Chapter 14
1179 Words
Tessa
Today has been the best day of my life. I can't believe that Nick changed my entire wardrobe. He's been absent since morning, but his kind gestures speak volume of his fine character.
He may be mysterious but he's the best.
I look outside the window, the chilly breeze flushes my cheek as I make my way to school in this fine SUV with a driver at my command.
"Ms. We are almost there. Would you like me to walk you in? The boss did make the suggestion. Just maybe you want to make a grand entrance after being absent for a while."
I look at the driver and his smile makes me giggle.
"I like the sound of that," I reply. "But don't worry about me. I will be fine."
"Are you sure, Ms?" He asks, but I wave him off.
The ride stops and I sigh in relief.
I run my fingers through my hair and slip out my cellphone.
"What the heck?! Chill girl!" I scoff as I whine about Grace's constant texting.
Ever since I left Nick's office, Grace has been calling me nonstop. She tried to FaceTime me last night, but I ignored it because I would rather leave last night's event a mystery. It's better than being mocked by that witch.
‘YOU BETTER PICK UP, TESSA.’
I chuckle at the backseat and the driver takes a glance through the rearview mirror. I watch him scanning my expression and I clear my throat. I can almost hear her screaming through that damn message. Slowly, I move out of the car and walk my way through the building.
Something feels off, I can see students whispering from a distance as I make quite an entrance.
This isn't admiration — it's fear.
I pause and take a step back, adjusting my jacket. Nick got me expensive dresses and jewelry, but I rather opt for a pair of jeans and whatever. They look nice too and are comfortable.
What's going on? I wonder.
I look behind me and something strange catches my attention.
I can see them— all tucked in black suits — standing at a distance like steel with no emotions in their faces.
"What the heck?! This is so uncomfortable. I remember these guys. They work for Nick as his bodyguards. What are they here for? I don't need a nanny." I nag.
I slap my cheek slightly and roll my eyes.
Seriously?! Not today. I really wanted to make an impression, but I guess that's not happening with all these hefty guards around. It's crazy.
I walk away and head straight for the classroom but something in me snaps and I freeze at the entrance.
There they are— two traitors.
Those annoying faces that taunt my existence more than I can imagine. They broke me more than father ever did.
Nicole and Jake — hugging and kissing.
I roll my eyes and a slight hiss escapes my lips. I hold tight to my purse and walk straight to the door, but his loud and annoying voice makes me halt, and before I can walk away, the hallway is surrounded by students.
"Looks like you got yourself a new outfit, babe," Jake mocks me and I clench my fist.
I can see that witch beside him enjoying the show. She clicks her tongue and walks round me, slowly tracing her finger on my shoulders and my skin crawls.
My chest knots when she pushes me to the ground and walks over to Jake to steal a kiss and a giggle escapes her lips.
"Hey babe," she says to me and twists her lips. "You look clean. What's up with you? You disappear after the breakup and come back looking like a star girl?"
"You bet!" I hear the students laughing behind my back.
"Once a janitor, always a janitor..."
My eyes well up with tears and I clench my fist as I blink them back. I really thought I could make a difference with this new look and lifestyle.
"I don't want trouble, Nicole," I sniffle and stand to my feet. "I just want to attend lectures, and you're getting in the way."
"Hmm!" He scoffs. "Are you sure you are not here to beg me to take you back?" He bursts into laughter and the rest of them joins.
"Stop embarrassing yourself, Tessa. Jake is never going to take you back, and you should know better. He chose me over you and that is final. Buying a new dress won't change the fact that you are a nobody and can never take my man away from me."
"Oh please!" I snarl at the b***h. "You can have each other. Why would I want my leftovers? You guys can have each other for all I care. In fact..." I swing my hair right in her face and smirk. "You deserve each other. Two lowlife cheats," I whisper.
I pull aside and try to reach for the door, but Nicole's hands lean on my wrist, and she pulls me back.
"How dare you?!" She snaps. "I won't have you insult me. Everyone knows you threw yourself at Jake. He never wanted you."
"Same as you," I fire back.
Nicole's face goes red in an instant, and she suddenly raises her hand and my eyes widen as it reaches for my face. I try to move fast but ends up staggering, but I didn't fall.
What's happening?!
I look behind me— his firm chest leans against my back and his arms suddenly wrap around me.
"You should be careful, Tessa. I guess you're not as tough as you portray yourself to be."
Nick smiles at me and I swallow. I try to pull away from him, but he holds me back and lifts a brow at Nicole, causing a chill to run down her spine.
"How?!" She panics but I don't quite understand. "You're Nicolas—"
He waves her off with a grin so terrifying.
Nicole runs to Jake, and he shields her, but somehow it makes me feel like s**t seeing them all cozy.
"Nicolas, the CEO of.... I bet you already know that judging by your expression, but you can call me Nick for short. You must all be my fiancée's classmates," he looks around and dips his hands inside his pockets, and before I could find my voice as my eyes widen in bewilderment, his men surround him.
"No f*****g way," Jake snaps.
He pushes Nicole aside and my jaw drops. His face suddenly goes pale, and I blink in confusion.
Nick holds my wrist and gently walks me through the hallway.
"That's like the most popular bachelor on the web. He is f*****g rich…"
"I heard he's soft with women, but none has been able to gain access to his heart."
"He once had a girlfriend, and she betrayed him…. She's such a fool."
Whispers erupt in the air and I turn to Nick, but he spares me not a single glance.
What's his story? I wonder.
- Writer
