PART- 007

Tessa

After dropping Lucas off at his school, I went to buy some ingredients that I would be needing to prepare Lucas’ favourite Italian dish fritto misto. He ate it during a business party at one of Logan’s clients’ party and he often demanded me to make it for him.

I wanted to make these remaining days about Lucas because he was the one I’d be missing terribly. Well, I’d miss his father also.

I was looking for the best ingredients in the shelves when I bumped into someone.

“I am sorr-” I paused when I looked at the person.

My heart stung because it was my own husband who wasn’t alone. Raelynn was clinging by his side. He looked embarrassed whereas my cousin smirked seeing my pale face.

“Tessa, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect you to shop in a store which is actually far from your house.” Raelynn spoke.

“I’ll take care of the bills. Please, pick whatever you need.” Logan said, it was clear he was trying to save us from awkwardness.

I shook my head.

“There’s no need. I am almost done and it’s not much. I do have money to pay for my own expenses.” I refused flatly.

If he thought I always used him as my financial crutch. The true was, I never took a penny from him for my personal use but paid with the money I saved when I used to work before marriage.

“Tessa, I can see these items are used to make food. Let me pay.” He insisted eyeing the items in my cart but I already walked past him.

“I think your girlfriend is more in need. After all, she has lacked so many things in last three years.” I didn’t forget to rub it on their faces.

I wanted to laugh when I heard complaining him how I was ridiculing her ‘hardest phase’ just because I was an insecure, jealous wife.

I was anything but insecure because I had nothing to lose.

The whispers of the salespersons couldn’t be ignored because it wasn’t everyday when they had one of the richest men in the city accompanying their lady love, looking all domestic. Whereas, I was the poor wife who had to be there.

“Thank you.” I forced a polite smile at the collection counter as the cashier handed me the bill.

Glancing at them for one last time, I exited the store.

Logan was helping her to pick daily essentials as well and it made me think. Was she planning to live separately from her parents. I bet she barely knew the things we use in our daily life.

Once I was inside my car, I exhaled deeply. I wish I could forget everything like a bad dream because it was more excruciating and sufferable for me.

“I can do it. Logan and Raelynn can’t break me.” I chanted this to myself.

I didn’t drive back to home but decided to have lunch at my favourite restaurant to divert my mind from the unpleasant encounter with Logan and Raelynn. I ordered a simple meal consisting a bowl of rice, some fried shrimps and a plate of salad.

Solitude felt better than being with people who didn’t care about you.

“Should I call it another coincidence?”

Adrian’s smooth, playful voice snapped me out of my reverie and I looked up only to find my friend standing in front of me. Dressed in a casual shirt and a pair od denim jeans, he looked younger.

“Well, I can call you a stalker, Mr. Mcnight.” A smile spread on my lips.

“I was visiting a friend nearby and stopped here to grab something to eat and found you eating here alone. You can treat me for saving your son if you want.” He grinned sheepishly.

It made me laugh.

“Alright, please, join me. It’s boring to eat alone.” I said.

“How’s Lucas?” He asked once his food arrived.

“He was quite shaken but he’s my brave boy. I have to pick him from his kindergarten in an hour. So, hurry up.” I replied.

The restaurant wasn’t much crowded. I could be myself without worrying for Logan Wilferd’s image.

“I hope your husband wasn’t mad at you. I should have controlled myself.” He said after a brief moment of silence.

I recalled Logan’s warning about meeting Adrian again.

“No, we’re good.” I partially lied.

“I am glad he didn’t make an issue about our coincidental meeting but would you mind telling me what Raelynn was doing with him? What am I missing here? She’s alive, all in flesh. Care to explain.” He raised his brow.

The mention of my cousin soured my mood.

“She miraculously survived in the accident and lost her memory…” I recited him the same story I had been hearing since the day she came back.

“Sounds like a movie script but we have to believe it.” He munched on his salad.

“I thought the same but it really doesn’t matter what I perceive. For Logan trusts her.” I shook my head.

“Hey, you can’t fall weak. It’s his loss if he can’t see how you dedicated four years of your life filling the void in his life and giving a mother’s love to his son. You did your part and I respect you for your sacrifice.” He tried to cheer me up.

“You haven’t changed a bit, Adrian. You still talk sweetly just to lift my mood.” I smiled.

“That’s called friendship between two people, Tess. Just remember, I am always there for you.” He said and honesty was what I felt in his words.

“Thanks, now finish your meal because it’ll take me a thirty minutes’ drive to reach at Lucas’ kindergarten in this traffic rush hour.” I said to change the subject.

“What have you decided about my offer, Tess? I really want you to accept this job. It suits your criteria and I don’t find a better person than you for this position. Sooner or later, you have to start afresh. This could be your chance.”

I looked up at him. He was serious about the proposal and when I thought deeply, I realized it could really be the only opportunity I had to start my life from scratch.

Once I’d divorce Logan, I’ll have to face the competitive world.

“I accept your offer, Adrian.”