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.

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

you mind if I kissed you?" she

was twisted in

her arms around Andy's neck as if the kiss was

Zachary's voice boomed through

pulling her along. The others exchanged nervous glances, and soon, all eyes

a casual smile. "What are you all staring at?" The

drank her juice, a coldness settled in

composed, as if nothing could ever disturb

was empty, Tessa stood up

hear the voices of several women chatting

it! I can't believe he left his girlfriend here

like Wendy's the one he cares

face? When Wendy was about to kiss Andy, Zachary

really pitiful, having to watch her boyfriend fall apart over another woman right

she's just there to fill

Tessa are on their way out. It's pretty clear he's in love with Wendy." "Yeah,

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

too. Without another word, they quickly lowered their heads and hurried out

composure. Indeed, she and Zachary were likely nearing the end of

decided it, or because

him anymore and

...

Tessa got back to Zachary's villa, it was already past 11:00

crawled into bed and

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

behind the wardrobe. "You're back. I'm planning to head home for a

the past two years, she had collected quite a bit-clothes, shoes, and various odds and ends. While some things weren't worth taking back to Rivertown, everything still

would be nothing left of her

finished 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

else didn't matter

urge to go back home?

I just miss my parents and want to

response. "I guess going home for a visit isn't such a

three years they'd been together, Tessa

during the holidays, she spent them

be with her, nor had he ever taken her

spoke again. "I've been really busy lately, so I won't be able to go with you. When's your flight? I'll have the chauffeur take you to the

on the bed.

call a ride. Someone will

Zachary couldn't help but let out

might ask him to go with her to

together for three years now, and for most couples,