Tessa woke up bright and early the next day.
After she had her breakfast at the hotel, she planned to make a trip to the famous lake in the countryside.
Meanwhile, Stephen was trying to reason with Wynn at the parking lot.
He looked at the expressionless Wynn and said, "You can go now. Nothing will happen to Tessa with me around."
Wynn remained utterly indifferent to his words, replying blandly, "I only listen to Ms. Yates."
Stephen fell silent upon hearing her answer. He had finally gotten the chance to enjoy some alone time with Tessa. So, why was Wynn being such a pest of a third wheel?
Sadly, that was just how Wynn was. Although she was very capable and loyal, she was also as stubborn as a mule and dense to boot.
Tessa turned her attention to Wynn and mused, "Wynn's been following me around rain or shine. Her job as my protection detail is actually rather boring… Plus, she doesn't even have days off. Since we're technically on vacation, it's also a chance for Wynn to let loose."
Besides, it was better to have another person around if they were going on a trip, just in case.
On the other hand, it was easy to guess what was on Stephen's mind. He wanted to spend some time alone with her.
That was easy enough to arrange.
She just had to tell Wynn to keep her distance once they were at their destination.
So, Tessa said, "Wynn, you'll be coming with us."
"Yes, Ms. Yates," Wynn replied respectfully.
They didn't have to worry about transportation.
Stephen handled it all with just a call. Sure enough, someone arrived to pick them up from the hotel.
The SUV left the city and arrived at the lake about 20 minutes later.
Technically, the lake should be absolutely swarmed by photo-taking tourists at this time of day.
Perhaps someone high up the chain had noticed Stephen's arrival. Thus, they were the only ones at the lake. As a result, the usually noisy atmosphere by the lake was oddly peaceful.
The vehicle pulled to a stop, and the driver remained seated in it.
Tessa, Stephen, and Wynn got out of the car.
The scenery before them was utterly breathtaking and unreal.
Tessa was in awe of the sight that greeted her eyes.
The sky was a brilliant blue. It was so clear that there wasn't a hint of blemish within the never-ending shades of blue. Fluffy clouds drifted by lazily, dotting the vast expanse of the sky.
The lake reflected the sky like a mirror, shimmering under the bright sun. It was as if she had stumbled upon a mysterious place where diamonds could be found hidden within its clear depths. It was an ethereal and dreamlike view.
The sapphire-blue lake was nestled in the middle of the lush green prairie like a hidden gem. The picturesque scenery was both tranquil and mysterious, exuding a sense of peace that seemed to grow as time passed.
Wildflowers bloomed alongside the lake, bursting in vibrant colors of yellow, purple, and white. Countless blossoms seemed to be competing in a beauty pageant, enchanting the dancing butterflies with their alluring fragrance.
The bees buzzed in their haste to collect their fill of nectar, bringing about a certain vitality to their surroundings.
Stephen had come prepared. He whisked out his camera and promptly captured the seemingly divine landscape before them, leaving it frozen in time.
Once he was done taking a few shots of the view, he lifted his head from the camera and urged, "Tess, stand over there. Let me take a picture of you."
On this fine day, Tessa was wearing a light blue and white checkered dress. A large white bow was on her chest, and life-like white daisies were embroidered on her dress.
She had only brought her suit for the trip and didn't bother packing any casual wear.
So, she had gotten this dress yesterday when Stephen had taken her to the mall.
The dress' youthful yet vibrant colors were a perfect complement to the gorgeous lakeside view.
As Tessa stood by the lake, she looked like a fairy who had accidentally stumbled into the human world.
A gentle breeze blew past, playfully lifting the hem of her dress, making it seem like fluttering wings.
Tessa struck a few poses, and Stephen patiently took all the pictures she wanted.
Her fair skin and delicate features were so beautiful that it was enough to take one's breath away, and she wasn't even wearing makeup.
Their eyes met.
Tessa's heart began to race, galloping in her chest like a wild horse. She felt as if all the sounds in the world had fallen silent, leaving only the thumping of her racing heart. She felt her breath catch as her heart grew louder and faster over time.
It seemed as though Stephen was also caught in the moment, his emotions darkening his gaze.
He leaned in closer and closer.
Their breathing grew heavier and rushed as passion swelled.
Tessa looked deeply into his eyes. She could tell he was crowding into her space, but she didn't move away. Instead, she closed her eyes and waited.
It was a sign, an allowance from her.
She wanted him to kiss her.
Stephen's heart skipped a beat, and he felt his muscles lock in a rare hint of nerves.
He held his breath and gently pressed his lips against hers.
The soft sensation against his lips felt unreal. Yet, there was nothing illusionary about this kiss.
The kiss had happened so naturally.
They had broken up when they were still deeply in love with each other. It had been a painful time for them both.
However, they had never stopped loving each other. Even though they had been through hell and high water, their feelings for each other had never once wavered.
It wasn't the case for Stephen, and the same could be said for Tessa.
Tessa had only chosen to hide her feelings in the darkest depths of her heart due to the pressures of reality. Yet, her love for Stephen had never waned the slightest, even after so long.
She yearned for him, pined for him.
She couldn't resist responding to his affection for her.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: His Unveiled Passion
I know this isn’t Stephen’s fault but I still hated how he was so careless around this bitch even after Tessa already told him it’s obvious that this bitch likes him and she looked at Tessa with hostility. If Tessa breaks up with him again, I’ll even support her. Ugh. Good luck on winning Tessa back again, Stephen. Tss. I so hate these updates....
Nooooo! Not again! We don't need a twist like this. Is it too hard for the writer to conclude with..."and they live happily ever after"?...
Finally getting Stephen and Tess back together then to tear them apart with foolishness. This is craziness...
Yuhohoooo!!! Finally!!!...
Aaand~ Tessa and Stephen are finally back together! Yaaaaay!...
Why make an uninteresting, irrelevant twist when readers are waiting for Tess and Stephen to be together?...
Gosh just let Tessa and Stephen get back together already! Ugh...
Oh my god, when is this book finishing... they're not even back together yet and more nonsense side plots.....
Whoa! Hahahahahaha! Go, Sophia! Burn, stupid Rowena! Lol...
Sooo~ Chapters 310-318 were just a repeat of Jacqueline’s punishment, official expulsion from the Jacobson family, and arrest. With few changes since Tessa and Stephen are not together this time. So Tessa didn’t witness how Jacqueline was tortured at Stephen’s base, though at least Tessa was still called over and witnessed how Stephen officially expelled Jacqueline from the Jacobson family and how Stephen’s subordinate made Jacqueline grovel in front of Tessa. Lol. I hope Jacqueline’s really out of the story now....