A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 12

TESSA LOCKWOOD POV

"You've got some nerve showing up after what you did to my sister," I snap at Clyde, my anger boiling over.

He looks at me with a bitter expression. "You already got your revenge, Tessa. You managed to hurt me, turned our wedding day into a spectacle, and made me the laughing stock of the town. Isn't that enough? Or maybe I should have died in that accident. I guess that would have paid off better for what I did, right?"

Visibly affected by Clyde's words, I maintain a steely composure. "Don't pretend like you're the victim here," I retort, my voice resolute. "You may have felt a fraction of the pain you caused Emily, but it's nothing compared to the agony she endured because of you. And No matter how much I resented you, I would never wish for you to die, and you know that. You know me better than that."

"Wow! Speaking of knowing you, I guess I don't know you at all. And just so you know, don't worry about me coming back here anymore because I have done what I wanted to. Goodbye, Tessa."

Clyde walks away, leaving me speechless. I turn to look at his retreating figure, tears brimming in my eyes. I break into sobs as I turn back to Emily's grave, now adorned with Lilies. How did Clyde know that Emily likes Lilies? Could it be that he at least cared for her despite everything?

CLYDE AGUIRRE POV

I've lost count of the beers I've downed. I signal the bartender for another, but as I reach for it, a hand snatches it away.

"That's enough, Clyde. Come on..." It's my brother Spencer. Here we go, lecture time. It has always been a routine ever since I met Tessa at the cemetery, I may have appeared strong to her but deep inside I am weak.

Spencer gives me a stern look, clearly concerned. "You can't drown your sorrows in alcohol, Clyde. It's not going to fix anything."

I scoff, irritated. "What do you care? Just leave me alone."

"That's enough, Clyde. Come on," he says, guiding me away from the bar. I stumble but follow him.

We find a quieter corner. "Do you think she ever loved me, just a bit?" I blurt out, tears welling in my eyes.

"I don't know, Clyde. Why does it matter? You need to move on, bro. Tomorrow, you get back on track, be the Aguirre we know. Clear?"

He pats my shoulder, attempting comfort. "You're an Aguirre, a strong one. Show the world they can't break you."

I nod, wiping away my tears. Spencer's right. Tomorrow, I face the world anew, not as the broken Clyde but as the resilient Aguirre I've always been.

******************

Days pass, and I find my footing again. Back in the office, closing deals like the relentless Aguirre I am. I've heard little of Tessa since that intense encounter, deliberately keeping my distance. Updates trickle in through the grapevine, but I avoid glimpses or mentions of her.

I can't trust my heart not to betray me. Every week, like clockwork, I ensure lilies grace Emily's grave. A silent tribute to the one I couldn't save, ensuring she's never forgotten, even in the bustling rhythm of my resurging life.

Rumors about Tessa and me are still around, and everyone sees me as the bad guy.

Surprisingly, the media was taken aback when they found out about my past relationship with Tessa Lockwood. They eventually figured out that she often wore shades to conceal her true identity, and it turned out she was Tessa Lockwood all along.

My family lectured me on my past playboy behavior, emphasizing how it had negatively impacted me. They were upset about what Tessa did, as it nearly cost me my life.