Chapter 66 Chapter 66

Chapter 66 Chapter 66

Tessa

I lay on my bed, surrounded by darkness, my thoughts swirling like a vortex. How did I get here? How did my relationship with Carter grow so big that I fell deeply admire to him? I couldn't fathom the sincerity of my feelings for him. 

I thought back to the first time we met, the spark that ignited between us. I remembered the way he smiled, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. I recalled the laughter, the adventures, the quiet moments we shared.

But now, everything seemed tainted. Jasmine's words echoed in my mind: "Homewrecker." "Shameless."

I felt a pang of guilt, wondering if I was indeed destroying the family. But Carter want me, and I want him too. Was that so wrong? Was that a big deal? 

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, Mr. Carter's name flashing on the screen. I ignored it, not ready to face him.

My mother's calls went unanswered too. I couldn't bear to hear her concerns, her worries knowing fully I was the cause of all this. 

I tossed and turned, my mind racing. Suddenly, I threw off the covers and walked to the mirror.

The reflection staring back at me was unfamiliar. My face was swollen, my eyes puffy from crying.

"Tessa, what have you done?" I whispered to myself.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes again, but I held them back.

I thought about Carter's messages, "We'll face this together." But could we? Or was I just a temporary escape for him?

My heart ached, torn between love and guilt.

I returned to bed, lost in thought, unsure of what tomorrow would bring.

The silence enveloped me, a heavy blanket that suffocated.

My phone suddenly beeped again, jolting me out of my thoughts. I stared at the caller ID, and my heart sank, it was Mum.

I knew she was worried about me, especially since she had no idea why I was acting this way. But for now, I just needed time alone. I need to reset my thought. 

I swept the notification away, cocooning myself with the duvet. My thoughts swirled within me, hunger joining the chaotic mix.

I inhaled loudly, contemplating whether I could muster the courage to venture into the kitchen for a snack. The aroma of beef wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses. Mum must have cooked dinner tonight.

However, the thought of facing her, or anyone else, made me cringe. I'd look totally shameless if I emerged from my room now.

Just as I settled back into my thoughts, my phone rang again, making my heart skip a beat. I quickly sat up, picking up the phone, and realized it was Leah calling.

I hesitated for a second, wondering if she'd notice the shake in my voice. I cleared my throat before sliding the green button.

"Hey girl!" Leah's excitement was palpable, her voice bubbly and carefree.

"How are you doing?" I tried to sound like my usual self, hoping to avoid any unnecessary questions from her.

"Being good, what are you up to?" Leah asked, her tone innocent.

I shook my head, unsure how to respond. Should I open up to Leah, or keep up the charade?

"Nothing, just being good on my own. What about you?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"I'm good also," Leah replied. "Mind if I come sleepover at your house?" Her voice was like a trigger pulled to my head. 

It caught me off guard, and I quickly shook my head, standing up from the bed. 

That would be the last thing I'd accept from Leah right now. Coming to my house was the least desirable option.

"No, Leah, you can't come to my house," I rejected her invitation without hesitation.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Leah spoke up.

"Why? You've been coming to mine, so why can't I come to yours?" Leah asked, a hint of sadness and confusion lacing her tone.

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing my rejection stung.

"Don't think like that, Leah," I rushed to explain. "I've only said that because there's tension in our house right now. Things are strained between Mum and my stepdad. I don't think it's a good time for visitors." I lied hoping she'd buy it. 

"Oh! Really? I've noticed it in your voice since we've been on the call. You don't sound so happy," Leah gushed, her concern evident.

She was right about me not being happy, but I was sorry for lying about what caused it.

"Yeah, thank you," I said, trying to sound appreciative.

"You don't have to thank me, just try and be happy, okay? Let your parents work out their issues between themselves. As long as you're not the one who caused the fight... or are you?" Leah teased, her voice playful.

"Come on, I'm not!" I quickly denied, laughing.

"Good, since you're not the one, don't hold yourself back. Just be happy," Leah soothed, her words warming my heart.

"Thank you, Leah," I appreciated, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

"Yeah, I'm just feeling bored since Liam went to a board conference and won't be back for two weeks. The house feels more like a prison now," Leah revealed, her voice dripping with boredom.

My ears perked up at the mention of Liam's absence.

"Liam isn't around?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Yes," Leah confirmed.

I couldn't explain why that suddenly made me happy. Why was I feeling this way? It felt surreal.

I had to enjoy these two weeks without Liam's presence, it was the least I could do for myself.

"Talk to you later. Alex is calling me now," Leah said, before hanging up.

"Those lovebird," I stared at the screen, happiness swirling within me.

This was the best news I'd heard all day.

A smile spread across my face as I processed the unexpected turn of events.

Two weeks without Liam's watchful eyes. Without getting a threat message from him.