A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 16

TESSA'S LOCKWOOD POV

Suddenly, it dawns on me. Clyde is here for his mom. But why? Is she unwell? If Clyde isn't the one donating blood for me, then who is this mysterious person extending such a heartfelt gesture?

"Tessa?" Aurora (Clyde's mom) voice brings me back to the present from my reverie, "Are you okay? Is the baby fine?" she asks concerned. I notice Clyde is standing by her side, holding her arm. I wonder what's wrong with her to be here at the hospital. The fact that she looks so worried and concerned about me... shouldn't she be mad at me after what I did to Clyde? Her kind gesture makes me feel guilty.

"The baby is fine, Ms. Aguirre." I find myself addressing her with that name. I used to call her mom before, as she was my mother-in-law when I was dating Clyde. But after what happened between me and Clyde, I just couldn't muster the courage to call her mom. She nods with a smile.

"What about you? Are you okay?" I ask her, concerned. Why is she at the hospital? Is she sick?

"I am fine, dear. I just came for my regular checkups, so I asked Clyde to come pick me up so we could go for lunch together. Would you join us, Tessa?" What? I look at Clyde, and he's shooting daggers at me.

"I..." I start to reject, but she cuts me off.

"Please, for old times' sake? Don't worry; we won't take much of your time, right Clyde?" She looks at Clyde, whose eyes are on me. Clyde responds with a forced smile, "Sure, Tessa can join us."

I feel a mix of emotions. Aurora's kindness surprises me, and I can sense Clyde's discomfort. Reluctantly, I agree, "Alright, I'll join you."

Aurora squeals and gently takes my hand. Clyde appears taken aback for a moment before leading us to a waiting limousine.

A suited bodyguard opens the door, and Aurora gracefully enters first, offering her hand for support as I follow suit. Clyde joins us in the backseat, while the driver navigates us to a nearby upscale restaurant.

As we arrive, Clyde rushes to assist me out of the car, his touch igniting familiar sensations. I thank him, feeling a rush of emotions as we enter the restaurant.

Aurora's warmth envelops us, but beneath the surface, tension lingers. I glance at Clyde, unable to shake the weight of our unresolved history. The waiter takes our order, and I opt for pasta, yet the air remains thick with unspoken words.

"So how far are you?" Aurora asks me, a warm smile on her face, referring to my pregnancy. I can't comprehend why she treats me so kindly after what I did to her son Clyde. Shouldn't she be reprimanding me for what happened to Clyde? Her kindness weighs heavily on me, filling me with guilt.

"Um... I'm due in 2 weeks," I reply, forcing a smile. Aurora squeals with excitement. I glance at Clyde; his eyes bore into me, intense and piercing. His gaze makes me uneasy.

"I must say, you've done a remarkable job so far. Pregnancy isn't easy," Aurora comments, and I nod, acknowledging her words.

"Thanks, it's been tough, but I'm almost there," I reply, shifting my gaze back to Clyde, feeling the weight of his stare. A wave of relief washes over me when I see the waiter approaching with our orders.

We begin eating in silence, the tension palpable in the air.

"You should try this, sweetie, it's amazing," Aurora suggests, sensing the tension, and offers me a piece of her steak. Her attempts to lighten the mood prompt me to cut a portion from her plate and take a bite. The flavor surprises me; it's truly delicious.

"Mmm... Oh my God, it's amazing," I exclaim, savoring the taste. I'm genuinely impressed by how good it is. My gaze shifts to Clyde, noticing the movement of his Adam's apple as he watches me intently. I raise an eyebrow at him, silently questioning his demeanor.