A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 15

CLYDE AGUIRRE POV

"Clyde, are you even listening to me? For God's sake..." Lorey's voice brings me back to the present. Remind me why I am here with her again? We are at an art exhibition; she invited me here.

"What were you saying again?" I ask absentmindedly. She rolls her eyes at me, shifting her gaze back to the painting in front of her. "Here, I was saying that it looks beautiful, and I want it."

I carefully observe the painting, but honestly, I am not so good at studying artwork. My sister Astra and my dad are more into paintings, but I manage a smile, telling her it's cute.

"Just take it; I will pay," she squeals. "You are the best," she adds, giving me a kiss on my cheek.

As we continue moving around, I observe the room and notice Tessa's presence, her profile facing a painting. Her prominent pregnancy belly is accentuated by a black dress. Lost in thought, I'm not fully engaged in Lorey's conversation. Sensing my distraction, Lorey follows my gaze and gasps as she recognizes Tessa...

Lorey's eyes widen as she catches sight of Tessa, and she discreetly nudges me with an elbow. "Isn't that your ex, Tessa Lockwood? The one they can't stop talking about in the news?"

I glance at Tessa, who seems to have noticed our conversation. "Yeah, it is. Complicated history," I reply, keeping it brief.

Lorey smirks, whispering, "Well, this just got more interesting. Let's see how she reacts to you moving on." She subtly tightens her grip on my arm as we approach Tessa.

As we draw near Tessa, who is engrossed in examining a painting, Lorey deliberately mentions my name while expressing faux admiration for a painting adjacent to the one Tessa is looking at.

"Clyde, have you seen this one? It's absolutely captivating!"

Tessa, caught off guard, turns to face us, her expression changing as she realizes our presence, seemingly enjoying the moment, glances at Tessa with a sly smile.

"Oh, what a small world, isn't this the mighty Tessa Lockwood?" Tessa smirks playfully. "The great CEO of Lockwood Corp. And, oh, isn't she your ex, Clyde?"

Tessa, maintaining her composure, replies with a practiced grace. "Of course, it's me, darling. And who are you? Oh... you probably must be Clyde's flavor of the month." What? Tessa, who stands there with a smirk on her face.

"Well, isn't this a surprise? Clyde Aguirre at an art exhibition. I must say, I didn't expect to see you appreciating paintings." Tessa adds on before Lorey says a word.

Lorey, undeterred, decides to press the matter. "Oh, we're just enjoying some art. You know, appreciating the finer things in life." She glances at me with a smirk, almost challenging Tessa's perception of our connection.

"Great. Well, enjoy the art," Tessa says, offering a fake smile before walking away. I watch her retreating figure. What the hell just happened?

"How rude..." Lorey hisses as she watches Tessa leaving. I heave a deep sigh trying to calm down.

"Now it all makes sense, the kiss at the business gala. You did it on purpose to make her jealous, huh?" Lorey looks at Tessa as she speaks.

"Look, Lorey, I apologize for that. ...I.." I start, but Lorey interrupts me by placing a finger on my lips.

"No harm done. Besides, I enjoy the drama. And by the way, that kiss was quite intoxicating, as always," Lorey says.

"Really? You're sure about that?" I ask, and Lorey nods.