Chapter 28
Tessy’s POV
I shook my head, playing it cool. “No, Aunty. Just a lucky coincidence, I guess.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
As the night unfolded, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Anthony’s involvement was more than just a coincidence.
Was he watching over me, even in my career?
The thought sent shivers down my spine.
I stepped outside for some fresh air, reveling in the evening’s excitement. Elizabeth joined me, a sly grin spreading across her face.
“Tessy, why didn’t you agree you know him?” Elizabeth whispered. “You don’t want Aunty to know you have a sugar daddy?”
“Let me guess you know it’s forbidden, right? That’s why you didn’t agree to know him?”
I held up a hand, stopping her. “Elizabeth, don’t go there.” I was getting angry, I hate when she tries to make me feel guilty.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened, realization dawning. “Sorry, Tessy. I forgot myself.”
I smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay. Let’s just drop it.”
Elizabeth nodded, changing the subject. “Ugh, lecture tomorrow. I’m so not ready.”
“I know, right?” I replied, laughing. “What time is it again?”
“In the morning,” Elizabeth groaned. “Why did the professor have to place his class in the morning? So annoying!”
I chuckled. “Because he is a jerk!”
Elizabeth giggled. “Probably.”
I glanced at the clock and thought about her passing a night at my place, “why don’t you sleep over?” I asked, smiling. Elizabeth’s face lit up. “I’d love to!”
We went back in to join them and when it was time to go home, Aunty Anita dropped us at my place and thanked me once again, before she zoomed off.
Walking to my apartment, my neighbor, rushed over.
“Tessy, you were stunning!” Sophia exclaimed, hugging me tightly. “I bought the BeautyBliss product! Look!”
She held up the foundation and powder, beaming.
“I love it! You’re going to look amazing,” I said genuinely but I was not ready for a conversation.
Sophia’s face glowed. “Thanks, Tessy! I bought it because of you.”
“Really? I feel honored.”
“You know what? Why don’t we make videos online?” She kept bringing more conversation and I was getting tired already, can’t she just stop? Is she blind? She is supposed to see how exhausted I was, God damn it!!
Elizabeth intervened, noticing my fatigue. “Tessy needs to call her dad.”
Sophia nodded understandingly. “Okay, dear. Get some rest.”
As Sophia left, I whispered, “Thank you so much best friend, you just saved my life.”
“Anytime, let’s go in.” I nodded walking into my apartment with her and locking the door behind us.
After our relaxing baths, Elizabeth and I snuggled into bed, ready to call it a night when she brought up a conversation.
“Hey, Tessy?” Elizabeth said, her voice soft in the darkness.
“What’s up?” I replied, yawning.
“Sophia. Do you know anything about her?” Elizabeth asked sounding so serious.
I shook my head. “No, why?” Elizabeth hesitated. “I don’t know. She just seems… off.”
I chuckled. “She just likes attention, too bad I am not the crowdy type when it comes to friends.” I replied itching my eyes and yawning so loud, Oh Lord!! I need to sleep.
But Elizabeth’s expression remained serious. “Tessy, I feel weird about her. You should be careful.”
I smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, she means no game okay? Don’t overthink things.”
Elizabeth nodded, though her eyes still held concern.
We drifted off to sleep, the silence filled with the occasional whisper of worries and reassurances.
As I slipped into slumber, I wondered if Elizabeth’s thinking might mean something, who exactly is Sophia? Why does she want to get access to me in every possible way? I yawn loud again, I guess that will wait but for now, I need my sleep.
*
After the professor’s lecture, Elizabeth and I headed to our practical class, led by renowned Surgeon Larry.
“Okay, students! Today, we’re discussing field surgery,” Surgeon Larry announced.
When he asked a complex question, I hesitated for a moment before answering confidently.
Surgeon Larry beamed. “Beauty with brains, Tessy! Well done.”
