Chapter 61 Chapter 61

Chapter 61 Chapter 61

Tessa

Reality hit me like a ton of bricks, and my knees felt weak, threatening to buckle beneath me. Thanks to Mr. Carter's firm hand on my shoulder, I would have collapsed to the floor by now. My eyes refused to close, and my mouth remained wide open in shock, with tears welling up in the corners, streaming down my face in slow motion.

I couldn't believe this; this can't be happening right now. The room seemed to spin around me, and my mind raced with thoughts. Even without anyone telling me, and with the reaction on Mr. Carter's face, this lady must be someone he knew intimately.

Mr. Carter released me, taking a step further, but the girl moved back, her eyes fixed on us. "Jasmine, I can explain," he pleaded, blinking repeatedly, his eyes filled with desperation.

My ears perked up at the name. Jasmine? It sounded familiar; where did I hear that from? 

Oh! A gasp escaped my lips when I finally recalled if I didn't misremember, that Jasmine was Mr. Carter's daughter, the same girl who wasn't in the country. When did she arrive? This was terrible timing.

I swallowed hard, my eyes darting around the two people in front of me, my mind racing with questions. "Jasmine," Carter called, picking up his shirt from the floor, his voice laced with regret.

"Papa," Jasmine pronounced slowly, disappointment written boldly on her face. "I'm disappointed in you, Papa." Her voice cracked, and she stomped out of the room.

Carter wanted to follow, but I quickly grabbed his shirt, holding him back. "Who?" I asked, even though I already knew.

"That's...that's my," his voice stammered rubbing his forehead angrily "My daughter," he finally replied, his voice barely above a whisper, and I let go of his shirt.

He walked out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My eyes fell to the floor, and I hugged my knees, my palms folded tightly together, trying to process what had just happened.

Did she just catch us in the act? What would she say? How would she react? Is she going to tell my mum or share it with the whole world? Or blackmail me like Liam? No, this can't be happening right now.

Panic set in, and I stood up, rushing out of the room, tears cascading down my cheeks. I didn't know what to do or say; what was going to happen now? Is she going to ever forgive her dad? Or forget about this?

I sat down on the bed, overwhelmed by thoughts, my mind racing with possibilities. I didn't know what I was left to do. I stood up from the bed, walking to the standing mirror to take a look at myself. With the tears that fell, my eyes were already red and puffy, my eyeballs bulging. My heart racing fast, I felt like I was losing control.

What about my mum? What if she saw me crying? What would she say? I rushed inside the bathroom to wash my face, my hands shaking as I splashed water on my skin. When I was done, I went to the room, cleaned my face thoroughly, and applied some cream to conceal my tears. I didn't want anyone to notice my distress.

Just as I finished, a knock came, and Mum stepped inside with a bag of something I had no idea about. "Mum," I called, "You are here?" I smile bitterly hoping she didn't notice my trembling legs.

"Yes I am here, but what was that?" She paused for a while "You looked shocked; everything okay?" She asked, stepping further inside the room, her brow furrowed with concern.

I mustered my fear, forcing a gentle smile onto my lips. "Of course, I'm good. I wasn't expecting you to open the door like that." I downplayed my anxiety, and she nodded.

"But what is that?" I pointed to the small bag in her hand, she also looked at it for a while. 

"I stopped by the pharmacy to get you some drugs since you complained about having headaches," she explained, stretching the small portable bag to me. I accepted it with my eyes fixed on her.

"Check," she pointed to the bag, noticing I hadn't stopped looking. I ran a glance at it before returning my eyes to her.

"Did you get me this?" I inquired, trying to sound casual.

"Yes, I want to go cook now. When it's ready, you can eat and take some drugs to suppress your headache," she said with a warm smile.

I was calm for a while, unsure if I was worth this act. 

"Thank you, Mum." I opened my arms wide and pulled her into a tight hug, holding back tears.

We hugged for a minute before departing. "Did you know Carter's daughter is around?" She suddenly asked, and I raised my brows, unsure how to react.

"Oh? I'm glad," my voice stuttered.

"Yes, we have to find a way to be on her good side; don't act too cold toward her, okay?" She emphasized.

I nodded after a brief pause. "Am I cold?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

She scoffed with a shrugging shoulder. "Anyway, what about Carter? I couldn't find him in his room."

I rolled my eyes, my heart racing faster. "Oh Mr.Cater" my voice stuttered "I don't know; maybe he stepped out with his daughter, who knows?" I shrugged.

She nodded. "Okay, I'll go cook now." She gave me a peck before leaving the room.

As soon as she closed the door, a loud sigh escaped my lips, and I held my chest to calm down. What had just happened? My mum bought my lies?

I walked toward the bed, falling onto it. I should have stayed at Leah's house.

My eyes stared at the ceiling, my mind racing. I grabbed my phone, hoping to call Carter, but after dialing his number, he didn't pick up.

What's happening? Why isn't he answering? Hope it isn't what I'm thinking?