His Unveiled Passion

Chapter 184

The call ended abruptly.

"Stop overthinking." That phrase echoed in Tessa's mind like a curse over and over again. She felt a chill in her heart.

All the warmth and tenderness Stephen had once showered her with seemed to be slipping away little by little.

Outside the window, snow continued to fall. The biting wind howled, shaking the branches of the trees.

Tessa stared blankly at the swirling snowflakes beyond the glass. After a brief silence, her phone began ringing wildly again.

Tear stains still clung to her cheeks, and the blaring ringtone suddenly made her feel very tired.

It was Samuel calling. "Tess, the Jacobson family came by today to break off the engagement."

Her heart had ached so long that now it just felt numb. She gave a low hum of acknowledgment.

Samuel paused as if hesitating to say more. "Stephen's been caught up in a scandal with that actress. Did you see it?"

She stayed silent, offering no response.

After a moment, Samuel added, "I'll have someone hold a press conference tomorrow. We'll announce the termination of the engagement in front of the media. The blame's entirely on the Jacobson family this time.

"Tess, you've got nothing to feel ashamed of. A broken engagement isn't a disgrace. I will find you someone better. You're so beautiful and talented that you can have any man you want."

said nothing. She didn't know what to say. She hadn't expected the Jacobson

up with her last night, and now, they

really that

heard on the phone moments ago sent a dull ache through her chest. Was Stephen in such a hurry to cut ties with her because

Samuel said. "After the press conference tomorrow, I'll send someone to pick you up and bring

engagement was formally dissolved, the Yates family would have no ties left to the Jacobson family. Hopefully, James would then stop thinking about going after them. With that thought in mind, Samuel offered a few more words of comfort, reminding

a few

...

room of the

in

buzzed with

chatting,

it seemed

alone in the corner, lost in

had been days since

In

that she'd moved out. The apartment next door was empty, as if she'd vanished from his world overnight.

was as if she'd disappeared

drunkenness, drowning himself in drinks every night. One

wore the dress he'd bought her when they were still together. Her smile was soft and gentle

eyes as he