Chapter Sixteen

 Zavier could only watch as the nurses tended to his girlfriend. She was hurt, that he knew. But then, how dare he? How could he shoot her? His eyes burned with rage as he reimagined the scene of shooting. Tessa opened her eyes slowly and managed to hold Zavier's hand. 

"Hey handsome", she said weakly and Zavier raised his head. He smiled and moved closer to her. 

"I'm sorry for coming late. I was scared", he said, getting up from his seat. Tessa patted the space beside her on the bed and he sat down. 

"My back hurts", she said with a sad smile. Zavier nodded understandingly to her words. "You're gonna be fine babe. It's great that I saw you. Thanks for staying strong. I was losing my mind when you didn't call me then. You didn't even send me any message. I thought…. I thought you were going to break up with me ", Zavier said in a single breath and Tessa smiled. 

"Aargh! I hate these clothes", she said as soon as she saw the hospital clothes on her body. 

"I rented the best room for you. I'm sorry babe. I came late", Zavier said slowly and Tessa held his hand. 

"I'm happy that you're here now, that's what matters. Besides, why did you dye your hair again?", she said looking at it with a grin. Zavier scratched his head and said, "You don't like it? It's fine. I'll change it back to black. I thought you'd like it". 

Tessa smiled. Does he want to impress me with his new style? "It's cool on you. You're handsome. Uhm, about Raphael -"

"He's gone"

"What do you mean?"

"He's dead. Don't worry about him. Let me worry about you", Zavier said and kissed her forehead. 

******

Kim paced around the room in a restless mode. "Calm down, will you?", Luke said. "They should be there by now", he looked at his wristwatch.

"But they haven't called. It's been more than three hours already. They took a jet Luke!", Kim yelled. "What if… what is she's hurt? What if he hurt her? I'm scared", Kim cried out and started sobbing. Luke stood up to comfort her.

"Tessa wants to talk to you Kim", Kelvin came in with his information. Kim ran to him and snatched the phone from his hand.

"Tessa", she called and started crying. "Are you hurt? Did he beat you? What happened?", Kim asked one after the other leaving no space for her to answer.

"Or you were starving? Oh Tessa! I'm so sorry. I should have been with you in the restaurant then! I shouldn't have gone yet", Kim sobbed over the phone. 

Tessa also cried as soon as she saw her best friend crying. Zavier went out to give her privacy. 

"I'm fine Kim. He killed-"

"Who did he kill? A cop?", Kim asked. She was eager to know. Raphael killed who?

"He killed Eva. His girlfriend. She was pregnant Kim", Tessa said and Kim covered her mouth in shock. She can't believe it. 

"Oh my! Look at you!! These bandages shouldn't be on you but then you're getting a first class treatment", Kim laughed.

"Oh please. I'm still hurt", Tessa remarked.

"I guess all your pains left you when you saw your boyfriend. I bet Raphael's gonna be dead any moment for laying his hand on you. I was super scared to hear you were kidnapped for days. I couldn't call you. You weren't answering my messages. I wanted to report a missing case you know but then Jun ho told me not to", Kim ranted over the phone.

"That's true. I fainted in his arms", Tessa says biting her lips.

"You shouldn't have seen that. Your boyfriend may hear you. He's a keeper, Tess, so this time don't fuck up", Kim advised and Tessa nodded. 

"Let me speak to Luke", Tessa said and Kim passed the phone to Luke. 

"How're you Tessa?" Luke asked as soon as he saw her face. 

********

"Would you have dinner with me, my Vivi?", Raymond asked with a charming smile. 

"Are you asking me out on a date Mr. Raymond?", Vivian asked. 

"Yes, my Vivi", Raymond replied and she blushed.

"My Vivi?", she raised her brows. 

"Aren't you mine?", he said and she shook her head. 

"Yes, you are", he argued, hugging her tightly. Some employees whispered to themselves in excitement. Vivian suddenly freed herself from his grip and he laughed.

"They can say whatever but it takes a word from me to get them sacked", Raymond said. 

"You look hotter today. Perhaps, you wanted to go on a date with me but wanted me to be the gentleman to ask. Women also ask men out for dinner, do you know?", Raymond said. 

Vivian asked, "But I want you to do it. I feel special whenever you ask me that. But one day, I'll ask you out in a more romantic manner"

Raymond took her hand in his and said, "Anyways, all the employees should know by now that we're a couple"

"How will they know?", Vivian asked with a straight face. Raymond wanted to laugh when he saw her seriousness. He suddenly felt the hairs on his skin rising up. 

