I woke up with a headache.

For a moment, I lay staring at the ceiling, remembering how I had spent the entire day avoiding Anastasia. I couldn't bring myself to face her after everything that happened with Maison Revere.

I felt terrible, knowing how much the venue meant to her and how badly I had disappointed her.

But I couldn't avoid her forever.

I needed to find a way to change her mind. Maybe suggest another venue.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

Just as I was about to get out of bed, my phone pinged.

I picked it up lazily, expecting another notification.

Then I saw the message.

My eyes widened.

I sat up so quickly I nearly dropped my phone.

"No way!"

I stared at the screen, reading the message again.

And again.

"Wait... what just happened?"

A smile slowly spread across my face.

"Oh my God!"

I jumped out of bed, unable to contain my excitement.

Maison Revere had agreed.

They had actually agreed!

I couldn't believe it. After all the stress, disappointment, and endless searching, we finally had our venue.

I rushed into the bathroom, barely able to contain myself.

I couldn't wait to get to the office and tell Anastasia.

After taking a quick shower, I grabbed an apple and hurried out.

By the time I arrived at the office, I was practically bursting with excitement.

I still couldn't believe it.

I even called Maison Revere to confirm that the message wasn't some elaborate prank.

Thankfully, they confirmed everything.

It was real.

We had the venue.

I immediately went to my office, waiting impatiently for Anastasia to arrive.

The moment I heard her footsteps, I grabbed the coffee I had prepared and hurried to her office.

"Good morning, ma'am."

I placed her coffee on the table, unable to hide the grin on my face.

She looked up.

"Good morning, Theresa."

I stood there, smiling.

She glanced at me again.

"Why are you still standing there?"

"I have news, ma'am."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Okay. I'm listening."

"Maison Revere is ready for us."

Her expression changed slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean..." I took a deep breath, struggling to contain my excitement. "I got the venue, ma'am."

For a moment, she simply stared at me.

Then she smiled.

And God, I had never been so happy to see someone else's smile.

"Okay. Good. Really good."

She nodded, looking genuinely pleased.

"Well done, Theresa. Now we can move forward with the planning. Start the preparations immediately. Prepare the files, contact the vendors, and make sure everything is organized. We're already behind schedule."

"Yes, ma'am."

I nodded eagerly and turned to leave.

"Theresa."

I stopped.

"Yes, ma'am?"

She looked at me.

"Well done."

That was all she said.

But somehow, those two words meant everything to me.

I nodded, unable to speak.

If I opened my mouth, I was sure I would cry.

I walked out of her office with the biggest smile on my face.

Finally.

I had done something right.

I pulled out my phone and called Katherine, who was out sorting materials.

The moment she picked up, I couldn't hold back the excitement.

"Guess what?" I blurted out.

"What?" she asked impatiently.

"I got it! Maison Revere!"

"WHAT?!" she screamed, nearly bursting my eardrums.

I pulled the phone away from my ear, laughing. "I can't believe it myself, babe. You should have seen the look on Anastasia's face. It was so satisfying!"

"I'm so proud of you, Tessa! You did it. I knew you would!"

A wide smile spread across my face. "Thank you, babe. I wish you were there to see it."

"Trust me, I wish I was there too. So, are you finally feeling better?"

I chuckled. "Much better. Are you coming back soon?"

"I don't know. These vendors are getting on my nerves."

I laughed. "Well, you've got this. Don't let them stress you out."

"Easy for you to say."

"Anyway, I gotta go. Love you, bye!"

"Love you too!"

I hung up, still smiling.

I immediately got to work, sorting through documents, organizing the files, and reaching out to vendors.

There was so much to do.

The preparations had to begin immediately, and with the deadline approaching, I knew the coming days would be exhausting.

It was going to be a long week.

But for the first time in days, I didn't mind.

I was happy.

---

I returned home that evening with so much joy in my heart.

For once, I actually felt like cooking.

Which was surprising, considering how much I hated spending time in the kitchen, especially in this house.

But today was different.

I was in a good mood.

I stepped into the kitchen, tied my hair back, and started preparing something to eat.

I was cutting a hot dog when I heard laughter behind me.

"Baby, stop!"

I froze.

That voice.

I turned slightly.

Veronica walked into the kitchen, giggling as Aaron carried her in his arms.

My knife stopped moving.

For a moment, I simply stared at them.

Then they noticed me.

Aaron slowly put her down.

"Oh, Tessa," Veronica said, smiling. "When did you get back?"

I didn't answer.

I couldn't.

Something tightened in my chest, and suddenly, the kitchen felt too small.

I looked at the hot dog in my hand, then back at them.

They were dating.

I knew that.

So why did seeing them together make me feel like someone had just punched me in the stomach?

I dropped the knife onto the cutting board.

"I'm going out."

Veronica frowned.

"Out? Where?"

I didn't bother answering.

I walked out of the kitchen, leaving the food behind.

I wasn't hungry anymore.

Actually, I was starving.

But not for food.

I was starving for a feeling I couldn't explain, and I hated myself for it.

I grabbed my phone and ordered KFC.

If I couldn't eat my feelings away, at least I could try.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the screen while waiting for my order.

"I was supposed to be happy," I muttered.

And I was.

I really was.

I had finally secured the venue. Anastasia was pleased with me, and the project was moving forward.

So why was I sitting in my room feeling miserable because of two people who had every right to be together?

Aaron wasn't mine.

He had never been mine.

And I had no business feeling this way.

I sighed and threw my phone onto the bed.

"Get yourself together, Theresa."

I decided to take a cold shower.

Maybe that would help clear my head.

The water hit my skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside me.

I was angry.

Not at Veronica.

Not at Aaron.

At myself.

Because I knew better.

I knew they were dating, yet I couldn't stop myself from feeling jealous.

And that was the most frustrating part.

I got out of the shower, dried myself, and pulled on a comfortable sweatsuit.

My room was a complete mess.

Clothes were scattered everywhere, and I had barely touched anything since the beginning of the week.

At least cleaning would keep my mind occupied.

I started arranging my things, folding clothes, and clearing the mess.

By the time I finished, my phone rang.

My order had arrived.

Finally!

I practically ran downstairs.

I reached the door, collected my food from the delivery guy, and paid him.

The moment he left, I turned around.

And suddenly—

Someone grabbed me by the waist.

Before I could react, I was pulled backward and pinned against the wall.

My breath caught.

A familiar scent filled my senses, and my heart immediately began to race.

I looked up.