A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 6

TESSA LOCKWOOD POV

My gaze locks with David, and I'm momentarily transported to a time when he was a significant part of my life. David Nielson, my ex-boyfriend, and the man I never expected to see again. We had shared a past filled with love and dreams, but circumstances had forced us apart.

We used to have it all—the laughter, the shared dreams, and the warmth of each other's company. However, the disapproval from my family cast a shadow over our relationship. David hailed from Italy, not just from any family but a powerful Mafia clan. His real surname, Romano, was a closely guarded secret as he preferred to stay under the radar.

The memory of our parting still lingers—a painful separation fueled by family expectations and the complexities of his background. I had to let him go, but seeing him now ignites a mixture of emotions. The surprise, the nostalgia, and the unspoken questions hang in the air.

"David," I utter his name, my voice a mix of astonishment and curiosity. "What are you doing here?"

David confronts me, stating, "We need to talk, Tessa."

I respond, "There is nothing to talk about, David. Let me go; I don't want..."

Interrupting, he accuses, "You don't want to be seen here with me, huh? By that fake boyfriend of yours."

Confused, I ask, "What?"

He continues, "Do you think I don't know? I know everything that is happening in your life, Tessa. You don't even need to lie to me."

Acknowledging his claim, I retort, "Of course, you know. Why do you even waste your time following me around like that? Don't you have mafia responsibilities to do? Oh, and aren't you supposed to be enjoying your time with your fiancée, the mafia princess?"

Defending his feelings, he declares, "You know damn well that I don't love her, Tessa. You are the one I love, and I will never stop loving you."

Dismissing his words, I state, "Oh, goodness, David, just stop daydreaming. You and I are done. You never fought for us; why now? Is it because my parents are gone that you have the courage now? Let me make this clear, David, it's useless right now. We already lost track of time, so don't even waste more of your time for me; I don't love you anymore."

In response, he accuses, "I see, you are in love with that bastard? I knew it. You are getting beaten in your own game. You are lying to yourself that you don't love him, but I know you, Tessa; you have fallen for him. He will break your heart just like how he did with Emily."

Angry at his accusation, I vehemently deny, "How dare you say that! I don't love him. I will be the one to crush his heart into tiny little pieces, just like he did with Emily's."

As I vehemently deny David's accusations, a mixture of frustration and anger surges within me. I feel the need to put an end to this unexpected encounter.

"You don't know the likes of Clyde Aguirre; he will beat you up on your own game. I am ................."

His words hits a nerve, and I snap, "Enough, David! I know what I am doing and you have no rights to dictate my life. And just to make this clear, I am not yours, and I am certainly not in love with you anymore. It's time for you to accept that and move on."

The intensity of our confrontation draws curious glances from passersby, but I'm determined not to let David's presence disrupt my composure. Taking a step back, I add, "This conversation ends here. Goodbye, David."

As I turn to walk away, he grabs my arm, a desperate plea in his eyes. "Tessa, please, just listen..."

I shake off his grip, resolute. "No, David. There's nothing left to say. Let go of the past and find your own path. Goodbye."