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
TessaI stormed out of the house with tears streaming down my cheeks, despite hearing Mom's desperate calls. Her voice faded into the distance as I walked away, my feet carrying me further from the painful confrontation.My eyes brimmed with tears, obscuring my vision. I didn't care to look up, I wasn't a baby anymore, am I? I don't know why she thought she could just cage me inside. My tears grow louder with each step I took, I don't want to care if there's someone looking at me right now. My only focus was releasing the anguish within. I walked aimlessly, tears flowing unchecked.Suddenly, my head bumped into someone's chest I didn't bother to look up, rather my tears grew louder. The person tried to touch my shoulder but I resisted. "Leave me alone," I muttered, expecting them to push me away. But instead, they hesitate and sigh out loud. "Are you...." "Just let me cry," I interrupted, pleading, There was a pause before they nodded, or perhaps I just sensed their understandi
Tessa I grabbed a taxi and dropped Leah's home's address, my heart was racing steadily with the decision I was about to make but I shrugged my shoulder. I don't have to care. I whine down the mirror, the city lights blurred together outside the window, my mind focused on the party ahead.Soon the taxi man packed in front of Leah's home and I paid before heading inside praying inwardly I wouldn't meet Liam at home. I knocked on the door waiting for a reply but the door opened revealing Leah with a large smile on her lips. "Hey, girl! I'm glad you made it." She exclaimed "Yeah, I'm here" I stepped inside the house. "So, what changed your mind about coming to the party?" She asked behind me but I shrugged my shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Let's focus on getting ready for the party," i said happily trying to divert her attention. "Yeah let's do that" she exclaimed. Happy my trick works We walked to her room and closed the door behind us. "I got this for you," Leah said, her ey
TessaI paced anxiously up and down in front of the emergency door, my mind racing with terrifying possibilities. What if Leah died? What would I do? The thought sent a chill down my spine, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread.Tears streamed down my face, and my heart pounded rapidly, threatening to burst out of my chest. My fingers hurt from clenching my fists, and I kept glaring at the emergency door, willing myself to see what was happening inside."Calm down, she'll be okay," the driver who had dropped me off earlier said, his eyes red-rimmed, filled with empathy.I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Thank you," I replied, genuinely thankful. If not for him, maybe, I might still be at home. Even though I told him to go so I wouldn't delay his work but he was proven too stubborn to heed. I wanted to tell him to be going but his phone rang, he contemplated for some minutes before he slid the green button and pressed the phone against his right ear. He went mute
TessaThe multiple calls and messages on my phone jolted me awake from my deep slumber, shattering the peaceful silence. I yawned countless times, my eyes puffy from sleeping all day. I rubbed my red eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue, before picking up the phone to check who the persistent caller was. Shockwaves ran through me as I saw all the calls and messages were from Leah.Why had she flooded my phone with calls and messages at the same time? Concern etched on my face, I clicked on her number and put her on speaker. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before her voice chimed in, weak and uncharacteristic."What's up? I saw your missed calls and dozen messages," I said, trying to sound casual despite my growing unease."I'm good," she replied, but something about her tone sent alarm bells ringing in my mind. Her usual jovial demeanor was replaced by a frailty that unsettled me."Is everything okay with you?" I pressed, my brow furrowed with worry. Her labored breat
TessaI had already gone to bed, the warmth of my blanket wrapping around me like a cocoon. I was trying to forget the day and the picture of Carter with that woman. My heart was heavy, and sleep felt miles away. Just as I was starting to drift off, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I grabbed it, squinting at the screen.It was a message from Carter. My heart jumped into my throat. What now? Did he want to talk again? I opened the message, but my stomach twisted when I read it.Carter: "Do you know Liam? He's here at the meeting. I don't know who he is but he keeps on watching me like a magnet glued to a metal."Liam? My mind raced. Carter didn't know about Liam... unless Liam had done something. My breath caught in my chest. I had thought I could keep Liam a secret, but now it felt like everything was unraveling."Is there any possibility he was the one you sent to stalk me? I mean, your doctor friend?" I was still thinking about the first message when the second one popped in.I sa
