Chapter 26
Tessy’s POV
I struggled to resurface from the darkness, feeling like I was drowning in an endless ocean. My eyelids fluttered open, and tears burst forth, streaming down my face like a torrential river.
“Daddy!” I cried out, my voice cracking with desperation.
His strong arms enveloped me, holding me close as his reassuring presence anchored me, calming the storm within and making me feel so safe.
“What did I do? Why are they saying they will kill me?” I managed to speak with my words, trembling.
Just like that, I felt dizzy all over again and I fell into Anthony’s embrace, surrendering to sleep with my eyes shut.
Anthony’s gentle whisper echoed in my mind as I drifted away: “You’re safe now, Tessy. I’ve got you.”
A few hours later, I stretched on the bed with a loif yawn, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As I opened my eyes slowly. Where was I? This wasn’t my room. How did I end up here? I panicked a bit but knowing I was in Anthony’s Vila, I tried to be calm but this felt weird, a few moments ago I was in my apartment, I got tired and emptied the bottle of water on the table and now I am here. Those voices I heard, was I having nightmares again? I touched my forehead and my temperature was normal, maybe I was having a high fever then but it still doesn’t make sense to me. How did I end up with Anthony?
I had to sit properly on the bed and that was when I spotted the note on the bedside table, Anthony’s handwriting stirring butterflies in my stomach. I wonder what he wrote on it.
“Babydoll,” it read, “Take a nice shower and wear the outfit in the box. Step out, and my guard will direct you to where I am. We will eat together.” He is just too good, I feel like using the word ‘PERFECT’, like he is my perfect gentleman man, how did I end up being this lucky in life?
I tossed off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling a sense of excitement.
I walked to the bathroom immediately humming a song to have my bath but those voices I heard, should I be worried? Does this mean someone is trying to kill me or I was just hallucinating?
I exited the bath and I discovered a stunning outfit, perfectly tailored to my size. Anthony’s thoughtfulness about me made me feel his assurance to always protect and take care of me. My stomach made weird sounds, I was so hungry and I couldn’t wait to devour whatever dish was waiting for me right now
I stepped out of the room and found a guard wearing a black suit jacket, his wireless earpod on his ear, he looked cute though, his face was just too serious and he said politely. “Follow me, miss.”
“Okay, lead the way.” I said to him,
I walked behind him, my heart pounding in anticipation and also I wanted to know how I got here, I really needed to know what transpired.
As I followed the guard, I finally took note of things I have never seen before in his Vila and I must say this is paradise. We strolled through a serene corridor, and suddenly, a breathtaking garden emerged. Sunlight danced across the lush greenery, casting a warm glow.
Anthony sat at a beautifully set table, surrounded by vibrant flowers. His attire white shorts and a fitted white shirt, open at the chest made my heart skip a beat. His chiseled physique was on full display and I was close to the extent of losing control but I got this under control, I knew I was just deceiving myself, he will be the end of me!!
“Hey, babydoll,” he said, his voice low and husky, as he rose from his seat. “You look stunning.”
He offered me a long-stemmed rose, its delicate petals a soft blush. I took it, inhaling the sweet fragrance.
“Thank you!!” I blushed hard.
Just then, my stomach growled, damn it, why does my stomach have to embarrass me now? My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Anthony chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You don’t have to be ashamed, babydoll, let’s dine now.”
He guided me to the table, where an array of dishes awaited. The aroma of roasted meats and fresh herbs wafted up, tantalizing my taste buds.
As we sat down, Anthony’s hand brushed against mine, sending shivers through me.
The guard discreetly withdrew, leaving us alone in the idyllic setting.
“You like it?” He asked and I nodded, I rushed the food like I was being chased by something.
“It seems you are really hungry!” He added though I was shy but I needed this food.
I was full and I thanked him for the food, I cleaned my mouth and finally asked him how I ended up in his room.
“You mean you don’t remember?” He asked with his charming eyes fixed on mine.
“Not at all, can you please tell me?” I asked politely but I hate the fact I always have to ask him questions, why can’t I just remember?
“Well, you called me saying you felt so ill, I had to send someone to get you for me and you were running a high temperature.”
Oh no, I wonder what kind of stress he had to go through all because of me, I feel so bad right now.. what can I possibly do without him? I love him so much and I just hope he loves me the same way.
“Do you want me to take you to a hospital for a proper checkup?” He asked, getting closer to me and caressing my hair, “No need, I feel better now.” I assured him and he believed me. I finally concluded that the voices I heard then was a result of the high fever, no one was planning to kill me.
*
*
As Elizabeth and I stepped out of the taxi, I couldn’t help but feel excited to spend some quality time with my best friend. We chatted nonstop about our childhood memories, laughing and reminiscing.
“Wow, this is new!” Elizabeth exclaimed, jumping up from the bed.
“What’s new?” I asked, still relaxed on the bed, then I heard her aunty voice from the living room.
“My aunt never comes home early, but today she’s here! Let’s go say hi. You know how she always talks about you.” Elizabeth grinned mischievously.
“Sure, I miss her so much, you know.”I chuckled, following her to the living room. Aunty Anita looked stunning, despite appearing tired. Her simple hairstyle and corporate outfit exuded elegance.
As we approached, Aunty Anita forced a smile, still on a heated phone call. She rough-handled her hair, clearly frustrated. I know the call didn’t end well.
“Tessy!! So good to see you!” She opened her arms for a warm hug.
“Same here, ma’am,” I replied, genuinely happy to see her. Aunty Anita’s cookies are the best, no one can beat her to it.
“Aunty, you came home quite early today,”Elizabeth said after greeting her.
“Yeah, I left early to tackle some tasks. Seeing you two, I am happy, you know what girls? Give me a few minutes; I’ll whip up something delicious.” Aunty Anita’s eyes sparkled.
We initially protested, not wanting her to stress herself, but her stubbornness won us over.
After a delightful meal, Aunty Anita praised my features, as usual. “Tessy, your face is truly stunning. Have you considered face modeling?”
Elizabeth chimed in, “I’ve been telling her, Aunty, but she won’t listen!”
I playfully rolled my eyes. “I’m right here, Elizabeth!”
We burst into laughter.
Aunty Anita’s expression turned serious. “Seriously, Tessy, I think you’d be perfect for our new campaign. Our company’s launching a revolutionary foundation and powder that doesn’t cake and your face, is just perfect for it, so what do you think? Would you love to give it a try?”
TBC