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.

to Anne's hospital ward, she noticed Anne sitting on the bed while staring at the

Tessa and Stephen

came to visit

had brought with her on the small table nearby. Her voice was

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

a smile. "Anne,

over Anne's features. She greeted Stephen

reminded him repeatedly to greet Anne with a friendly smile. She didn't want Anne to be frightened by his cold nature, so he did his best

meet you." Anne rolled her lips inwards as she

Anne and

was pallid.

2013

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

smiled sweetly.

Anne no longer addressed Tessa as

name.