Chapter 25
Tessy’s POV
I stepped out with Elizabeth, celebrating the end of our school tests. Only exams remained, and we couldn’t wait for school to be over.
“We’re going to make amazing doctors,” I exclaimed, sipping my coffee.
Elizabeth grinned. “We’ve worked hard for this. We deserve it.”
I nodded, excitement bubbling inside. “And our upcoming IT at the hospital, I can’t wait.”
“We’ll be done before we know it.”
Elizabeth’s expression turned serious. “So, have you told Anthony about your fixed date of your engagement to Eddy?”
I shook my head. “No need. I’m only doing this to buy time and figure out how to convince my family that Anthony’s the one I truly want.” I don’t know if Anthony is aware of my engagement date on the 25th of this month, there is no need to tell him, he knows I am betrothed to Eddy already and after all I am stalling till I find means to terminate the contract my family had with Eddy family. I can do this.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Tessy, that’s risky. Are you sure it’s worth it?”
I shrugged. “No harm in trying. I’ll make it work.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with concern. “Just be careful, okay? You’re playing with fire.”
I smiled reassuringly. “I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”
I remembered I will be meeting with Eddy mom today, so I had to finish with Elizabeth before taking my leave.
I accompanied Mrs. Ruth Wilson to view potential venues for my engagement to Eddy. Her warm smile put me at ease.
“Tessy, dear, I’m so glad you’re joining our family,” she said, her eyes shining with warmth.
As we strolled through the elegant halls, Mrs. Wilson shared stories about Eddy’s childhood. I listened, captivated by her love.
“Has Eddy kissed you yet?” she asked, her curiosity sparkling.
My cheeks flushed, I really don’t know what to say because I have no feelings for Eddy but playing alone, Eddy is the one I feel that is having feelings and I thought he never even wanted any of this but friendships, but I don’t blame him at all, it’s normal for feelings to grow mostly with the way I talk to him
Mrs. Wilson chuckled. “Oh, I’m sorry. I got a bit carried away. I just adore young love.”
I smiled, feeling a pang of guilt. Little did she know, my heart belonged to Anthony, this is really a forbidden romance, like I am f**king her younger brother Anthony.
After the venue tour, Mrs. Wilson took me to her favorite boutique for dress measurements. The owner, Madame Butler, greeted us with a warm smile.
“Mrs. Wilson’s future daughter-in-law!” she exclaimed, measuring me with expert hands.
As we sipped tea and discussed wedding details, Mrs. Wilson’s enthusiasm was infectious, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Was I truly ready to commit to Eddy?
Mrs. Wilson’s kind eyes met mine. “You’ll make Eddy incredibly happy, Tessy. I just know it.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. Her love and acceptance touched my heart.
“Thank you, Mrs. Wilson,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “You’re an amazing mother.”
As we parted ways, Mrs. Wilson hugged me tight. “Welcome to our family, dear Tessy.”
I smiled, torn between gratitude and the secret I kept hidden.
Eddy arrived, his warm smile a contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. “Hope Mom didn’t stress you out?” he asked, opening the car door.
“She was lovely,” I replied, settling in. Eddy’s eyes searched mine. “Does your heart belong to someone?”
My pulse quickened. I lied, shaking my head. “No.”
His expression softened. “Why can’t you give us a chance? Our parents arranged our marriage, but I truly love you.”
I averted my gaze, guilt gnawing at me. “I never intended to marry Eddy. I’m just obeying my family.”
Eddy’s determination surprised me. “I’ll win your heart, Tessy.”
My response was laced with false hope. “Let’s see if you can.” Deep down, I knew the truth would hurt him Anthony had captured my heart long ago.
I was the one who pursued Anthony, drawn to his charisma when I moved to New York.
As Eddy dropped me off, he kissed my cheek. “Can’t wait for you to be mine.”
I managed a brief smile, hiding the turmoil within. “Goodnight, Eddy.”
As I walked away, my heart whispered a different truth Anthony, my darkest secret that will be revealed to the world someday.
I reached for the water bottle on the table and emptied it, feeling a sudden wave of dizziness wash over me. My vision blurred, and my thoughts scrambled.
What’s happening? Why do I feel like I am drugged? I didn’t take any alcohol? I fell to the ground.
I tried to stand, but my legs wobbled. My phone… I needed to call Anthony.
With shaking hands, I dialed his number. “Hey hottie hotte daddy, cutie sugar…” I slurred, unsure what I was saying.
Anthony’s voice calmed me, but his words sounded distant. “Tessy, are you okay?” I don’t even remember what our next conversation was about.
Everything blurred together laughter, voices, and darkness. A thousand voices in my head.
A stranger’s face appeared while I was kissing my television, their words indistinct. “Anthony sent us. We’re taking you to his villa.”
I giggled uncontrollably, lost in a haze. Reality and fantasy merged.
As they led me away, I heard Anthony’s voice but I got confused again as someone lay me on his bed. “FUN!!”
I drifted in and out of consciousness, surrounded by hazy voices.
A woman’s voice whispered urgently, “You need to finish her off. I’ve done my part.”
A male voice exploded in rage, “How dare you try to harm her?”
“She’ll be your doom! She’s going to expose you, and people will know who you are, this is the only way I can protect you, you must not have a weakness, you are becoming soft.”
“I am not soft and she is not my weakness, know your place, being my left hand doesn’t mean you can do whatever you please..” He argued.
The woman’s voice persisted, “She called you Viper the other day. Some gang took her because they know she’ll lead them to you. Stop spoiling her and let her go. She’s not fit to be your lover, she is….”
The male voice thundered, “Enough, Get out! Leave now!”
The woman’s voice hissed immediately and her steps started fading, “I won’t let him be hurt because of that brat.”
“I know you love him,” the male voice growled, “but just obey him.”
“No, I’ll kill her,” the woman’s voice echoed.
My world went dark as the voices swirled, my mind reeling, everything faded to black.
TBC.