Jesse's POV: Waiting outside Tamara's apartment, I felt an unsettling mix of anxiety and desperation. The stakes were higher than ever, and my father’s expectations were like a noose tightening around my neck. I picked up my phone and called her. “Tamara, it’s Jesse. I’m outside your apartment. Can you please come out?” After she hung up, I waited anxiously in the car. The cold leather of the steering wheel grounded me as I wrestled with the enormity of what I was about to ask. When Tamara finally appeared, my heart pounded louder. This wasn’t how I envisioned my life, coercing a student into a charade for the sake of familial duty. She got into the car, her eyes wide with curiosity and trepidation. “Tamara, I’m sorry, but our deal has to continue,” I said, my voice tinged with urgency and guilt. “I promise I’ll pay you more this time.” Her disbelief was immediate and palpable. “What do you mean, continue? I thought it was a one-time thing.” “My dad wants me to go with yo
Tamara’s POV:Jesse’s lips still lingered on mine, a confusing mix of anger, surprise, and something else I couldn’t quite decipher. My mind was racing, and I struggled to make sense of what had just happened. Before I could find the words to respond, the tension was shattered by the sudden appearance of one of the businessmen."Mr. Carter, we are waiting for your initial approval for the inauguration to start."I turned to see the man, his expression a mixture of impatience and curiosity. Jesse nodded, trying to regain his composure. "Yes, of course. I'll be there in a moment," he replied.The businessman gave a brief nod and left, the sound of his footsteps fading away. Jesse turned back to me, his eyes searching mine. I could see the regret and confusion in his gaze, mirroring my own feelings. "We need to go back to the party now," he said, his voice strained as he tried to ignore what had just happened."Okay," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.We walked back into the p
Tamara's POV: I would never have thought Kevon would ever feel that way towards me. I see Kevon as my friend and more like a brother. Why on earth would he feel that way towards me? As I tried to question if I had any feelings towards him, I really couldn’t find that spot that felt attracted to him in the way he had asked. What is happening to me? Last night it was Jesse, and today Kevon. What is wrong with you both? I screamed, feeling the frustration boiling over. My room is the only place I get to scream out my pains, so I just do it. The rest of the day passed with different thoughts of the whole incident crossing my mind. Should I just ignore him for some time? Maybe he could get me off his mind. His confession had thrown me off balance, and I needed to understand my own feelings before confronting his. I paced back and forth in my room, my mind a whirlwind of confusion. Why did Kevon have to complicate things? And why did Jesse’s kiss keep replaying in my mind? It was all
Jesse’s POV:That morning, I had told Trevor to pay for Tamara's father's surgery at the hospital and to book a VIP room for him."Really?" Trevor had said to me. "Aren't you going too far with a VIP room?""No, I don't think so. I just feel like doing it," I replied.Later in the evening, I was buried in paperwork at the office, trying to wrap up the day’s tasks when my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I saw a message from Kevon. I opened it and felt a surge of anger and annoyance as I saw the pictures of Tamara kissing the same guy she had been hugging the other day.My jaw tightened, and an inexplicable mix of emotions flooded me. Why did this bother me so much? I couldn't focus on anything else. Slamming my file shut, I grabbed my keys and left the office without a second thought.The drive to Tamara’s house was a blur. My grip on the steering wheel was tight, my knuckles white. My mind raced with questions and frustrations. Why did I care so much about who she was with?When
Jesse’s POV:I drove to her apartment. As she stepped out of the car, I noticed her suddenly collapse to the ground, my heart lurching in fear. "Damn it, she's too stubborn," I muttered under my breath, rushing to her side. She was unconscious and was really heating up, her body limp in my arms.I picked up my phone and called Trevor immediately. "Call the family doctor now. Tamara just blanked out. Let him meet me at the house," I ordered urgently, my voice betraying my anxiety.I don't like public hospitals because bloggers are everywhere looking for news. If anyone sees me, they might probably frame up fake news, so it's better to just receive the treatment at home.Swiftly, I placed her carefully in the car and sped off towards my house, my mind racing with worry. I couldn't bear the sight of her unconscious form beside me, her feverish state alarming.Upon arrival, I carried her swiftly into a room, the urgency palpable. "Get a cold water pad," I instructed one of the maids terse
Tamara's POVAs I looked up and saw him standing there, my heart skipped a beat. His expression was a mix of concern and something deeper, something that made my pulse quicken despite myself."What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady and guarded.He hesitated, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. "I... I wanted to see if you were okay," he finally said.Anger flared up within me, more at myself for the emotions I couldn't control than at him. "I'm fine, please go. I don't want anyone suspecting I have anything to do with you," I said, my voice sharp.His face fell slightly, disappointment and guilt evident. "But you look pale," he said softly. "Do you mind if I take you to the hospital after class?"For a moment, his concern made my resolve waver. But I couldn't afford to let my guard down. "No, thank you, Professor Jesse," I replied, emphasizing the formality to create distance. "I have a class now."I gathered my books quickly and left, trying to ignore
