TessaI shook my head softly, trying to clear my mind and focus my head on what was on the ground; my heart race wouldn't help matters as it kept on pounding against my chest like a heavy hammer slamming through a hard object, trying to break it by all means."I am sorry, Alex, I didn't catch the question." I lied, wondering if it would make him see I had no idea of what he was talking about and let me be.But if I thought he would give up, shake his head at me in disbelief or pure disappointment, and walk away, then I was mistaken because Alex's expression further deepened as he stared down at me."Pretty way to play deaf and dumb," he eyed me. "I said what is going on between you and Liam?" Alex drew closer and screamed in my ear."Geez!" I exclaimed, tingling my ear from the repeated echoing. "Seriously, you went to that extent," I sighed, palming my forehead."I will go to any extent for you to reply to my questions and stop ignoring them," He answered."To be honest with you, you
TessaI stared, shocked, at Liam. I looked away, debating if I heard him right, and then I turned back to him, but he still had that stoic expression on his face, which meant he said it, and I heard him perfectly right.But how could he say such a thing after everything I have been saying since we came to the bathroom? Didn't he hear me tell him Alex is suspicious of us? And is asking questions? Did he realized that we are all in the same house, in one roof? And he wants me to suck him off in the bathroom after telling them downstairs I won't stay long?"Tessa, back to earth," Liam snaps his finger on my face; I jolt, coming out of my reverie."Sorry, I got lost," I muttered."Okay...." He dragged the words arching an eyebrow at me."Okay, what?" I ask."Suck me off, of course, I don't understand the reason you are suddenly carried away?" Liam hissed already pissed off."Liam, I am not trying to dictate or alter what you said, but I really cannot give you a bj right here and now," I s
CarterI gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove to the school. My mind was racing with thoughts of what could happen when I got there; would I be fired, or would the issue be settled amicably despite the rumours, or would I find a more juicy story to it? Whichever it was, I am going to see through like the man I am.Mila had warned me that the school might call me in, and now it was happening."Dear Mr. Carter, you are hereby invited to the school by the school management for a meeting regarding the springing up rumors on a breach of the school rules and regulations." The text message had entered not quite long after she said so.I told Tessa to come home, and I waited for her homecoming, but since she was not forthcoming and seeing I could not delay myself anymore, I decided to go to the school even with her absence.As I parked my car at the school parking lot and stepped out, I couldn't shake off the feeling of nervousness. I took a deep breath and walked towards the school
TessaAfter eating dinner with the family, I lay down on the couch, my heart racing fast. It had been days since I last saw my mum, and I wouldn't lie that I missed her so much. I wished to see her. I glanced around the sitting room, it was empty, with only me inside. Leah and Alex had just stepped out, while Liam went to work, leaving only me with my thoughts.I contemplated whether to go home or not, considering the boredom taking space in my heart and the fact that I missed my mum. I stood up, concluding that I would go visit my house. I wanted to see her face, even though we wouldn't talk, just seeing her face would suppress my longing for her.I went to my room, picked up my purse and slippers, before storming out of the house and grabbing a taxi. I entered the taxi, told the cab driver my destination, and he started driving. My mind was occupied with the awkwardness that would be between me and my mum.I didn't know if what I did was a bit off, but I guessed it was just the r
Tessa"That's not possible," I shook my head nervously, even though I knew it could be. Liam looked desperate and ready to take what he wanted with all possibilities, but sometimes I had been giving him what he wanted, so why would he report us?"Then who? Who would report us if he's not the one, and to top it all, you said he's threatening you, so what are you expecting?" Mr. Carter sounded broken, trying not to show his sad side. His breathing became trembling, staring around the house. He folded his hands, supporting his jaw while his eyes looked around for what he didn't lose."I have a plan," My lips firmed. I had thought I would keep it to myself, but not anymore. Liam deserved nothing but cruelty. He fucking trapped me. After giving him everything. I hate the fact that I gave him everything yet he went ahead and trapped me."Plan? Which one?" Mr. Carter asked, staring at me with doubt."Let's get rid of Liam," I pronounced, unsure if I made any sense right now, but that's the
TessaAfter eating breakfast with Leah, she rose from the table to take the plates to the kitchen while I waited for her to come back. I've been having peaceful breaths ever since Liam went to work and hadn't come back. I wish it could continue going like this.Leah came back from the kitchen and sat down in front of me, her eyes staring at me with something I couldn't dispatch. She had been asking me what was wrong and why I had left the house since we woke up, but for real, I don't think I'm ready to talk about it. Especially mentioning Mr. Carter wasn't part of the plan at all.She cleared her throat, supporting her hand with her jaw, her eyes mainly on me. "Now that I've served your empty stomach and it's now full of your cravings, can you tell me what I desire to know?" She asked for the umpteenth time. I looked away, trying to avoid her question, but her persistence gazed at me, doesn't change anything."I told you it's nothing," I scoffed, trying to downplay everything."Really
Carter"Hey, love," I opened my arms wide, welcoming Mila into my body frame; my hands snaked around her waist while I kissed her on the cheek and her forehead. "How are you doing today?" I questioned releasing her to search her face."Well, I can't say if I am happy or excited, but I am good; everything is good." Mila flashed me a smile, I needed no one to tell me something sweet happened. I am not saying she doesn't smile but she looks super excited."Is there something I need to know that you are hiding from me?" I took a glass from the rack, poured myself some content from the bottle, and then gulped the whole content."I am not hiding anything," she chuckled collecting the glass and bottle from my hands, she set it herself. "Tessa came in earlier today, but she is not feeling well; she looks sick and pale; all the color on her skin had drained, but she is fine." She announced.My expression faltered down at her. The last piece of news I was expecting to hear was that Mila saw Tes
CarterI was surprised to see Mila standing outside Tessa's door. My mind reeled. What was she doing here?I approached her, my voice low, although I knew Tessa had discovered what was going on but would rather keep her cool than talk and raise suspicions between us."Mila, what are you doing? I thought I left you in the kitchen not quite long trying to prepare dinner or I think you were fixing some stuff in the kitchen?" I asked, my presence still covering the entrance to the door.She smiled, a hint of surprise as she was not expecting me to open the door to find her standing quietly and noiselessly. "Is it a crime if I decide to leave the kitchen and come to my daughter's room?" Mila replied teasing me."Come on, don't quote me wrong. I was just surprised to see you standing at her door after telling me you guys had a lengthened talk not quite long, and you straightened out the issues between the both of you," I paused breathlessly. "I didn't realize that mother and daughter's bond
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.