I slowly opened my eyes to behold the most beautifully sculpted face before me. Even in slumber, he looked breathtakingly handsome. Memories of the previous night flooded my mind as we confessedto each other, and a gentle smile spread across my lips. He slowly opened his eyes, and I quickly closed mine, hoping he hadn't caught me staring.
His fingers traced gentle patterns up and down my cheeks, sending shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but smile at his affectionate touch. "Morning, sweetie pie," he whispered sweetly, and I opened my eyes to meet his gaze, which was brimming with adoration.
"I didn't sleep at home, did I?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
He confessed, "I couldn't let you go. I wanted to take you home, but you fell asleep right in front of me. I couldn't bear the thought of letting the woman who changed my life leave me." Butterflies swirled in my stomach as I swallowed hard, overwhelmed by my emotions.
"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you too," he replied, his eyes piercing through mine.
A faint smile crossed my lips as I recalled a passage from a book. "You know, a guy once suggested I read this book, and one of the characters said, 'I love you,' and the other replied, 'I love you too.' But then one of them said that the 'too' just sounds like they're agreeing with each other." I chuckled.
He smiled, intrigued. "You've been reading the book, I see."
"Yes, I have."
"Is it interesting?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Very interesting," I agreed, grinning.
He leaned in. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you," I replied, and we cuddled for a few more minutes before getting ready to leave.
As I bathed, Slavvy went to get me fresh clothes to wear. At first, I didn't agree, but he insisted. I used his toothbrush, lotion, and roll-on to freshen myself and wore his T-shirt, which was like a mini dress on me. I smelled it, and it smelled like - the only scent I wanted to smell every day for the rest of my life.
I picked up my phone to find 40 missed calls and 112 messages from Mrs. Broncos, my dad, and Zikhona. , they must think I'm dead. I dialed Mrs. Broncos' number, and she immediately picked up.
"Tess, hello, hello," she said.
"Hey, Mrs. Broncos, I'm sorry I haven't called you. I'll be back home in a while," I said, and Slavvy walked in holding a bag. He looked at me with concern, and I signed to tell him everything was fine.
"Okay... fine... fine," she said, and I hung up the call.
"Who was that?" he asked, curiosity and concern etched on his face.
"Uhmm, it's my stepmom. I called her because she called me multiple times," I explained, meeting his gaze.
"I didn't get you into trouble, did I?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
"No, no, I'll manage," I reassured him.
"I can go with you if you want," he offered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Uhmm, you sure?" I asked, and he looked at me with a weak smile.
"Anything for you," he uttered, making my heart flutter.
I walked forward, and hugged him.
"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you, more than you can ever know," he replied, and I smiled, knowing he loves me more than I can ever love him. His eyes spoke volumes, conveying the depth of his emotions.
"I'll go and change," I said, and walked to the bathroom. He had bought me a beautiful sky-blue dress, underwear, and accessories to complete the look. I found a small box inside the bag, which I hadn't noticed earlier. I opened it, and tears welled up in my eyes - it was a beautiful cross necklace. A smile formed on my face as I walked out.
He looked at me as if he had seen an angel. "I'm done," I said, lifting the mood.
"You look absolutely stunning," he said, and I giggled.
"Thank you," I replied
. He took his keys, and we drove home in comfortable silence, with heavenly sounds playing in the background.
When we reached my home, he pulled over and took a few deep breaths. "You good?" I asked.
"I'm fine, just sad that you have to go," he confessed, his voice tinged with melancholy
"Well, you can come in if you want to. My family doesn't bite," I offered.
"No, thanks. Your family doesn't like me at all," he said, his voice filled with sadness.
"Uhmm, why?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
He looked at me hesitantly, as if unsure whether to reveal the truth. "Come on, you can tell me anything. I won't judge you," I reassured him.
"Promise me you won't get mad at me, and you won't leave me," he asked, his eyes searching mine.
My heart began to pound rapidly. "Slavvy."
"Promise me," he insisted, holding my hands.
"Okay, I promise," I said, meeting his gaze.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began his confession. "We were at a Haze party, and I got completely drunk. The next morning, I woke up next to Ashly She started kissing me, but I pushed her away. I think she didn't take the rejection well. She told everyone I sexually assaulted her and made up all these ridiculous stories. I didn't know what to do."
My mind reeled as he continued. "I mean, we were already having casual moments you know, so my DNA was inside her. I managed to bail myself out with a million dollars, but I wanted revenge. I made her drunk by spiking her drink, she got so tipsy... I made an inappropriate video of her and posted it online. Till this day, her family doesn't want to see me because she nearly tried to end her life because of me."
His voice cracked, and I felt my emotions torn between anger and compassion. Part of me was furious at him, but another part was more angry at Ashly for her deceit.
"Look, Tess, I was wrong. I admit it. I was frustrated because I was accused of something I didn't do. She made me look like a murderer, so I wanted revenge. Please don't hate me," he begged.
But I couldn't speak; I couldn't pronounce a word. "Testimony, please speak," he urged, his eyes searching mine.
I could swear I saw the truth in his eyes. "Uhmm... did... did the truth ever come out?" I stammered.
He shook his head. "No, no one believes me to this day."
I felt a surge of empathy and wrapped my arms around him. He seemed taken aback but reciprocated the hug.
"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you," he replied.
.
...