His Unveiled Passion

Tessa woke up bright and early the next day.

After she had her breakfast at the hotel, she planned to make a trip to the famous

lake in the countryside.

Meanwhile, Stephen was trying to reason with Wynn at the parking lot.

He looked at the expressionless Wynn and said, "You can go now. Nothing will

happen to Tessa with me around."

Wynn remained utterly indifferent to his words, replying blandly, "I only listen to

Ms. Yates."

Stephen fell silent upon hearing her answer. He had finally gotten the chance to

enjoy some alone time with Tessa. So, why was Wynn being such a pest of a third

wheel?

Sadly, that was just how Wynn was. Although she was very capable and loyal, she

was also as stubborn as a mule and dense to boot.

Tessa turned her attention to Wynn and mused, "Wynn's been following me

around rain or shine. Her job as my protection detail is actually rather boring...

Plus, she doesn't even have days off. Since we're technically on vacation, it's also

a chance for Wynn to let loose."

Besides, it was better to have another person around if they were going on a trip,

just in case.

On the other hand, it was easy to guess what was on Stephen's mind. He wanted

to spend some time alone with her.

That was easy enough to arrange.

She just had to tell Wynn to keep her distance once they were at their destination.

So, Tessa said, "Wynn, you'll be coming with us."

"Yes, Ms. Yates," Wynn replied respectfully.

They didn't have to worry about transportation.

Stephen handled it all with just a call. Sure enough, someone arrived to pick them

up from the hotel.

The SUV left the city and arrived at the lake about 20 minutes later.

Technically, the lake should be absolutely swarmed by photo-taking tourists at this

time of day.

Perhaps someone high up the chain had noticed Stephen's arrival. Thus, they

were the only ones at the lake. As a result, the usually noisy atmosphere by the

lake was oddly peaceful.

The vehicle pulled to a stop, and the driver remained seated in it.

Tessa, Stephen, and Wynn got out of the car.

The scenery before them was utterly breathtaking and unreal.

Tessa was in awe of the sight that greeted her eyes.

The sky was a brilliant blue. It was so clear that there wasn't a hint of blemish

within the never-ending shades of blue. Fluffy clouds drifted by lazily, dotting the

vast expanse of the sky.

The lake reflected the sky like a mirror, shimmering under the bright sun. It was as

if she had stumbled upon a mysterious place where diamonds could be found

hidden within its clear depths. It was an ethereal and dreamlike view.

The sapphire-blue lake was nestled in the middle of the lush green prairie like a

hidden gem. The picturesque scenery was both tranquil and mysterious, exuding

a sense of peace that seemed to grow as time passed.

Wildflowers bloomed alongside the lake, bursting in vibrant colors of yellow,

purple, and white. Countless blossoms seemed to be competing in a beauty

pageant, enchanting the dancing butterflies with their alluring fragrance.

The bees buzzed in their haste to collect their fill of nectar, bringing about a

certain vitality to their surroundings.

Stephen had come prepared. He whisked out his camera and promptly captured

the seemingly divine landscape before them, leaving it frozen in time.

Once he was done taking a few shots of the view, he lifted his head from the

camera and urged, "Tess, stand over there. Let me take a picture of you."

On this fine day, Tessa was wearing a light blue and white checkered dress. A

large white bow was on her chest, and life-like white daisies were embroidered on

her dress.

She had only brought her suit for the trip and didn't bother packing any casual

wear.

So, she had gotten this dress yesterday when Stephen had taken her to the mall.

The dress' youthful yet vibrant colors were a perfect complement to the gorgeous

lakeside view.

As Tessa stood by the lake, she looked like a fairy who had accidentally stumbled

into the human world.

A gentle breeze blew past, playfully lifting the hem of her dress, making it seem

like fluttering wings.

Tessa struck a few poses, and Stephen patiently took all the pictures she wanted.

Her fair skin and delicate features were so beautiful that it was enough to take

one's breath away, and she wasn't even wearing makeup.

Stephen took several pictures of her from various angles. He took close-ups of

her, wide shots, front views, side profiles, and even snapped a few pictures of her

silhouette.

He had taken photography classes in the past, so he was quite skilled. As a

result, every picture he took of Tessa was like a work of art that was ready to be

shown off at an art gallery.

After taking Tessa's solo shots, Stephen called Wynn over to take a picture of the

two of them together.

It had been a long, long time since they had taken a photo together.

So, Stephen only left Wynn alone after instructing her on how she should use the

camera. Then, he walked to Tessa's side.

Their last photo together was probably the one they had taken at Springvale.

They had been in their honeymoon phase as a couple at the time. So, they didn't

hesitate to pose intimately for their pictures, which was a stark contrast to how

they were behaving now.

Since they hadn't rekindled their romance, Stephen didn't test Tessa's boundaries

by being overly affectionate.

He merely glanced at Tessa when the picture was taken, looking at her with

unmistakable adoration and love.

She might be looking at the camera, but it was fine because he was looking at

her.

After the photo, Wynn caved under Stephen's relentless hinting and tactfully

retreated elsewhere, giving them some space alone.

Tessa and Stephen ambled down the path, admiring nature's gift.

They could hear the occasional calls

of cattle and sheep in the distance.

Birds soared as they sang overhead

while the breeze brought with it the

scent of fresh flowers. Everything

felt like a dream.

As they took a stroll around the lake, the distance between them gradually grew

closer. A subtle hint of sweetness seemed to linger in the air.

Suddenly, Tessa stumbled over a pebble and lurched forward.

Stephen hastily reached out to steady her.

As a result, she fell straight into his arms.

His unique scent and the woody fragrance clinging to his clothes instantly

assailed her senses.

There was barely any distance

between them now. Stephen

lowered his head, his nose nearly

touching hers. They were pressed

against each other so intimately that

even their breaths had intertwined.

Time seemed to stop ticking right at that very moment.

Their eyes met.

Tessa's heart began to race,

galloping in her chest like a wild

horse. She felt as if all the sounds in

the world had fallen silent, leaving

only the thumping of her racing

heart. She felt her breath catch asnoveldrama

her heart grew louder and faster

over time.

It seemed as though Stephen was also caught in the moment, his emotions

darkening his gaze.

He leaned in closer and closer.

Their breathing grew heavier and rushed as passion swelled.

Tessa looked deeply into his eyes. She could tell he was crowding into her space,

but she didn't move away. Instead, she closed her eyes and waited.

It was a sign, an allowance from her.

She wanted him to kiss her.

Stephen's heart skipped a beat, and he felt his muscles lock in a rare hint of

nerves.

He held his breath and gently pressed his lips against hers.

The soft sensation against his lips felt unreal. Yet, there was nothing illusionary

about this kiss.

The kiss had happened so naturally.

They had broken up when they were still deeply in love with each other. It had

been a painful time for them both.

However, they had never stopped loving each other. Even though they had been

through hell and high water, their feelings for each other had never wavered.

It wasn't the case for Stephen, and the same could be said for Tessa.

Tessa had only chosen to hide her feelings in the darkest depths of her heart due

to the pressures of reality. Yet, her love for Stephen had never waned the

slightest, even after so long.

She yearned for him, pined for him.

She couldn't resist responding to his affection for her.