TessaMy eyes were wide and I couldn't comprehend the scene unfolding in front of me right now. Mr. Carter was staring at me with a sly smile crept on his lips. "Did I have an eye problem?" I contemplate, running my palm on my eyes but it was still the same. I woke myself up, It wasn't like I wasn't expecting him to wake or something but it was too sudden to feel real. I mean? "Mr. Carter!" I finally exclaimed accepting the scene in front of me, astonishment etched on my face, my eyes wide with joy.I rushed toward him, my feet moving swiftly, a smile spreading across my face. He smiled weakly, his eyes sparkling, warmth radiating from his gaze.I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug, relief washing over me. "I'm so glad you're awake!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with tears.Mr. Carter's frail arms enveloped me, his face still pale, but a hint of color had returned."Easy, Tessa don't choke me," he whispered, his voice low and soothing.I released him, concern flooding in
TessaThe next day, the doctor informed us that Mr. Carter would be discharged that day, yesterday evening. Mom had gone home to prepare dinner, leaving me alone with Mr. Carter. If not for the doctor's presence, I knew what Mr. Carter would have done.After the doctor finished his check-up, he assured us that we could leave within the next three hours, as Mr. Carter had fully recovered. He left, and I turned to Mr. Carter on the bed, our gazes aligned.I had missed him so much, but I knew I wasn't in the best position to act on it, considering it could ruin my mum's health and relationship with him.He gestured for me to sit on the bed, and I did. He dragged me closer by the waist, his mouth pressed against my skin, his breath filling my body, making me shiver."I miss you," he murmured, sucking on my ear, and my body became tender, my vision blurring.His hand roamed over my body, sending waves of sensation as he gently cupped my breast, snatching a gasp from me."I miss your nippl
TessaThe sudden footstep echoing made me flinch as I pushed Mr. Carter away, my heart racing repeatedly. I walked to sit on the couch, while his eyes followed me in astonishment.Immediately I sat, the door slid open, and my mum stepped in, she was kind of surprised to meet us inside the house."You guys are back?" She asked, dropping the bag of things she had went to purchase.She walked toward Mr. Carter and held his cheeks, checking through them as if that would give her enough time to make up for what she had missed seeing when he was lying in the hospital bed."Are you feeling weak anywhere? Do you feel any discomfort?" She rushed her questions with a worried face.Mr. Carter shook his head, held her waist, and I didn't know when I bit my lower lip. How could he hold her like that? I slapped myself out of the thought. Had I forgotten the man belonged to my mum in the first place?I watched them talk to each other, a wave of anger boiling over me. I folded my fists together, not
TessaMy eyes became wide open as my tongue lost words to say. Mr. Carter swallowed hard before standing up and flashing mum a bitter smile.The most scary part was the knife mum was holding, as if she would slash us if we dared lie to her."What did you mean by your question? Isn't it a normal thing to do? Especially when she just came back from the hospital and I heard from her conversation that she's going to tutor a colleague? Don't you think it necessary to bathe?" He played it cool.Mum's gaze took a second before softening, and she nodded twice."True, you should take your bath," she gestured toward my room and walked back to the kitchen.I held my heart, which was bumping out. I'd seen many people lie, but Mr. Carter seemed different. He seemed to know how to lie naturally, all words coming from his lips sounded truthful.I knew he had told me to bathe because of our encounter at the hospital earlier, but seeing him lie about it made me smile.He smirked naughtily at me before
TessaI wiped my eyes with the back of my palm, wondering if I was seeing things, but no, I wasn't. Mr. Grumpy stood right there, staring at me with a strange glare, his hand supporting his waist."What are you doing here?" The question fell from my lips before I realized I wasn't in my own house."I should be asking you those questions. What are you doing in my house?" His voice was sharp, like he would punch me in the face."Your house," I swallowed hard, feeling the emptiness down my throat, and he took a step closer to me."You heard me right. What are you doing in my house?" His eyes pierced into my soul.I tried standing up, but my legs were weak, and I couldn't even lift my body up."You seem like a bold person in the hospital, but now?" He knelt closer to me. His hand reached for the tip of my hair when I yanked him away and stood up.He seemed shocked, releasing a heavy pant as he stood up. I swallowed hard, staring around the room in a daze, unsure what to do.I felt like di
TessaFear caught my breath as Leah's curious gaze shifted between me and Mr. Grumpy, waiting for an explanation. "What's going on?" She asked, this time around her voice was sharp, and her brow furrowed in confusion."Nothing out of the ordinary, Just a coincidence. Don't worry about it." Mr. Grumpy's expression softened a little bit, and he flashed a reassuring smile."Okay, if you're sure..." her eyes lingered on me for a moment before nodding. I exhaled silently, relieved that she didn't press the issue further. But my body was still trembling from the intense encounter with Mr. Grumpy."And one more thing," Mr. Grumpy suddenly shifted his eyes to me, his voice was low and firm. "Don't call me Mr. Grumpy again, this will be my last warning, there won't be next," his voice dropped with coldness. "Oh!O ...Okay." My eyes widened, and I nodded hastily. "Mr. Grumpy?" Leah chuckled on her breath. "It's not funny, is it?" Mr. Grumpy's eyes narrowed. But Leah continued to laugh. "
