His Unveiled Passion

Chapter 3

It wasn't until that moment that Zachary seemed to realize Tessa was still there. As if snapping out of a daze, he quickly withdrew his arm from around Wendy's waist and stepped back, distancing himself by a couple of paces.

Noticing the shift in his gaze, Zachary's friends finally registered Tessa's presence. They jumped in quickly, eager to defuse the growing tension.

"Alright, let's keep going. Wendy, if your stomach's acting up, you don't have to drink. If you lose, we'll switch to Truth or Dare instead."

"Great idea. Truth or Dare, it is!"

After steadying himself, Zachary returned to the couch.

He was expecting Tessa to react-perhaps show some jealousy or make a scene, but to his surprise, she said nothing.

Her indifference unsettled him, a nagging unease creeping into his mind.

He couldn't shake the feeling that Tessa was somehow different from how she used to be.

An uncomfortable silence settled between them.

Just as Zachary was about to say something, the teasing voices from across the room interrupted him. "Wendy, you lost again! Truth or dare?"

Zachary's attention snapped back to Wendy, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I choose Dare."

Wendy turned to face him, her gaze meeting his as she flashed a playful, enigmatic smile.

"Alright, here are the dares," someone called out, holding up a stack of paper slips. "Go ahead and pick one!"

Wendy casually grabbed a slip, and as the person unfolded it, his eyes widened in disbelief.

He shot a nervous glance between Wendy, Zachary, and Tessa.

A curious woman leaned in to take a look. "What does it say? Let me see!"

She gasped loudly, clearly shocked by what was written on the note.

A wave of curiosity spread through the group.

"What did it say?"

"Come on, tell us! What's on the note?"

"Randomly choose someone of the opposite sex and kiss them," the man read aloud, his eyes darting toward Zachary.

The moment Zachary heard those words, his face froze.

A chill seemed to fall over the room as if the temperature had dropped.

had changed. With a carefree smile, she stood up and walked

if I kissed you?"

twisted in a

tense silence, Wendy leaned in closer, slipping her

enough!" Zachary's voice

out of the room, pulling her along.

a casual smile. "What are you all staring at?" The others quickly turned away, pretending to focus on their drinks or conversations, acting as if nothing had

coldness settled in her

ever disturb

glass was empty, Tessa stood up

could hear the voices of several women chatting near the

lost it! I can't believe he left

the one

Wendy was about to kiss Andy,

watch her

thing. It's obvious she's just there to fill

think Zachary and Tessa are on their way out. It's pretty clear he's in love

froze, her gaze meeting Tessa's reflection as she stepped out of one of the restroom

other two women noticed Tessa too. Without another word, they quickly lowered their heads and hurried out of

composure. Indeed, she and Zachary were likely nearing the

it wouldn't be because he had decided it, or because he didn't want her

him anymore and

...

got back to Zachary's villa, it was already past

she crawled into bed and fell asleep almost instantly. Zachary didn't

the bedroom door, his gaze immediately fell on a suitcase sprawled open on the floor. "What's this about?" he asked,

behind the wardrobe. "You're back.

years, she had collected quite a bit-clothes, shoes, and various odds and ends. While some things weren't worth

time she left, there would be nothing left of

speaking, Tessa's gaze fell on the unmistakable red marks on Zachary's neck. She paused for a moment, then quickly averted her eyes, pretending she hadn't seen them at all. She had already given up

he did with anyone else didn't

back home? Are you still upset about last night? Is this your way of

parents and want to visit

"I guess going home for a

been together,

the holidays,

his family to be with her, nor had he ever taken her home

he spoke again. "I've been really busy

a few of her favorite clothes and laid them neatly on the bed. She folded each piece meticulously before packing them

a ride. Someone will be there to pick

but

ask him to go with her to meet

been together for three years now, and for