Chapter 37 Chapter 37
Tessa
Fear caught my breath as Leah's curious gaze shifted between me and Mr. Grumpy, waiting for an explanation.
"What's going on?" She asked, this time around her voice was sharp, and her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, Just a coincidence. Don't worry about it." Mr. Grumpy's expression softened a little bit, and he flashed a reassuring smile.
"Okay, if you're sure..." her eyes lingered on me for a moment before nodding.
I exhaled silently, relieved that she didn't press the issue further. But my body was still trembling from the intense encounter with Mr. Grumpy.
"And one more thing," Mr. Grumpy suddenly shifted his eyes to me, his voice was low and firm. "Don't call me Mr. Grumpy again, this will be my last warning, there won't be next," his voice dropped with coldness.
"Oh!O ...Okay." My eyes widened, and I nodded hastily.
"Mr. Grumpy?" Leah chuckled on her breath.
"It's not funny, is it?" Mr. Grumpy's eyes narrowed.
But Leah continued to laugh. "I should've known! You can be pretty grumpy sometimes, Liam."
"Oh, so his name is Liam" The name echoed in my mind as I smiled awkwardly.
"Anyway," he said, turning to Leah, "I'll let you two catch up while I get ready," he stormed off.
What did he mean by getting ready? Oh no!
"Hey, Tessa, you okay?" Leah called, noticing my unease expression.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired," I forced a smile.
"Let's go inside, then." she nodded slowly before grabbing my hands.
She dragged me into the room, chattering excitedly about the party she'd be attending tonight but I had no interest so I paid no attention.
She flung open her closet, revealing a rainbow of dresses.
"Which one do you think I should wear, huh?" She asked, holding up a sparkling silver gown.
But my mind was elsewhere, replaying the scene encounter with Mr. Grumpy. His piercing gaze, his veiled threats, and the unsettling feeling that he held secrets over me.
"Tessa, earth to Tessa!" Leah waved another dress in front of me, breaking the trance.
"Sorry, Just lost in thought." I pushed out a laugh.
Her eyes narrowed as if doubting my answer. "Is everything okay? You seem... distracted." She asked.
I shook my head, feigning nonchalance. "Just tired, that's all." A sly smile crept on my lips.
Her gaze lingered, suspicion etched on her face. "I don't know why I find it hard to believe you but wait," she paused for a second "Is there something going on between you and my brother?" She inquired taking me by surprise. My heart skipped a beat.
"No, nothing!" I protested, overcompensating with a bright smile.
"You're sure?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Positive," I nodded vigorously.
She watched me for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, if you say so." She looked into her closet, a sigh of relief escaping my lips.
"Did you think this is okay? "She handed me a blue dress.
I took the dress from her, her expression turned serious. "Tessa, don't let your guard up around my brother. He's not as bad as he seems." She uttered
My eyes met hers, and for a moment, I stood frozen
"I'll try," I finally said, attempting to sound casual.
"Good. He's grumpy, but he means well." Leah smiled.
She started getting prepared while I started my mind wandering around.
When she finished styling her hair, she slipped on a pair of elegant earrings, I couldn't help but gasp. She transformed into a classic princess, radiating confidence and poise.
The black dress hugged her curves, accentuating her slender figure. Her sharp jawline and piercing green eyes sparkled.
"You look breathtaking," I said, genuinely awestruck.
"Thanks, Tessa!" She beamed, twirling to show off her outfit.
"Let go now," she took hold of my hand.
We stepped out of the room, and my heart sank as I spotted Mr. Grumpy waiting patiently on the balcony. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, sending shivers down my spine.
How Am I supposed to spend the day with him, pretending everything was normal?
His eyes roamed over Leah's transformed appearance, a soft smile spreading across his face. "Looking stunning as always,"
"Thanks, bro! Tessa helped me pick out the dress." Leah grinned.
Liam's gaze shifted to me, his expression unreadable. "Shall we head out? Our reservations await."
Reservations? What reservations? Is there a need to make a reservation for shopping?
"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Shopping of course," Leah replied smiling.
My mind reeled. Shopping with Liam? This felt like a trap. Oh no!
We descended to the ground floor, Liam offered his arm to Leah, then gestured for me to follow angrily. I hesitated, feeling like I was being pulled into a whirlpool, but I eventually followed.
We get to the car, a black GLE that caught me staring for what felt eternity.
Mr. Grumpy entered the front seat while Leah entered the back seat but I was still there standing.
"You are not entering?" Leah's voice brought me to reality and I slipped in.
Mr. Grumpy started the car.
We drove away, and Leah chattered enthusiastically, trying to lift my spirits. But I couldn't shake off the unease settling in my stomach.
Every time I glanced up, Liam's piercing gaze met mine in the rearview mirror. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly looked away, fidgeting with my fingers.
"Are you sure everything is okay? You don't seem happy." Leah asked.
"I'm fine, just not in the mood to talk or joke around," I forced a weak smile.
Leah's concerned expression lingered, but she dropped the subject.
When we arrived at our destination, Liam parked the car. Leah spotted someone she knew and excused herself to greet them.
As soon as Leah stepped away, Mr. Grumpy leaned in close to me and whispered, "Get ready to see my face often. I'll show the real meaning of grumpy," he smiled wickedly.
My heart fluttered, and fear took over me.