"I announced on the group forum", Raymond said and Vivian paused immediately. She brought out her phone and searched for the group. She scrolled and scrolled till she saw her man's post. She suddenly turned back and glared hard at him. 

Raymond knew better not to laugh as soon as he saw her angry face. He wanted to beg when she stormed off like an angry mother bear. The laughter he was trying hard to conceal came out abruptly. He bursted into uncontrollable laughter as she folded her fists in anger. He watched as she fought with the glass door for exit before going out of the department.

RYAN'S SCHOOL

"I bet Ryan never rode in a Ferrari before", a boy boasted. He was the oldest boy in the class and never liked Ryan because of many things. 

It may be because of his brilliancy and cockiness. It may also be because he's a rich kid from a decent home that everyone's favorite. It may also be because a certain girl named Ana buys him expensive things he doesn't really like. And also, it may be because all the girls in the class like and support him even if he's wrong.

Ryan didn't reply to him but could see that everyone was waiting for his answer. Even his fans (the girls) were secretly admiring him. There was a time Ryan told his family that he loves a pretty girl in his class. 

Tessa was so blunt in her response and said, "It's dumb for a baby to be in love with another baby". Of course, Ryan had replied her with "I'm a man and she's the baby"

"That's a greater sin. Taboo", Tessa had replied to him and told him not to love any girl but his books. She told him that if he wants to love any girl, he can love his female relations but not in a romantic way. 

She had to sit down and explain at the lowest level to him. Thankfully, he stopped having feelings for her. 

"You have never been to Messi's house have you?", the boy boasted once more and Ryan sighed. 

"I bet you haven't seen Kassie in your life", Ryan replied and everyone paused to listen. The girls are in love with Kassie. She's not only popular among gen z but also among the younger ones. Their eyes lit up at the mention of the artist, Kassie. 

"I-I-I h-have", the boy stammered.

"Show us a picture you took with her", Mary shouted and the girls supported her. 

"I…It's on my t.v"

"Liar!! You don't have it", they attacked him.

"Show us a picture Ryan", Mary said, bringing his tab. Ryan went to his gallery and showed them multiple pictures he took with the artiste, Kassie. Of course, she is Tessa's friend so he can take as many as he wants.

The girls' pride for him grew stronger to the dismay of the boys. They stared at him with mean faces but couldn't pick a fight with him because he hadn't wronged them.

*******

Austin, Jun ho and the sevens are going back to their country. 

"I'm going back to Korea tomorrow Tessa", Jun ho announced and she raised her brow at his declaration.

"What do you mean? Did I offend you recently?" Tessa asked, sitting up but he held her down.

"I came to see you and have a good time with you. I've achieved my purpose so I'm going back. Besides, I think I've spent a week here so something. You saw V, your one time crush. Remember?", Jun ho smiled and Tessa blushed. He really got that right. He was her one time crush but right now, her boyfriend will be her crush.

"What was the purpose you achieved?" Tessa asked as she looked at her boyfriend who was on a zoom call with some group of so- called investors. 

He was also looking in her direction frequently. Probably to hear her conversation with Jun ho because she senses jealousy emitting from him. 

"I mustered enough courage to ask you out and you rejected me badly", he laughed.

"Badly? You kissed me Trevor!!"

"Ah yes! I'm happy I did that though", Trevor muttered under his breath but Tessa heard him. 

Zavier's eyes suddenly met with hers and she bit her lips. 

"Actually, the kiss-"

Tessa covered his mouth with her palms. She sat up immediately to prevent him from speaking more. His words were inaudible after closing his mouth with her palms. 

"Shut up!! I don't want to have any problem with Zavier. Please shut up!", she whispered beside his ears and he nodded. She then smiled at Zavier but he didn't smile at her. 

'Why is he keeping a blank face? Is he good?' She thought and watched clips of Jun ho's latest concert on his phone. Jun ho thought she was still watching the video but she was already exploring his phone. He didn't mind because this is also one of her many jobs. 

"You don't look sick right now. You're healthy", Jun ho commented and she slept back on the bed but she was still going through his phone. 

"Can you give me V's number Jun ho? Jun ho? Boyf-Jun ho!!" She shook him but he didn't agree.

"I don't know. V is a private guy so I can't give you his number but you have Song Joong Ki's number. Too bad, he's married with a son so you're stuck with Zavier", he rolled his eyes.

"He's the best Jun ho. You guys should come along for once", Tessa reasoned.

