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.noveldrama

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.

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

It seemed like he would rather let her go than drag her into a life where she might struggle by his side.

On paper, someone like Torin appeared to be a much better match for Sienna.

"Do you remember Torin?" Tessa asked suddenly.

"Of course. Isn't he Quentin's friend? We had dinner together not long ago," Sienna replied.

"I'm not talking about that night. Actually, you met him long before that. Do you remember?" Tessa said, watching her closely.

Sienna frowned, trying to think. "I met him before? I honestly do not recall."

Tessa gave a small nod. "Yes. I ran into him at a banquet not long ago, and he told me about it. He once visited your house to see your brother when you were still in your first year of high school."

Sienna's 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 recall."

"Have you seen him again recently?" Tessa asked.

Sienna gave a small nod. "Yes, actually. I saw him yesterday at my company. I believe he was there to meet Henry."

Tessa pressed on. "And did he not ask for your contact information?"

Sienna looked puzzled. "No. Why are you asking about him all of a sudden?"

Tessa took a sip of her tea, debating whether or not to tell her that Torin had feelings for her.

After a moment of thought, she decided against it. Feelings were complicated. It was not something she could or should interfere with.

"It's nothing. I just happened to run into him at a banquet, and he mentioned recognizing you from back then. I thought it was an interesting coincidence, so brought it up," Tessa said lightly.

Sienna did not suspect anything and soon changed the subject.

After spending the afternoon shopping with Sienna, Tessa headed back to her private villa.

As the car approached the garden in her neighborhood, Tessa noticed a man sitting on a park bench nearby, speaking on the phone.

It was Stephen.

Her heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here?

Samuel and Marianne would sometimes drop by to visit her at this villa. If they happened to see Stephen here, it would be a disaster.

"Wynn, stop the car," Tessa said quickly.

The car rolled to a stop, and Tessa stepped out, heading straight toward the garden.

Stephen remained focused on his phone call, completely unaware that Tessa was approaching.

She stopped directly in front of him. "What are you doing here?" she asked sharply.

Stephen was seated with his head

tilted down

The fire and his phone in hand

thing he noticed was the

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pair of black Saint Laurent heels on

her feet.

His gaze traveled upward, lingering briefly on her long, fair legs before meeting

her eyes.

Tessa had clearly dressed up today. The black fitted dress traced the curve of her figure perfectly. The red lipstick against the black dress.

made her skin look even moreal ne

flawless. Her beauty was sharp and undeniable.

Stephen's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. He ended the call, set the phone aside, and reached out to gently tug her wrist.

With a soft pull, he drew her into his arms. Tessa naturally settled onto his lap.