A VENGEANCE LOVE AFFAIR

CHAPTER 20

CLYDE'S AGUIRRE POV;

My heart sinks as Tessa's screams echo through the quiet of the night. She's having one of those nightmares about Emily again.

Ever since that scary incident, Tessa's been too scared to sleep alone, so I've been staying over at her place, though we've been sleeping in separate rooms.

But yesterday, something changed. Tessa apologized for blaming me for Emily's death and for hurting me so much, and I apologized for what happened with Emily because it's my fault even though Emily is still alive. Despite Emily's come back, we still don't know why she pretended to be dead.

After our talk, Tessa fell asleep on my lap, and I helped her into bed. She asked me to stay, so I did, holding her until now.

I give Tessa some water and help her calm down until she's feeling better. Then I hold her close, and she looks up at me with gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks for taking care of me," she whispers. I promise her, "I'll always be here for you." Her smile warms my heart.

Suddenly, we hear Zenith crying. We rush to his room, and I pick him up. I coo him calming him down.

"He must be hungry." Tessa says, and I agree. She sits down on the sofa and feeds him, and we share a smile as he drinks his milk, content in his mom's arms.

After Zenith finishes feeding, Tessa gently burps him and rocks him back to sleep. As she lays him down in his crib, a sense of calm settles over us.

Tessa looks at me, her eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude. "Thank you for everything, Clyde," she says softly. I smile back at her, feeling a rush of affection for this woman who has endured so much.

"It's my pleasure, Tessa," I reply, meaning every word. "We're a team, remember? We'll get through this together."

With a nod, Tessa curls up on the sofa, exhaustion weighing heavily on her. I carry her to bed and cover her with a blanket and watch over her as she drifts off to sleep, her breathing steady and peaceful.

In the quiet of the night, I find myself reflecting on the challenges we've faced and the bond that holds us together. As I keep vigil over Tessa, I'm reminded of the strength and resilience that reside within our little family. And with that thought in mind, I settle in for the night.

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

I wake up, my mind still heavy with sleep. Glancing over at Tessa, I find her peacefully asleep. I glance at the clock on the bedside table and it's around ten, and the thought of making breakfast crosses my mind; Tessa will need something to eat when she wakes up. Baby Zenith is probably in good hands with his nanny by now.

I step out of bed and make my way to the shower, deciding to get dressed in the other room since most of my clothes are there, a reminder of the nights Tessa and I have spent apart.

On my way, I run into Rosie, our maid. She greets me with a warm "good morning," mentioning a visitor waiting downstairs. I wonder who might that be?

After changing, I head downstairs to find Baby Zenith happily babbling and playing with a woman. Wait.... It's Emily, and her presence catches me off guard.

She smiles as she sees me, and I'm momentarily speechless. "Hey, sorry, didn't me to come here unannounced," she says. I nod, offering a faint smile. Tessa will be glad to see her; she's been worried sick.

"Tessa will be glad to see you, she has been worried sick. Its good to see you again Emily." She smiles and picks Zenith up and walk over to me.

"He's very cute. He looks totally like you, Clyde." She compliments with a chuckle remarking on Baby Zenith's resemblance to me. I nod smiling agreeing with her.