TessaLeah walked back and we stepped into the shopping mall even though the shock was still on me the view of the mall took my breath and I couldn't help but gasp. The interior was breathtaking, with radiant lights, glittering jewelry stores, and rows of upscale clothing boutiques. Everywhere I looked, something new and exciting caught my eye."I'm so happy to be here!" Leah exclaimed, drawing the attention of the passersby."You're being dramatic," Liam, rolled his eyes. Leah chuckled and nudged me playfully. "Let's go explore!" she exclaimed one more dragging me by force.I don't feel good coming here. We stepped into the clothing store, and Liam fell back, allowing Leah to lead the way. I lingered behind, hesitating to move forward."Why did I agree to come here?" I muttered under my breath. "If I'd known Mr. Grumpy was Leah's brother, I wouldn't have..." My thoughts trailed off as Liam's piercing gaze met mine. Had he heard me?I quickly fastened my pace, following Leah into
TessaAfter we were done with shopping, we headed to a fancy restaurant near the mall to grab a bite. The food was mouthwatering, and we savored each bite.As we ate, Leah shared stories about Liam's past, mentioning his brother. Liam's expression remained stoic, his face a mask of indifference. He didn't interrupt or react, letting Leah continue her speeches.Once we finished our meal, Liam settled the bills and we stepped outside the restaurant.As we drove home, Liam played music, filling the car with a lively vibe. But I sat lost in thought, my mind racing with nothing but worries.What did Liam want from me? What did he mean by his statement earlier? How would he use my secret against me? Hope he's not going to ask for what I don't have. I'd not let him reveal the secret, not when it could harm Mom's relationship and health."Bruh you are going to drop me at home, I have something to pick then you will take us back to the junction, we are going to the library" Leah uttered "Yo
TessaAfter getting hold of Mum's pleading, I went into my room. The tight leggings I wore were really suffocating me; this was one of the reasons why I hated wearing tight clothes.I took off the clothes, rushing to the bathroom to take a quick shower so I could rest. My mind reeled around the trip; for real, the trip would have boosted my energy by now, but the fact that Carter was involved weakened my enthusiasm. If only the trip was hosted by another lecturer, I'd have been thrilled to go.I went inside my room to change into a nightgown before falling heavily onto the couch.It wasn't like I hated Carter now or truly wanted to break off our relationship, but I just wanted to see how far he would go to suppress my anger.My phone beeped, and I realized the message was from Leah. I missed receiving messages and chatting with her.I lay comfortably on the bed, replying to her text. I knew she had something to say immediately she messaged me."Are you going to the trip?" her message
Tessa After hanging out with Leah all day, she had pleaded for me to follow her, but I refused because of Liam. I didn't want to stay anywhere close to him, knowing he'd try to strike up a conversation with me.I was supposed to go home, but I didn't want to see Mr. Carter either, so I went outside. When I saw the darkness already cascading across the sky, I hailed a cab.It was a pure coincidence to enter the cab of the man who had helped me the day I rushed Leah to the hospital. The first day I met him, I thought he was a bad person, but after being close to him, I knew he was nothing but a good person looking for ways to make ends meet.I settled inside the car, not bothering to say a word; he already knew the location of my house. The air was silent, with only our breathing echoing."Thanks for the other day," I appreciated, recalling how he came to the police station to testify about Leah's case. I hadn't gotten the chance to thank him until now."It's nothing; I'm just glad I c
TessaIt was Monday morning. I had tried to take Tessa along, but she'd acted stubborn and pretended like she hadn't seen me honking behind her. I traced her until she stopped a taxi and entered the cab. After some minutes of driving, I got to the school and parked in the parking lot.I had planned on not talking to anyone until I went back home, but with the woman right in front of me, it was a no to my plan."Good morning, Mr. Carter," Jessica greeted, walking to stand in front of me."Good morning," I replied simply, knowing fully that the greeting could never be the end of our conversation."Are you trying to ignore me?" she asked while following me.I held my suitcase, not going to spare her any of my time unless she was talking while she followed me."I'm not trying to ignore you; I have a lecture by 9 AM, and this is almost 9," I replied, not staring at her."Oh, at least you can spare me a minute, if not," she wouldn't back off, and I could hear her footsteps echoing beside me
