Chapter 5

EYRE was just eyeing the steak and potato salad on their table. She did not even have a taste of it. She was not fond of eating heavy breakfast, a cup of coffee will do, and a sandwich on some occasions.

“That’s your favorite,” Christian said.

Eyre glanced at him and sipped her coffee once again. So, Tessa was a heavy eater. Steak and potato salad for breakfast? What a weird preference. It's best for dinner.

“I… I lost my appetite, I’m sorry,” she responded.

“Is it because you didn’t get what you want in the shower?” He cocked his head on one side. He looks cute and adorable for a grown-up man.

She felt her cheeks burn. For sure, she was already blushing. “Christian…”

“I love seeing you blush, Tessa, it arouses me.” Now he was looking at her like a feast.

Eyre cleared her throat. “Let us set that aside, okay? We have something to talk about.

“Ah, thank you for reminding me that.” He popped a slice of steak in his mouth. “So, why did you leave me?” Christian’s voice was somewhat hateful. And she couldn’t blame him, he was the one who was left behind. If only she could point it all at Tessa.

Eyre focused her eyes on the remaining coffee on her cup.

“Will you believe me?” she asked without looking at him.

“When we did ‘that’ last night, I already told myself that I will accept you in my life whatever reason you may have.” He reached out for her hand and squeezed it gently. “You don’t know how much I want you back, Tessa.

Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe very well, a pang of jealousy and hatred settled in her chest. Christian was a fool to love her like that, he was willing to turn a blind eye whatever reason there may be. What a lucky hypocrite! She wanted to scold him, but no… it’s not the right time for that. She must take advantage of it since she was posing as Tessa. Eyre mustered her talent in acting, she must act perfectly.

“I… I did not leave you, Christian. I was involved in a car accident the day before our wedding. When I woke up, three months had passed. I can’t remember anything, even my name…” Eyre heaved a deep sigh. “And then I met Victoria, she’s the one who helped me.

“You vanished in thin air, Tessa. I hired all the best detective in town to find you. I was desperate… Everyone’s telling me you’re dead, but I couldn’t just believe them. I can feel that you’re still alive. Look at you now, you’re here with me.” His forehead knotted as he looked at her with questions in his eyes. “But how come I could not find you no matter what I do?

“It’s because Victoria gave me a new name, a new life.

“But why?” His brow raised. “Why would she do that?

“I was… I was helpless and desperate, Christian. I have no memories of you, myself, everything was gone. It was like I was reborn in this world in an instant. I need someone to lean on, I need a home, while Victoria wants someone she can call a family. So I decided to take whatever offer she has for me.” She linked their finger. “I undergo treatments to regain my memory, but it took me years before I finally remember you. I’m sorry, Christian. I’m so sorry for leaving you in misery for all those years. But I am here now, let me make it up to you.

Christian quickly stood up and approached her seat. He cupped her face. Eyre could feel his hands shaking.

“Put this in your mind, Tessa, you belong to me. You’re mine! You cannot leave me without my permission, you cannot die either.

She met his gaze.

“Yes, Christian…” Eyre stood up and snaked her arms around his neck. “I am yours… forever.

Christian’s hands went down to her waist. He lowered his head, now their lips were just an inch apart from one another.

“Make it up to me, Tessa. Make me feel your love just like before.

They were about to kiss when her phone started ringing. Christian turned to the direction of the bedside table. Eyre knew it was Victoria, she has a designated ringtone for her alone, and it’s echoing all over the room. Christian freed her.

“Answer it,” he said.

“It’s okay, it can wait.” Damn Victoria for her bad timing.

“Answer it, Tessa. Besides, I have to finish some paper works.” He gave her a quick kiss.

Eyre did what she was told, she answered the call.

“Hi, darling… What took you so long to answer?” Victoria sounded giddy. She already knew why. “Oh, did I interrupt something? Perhaps, a good morning sex?

She made her laugh at that. Her eyes wandered the suite to look for Christian, he was sitting at the couch with his laptop, his fingers busy typing at the keyboard.

“Almost…” she whispered. It was Victoria’s turn to laugh at her. “Why did you call me?

“I am dying to know what’s happening there. You disappeared at the ball without a word.” Victoria sounded like a worried mother.

“I am fine, Victoria. No need to worry about me.” She glanced at Christian, he was now looking at her. She smiled and turned her gaze at the glass panel.

“Did the plan worked?

“Yes. I’ll tell you about it when I got home.” Eyre hung up the phone. She can’t talk to Victoria for too long and talk about what happened to their plan. She was with Christian, it is better not to raise any suspicion. The show had just started, she must be extra careful so that her plans won’t be compromised.

Eyre joined Christian on the couch after the phone call.

“Christian, I need to go home for now.” She rested her head on his shoulder.

“You don’t have to.” Her head suddenly turned to him. “My home is your home. Wherever I am, you will come with me.

Her eyes widened from shock. She did not imagine Christian will end up with that kind of measure just to keep her by his side. Now it was crystal clear, he wasn’t in love with Tessa. He was obsessed with her. Maybe it was the reason why her twin left Christian. But for Eyre, it doesn’t matter. She will have her way to get what she wants. He couldn’t control her. Instead, she will control Christian.

“But I have a life of my own,” she protested.

He closed the lid of his laptop and turned to her.

“What life, Tessa? Your life revolves around me.” Christian grabbed her chin.

She swallowed hard. She couldn’t imagine a life sitting at his house and doing nothing. Eyre wasn’t prepared for that.

She held his wrist and put his hand down, she didn’t let go of his hand.

“I understand that you’re afraid that I might disappear again, but I’m asking you to put your trust in me…” She looked at him intently, his midnight-blue eyes met her gaze. “I will never leave you again, Christian.

Christian didn’t respond. Instead, he buried his face on her chest.

“I have a job. Victoria needs me in her company.

“Marry me,” he said. Chrisitan raised his head and cupped her face. “Let’s get married. If you become my wife, you don’t need to work anymore. I own a multi-billion company, Tessa. I can make you my queen. Isn’t it great?

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