Chapter 16
Tessy’s POV
I scrubbed the kitchen counter, lost in thought.
Elizabeth’s words still lingered.
What if she was just imagining things? I didn’t notice anything off at the beach.
Anthony is too gentle and kind, he can’t be ruthless, lastly, if Father saved his name as Viper, what if?
I shake my head refusing to believe any of those thoughts.
I have made up my mind, It wasn’t Anthony.
It had to be someone else. I just had fun and great sex, simple…
I sighed, rinsing the sponge.
Just as I began to calm down, my phone buzzed.
Eddy’s name flashed on the screen. Ugh!
Can’t he just give up? Non-stop calls. Ignoring him wasn’t working. I silenced the phone, shoving it into my pocket.
I should focus on cleaning and not Eddy, definitely not Elizabeth’s creepy stories.
Just me, my thoughts, and a sparkling clean home.
The doorbell rang, breaking my concentration.
“Coming!” I shouted. Maybe it’s Anthony.
My heart skipped a beat. I hurried to the door, wiping my hands on a towel. Please be Anthony. Please.
I opened the door, expecting Anthony’s bright smile.
Instead, a friendly-looking woman stood before me.
“Hi! I’m Sophia, your new neighbor,” she said, extending her hand.
“Hi Sophia, I’m Tessy,” I replied, shaking her hand.
Sophia gestured toward the adjacent door.
“Do you know who lives next door?” she asked.
“I think it’s… Anthony,” I replied.
Sophia frowned.
“I’ve been knocking, but no one answers.”
I smiled reassuringly.”Maybe he went out.”
Sophia nodded.
“I hope everything’s okay. I’ve been trying to welcome him.”
“That’s sweet of you,” I said. Sophia handed me a plate of fluffy pancakes.
“Welcome gift! Thought I’d introduce myself.”
“Thanks, Sophia. That’s so kind!”
As Sophia chatted, I took the pancakes and stepped back.
“Enjoy your day!” Sophia said, waving goodbye.
I closed the door, pancakes in hand. Now, my mind wandered to Anthony. Where was he?
I got so bored, that I didn’t want my father or mother’s drama, so I was not in the mood to entertain Eddy’s conversation even if he was my betrothed.
I ended up calling Elizabeth and we talked about a lot of things and boom she reminded me of my problem asking me what am I going to do about the proper engagement party my parents were forcing on me.
I just bid her goodbye and ended the phone call at once. Well, Anthony has been spoiling me with various gifts, money, and girl treatment but I am craving to see him. Who would have thought the hot neighbor next door will be extremely rich, I guess he is not the bragging type. I can’t wait to visit his main home, will it be an estate? A huge mansion? A palace? I blushed hard.
Sophia is also a good neighbor just that I am not known with the crowd, I am used to Elizabeth already and as for Eddy, I just chat with him these days so the call rate can be reduced.
The class was a bit stressful today and it was weird, I haven’t seen Biggie ever since the last time Anthony defended me, I guess he has given up on bullying me, I am so happy to have Anthony in my life
*Midnight.*
My sleep was disrupted by a soft knock. I rubbed my eyes, groggy.”Who could that be?” I muttered. Why can’t I just have some good sleep without being interrupted by someone? This is so annoying and If it’s not an emergency, I am going to make sure I reign curses on whoever has the guts to knock at my door this late.
I sluggishly got off the bed though I was still dizzy and yawning so loud, flapping my lips together as I sluggishly exited my room to the living room wearing my fluffy slippers.
I turned on the living room switch as I walked to the entrance door to get the door.
I opened the door and was just ready to abuse whoever the person was.
To my greatest surprise, it was Anthony standing before me, his face etched with pain.
A deep gash marred his forehead, blood trickling down, My heart skipped a beat and I was consumed with fear. What happened to him? Why is he wounded so badly? This is deep and he managed to survive this long? He has lost so much blood, a lot of thoughts played in my head.
“Anthony! Oh my God!” I exclaimed because I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut anymore.
He winced, his eyes pleading, he covered my mouth saying, “I don’t think it’s a good idea to wake up the neighbors.”
I nodded my head and he slowly took off his hands from my mouth and with tears already gathered in my eyes, “You have lost so much blood..”
“Tessy, can you… stitch this up?” he asked, voice strained.
I nodded, still in shock, he doesn’t need to ask, I will stitch him because he is like my life right now, I can’t let my life be taken away from me.
“Don’t ask what happened,” he added, his gaze intense.
I hesitated, curiosity burning but his expression silenced me.
I took a deep breath.
“Come in,” I whispered.
Anthony stepped inside, his movements labored. I came out to check if anyone was present and there was none, I locked the door immediately
I grabbed my first-aid kit, hands shaking, and my mind raced.
What happened? Who did this? Why? A lot of questions played in my head but he doesn’t want me to poke my nose into his business. I hope he didn’t get into a fight with the bad guys.
Anthony’s eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing.
Trust me, they seemed to say. I bit back my questions.
I gently guided Anthony to the couch.
“Sit down, let me take care of this,” I said, trying to sound calm. My hands trembled as I opened the first-aid kit.
Anthony’s deep cut stretched from his temple to his cheekbone.
Blood oozed from the gash, soaking his shirt.
I blinked back tears. Stay focused, Tessy, I told myself.
I cleaned the area with antiseptic wipes.
Anthony’s jaw clenched, his eyes squeezed shut.
“Sorry,” I whispered, trying to be gentle. He nodded, his breathing slow. I applied antibiotic ointment.
Carefully placed gauze over the wound and tied the bandage securely. Anthony’s eyes opened, locking onto mine, Gratitude and pain mingled in his gaze.
“All done,” I said softly.
He nodded, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Thanks, Baby Doll.”I helped him stand.”Let’s get you cleaned up.”
In the bathroom, I carefully removed his bloody shirt.
Washed the remaining blood from his face.
Anthony’s eyes never left mine. A mix of appreciation and hidden turmoil.
He cupped my face, his touch gentle.
“Stop worrying, I am fine now.” he whispered and kissed my cheeks.
I wish I knew what was going on…
TBC…