A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 17

TESSA'S LOCKWOOD POV

I'm taken aback by Clyde's unexpected presence at the cemetery. Despite our agreement, he stands before me, and I can't help but feel a mix of shock and resignation.

What surprises me more is that I've brought baby Zenith along, a meeting I hadn't planned for. As I attempt to shield Zenith in his stroller, I know it's futile. Clyde will see him, regardless of my efforts.

Summoning what composure I can muster, I address him, "What are you doing here, Clyde? We agreed you wouldn't come." His smirk tells me he's noticed the stroller, and there's no avoiding the inevitable. He moves past me, flowers in hand, and gazes at Zenith. Despite my apprehension, I watch as he kneels to place the flowers on Emily's grave.

His attention shifts to Zenith, and a smile tugs at his lips. Before he can touch him, I instinctively pull the stroller away, my heart racing. "How long will you keep Zenith hidden from me, Tessa?" His words hang in the air, heavy with longing and certainty, echoing the undeniable truth between us.

Clyde interjects with skepticism evident in his tone. "Really, Tessa? I don't believe you. How many times did I confront you, asking you about the paternity of the baby? I understand that you're doing this out of revenge for Emily's death, but this is an innocent baby. Can't you see that? He needs both love from both parents. What you're doing is so wrong. You're being selfish, Tessa."

His words strike a chord within me, though I refuse to show any vulnerability. With boldness, I retort, "Do not mention my sister's name. Enough is enough, Clyde. I'm just tired of fighting. All I want is a good life for my baby."

He corrects me, emphasizing, "Our son Tessa."

Rolling my eyes, I challenge him further, "Now that you know that you're the father, well, okay then, what? Are you going to take him away from me?"

Clyde's smirk fades as he replies, "Really, Tessa? Do you think I'll do that? All I need is just to be there for my child. To be there for him. To watch him grow. Despite our differences. That's all I need."

His words resonate with me, realizing that he doesn't want me in his life; he simply wants to be there for Zenith. It's a sobering realization. As Zenith's crying voice interrupts our conversation, I quickly pick him up and try to coo him but he keeps on crying.

"Can I?" Clyde asks to hold the baby extending his hands towards me. I reluctantly hand him over to Clyde. Miraculously, the baby stops crying in his arms, leaving me overwhelmed with emotion. Tears stream down my face as I watch Clyde bond with our son, feeling the weight of my selfishness.

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THIRD PERSON POV

Clyde had invited Tessa for lunch after the cemetery encounter, they have been eating in silent since the food arrived until, Clyde finally speaks up. "I want to be there for Zenith, Tessa, really. I know you are married with David, but I wouldn't want my son to be part of it. We both know very well that David is an heir to the throne of one of the most dangerous and feared Mafia in Itay, I don't want my son to be part of that. Tessa, please. That man is dangerous, and I know you know it. Isn't that the reason why you left him back then? Because your parents didn't approve of him for because he is a Mafia? Do you have an idea what those people do? They are dangerous, Tessa. For all we know, your life or Zenith's life could be in danger because you are associated with David, and David has a lot of enemies lying around. Why did you even marry that guy?"

Tessa nods, acknowledging Clyde's concerns. "I know, and I am working on that. And besides, David has done nothing wrong, other than being a great uncle to Zenith. And just to make things clear, our marriage was based on a contract, so we are done."