"We're friends Tess"

"Friends my foot", she pouted, rolling her eyes.

"Stop lying Trevor. Let's go to a fun place together before you go"

"Your boyfriend's gonna kill me"

Tessa laughed, "We're not going on a date. We're visiting places together. Get yourself together. Also, I have a gift for you when we get home", Tessa said and turned the screen of his phone to him.

"Who's this flat ass girl?", she asked.

"That's Bao Xi Xi", he said and she giggled. "Don't tell me you're into Chinese girls now", Tessa said and he shook his head.

"Of course…. not", he said and she nodded.

"Flat ass bitches. Flat boobs. They look like a perfect iron board", Tessa said laughing. Jun ho joined in the laughter looking at her pretty face. He then put some strands of hair behind her ears as he laughed. 

*****

The doorbell was pressed once again and an annoyed man answered the door. To his wildest bewilderment, he saw his annoying sister. 

"What are you doing here?", he asked. Cassie dragged her luggage into the house and hugged her niece and nephews. They were seven years old respectively. The twins were both stubborn and lovely children. 

"I've missed you so much", Cassie said sweetly ignoring her brother's glare. 

"You're spending three days in my house. You can go to Zavier's house if you want", her brother said. 

"Chill bro Tyler. Zavier sent me out of his damn house. I hate him", Cassie grunted unhappily.

"That's none of my business. Just three days and you're off to Raymond's or mom's. We both know that you're annoying"

"You love me. Y'all love me and that's what matters. I don't care!!!" She yelled and dragged hee luggage to her room as the twins followed her for some goodies and gifts. 

She held the latest toy for kids as their eyes lit up with excitement. 

"Hold on! I need you both to go on a mission. Your goal is to let me stay here for a week or so. Your mission is to be successful in making aunt Cassie stay here. Your motto is we shall succeed. Now, off you go, tell mom and dad you want aunt Cassie to stay here else you're not getting this game", Cassie said as she rubbed her palms together in satisfaction.

The twins turned around and left. They came back after three minutes with a letter each in their hands. 

"This is from mom", Liam said, handing her a small note. "And this is from dad", Gem said, also handing her a small note. 

Cassie read the notes immediately and looked at the twins in awe. "I love you! You both are the best", she kissed their cheeks. She gotta stay for two weeks. She tore the paper into pieces and rested on the bed like a lazy dog. 

She didn't bother to get up and scold the twins for scattering her clothes in the name of searching for more gifts. She let them be because she owe them one.

********

The jet landed and everyone got down. The sevens separated and went to their destination. Austin also left claiming that he has a business meeting to attend nearby. Jun ho offered to take Tessa home but she refused. She said that Zavier will take her home. 

Zavier got into his lambo and honked because Tessa got in front of the car and spread out her hands like a duck that wanted to fly. He laughed out and honked again. Suddenly, she began limping towards him as soon as he got down from the car. 

"I'm hurt", she began. "Take me home", she concluded, looking like a cute pup. 

"Take a cab", Zavier said. 'What does he mean?', she asked herself and returned the smile a pretty boy gave her. 

"Why were you flirting with him then?", he asked with jealousy. 

"I wasn't. I didn't", she said. 

"I saw you doing things with him", he frowned putting his hand in his pocket. Tessa removed his hand and kissed his cheeks. 

"That wasn't flirting. We were just talking", she said. 

"Okay. Take a cab", Zavier said and got into his car. Tessa sat on the floor in front of his car. Doing this, he won't be able to go anywhere. She buried her face in her knees and started crying. Zavier looked around in embarrassment. Gosh, people were criticizing him for being a bad boyfriend. 

He got down from his car once again and walked up to her. He sighed deeply and carried her. She wrapped her legs around his waist in satisfaction and planted many kisses on his face. He didn't react and wanted to drop her in the car but she didn't agree to be dropped into the car. 

"Don't be stubborn", he said.

"You're mad at me, right?", she asked and bit her lips.

"I'm not mad", he replied but she didn't believe him.

"Why are you not kissing me then?", she asked and he replied without mixing his words, "I don't want to lose control and do something you'll not like. Besides, you're hurt"

"You can kiss me. I love you", she said and he nodded. She held his clothes back and he sighed.

"What do you want Tess?", he asked frustrated.

"You didn't tell me you love me back", she said and he told her he loved her back.

"Do something to prove it", she said and he kissed her forehead. 

Tessa smiled sheepishly at his action before letting him drive out of the place.