Later that evening, I was feeling slightly better when Jesse entered the room with the prescribed drugs and food. For no reason, I was feeling really hungry. I devoured the food first, then glanced at the drug. "The doctor said you have a fever and need rest," he reminded me.I glanced at the pills with dread. I really hate drugs. "I hate drugs," I mumbled under my breath."But you have to take them. Or should I tell the doctor to come and give you an injection instead?" he teased, a playful glint in his eye."Nooo, that would be worse!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in horror. "Please, can we just pretend I was never sick and forget the medicine? I'm fine now," I said, stretching my arms out in an exaggerated display of wellness."Really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Then why don't you stand up and jump ten times instead?"I hesitated, my bravado faltering. "Hmmm," I stammered, searching for a way out."Okay, let's do it this way. What do you want me to get for you in exchange for
Jesse's POV:Night had descended, and Trevor had left after bringing Tamara some blueberries. Tamara told me she felt better and wanted to go home. Surprisingly, I agreed. As we walked towards the door, Aunt Serena walked out of her room, catching us in the act."Where are you two going?" she asked."I want to drop Tamara at her place. It's late, and she needs to go to school tomorrow," I explained."Nooo, she isn't going anywhere," Aunt Serena refuted in her authoritative tone. She turned to Tamara, holding her hand. "Tamara dear, I'll be here for a week. Would you mind staying so you can keep me company?""Hmmm," Tamara blurted out before she realized. "I'm sorry, I...""I know you won't refuse. Thanks, Tamara," Aunt Serena interrupted, leaving Tamara speechless."Aunt Serena," I called out in frustration."Stay out of this, Jesse," she scolded, leading Tamara to the dining table for dinner. "Join us, Jesse," she instructed in her usual authoritative tone. As we sat around the table
Tamara's POV The day had finally arrived. After years of challenges, long distance, and dreams, here we were standing on the edge of forever. My wedding day. I stood in front of the large mirror, smoothing my hands over the delicate lace of my wedding dress. The soft ivory fabric clung to my curves. My heart pounded in my chest as I gazed at myself, barely able to recognize the woman staring back. I looked radiant, more beautiful than I had ever felt before. My veil sat perfectly on my head, and my makeup had been done flawlessly. But it wasn’t just the dress or the makeup, it was the overwhelming joy of the day. I was marrying Jesse. The love of my life. “Tamara, you look stunning,” my mother said as she stepped into the room, her eyes glistening with tears. She hugged me gently, careful not to wrinkle the dress. “I can’t believe this is happening,” I whispered, my hands shaking slightly. “It feels like a dream.” “It’s not a dream, sweetheart,” my mother said softly. “Yo
Tamara's POVIt had been four long years since I left to study abroad, and everything felt like a blur. Four years of late nights, exams, projects, and internships. Harvard had been a dream come true, but it had also kept me away from home, from Jesse.I hadn’t gone back during the holidays, deciding to take internships at top companies to strengthen my career path. Jesse was busy expanding his family’s business, opening new branches around the world. We barely had time to visit each other, except for the phone calls and video chats that seemed too few and far between.Today, though, was different. It was my graduation day.I woke up early, excitement humming through my veins as I stared at the gown hanging in my closet. I couldn’t believe the day had finally come. I was finally graduating. I had made it through Harvard, one of the toughest schools in the world, and now… now I was ready to go home. To be with Jesse. To start the next chapter of my life.I glanced at my phone, hoping f
Tamara's POVIt had been four long years since I left to study abroad, and everything felt like a blur. Four years of late nights, exams, projects, and internships. Harvard had been a dream come true, but it had also kept me away from home, from Jesse.I hadn’t gone back during the holidays, deciding to take internships at top companies to strengthen my career path. Jesse was busy expanding his family’s business, opening new branches around the world. We barely had time to visit each other, except for the phone calls and video chats that seemed too few and far between.Today, though, was different. It was my graduation day.I woke up early, excitement humming through my veins as I stared at the gown hanging in my closet. I couldn’t believe the day had finally come. I was finally graduating. I had made it through Harvard, one of the toughest schools in the world, and now… now I was ready to go home. To be with Jesse. To start the next chapter of my life.I glanced at my phone, hoping f