As the class ended, I walked out of the lecture hall, feeling accomplished after attending Surgeon Larry’s practical class. Elizabeth hugged me briefly.
“Congrats, Tessy! You rocked it,” she said, rushing off. “I have that stats class I registered for. Catch up with you later.”
I smiled, watching her hurry away. My phone buzzed, displaying Dad’s name.
“My little pumpkin, done with classes?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“Good! Meet me at the school parking lot,” he said, his voice warm.
“Okay, Dad.”
Why was Dad here? I hope everything is okay. I was curious while I headed to the parking lot.
As I turned a corner, a sleek, black Mercedes caught my eye. Dad stepped out, beaming, I barely know things about my father because I just grew up with mom, still don’t know why they divorced but one thing is for sure, my father is wealthy and successful. I just wish he could give us a chance to bond as father and daughter.
“Tessy!”We hugged tightly, and I inhaled his familiar scent.
He handed me a sleek, red box.
“For my superstar model and future surgeon,” he said, eyes shining.
“Oh my God, you watched it?”
“Yes, after your mom told me.” He replied, this is exactly what I am talking about, he still talks with Mom, I know they are so in love but why can’t they just get back?
I opened my gift, it was a stunning gold necklace glinted.
“Wow, Dad! Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, thank you for making Daddy proud.” I smiled and we agreed to have lunch together.
Over lunch at an upscale restaurant, we laughed and connected.
For the first time in a long while, I felt like we were rebuilding our bond and I hoped he won’t talk about Eddy.
But then, Dad dropped the bombshell.
“Tessy, come home this weekend. We’ll cook together and host Eddy’s family.” I knew it, what was I expecting? I lost my happiness.
My heart sank, and I pushed my food away.
“Dad, can’t we just have a normal father-daughter outing without… that topic?”
Dad’s expression turned sympathetic.
“I didn’t mean to ruin your mood, it’s just good we bound with the family..”
Frustration and sadness welled up.
“Dad, do you even care about me? Can’t you see I need my father? Not a man that cares about pushing me off to marriage, do you know the reason I came to New York?” He was calm looking at me.
“I came because of you, and you welcomed me with marriage! I let it slide because I have no choice, it was signed, come to think of it, Dad you have never paid a visit to my home, but when you see me you talk about Eddy, is he your son?”
“Tessy, you are overreacting.”
“Really? I am overreacting? You know what Dad, thanks for the gift, I will be on my way and I still love you.” I left him taking a taxi with tears leaving my eyes.
Why can’t I have a daughter and father relationship? Am I cursed or something?
As I walked home, my mind whirled with thoughts of Anthony and his unwavering support. I wanted to thank him especially. Thinking about him alone made me feel better and forgot about what my father made me feel earlier.
“Homemade food,” I decided and I know he would love it because I am also a good cook, I learned from my mom so well.
I got changed and got ready to go to the grocery store but Sophia came from nowhere trying to engage me in a conversation but I was not ready.
I arrived at the grocery shop, I carefully selected ingredients for the dish I planned on cooking.
Back home, I cooked up a storm, my hands moving with purpose.
With the delicious food packed, I made my way to Anthony’s villa, I was feeling myself and I knew he was going to love it and we would end up having sex, I kept fantasizing about the whole thing.
No need to announce my arrival; the staff knew me.
I slipped into the familiar room, a bright smile on my face.
I opened the door and my eyes almost popped out from its socket seeing three naked girls.
As I stood there, frozen, the girls’ giggles and whispers grew louder.
One of them, a blonde with piercing green eyes, leaned in to kiss the others.
“We’re going to make him feel like a king,” she purred.
“No, more like a man,” another corrected, smiling seductively.
“As long as he spoils us rotten,” the third chimed in.
Their words cut through me like a knife.
My heart ached.
Anthony’s involvement with these girls hit me hard.
Why had I thought I was special?
The image of him showering me with gifts and affection now seemed tainted. I felt used and tears left my eyes.
TBC