His Unveiled Passion

Chapter 58

Soon after, an elderly woman with a slightly plump figure and a warm, beaming smile stepped out. "Ms. Yates... Is that Tess?"

Tessa froze for a moment. "Ma'am, do you know me?"

The old woman approached her, her cloudy eyes brimming with emotion. "Tess, you've grown so tall. Time flies."

Tessa's mouth opened slightly, unsure of how to respond.

Stephen spoke at just the right moment. "I learned my cooking skills here."

Tessa glanced at him, puzzled.

Stephen explained, "This is Helen Wilson. She used to be the Somerton family's housekeeper, and Madam Somerton learned to cook from her."

Helen looked at Tessa, her joy overflowing into tears. "It really is you, Tess. Your eyes look just like your mother's. Tess, I even held you in my arms when you were little.

mention her mother, Tessa's eyes instantly glistened with tears. "Yes, it's me, Tess. Mrs.

and sit," Helen said, ushering

"Billy, go to town and buy some groceries. Get the best ingredients. I'll cook for Mr. Jacobson

hopping on a motorcycle and heading off. Helen held Tessa's hand and began reminiscing, sharing many stories about Tyla's younger years. From these stories, Tessa learned that her mother had taken up

to kitchen work, had learned to cook for the

a mix of

Even after her mother passed away, her father had fallen into

two years after her mother's death? And why did it have to be her mother's close

her to meet Marianne a few times. Since Marianne didn't live in Rivertown, their meetings were infrequent, but Tessa had liked her at the time. Marianne

married Samuel, whatever affection had existed

Marianne had treated her well after the marriage-even better than when she was just her mother's friend. She gave Tessa the best food, clothes, and care. Yet,

softly, "Mrs. Wilson, do

was very close to your mother? I remember her. Before your mother got married, she often visited your home. They were college classmates and very close." Tessa's expression

paused, as

Once, when I went to see your mom, I

grow up without the love and care of a mother. Your dad was there too, and she told him that if he ever remarried, it should only be

Tessa's face paled, and her chest felt tight

Marianne