his expression fall. I looked away, willing guilt to take a back seat. He didn't think of me when he got Claire pregnant; there was no need to think of him now that I was trying to forget about him.
The kids were ecstatic to see him the moment we stepped in.
Alexa was staying with us for the meantime. Not that I had any trouble with her living with me and my kids, but I didn't know if Claire and Sayge would allow her to stay for so long.
Even if she wasn't their child by blood, she was still their child, and they had rights over her.
For now, she was very happy staying here. Although, the kids would complain about missing their dad and when they were going to see him.
"Daddy!" They clamored around him.
He squatted, exchanging pleasantries with them, kissing and hugging each one of them.
Sayge might not be good for me, but he was a good father; he deserved credit for that.
Watching him play with them, I used the opportunity to pull Kevin along with me into a different room.
With my arms folded, I stared at him. "Why did you bring him here?"
He let out a small smile that notified me of the sadness and regret in his eyes. He raised a hand to my face, caressing. "Beautiful," he complimented genuinely but quietly.
My brows involuntarily drew together. "What's wrong?"
Still touching my face, he began, "I wish I could make you mine. You're everything I've wanted in a woman, Zyliah."
I didn't like the tone nor the look in his eyes. It made me uncomfortable. My fragile heart was yet to heal; why did it feel like it was undergoing more pain? Was he breaking up with me? "Are you breaking up with me?"
He shook his head; his sad smile grew. "No. I would never break up with you. But you're not mine to have either."
My chest hammered within. I may not love Kevin yet, but I was wholly attracted to him, which was crazy because I'd only just met him. But he was like one of the few good men out there, and he was playing a huge role in helping me keep my sanity with whatever I was going through with Sayge... or, more rightly put, whatever I had gone through.
I needed to remind myself it was the past.
"Sit down, baby girl; let me reveal an agenda to you." Even as he said it, he gently lowered me on the sofa. He joined me, holding my hand. "You see, the first time I saw you that day at Mama Charlotte's jewelry store, I was enthralled by you. You were like the balm to my healing heart." He flashed me a grin as if to assure me everything would be fine no matter what. "I told myself I'd woo you to the ends of the Earth if I had to. That I'd reach for the stars, pluck them right out of the sky, and make jewels of them if I had to just so you would say yes to me." He chuckled, finding his own words funny.
I couldn't help but chuckle as well. "Tell me, who could say no to a romantic poet?"
"Sheila."
I frowned. "Who?"
"My ex-wife." His response came easy. Too easy; it was almost elusive. "Anyways, I'll tell you about that part of my life someday. For now, let's focus on you and your love life. But Mama Charlotte told me about you and Sayge. Then she said I should help two confused hearts who truly love each other but can't seem to find a common ground to build their love upon."
At first I was lost, trying to make sense of what he'd just revealed. Then it clicked. I jumped from the seat, taking my hand away from his hold. "So all of this was a lie? The dinner, kisses, flowers? I was a pawn in some game?"
He stood, pulling me to him despite my resistance. "On the contrary, baby girl, I am the pawn. The collateral damage in your love game with Sayge. But I don't mind; I just want you to be happy, even if it's with him. Plus, I can't refuse Mama Charlotte anything, even at the expense of my own happiness. I can decide to take advantage of this rift between you two and have you all to myself, and heaven knows I am tempted to, but I won't." He laid his forehead on mine.
I didn't even know how to react to all he was telling me. I mean, why would Grandma Charlotte do such a thing?
I swallowed. "So what now? You brought him here so we could live happily ever after?"
"Yes, but after the fight," he answered, his breath blowing warm on my face.
"What fight?"
"That you will have with Sayge." He held my face with both palms as though it was something precious he didn't want to lose. He gave me a kiss on the bridge of my nose. "You need to be happy, baby girl. Open your heart to him."
I pulled back. "No. He's my past; I can't."
"Can't or won't?" He made no move to pull me in this time.
"Same difference." I moved my shoulders, a bit restless.
"Babygirl." He reached out to hold me close.
I moved away. "No, Kevin. I won't. If you don't want to date me anymore, that's fine. But you will not force me into any relationship with Sayge. He and I are over!"