Chapter 17
“What do you feel like eating tonight, Tessa?” Edison asked as he pushed the shopping cart while walking through the supermarket with Tessa.
Tessa smiled and listed off a few dishes, and he agreed to every single one without hesitation. A warm grin reached his eyes as he gently squeezed her band. They walked out of the store side by side, their arms full of ingredients and their hearts full of joy.
“I’m going to stop by the cafe first and sort out the coffee beans for tomorrow.” She swung their joined hands gently. “Big–time artist, would you like to come with me?
Edison kissed her on the forehead, “of course I do.”
Their art of intimacy had been seen by someone else
Clifford suddenly rushed forward and yanked Tessa into his arms with possessiveness. “Tess!” He gripped her shoulders tightly, jealousy burning in his voice as he kissed her forehead.
“How could you let another man touch you? How could you treat me like this?–
Hiseyes were bloodshot, his hear twisting painfully as if someone were tearing it apart. “Do you have any idea how much it hurt watching you kiss him?”
Clifford trapped Tes in his arms like a madman, refusing to let go no matter how hard she struggled. Heldssed her lips fiercely, as it trying to erase every trace the other man had left. Tess, you’re mine. You can only be mine.
In Clifford’s darkeyes, Tessa witnessed her own reflection filled with panic.
“Let her go!” Edison stepped forward and landed a soild punch on Clifford’s face.
Clifford stepped back from the hit and finally loosened his grip. Tessa broke free and threw herself into Edison’s arms.
“Edison…” she sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Edison held her tightly, shielding her protectively behind him, never letting go of her hand,
Clifford wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stared at them. “Tess,”
Tessa immediately covered her ears. She didn’t want to hear a single word he had to
“Tess, please. Don’t shot me out like this. Clifford’s voice trembled, Receiving her rejection was like a blade through his chest. “You’re killing me..”
“Just look at me.Please. I’m begging you,” he said, swallowing every last ounce of pride and dignity to plead with her.
She only closed her eyes tightly..
Edison saw how shaken she was and wrapped his arms are her. “Clifford, let her go.“The gentle spression on his face turned to ice. “Haven’t you hurt her enough? What right do you have to show up here?”
Clifford didn’t answer him. His eyes never left Tessa, who was now buded in another man sembrar, All he could feel was hurt.
Edison didn’t say anything else and just scooped her into his arms. He then flagged down a cleared her inside. He pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her eye and whispered something soothing, then the cab pulled away, leaving Clifford standing them alone.
He was heartbroken as he stared in the direction they had left. He realized that this was how she had felt watching him carry Tania away. If he had known, he never would’ve let Tania step foot into the Jones residence.
“Tessa, are you olay?”
Tessa opened her eyes and realized that she was already lying in a soft bed. Edison was sitting beside her with worry written I over his face. He finally let out a breath of relied upon seeing her waking up.
“Eison.“She rubbed her eyes, and before she could say anything else, the rim of awans mug touched her lips.
“Don’t think about any of that, just have some water.”
She nodded and took the cup from him.
Munchie immediately mudged her palm, meowing andoudy,
*11’s been waiting there since you fell asleep.” Edison Lapped Munchie’s head and then turned back to her with a gentle look I made your favorite oatmeal. Promise me you’ll test and plop overthing, okay?”
Staring into his warm, tendereyer, Tessa’s heart thudded loudly in herchest
“I already arranged for someone to make the deliveries to the cafe. After you eat, I’ll take care of everything. Just rest well, imy dear Tessa.”
He kissed her paffectionately for a long time, as if he couldort bear to let her go. “I’m going to get your oatmeal.
Hended and headed dayistalin, completely aware that the moment be tuned away, Tessa’s checks flushed bright red.