CarterImmediately, Tessa ended the call even though she gave me no chance to explain myself and pacify her, which I badly wanted to do; I felt a strange feeling settled in my stomach. I looked around, feeling hyper-aware of my surroundings. It was as if someone was watching me, tracking my every move. The thought nagged at me. Had Tessa told a friend to keep an eye on me? Would she stoop so low to order a friend to monitor my every movement, the people I talk to and move with? I shook my head, trying to dismiss the idea. But doubt lingered.I glanced around, my heart racing. In the corner, I spotted a man who looked familiar. It was Liam—the same guy who had been at the conference and had sent Tessa that picture. He was drinking and chatting with another man, and I felt a wave of discomfort wash over me.I wondered if he was the one who had been watching me. Maybe he was reporting back to Tessa, telling her things that weren't true. The idea made my blood boil. Why would he want to c
TessaI was sitting on my bed, scrolling through my phone when I saw a message from Liam. My heart raced a bit when I noticed it was a picture, I hurriedly tapped on it and opened the message.My heart skipped a bit when I saw the picture was Carter with another woman, the way he was in it was amusing yet annoying; he was staring at the woman like he couldn't wait to get under her pants and the woman was also staring at him in that manner, they were both giving each other bedroom eyes.I stared at the photo, surprised and confused. It felt wrong to see him with someone else. Liam had sent the picture with a message saying Carter was a cheat, and that thought lingered in my mind.Without thinking much, I forwarded the picture to Carter. I didn't process what I was doing. I just reacted, feeling a mix of emotions. As soon as I hit send, a wave of regret washed over me. What was I thinking? Did I want to start trouble between us? Did I want to a sweet questions I should not bring up in
CarterI was at the conference, but my mind isn't here. I keep thinking about Tessa, about everything I want to tell her. I can't help but smile when I remember her laughter and the way her eyes light up when she talks about her dreams. But I know I shouldn't be thinking about her like this, especially with everything going on.Suddenly, I notice a man walking toward me. He looks confident, maybe a little too confident. Something about him makes me feel uneasy, but I try to shake it off. Maybe I just don't know him well enough to judge."Hi, I'm Liam," he says, extending his hand. Nice to meet you, Carter," he says, and his tone is oddly familiar as if he knows more than he should. I feel a chill run down my spine.I take his hand but feel a strange tension in the air. "Nice to meet you," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.I'm still trying to process who he is when he leans in closer and adds, "You know, it's interesting how small the world is, especially when you're involved
Tessa"I would like to talk to both of you girls." Her words rang in my head again. Neither I nor Jasmine could say a word; we both looked shocked that she would call us together to talk to us."The thing is that I want you both to act as sisters and be each other best friends." Mom released the bombshell.My heart skipped a beat as I stared at Mom surprised by what she had just said. I couldn't believe it. Mom wanted Jasmine and me to act like sisters. The idea felt strange and almost impossible. I looked at Jasmine, and I could see she was just as shocked. We both stood there, unsure of what to say next.Mom smiled at us, her eyes shining with hope. "I just think it would be wonderful for you two to be close. You'll have each other's backs, just like sisters do." She sounded so convinced, but I felt a knot tightening in my stomach.Jasmine, always quick to speak her mind, laughed sharply. "Over my dead body would I be a sister or best friend to Tessa!" Her voice was filled with sarc
TessaMy heart beat repeatedly, not knowing what to do. What if Liam really tells Carter about our relationship? How will he react? My mind was racing with worst-case scenarios.My fingers flew across the keyboard as I pleaded with Liam desperately."Please don't tell him anything, I promise to do whatever you want when you're back, please" I typed and sent. My fingers sucked on my lips as I waited anxiously for his reply.Even though I knew Mr. Carter had heard about my relationship with Liam, he had never met him in person. My eyes glued to the phone, waiting for his response. Only God knew why it took minutes for him to reply; I just hoped he hadn't told Carter yet.Maybe I should message him again? I thought, but just as I was about to type another message, his reply popped in."If you want that, you have to seal your lips and make sure you don't tell Leah about our relationship, or else you will face my wrath" his message read. A relieved sigh escaped my lips.I wanted to reply,
TessaI was lying down gently on the bed when I suddenly heard the creak of the door. It was Mum, walking inside the room. I'm still awkward around her because of the scene I witnessed last time; I don't want to talk to her."Daughter," she called, stepping inside the room, "Can you get me some groceries to prepare dinner at the nearest store?" She asked, but I didn't give her a reply."I'm asking you a question," she stated after a long quiet moment between us."You can go by yourself; I'm not in the mood to step out," I replied without looking at her. I knew she'd be surprised."Are you saying no to me now?" she asked, and that made me feel bad for a second."I don't mean it that way; I just want to be alone," I replied, not giving her my attention."That's the same as saying no to me, Tessa," she said, her voice cold, making me feel more bad for saying no to her, she have way of manipulating me."You have your way of gaslighting people," I stood up from the bed, walking toward her.