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CHAPTER 110: STUCK IN A RUSH

Tessa picked up her phone and dialed Tisa's number who picked up at the second ring. "Tisa," she said pleasantly, "Tessa, how are you?" Tisa asked in whispers.

"Aren't ...you ...home?" Tisa asked calmly, " I am in a meeting" Tessa continued "Do you....." Tisa started, pausing in the way, "Never...mind, I... will call ...you later" she said, cutting the call and feeling dejected.

Tessa's phone chimed and Julian's message surfaced, Tessa rolled her eyes hoping desperately it was nothing sexual like the previous nude he sent her. She just felt it was too extravagant and weird. To her ultimate relief, he only messaged to ask her out on a date that evening.

Maybe that was what she needed to take her mind off all her worries, she thought inwardly, responding with a positive emoji.

She got home in no time, rummaged through her wardrobe trying on different clothes till she settled on a red strapless gown which accentuated her curvy hips.

She looked at herself in the mirror and felt elated by her look. She sat in the mirror, brought out her makeup bag, and dabbed on some. She smiled satisfactorily as she nailed the look she was aiming for. Her countenance dwindled when she remembered there was a loose end she was left to cover.

Tisa sat in Tessa's room fuming, "I was so stupid to think I was doing her a favor" she soliloquized. "What the heck!?" She let out, "What are you doing here? You scared me!" Tessa let out.

"At least that's better than what Julian's about to do to you." She said coldly. "What are you talking about?" Tessa asked, looking intently at her. Coming across Julian's Instagram post made Tisa realize Tessa had gotten with him.

She called Tessa the previous day to ask her some questions, to her dismay, Tessa had cut off the call once she mentioned it.

Tessa's phone rang loudly cutting her off her soliloquy, she picked up instantly and the stranger's voice came through. Tisa understood she was going through a lot, so she didn't pester her when she was becoming a nuisance and she loved that about her.

"Hello.... Tessa said warmly, picking her words, "If you are calling to know if I am fuming right now, yes I am" the voice responded sharply. The person laughed wholeheartedly as if knowing her to an extent now, she couldn't stay angry for too long.

" I am sorry," Tessa said calmly, she rolled her eyes inwardly, suddenly realizing who it was, Nita! "I promised to get over him," Tessa said to herself, responding instantly."He is not who you think he is." Nita argued.

Nita was quiet for some time before responding."Okay Tes! It is your call, but keep your eyes open" she said, Tessa could feel the pity in her voice.

Nita warned vehemently and they understood themselves. She was excited that everything was going according to her wish.

She dressed up waiting for Julian's arrival, the moment he called her and she got to his car, she smelt cigarette smoke mixed with a sweet fragrance of cologne as they filled the air.

" You..... Still smoke Julian?" Tessa said dejectedly, not bothering with pleasantries, "I told you it would take some time Tes, by the way, you look stunning as always" he said smiling pleasantly at her.

They took off and drove in silence to the exquisite restaurant, when Julian packed in the driveway, Tessa felt her lips dry.

She brought out her mini bag, in an attempt to pick up her lipgloss, but her lipstick holder fell out of reach. She quickly put her hand into the corner of the front seat, her hand found something else, not her lipgloss.

She brought it out and read the label "contraceptives...for...." She started before Julian snatched it off her hand.

"It is my aftershave," he said in between ragged breaths, she narrowed her eyes "Isn't that a pregnancy-avoiding pill?" Tessa asked, looking sternly at him.

"I'm not a kid, Julian! What's going on?" She asked in the calmest way she could, as she watched him looking for words. He had nothing to say. It was indeed a lady's stuff!

"Let's cut to the chase, who is she?" Tessa asked, irritated. "I don't know how that got in here, trust me. I... I don't know how it got into the car. Trust me, Tes..." He began, she opened the door, heading out before he could complete his words.

She headed out of the car, and back to the office.
"Trying to prove strong huh?" She heard Tisa's voice say from behind me. "Proving strong? I don't understand. Why should I try to prove to be something I already am?" Tessa said, trying to hide how pained I was.

She walked away slowly, as Tessa kept her gaze fixed on her phone. She was indeed trying to be strong. Tisa's words got to her. But she wasn't about to show any iota of weakness.

A flood of tears bubbled on the inside of her, eager to gush out. She fought her tears, swallowing saliva as if that could dry the flood of surging tears.

She prayed the day would run by, it did eventually. She was drenched in her own emotions. She needed to clear her head, when she arrived home, rested, and freshened up, she headed to the bar just across the road.

"Can I snatch you?" A coarse voice said behind me, the baritone sound of his voice sending familiar chills down her spine.

"Snatch me if you can!" She added, followed by a melodious chuckle. She could already notice he was in awe. "What are you looking at?" She joked, giving his glass of wine in front of her a slight push.

"What does it matter what I'm looking at?" He answered, looking away. The night had grown old and they were still in the bar. The blazing music sent cool vibes into the atmosphere. The intoxicating feeling grew on and on. With each glance at each other, she wanted him even more.