His Unveiled Passion

Sienna was two years younger than Tessa. She was currently 25 and had always been single, never once being in a relationship.

But being single did not mean she had never liked anyone.

The reason she stayed single for so many years was because her heart had always belonged to someone she could never be with.

Tessa knew exactly who that person was. His name was Hollis Johanson, the son of Sienna's family housekeeper.

Hollis came from a modest background, completely different from the world Sienna grew up in. There was no way her family would ever approve of them being together.

Quiet and gentle as she was, Sienna had once gathered the courage to follow her heart.

It happened the summer after she graduated from high school, on the day of her coming-of-age celebration. That was the day she finally worked up the nerve to confess her feelings to Hollis.

But Hollis had turned her down.

Aside from the two of them, only Tessa and their mutual friend, Naomi, knew about it. Even Sienna's older brother, Henry, remained completely unaware.

The last time Tessa ran into Torin at a banquet, she had chosen not to tell him that Sienna's heart was already set on someone else.

"Sienna, do you still have feelings for Hollis? After all these years, have you never thought about moving on?"

A faint, bitter smile touched Sienna's lips as she answered. Her expression was filled with quiet sorrow.

"He has become somewhat of an obsession. It feels like I no longer have the strength to fall for anyone else."

Throughout the years, Sienna had stayed single, and Hollis had done the same.

Both Tessa and Naomi could that Hollis cared about Sienna. The feelings were there.

Hollis had always known he was not a match for her. He had never allowed himself

like he would rather let her go than drag

like Torin appeared to be

you remember Torin?" Tessa asked

friend? We had dinner together not long

that night. Actually, you met him long before that. Do you remember?" Tessa

think. "I met him

I ran into him at a banquet not long ago, and he told me about

brows drew together as she tried to remember. "High school? I was only 16 then. That was nine years ago. It's no wonder I cannot

him again

gave a small nod. "Yes, actually. I saw him yesterday at my

"And did he not ask for your contact

Why are you asking about him all of a

her tea, debating whether or not to tell her that Torin had feelings for

were complicated. It was not something she could or should

run into him at a banquet, and he mentioned recognizing you

did not suspect anything and

the afternoon shopping with Sienna, Tessa headed back to her private

the car approached the garden in her neighborhood, Tessa noticed a man sitting on a

It was Stephen.

a beat.

sometimes drop by to visit her at this villa. If they happened to see Stephen

the car," Tessa

to a stop, and Tessa stepped out, heading

phone call,