Chapter 68 Chapter 68

Chapter 68 Chapter 68


Tessa

As I lay in bed, Leah's words echoed in my mind, "Liam's going away to a board conference." It sound more than a good news. 

I recalled the mix of emotions that crossed Leah's voice when she told me. She was sad to see him go, but also proud of his achievement.

But why did I feel relieved?

Was it because Liam's absence would mean less drama, less tension?

I can go a day without being bothered by him and I can hang out with Leah without a pry eyes, it sound more than a good news. 

I inhaled loudly, pushing the thoughts aside, focusing on my current state.

I felt disgusting, like a mess. Tears had stained my clothes, and my face felt puffy.

I needed to clean up and change to something neat and casual. 

I tossed off the covers and headed to the bathroom.

As I turned on the shower, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

My eyes looked sunken, my skin pale. I sighed, feeling drained. Why did I have to be so complicated? Huh? Just why? 

I rolled my eyes before stepping into the shower, letting the warm water wash away my tears and worries. For a moment, I let go of everything.

Mr. Carter, Jasmine, Liam, all the drama and heartache.

I just let the water cleanse me. Erasing my thoughts for some minutes. 

I trudged back into the room, changing into something simple so I could sleep easily. But my mind had other plans.

I fell heavily onto the bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling as if searching for answers. When I thought everything had settled within me, the thoughts arouse again.

"Why can't I just forget about it for some minutes?" I exclaimed, frustration etched on my face.

I was tired of remembering, tired of reliving the pain.

I stood up, picking up my phone and scrolling through it for a second, hoping to find someone to talk to. But I couldn't think of anyone.

The only person I knew was Leah, and she had already called.

My mind went blank for a second, then it clicked. How could I say Leah was my only friend? What about my best friend from back home? Before I moved to this country, we were inseparable.

I scrolled up my contact list, my finger pressing on the screen, searching for her number until I saw it.

When I finally found it, I dialed her number, unsure of what she'd say to me when she finally picked up.

The phone rang for some minutes, but she didn't pick up. I dialed again, and it was still the same.

I inhaled heavily, unsure if she was ignoring me or just wasn't with her phone.

Just as I was about to lose hope, my phone rang, and I picked it up, happy to see she was calling. I slid the green button and pressed the phone to my left ear.

"Hello, please, who is this?" she said, her voice firm and unfamiliar.

She must be really angry at me.

What was I expecting? She had every right to feel that way.

"Sorry," I muttered under my breath, unsure if she'd even hear it.

"Sorry? Who is this? That's what I asked," she said, her voice fierce, indicating she was boiling with rage.

"Rose, can you drop this act? I know I offended you, but don't take it out on me like this," I pleaded, fidgeting with the tips of my ear.

"I don't understand what this person is saying, so I have to hang up now," she uttered, her voice cold and detached. I was about to respond when the sound of the hang-up beeped in my ear.

She dropped the phone, I thought, frustration simmering inside me.

Why is she acting like a baby? I know I offended her, but why take it out on me like this? I hissed inwardly, tossing the phone onto the bed.

But a message beeped, and I quickly picked it up.

"DON'T EVER CALL THIS LINE AGAIN, PLEASE!" the message read, and it was from Rose.

Did she hate me now? What's happening?

Maybe she needed time alone, but I couldn't understand why she was behaving like this.

I fell heavily onto the bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling.

I had called her to soothe me, but now she had my curiosity aroused.

My stomach growled loudly, and I quickly clutched it, my eyes scanning the room.

"Oh gosh," I cursed inwardly.

I couldn't ignore this hunger anymore, it had been building up for hours.

I checked the time to see it had already passed 11 PM. Mum and Mr. Carter must be sleeping now. The silence of the house seemed to amplify my hunger.

Reluctantly, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up. My stomach protested again, louder this time.

I crept to my door, slowly opening it to avoid any creaks. I stepped out into the hallway, my feet making barely a sound as I walked like a stealthy car, careful not to disturb the silence. My heart beat faster with each step, hoping to go unnoticed.

As I entered the kitchen, the darkness enveloped me like a shroud. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, they must be sleeping now. I fumbled for the light switch, my fingers finding it by instinct. The sudden brightness made me squint.

But what I saw left me frozen, my lips wide open in shock.

Mum and Mr. Carter were kissing, their lips locked in a passionate embrace, as if their lives depended on it.

They sprang apart, their eyes magnetized on me.

Mr. Carter's face wore a guilty expression, his eyes pleading for apologies. Mum's face flushed with embarrassment, her cheeks burning red. Feeling torn, I hesitated, unsure what to do. Should I run back inside or pretend I didn't see?

Either way, it would feel awkward. I held my breath and forced myself to move. I walked to the counter, my eyes avoiding theirs.

I took a plate and served myself mechanically. Embarrassment and jealousy wrestled inside me. I packed the food and left.