His Unveiled Passion

The cold wave had arrived. The temperature dropped below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and Rivertown welcomed its first day of snow in the winter season.

The days were short during winter. When Tessa exited the law firm, it was already dark. Snowflakes floated down from above, adding to the romantic atmosphere that was illuminated by the city's neon lights.

Tessa stood on the pavement, reaching out to catch a few snowflakes in her palms. An icy gust blew past, the cold seeping directly into her bones. She wrapped her scarf closer around her as her warm breaths condensed into puffs of fog whenever she exhaled.

Stephen's Maybach was parked on the curb. Tessa strolled toward it, noticing that he had already alighted from the car. He was also walking briskly toward her.

Tessa had arranged to visit Anne in the hospital with him today.

She shut the car door, trapping the icy wind outside. He was in the backseat with her, holding her close to him. Grabbing her hands, he rubbed her palms with his own hands, noticing how frosty her hands were to the touch.

Stephen lowered his gaze. His words were tinged with worry when he asked, "Why didn't you wear your gloves? Your hands are all red."

Tessa sniffled. "The car was just a few steps away."

"It doesn't matter if it was just a few steps away," Stephen said as he continued to warm up her hands. "Remember to wear them next time."

She hummed in agreement.

hospital ward, she noticed Anne sitting on the bed while staring at the snowstorm outside

react when Tessa and Stephen entered

came

she had brought with her on the small table

turned her head to look at them. When her gaze fell on Stephen, surprise and confusion flickered in her

with a smile. "Anne, this

features. She greeted

to be frightened by his cold nature, so he did his best to inject as much warmth as he

as he said, "Nice to meet you." Anne rolled her lips inwards as she looked

walked closer to Anne and sat

complexion was

2013

sunken and she was deathly thin. Tessa's heart throbbed painfully. She ignored how upset she felt and retrieved a cream-colored wooly hat from the gift bag. Her eyes had crinkled into crescents as she offered it to Anne. "Anne, look. I got this present for you.

eyes glimmered brightly as she smiled sweetly.

had become fast friends after spending some time together. Anne no longer addressed Tessa as "Ms. Yates" but

name.