TessaI glared at Liam hatefully. I hated the fact that I was standing beside him, but I had no choice. I walked past him and went to stand beside Leah's bed. Instead, I stared at her; she looked more peaceful now as if she was just sleeping. This gave me hope that she'd soon wake up.Liam walked to stand beside me and grabbed my hand, but I was fast to yank his hand away angrily. "Don't you dare touch me with your filthy hands!" I yelled at him with rage building up inside me."I said I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not thinking twice. I'm sorry for deciding without proper thinking," he tried to make sense. But no matter how he tried to explain himself, all I felt was hatred toward him."I don't need your apology, Liam," I taunted, facing him with my full attention. "You've done what your mind asked you to do, so let me be, and I'll also do whatever my mind asks for," I explained calmly, trying my best to calm myself, even though I felt the urge to punch him hard."I know you're still angry
TessaToday had finally come, and I was released from detention. I was a little annoyed that Carter had gotten involved in this, as I had planned to stay angry at him until I could finally forgive him.He drove to the front of the house and packed the car. I tried opening the door, but it was locked. I stared at him through the rearview mirror, and he stared back, a sigh falling from his lips."What are you doing?" I asked, not understanding why he had closed the door."I've told you sorry multiple times; are you still angry at me?" he asked, concern etched on his face."I'm not angry; I just need some breathing space," I replied.His gaze fell, as if he wasn't expecting that from me. "I need to rest; you know how hard it's been for me the last few days?" I asked, trying to open the door, which finally opened.I got out of his car and went inside the house, only to be welcomed by different aromas swirling in the air."Mum!" I screamed happily, rushing toward her. She was standing besi
CarterI was anxious as I stepped into the hospital with Samuel by my side. The atmosphere was heavy with worry, the kind that clings to you like a shadow. Tessa has been through so much of lately."Let's go to the security room," Samuel said, his voice steady but his eyes revealed his own concern. I nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. We made our way through the busy hallways, past doctors and nurses who moved quickly, their faces focused and serious. Each step felt like it took forever, and the sounds of the hospital echoed in my mind, amplifying my anxiety.When we reached the security room, I took a deep breath. The room was small and dimly lit, filled with screens showing different angles of the hospital. I felt a mix of hope and fear as I wondered what we would find in the footage. The security guard looked up from his monitor, noticing us."What can I help you with?" he asked, his tone professional but kind."We need to see the footage of when Leah was brought in for some
TessaI sat on the cold, hard bench in my prison cell, tears streaming down my cheeks. I never thought a simple favor would land me here, but life had a funny way of twisting things. I felt the weight of my choices, heavy and suffocating. All I wanted was to help someone, but now I was paying the price.The sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, and my heart raced. I looked up to see my mother, Mila, Carter, and Samuel approaching. Relief washed over me at the sight of them, but it was quickly overshadowed by sadness. I wanted to be strong, but the tears wouldn't stop.Mila rushed to me, her arms wrapping around me tightly. I could feel her warmth, her love, and it made my heart ache even more. I hugged her back, trying to find comfort in her embrace. "I'm okay, really, Mom, I am fine," I said, but my voice wavered. "This is just what my help got me into."Mila pulled back, her eyes searching my face. "Tessa, I'm so sorry. I didn't want this for you." Her voice was soft, filled wit
CarterI felt a rush of confusion and anger as I paced the living room, my phone still buzzing in my hand. Mila had just told me that Tessa was arrested. "Why would they arrest Tessa?" I shouted, my voice echoing off the walls. My heart raced. Tessa was my friend; she was kind and caring. It made no sense to me.When I finally got home, the weight of the news sat heavy in my stomach. Mila was waiting for me, her face serious. My heart was racing. Mila was sitting on the couch, her eyes wide with worry and she looked concerned, and that only made my heart beat faster. I needed answers. I wanted to know why this was happening."Carter, you need to sit down. I have something to tell you," she said. I felt a knot form in my stomach. The tone in her voice told me it wasn't good news."Mila," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "What happened? Why was Tessa arrested?" I asked, already treading the answer.She took a deep breath, her eyes searching mine as if she were trying to gauge how
Tessa I stood there, my heart racing as I faced Liam. The anger in his eyes felt like a storm, and I could barely breathe. "I didn't poison Leah!" I shouted, my voice shaking. "She called me when she got sick! You can't seriously think I would do something like that!"Liam's face was cold, his disbelief cutting deep. "Prove it," he said, crossing his arms. "You were the last one with her. You need to show me that you didn't do this."I fumbled for my phone, my hands trembling as I pulled up the chat with Leah. "Look! She messaged me just before she got sick. She was asking for help!" I held the phone out to him, desperate for him to see the truth.Liam glanced at the screen but then shook his head. "This doesn't mean anything. You could have staged this. You could have poisoned her and then acted like you were trying to help.""Staged it? Are you serious?" I felt a surge of frustration. "I rushed her to the hospital because I was scared! I thought she was going to die!""Then why is