A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 8

TESSA'S LOCKWOOD POV

The air is charged with tension as I wait at the designated location, my patience wearing thin. David finally arrives, his expression a mix of arrogance and curiosity.

"What's this urgent meeting about, Tessa?" he smirks, attempting to downplay the seriousness of the situation.

I meet his gaze, my eyes reflecting a steely determination. "Cut the act, David. I've seen the comments and rumors circulating in the media. And I have a strong feeling you're behind it."

He raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Me? Behind rumors? Tessa, you give me too much credit."

I cut through his pretense, "Don't play games. It's affecting not only me but also Clyde. You need to stop this."

He leans in, his tone dripping with condescension. "Tessa, Tessa. You've entered a whole new league now. The media loves a good scandal, and I'm just giving them what they want."

I take a deep breath, refusing to let his manipulative words get to me. "This isn't a game for me, David. It's my life. And you're jeopardizing it with your schemes."

A tension-filled silence hangs in the air as we lock eyes, each aware that this confrontation could change the dynamics between us. I stand my ground, determined to protect what matters most to me.

David's demeanor shifts, and he suddenly becomes serious. "Tessa, I can't stand by and watch you fall in love with Clyde. I care about you more than you realize, and I can't trust him. I've seen what he's capable of, and I won't let you end up hurt like Emily did."

His words hang heavy in the air, a bitter sentiment of supposed concern. Anger surges within me as he mentions my late sister, Emily. "David, you don't get to bring Emily into this."

The tension escalates, and before I can stop myself, my hand connects with David's cheek in a resounding slap. "You've crossed a line, David. I won't tolerate you using Emily's tragedy to meddle in my life. Stay out of it, or you'll regret it."

His face registers surprise and a hint of pain, but my anger remains unabated. I glare at David, my anger simmering beneath the surface.

"I can handle Clyde. I won't let you project your distrust onto him. Stay out of my personal life. I don't need your interference or warnings."

The seriousness in my tone echoes my resolve. As I step away from him, I make it clear that his involvement is neither wanted nor welcome.

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In the quiet serenity of the cemetery, I stand before my sister's grave, a bouquet of lilies in hand. The air is filled with a sense of calm, and the soft rustling of leaves adds to the peaceful ambiance. I kneel down and gently place the lilies on her grave, beside the resting places of our parents.

"Hey, Emily," I begin, my voice a gentle whisper carried by the breeze. "I brought you your favorite flowers. Lilies, just like you always loved."

I sit by the graves, a quiet moment of reflection passing between us. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. "Life has been a whirlwind, Em. So much has changed, and sometimes I wish you were here to share it with me. I've kept my promise to you. The journey has been long, but I'm almost there. I will break Clyde, just as he broke you."

he gravity of the words hangs heavy, and I can almost feel Emily's presence in the rustling leaves and the gentle breeze. "He won't get away with what he did to you. The pain he caused will be repaid. I won't rest until I crush him."

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The Aguirre family dinner unfolds in a warm atmosphere, filled with laughter and the clinking of cutlery. Clyde's family has been nothing but kind to me, and I appreciate the genuine warmth they extend. Its sad that one day they will feel so disappointed in me.