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.

nothing had changed. With a carefree smile, she stood up and walked over to a

would you mind if I kissed you?" she

at Zachary, whose face was twisted in a storm of anger. He froze, barely daring to

the tense silence, Wendy leaned in closer, slipping her arms around Andy's neck as if the kiss

Zachary's voice

the room, pulling her along. The others exchanged nervous glances, and soon, all eyes turned to Tessa, full

"What are you all staring at?" The others quickly turned away, pretending to focus on their drinks or conversations, acting as

coldness settled in her heart with each passing

could ever disturb

empty, Tessa stood up and headed toward the

she could hear the voices of

believe he left his girlfriend here

like Wendy's the one he cares about

you see his face? When Wendy was about to kiss Andy,

saw it. Her girlfriend is really pitiful, having to watch her boyfriend fall apart over another woman right

she's just there

on their way out. It's

reflection as she stepped out of one of the restroom

they quickly lowered their heads and hurried out

the mirror, washing her hands with an air of composure. Indeed, she and Zachary were likely nearing

it wouldn't be because he had decided

would be because she didn't love him anymore

...

back to Zachary's

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

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

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

left, there would

for a moment, then quickly averted her eyes, pretending she

with anyone else

back home? Are you still upset about last

just miss my parents and want

frown softened at her response. "I guess going home for

three years they'd been together, Tessa had never

the holidays, she spent

once skipped the New Year with his family to be with her, nor

woman without a solid family background. After a brief pause, he spoke again. "I've been really busy lately, so I won't be able to go with you. When's

a few of her favorite clothes and laid them neatly on the bed. She folded

ride. Someone will be there to pick me

couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh

him to go with her to meet her

for most couples, it would be the time to meet