Tessa frowned at the dull, bulging ache low in her body. She felt drained, her face pale as she stumbled into the bathroom. Turning on the light, she froze at the sight of faint red marks scattered across her skin
"How did mosquitoes get in here?" she muttered, leaning closer to the mirror."Tessa, hurry up! We'll be late. You know your father will be mad," her mother called from outside.Tessa sighed, rolled her eyes, and stepped into the shower. She scrubbed hard, but the marks refused to wash away.
No sooner had she stepped out than her phone rang. It was Alice.
"Xup, Alice," she said, rubbing pomade onto her arms.
"Hey, babe! You ready?" Alice's cheerful tone made Tessa smile. That was one of the things she loved most about her friend — Alice was kind, supportive, and always bright.
"Not really," Tessa admitted. "I overslept. And I feel awful today — worn out. Plus, I woke up covered in bite marks. I don't know how mosquitoes got in my room."
Alice's smile faltered. "Wait… bite marks?"
"Yeah. Ugh, I'll have to change my outfit. I can't walk around with these marks all over me. People will think I—" she broke off with a sharp laugh. "Never mind."
Alice's face was unreadable. Tessa called her name three times before she snapped back.
"Can you video call me? Show me the marks," Alice asked.
"What, so you can tease me? No way." Tessa brushed her off.
"I'm serious, Tess. Please—"
"It's just mosquito bites! Don't overthink it." Tessa chuckled, but Alice looked shaken.
Reluctantly, Tessa ditched the sequin halter dress she'd planned — the one that showed her back. Instead, she pulled on a purple two-piece lace set with long sleeves. She hated how plain it looked, but it covered the marks.
Her mother's voice echoed through the house. "Tessa, come on already! Your dad sent a driver."
By the time they arrived at the mansion, Tessa's smile had faded. She loved her father, but not the chaos of his family gatherings. They are all so mean to her mom so she hates them. She noticed her mother's nervousness too — the kind that always came when they were near him, she still can't understand why they are over.
Inside, music thumped and glasses clinked. Se sight her father who walks to them in huge smile . Tessa's face lit up; he looked as striking as ever. She hugged him, kissing his cheek.
"Look at the birthday boy," she teased.
Her mother stayed behind with a timid smile. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"What took you so long?" her father asked.
"She spent forever getting ready," Tessa said mischievously, pointing at her mother.
Her mother gasped. "You mean it took you two hours—"
"Dad, you believe her?" Tessa cut in, but he only smirked.
"Of course. That's your thing."
Rolling her eyes, she tried to leave. "Fine. You two enjoy your lovely day. I'll go suffer through my loveless one."
"Wait," her father stopped her. "My birthday gift?"
Tessa froze. "Dad… I forgot."
"For real?" His brows furrowed.
"Mom's got you covered. She knows what you like better than I do," Tessa said slyly, nudging the awkward tension between her parents.
Her mother stiffly admitted she had brought a gift. Tessa wandered off, leaving the atmosphere heavier than before.
Later, she returned and shyly handed her father a small box. "Happy birthday."
He opened it — a tie. He smiled softly, appreciating it more than he let on.
" I know you have much of it, but this...his all I could,think of " she said with a cute smile and he looked at the tie then at her.
"I love it" he said knowing it will be his favorite tie henceforth
But Tessa didn't linger. She slipped away toward the balcony to look for Alice. Suddenly a wave of dizziness hits her,the room spun, her skin clammy. She clutched her chest, trying to steady her breath, but darkness swept in. She couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed.
"Tessa! Tessa!" Her parents knelt beside her, panic-stricken. Within minutes, she was rushed to the hospital.
Her mother sobbed uncontrollably. "Davis, is she going to be okay?"
He held her. "She'll be fine. Don't cry." But he looked more shaken than he sounded.
The doctor emerged. "She's just exhausted. Nothing serious. But—we ran additional tests. Something was unusual."
"what is it doctor" her mom asked but the doctor told them to wait for the results.
Hr mom, hoped she would be fine, she wouldn't want her child having a disease or incurable things
An hour later, the results came back. Davis took them, scanning the page. His eyes widened.
"What is this?" he demanded.
"The results, sir," the doctor replied calmly.
"Fuck!" Davis raked his fingers through his hair.
His wife paled. "What? What is it?" Her heart pounded.
He handed her the paper. She stared, her voice breaking. "You must be kidding me, doctor. These aren't my daughter's results."
"They are. We tested twice," the doctor said firmly.
She staggered back, eyes burning with disbelief. "How can she do this to me? She's… pregnant."