*******

IN A FIVE STAR RESTAURANT

"There's something I love about this restaurant", Vivian said.

"Let me guess. Me. Why? Because I am in it right now", Raymond chuckled excitedly. 

"Cheesy. I'll like you to tell me something sweet right now Ray", Vivian said smiling sweetly. 

"I don't think I'll be able to finish my dinner", Raymond said. 

"Why is that?", Vivian asked with a confused state of mind.

"That's because you're here. Seeing your beauty alone made me full to eat any food", Raymond said and Vivian blushed. 

"About Angelo ", Raymond began and Vivian's heart started beating rapidly. 

"He's a cool kid. He's also bright. He took after you", Raymond said and she smiled. 

"I want to take you shopping after we eat. Also, I wanted to show you somewhere in this restaurant", Raymond said.

"Ray ", Vivian asked. "When was the first time you liked me and told yourself that you'll like to have me?"

"It should be our first official meeting together ", Raymond answered and she laughed.

"You were a wicked guy then. I pleaded with you to let me attend a concert for twenty minutes but you said 'no'. The event was one to remember Ray. Wicked guy", Vivian described him to his amazement. 

"I remember vividly", Raymond said.

"Also, you were so mean to me then"

"Of course. You were talking to the client with joy and simplicity as if you are theirs. Remember when you said the CEO of Ingice is cute", Raymond reminded her.

"He's really cute and we came from the same hometown. So, I spoke a lot to him. He gave me his number and we chatted for a long time till I rejected his offer"

"What was it?"

"He asked me to marry him"

Raymond stared in surprise. "I'm not that astonished because he's a playboy. He's said that to many girls. I'm thankful that you didn't fall for it", Raymond smiled. He then raised his hand to call a nearby waiter. 

"Thank you. Here's a tip for you", he put three thousand dollars in his palm and the waiter smiled at Vivian. Vivian returned the smile because he was very cute. 

Raymond stood up and helped her to stand up. "I love this restaurant", she said. "I'd like to come back here"

"To see the guy that smiled at you. That's such a flirty smile", Raymond said and she turned her head. 

"That's a warm smile. He was just….like... greeting me", Vivian argued and he quickly agreed. The last time he wanted to say something he ended up saying something else making her storm off leaving him alone. He doesn't want another of that. 

"Shall we go shopping now?", Vivian asked.

"We just finished eating'' Raymond said and she frowned. 

"Don't ever give promises you can't fulfill Ray", she said sternly and Raymond pulled her forward and led the way to the shopping mall. 

"Wow!! This is so beautiful but then", she widened her eyes on seeing the price tag. 

"Sir, this is one of the newest designs that came this morning. It is expensive but will fit her perfectly", the attending guide said and Vivian smiled. 

"I don't think the money in my card will cover it right now" Vivian said sadly and Raymond brought out a black card.

"Use this instead and make sure you buy what you want", he said.

Vivian took the card after much persuasion from the females. She bought the jewel but felt bad because it cost thousands of dollars. It was two hundred and thirty thousand dollars. It was a set of jewelry. It included a necklace, earring, leg chain, hand chain and hairpin. 

"This is why you should increase my salary Ray"

"This is why I must work harder. You have to spend some money. You can buy things for our son too", he added and she choked on her spit. He patted her back and she looked at him in surprise. 

"Our son?"

"Yeah. We are his parents even though he told me to stay away from you. Ain't no way, I'm gonna listen to a mama's boy", Raymond said and she laughed.

Suddenly, she saw her ex-boyfriend approaching with a slut. She held Raymond's hand tightly as they walked to her. The bitch beside him was so badly dressed so Vivian called her a slut. He paused as soon as he saw her. 

"Hi Vivi. How're you doing?", he asked her and she smiled stating she's doing well.

"And who's this?", he asked and Raymond replied.

"I'm her husband"

The man paused and looked at Raymond from head to toe. He then stretched out his hand and introduced himself, "I'm Henry Hart. Can't believe you didn't introduce me to your wedding". He looked at Vivian and she removed her face.

"I didn't ask for your name Mister", Raymond replied and Henry got embarrassed. "Also, since you don't know. People are invited to weddings because they are important guests; special people but you are a common person. No, unknown because this is the first time I'm seeing you", Raymond concluded and Henry gritted his teeth.

"I'm the father of Angelo bastard", Henry said and Vivian began pulling Raymond.

"See? You're couples but she put you in the dark. I bet she never told you about the history of Angelo. I did fuck her really good-", Henry said and Raymond punched his face.