Suits & Aces (#3)

39 // Runaway

Being back at work was by far the best thing that had ever happened to him, he was tired of being stuck at home and treated like he was dying.

In fact, he hated the fact that everyday was a reminder that he almost died.

He never told anyone about the nightmares, but he was struggling to sleep since he got back from the hospital. He was thrown into a dark hole he hoped to never encounter again, the most dreaded time of his life – his past.

There was no one he could talk to, he was getting a divorce, so Sne was not an option; Logan had his own share of baggage, Kyle did not want to trigger him; and MJ was still in the dark about their past, and after the attack she had the other day, Kyle did not want to see her in that state ever again. He felt that it was not his place to reveal their pasts to her, Logan would have to share his experience with her, and Kyle would also share his story with her when he was ready.

For now, he needed a distraction, and there was no better option than work.

Fashion design might not have been his passion, but he loved this place to death and was happy to be back.

To make things even more interesting, no more Logan and MJ popping up whenever they felt like it. He was tired of playing therapist while he was also struggling with his own issues.

The only downside was that he was behind with all his work, as much as his parents and Sne's parents had someone standing in during his absence, there was still a lot to do.

Spring was almost here, and they needed to design a new collection. Winter was a different story because people cared about staying warm than looking good in winter, so their designs did not do so great, especially in Cape Town. However, he was confident that the collection would do much better in Summer when he sends them to the northern hemisphere since they had their winter around November/December.

His company had the best designers in the country, not to mention stylists. However, no one could outsmart Jameson Peterson's work, despite MJ's hidden motives, he also needed Jameson back in the country ASAP. He had no doubt that the team was going to deliver with the Spring Collection, but he needed everything to be on point, especially for the fashion show.

This was his parents' dream and their legacy, and after Sne and her family were out of the way, the company would go in the direction it was meant to be from the start.

What do they say about the devil, again? Speak of him, and he shall appear. Snegugu chose that exact moment to walk into his office.

"Would you look at that? Already acting like you own the company," she said, a bitter smile on her face.

She looked like she was carrying the world on her shoulders, she had lost weight.

Kyle felt bad for her and he wished they could sit down and discuss their problems over a cup of coffee.

The entire divorce process had not only destroyed their family relations, but it also destroyed their friendship. They were best friends before they were husband and wife, they were best friends before they were business partners, but now, they were officially enemies.

"Sne... I wasn't expecting to see you here," he said, gesturing at the empty chair beside his table.

Sne took a seat. "I went to your house, but you weren't there. At first I thought maybe you were ignoring me, but I called the office, and they said you were in."

Kyle shrugged. "What can I say? Staying at home was kinda sickening."

"I thought we were friends," she muttered under her breath. "Above everything else, I thought we were friends, Kyle. If I knew you were going to drink that coffee, I would have done everything in my power to prevent it. But now you are making it look like I had intentions to kill you. Anyway..." She took out an envelope and placed it on the desk. "You can have your lawyer review this, but there are no hidden clauses, everything is clear. I've already signed, all that's needed is your signature, and then we are done."

Kyle pulled the envelope and took out the divorce papers, quickly skimming through them. "There's nothing about the company here," he pointed out, giving her an expectant look.

Sne snorted. "You know, I almost gave in to your threats, but turns out I didn't need to make my parents choose between me and the company or give up the company without a fight." She snickered, shaking her head. "My dad found a buyer for our shares, and they are willing to pay double more than they are worth, but it's worth it."

His heart sank at the news, and he feltike he could not breathe. He cleared his throat and momentarily shook his head. "I'll sign these and send them back to you."

Sne could see that he was not well, she knew him better than anyone and she got his message. "I'll be waiting," she said before she left his office.

Who could have bought the shares? He could not handle having another business partner. Sne and her parents were probably doing this out of spite. Kyle wanted the business to remain in the family, but now he was forced to work with a stranger.

His phone rang and he just stared at the screen, not exactly feeling like answering. The person hung up, only to call again a few seconds later.

Kyle sighed, exasperated, and answered, "Kyle Davids."

"Hey, Kyle! It's MJ..." He shut his eyes but did not say a word. "I'm currently standing outside your apartment, and it appears that you are not home," she said.

Kyle was taken aback by the hint of concern in her voice. He knew she cared, but oftentimes, she had a funny way of showing it. "I'm at the office."

"Oh! Can I stop by?"

"No, MJ. You can't stop by, and if you happen to run into your boyfriend, tell him the same thing. I'm not your bloody therapist!" He yelled and hung up.

His heart was threatening to tear out of his chest as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned the first top buttons of his shirt, and then he got up and got drinking water from the stand.

His phone rang again, and he answered without checking the caller ID.

"Kyle, are you there?" MJ asked. "I know you can hear me. I just wanted to thank you for earlier, and to let you know that I am here whenever you want to talk. I know I am not Sne and I spend almost all my time stuck in my own head, but I promise that I'm here if you need me."

A lone tear rolled down his face, and he quickly hung up. He could not understand the wave of emotions he was suddenly feeling, he did not like being so vulnerable.

Just when he thought things could not get any worse, Logan chose that moment to walk in.

"God, no. Just no! What the hell are you doing here?"