Tamara's POVI blinked my eyes open, a little beam of sunlight sneaking through the curtains. The faint murmur of footsteps from the living room reached my ears, and I instinctively reached out for my phone on the nightstand. I unlocked it, eager to see the news I had been dreading and hoping for all at once. I learned that they were taken to court yesterday. I just want the outcome of it.Breaking news: Olivia and Christina sentenced to prison. Olivia, the mastermind, who is also guilty of murder received a life sentence without parole, while her accomplice, Christina who is also her daughter faces a lesser sentence of five years.My breath caught in my throat. It felt surreal. The nightmare was finally over. Olivia was going to prison for life. I tossed the phone aside and sprang up from the bed, the joy of everything lifting off me in an instant. We are free. Finally, truly free from the pain and torture Olivia and her daughter has been putting us through.I couldn't wait to tell J
Tamara's POVI woke up early the next morning, the brightness of the rising sun creeping through the curtains and illuminating the room. I turned over to see Jesse still sleeping, his face peaceful but still carrying traces of the pain he was feeling deep down. Last night had been hard, perhaps the hardest moment I had ever witnessed with him. He had cried himself to sleep in my arms, a vulnerability I never thought I’d see from him. My heart ached for him, but I knew he needed rest, and I needed to do something to help.Carefully slipping out of bed, I tucked the covers back around him and left the room as quietly as I could. The house was still so quiet, and as I made my way downstairs, I realized that I hadn’t seen any of the staff around since I’d arrived. The absence of activity made the house feel so much larger, so much lonelier. But as I walked into the kitchen, I was surprised to see the cook and a few maids bustling around.“Oh, you’re back,” I said, more relieved than I ex
Tamara’s POVAs Jesse’s car pulled to a stop in front of Kevon’s house, I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the strange tension between us. The entire drive, Jesse had been acting overly protective, going on about rules like “no touching” and “one meter apart,” all because of Kevon. I knew he was jealous, and though I teased him about it, I found it oddly sweet that he didn’t want anyone else getting too close to me. His possessiveness was something we’d have to deal with later, but for now, I had to focus on meeting Kevon.Climbing out of the car, I tugged at the baggy jeans and oversized shirt Jesse had made me wear. He was determined no one else should find me attractive today, apparently. I gave him a little wave as he drove off, his intense gaze lingering on me until the car turned the corner. Smiling to myself, I turned toward Kevon’s house, eager to catch up with my friend.As I walked up the steps, something seemed off. The front door was slightly ajar. Frowning, I hesi
Jesse's POVThe usual drive to the family mansion felt so unusual today. It felt like going to my own durgen, the same woman who had been manipulating my father and I had lived in the same mansion all these years. The betrayal and silence was pressing down on me. As I pulled up the driveway, I had once thought it was perfect until it all began to unravel. I parked and stepped out, my chest tightening with every step toward the front door. My mind was racing, wondering what was waiting for me this time.As soon as I stepped inside, I froze. The sight before me was not what I expected.Aunt Serena was standing near the entrance, her eyes red as if she had been crying. But the real shock hit me when I saw my father, sitting in the living room, his face buried in his hands. And there, in front of him, was Olivia on her knees, her wrists in handcuffs with a few police officers standing close to her. She was sobbing uncontrollably, pleading with him, but her words barely registered in my h
Jesse's POV Lying next to Tamara, felt like heaven on earth. I couldn't help but reflect on how everything was finally coming together, and yet, there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Christina and Olivia. I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. If someone had told me they were related, I would have laughed in their face. Now, though, it all made sense. I couldn't just still believe that my father and I were caught up in the middle of the manipulation of a mother and daughter and none of us ever found out. Every step Olivia made was all part of her planned twisted game.I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. My thoughts were heavy, too heavy to shake off easily. But then I turned and saw Tamara, her body curled up under the sheets, breathing softly. Her face was so peaceful, but I could help but still feel guilty. I don't just deserve her. She deserved better than what I had put her through, and yet here she was, still by my side.The phone on the nightstand vibrated, d
Tamara's POVChristina stormed out of the room, her heels hitting sharply against the floor as the door slammed shut behind her. The tension in the air calmed down with her departure, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I exhaled a sigh of relief. I knew I had talked to her with so much boldness but I was still freaking inside, I stood still for a moment, absorbing the sudden quiet. Everything was finally falling into place. I turned to Jesse, my heart raced for him, but for a different reason now. He stood there, his posture tense, as if waiting for another blow to fall. His eyes, familiar eyes held a hint of guilt like he was doing something very bad. His look was getting softer. “I'm sorry,” he said, breaking the silence. With a very low tone, almost hesitant, as if the weight of everything around him was too heavy to bear. “I'm sorry for everything I made you go through. You didn’t deserve any of it.”I shook my head softly, stepping closer to him, wanting to close