His Unveiled Passion

Stephen had his back to Tessa, so he didn't notice her arrival.

Tessa saw that the woman trying to strike up a conversation with him had worn exquisite makeup. She was also tall and had quite the pretty face.

"Hey, handsome. Let's be friends," she drawled with a flirtatious smile playing on her lips. Then, she flashed her WhatsApp QR code and asked, "Can I add you on WhatsApp?"

Stephen was still on the phone, so he merely waved the woman off.

"Don't be so dull," she said in reply, her tone teasing as she deliberately drawled.

Stephen promptly took two steps to the side, trying to put some distance between them whilst continuing his conversation on the phone.

Alas, the woman continued to stand in place with a pout on her face.

Stephen soon ended his call. When he turned around, he immediately noticed that the woman was still there.noveldrama

She immediately curled her lips into a bold smile. "You're the most gorgeous man I've ever met in my life. Frankly, I've never seen anyone as handsome as you. You're not a local, are you? Are you here on vacation? I could show you around, be your free personal tour guide!"

Stephen still had his back to Tessa. So, Tessa couldn't see the look on his face.

However, they were merely a few steps away from one another. So, she could hear the coldness in his voice as he replied, "It's fine. I'm here for my girlfriend."

The smile on the woman's lips slipped away as she muttered in disappointment, "Oh, you're taken, huh?"

Just then, her gaze shifted past him and landed on Tessa, who was standing behind him. So, she tilted her chin at Stephen and gestured, "Is that your girlfriend over there?"

Stephen turned around upon hearing her words. When his eyes landed on Tessa, the frost glazing his eyes seemed to melt away. His expression immediately softened as he murmured, "Tess."

Then, he quickly strode toward Tessa.

Tessa didn't look at all bothered as she asked, "Why are you here?"

"Work has been slow recently, so I figured I'd come to keep you company,"

Stephen replied gently. His current tone was in stark contrast to how he'd spoken to the woman earlier.

He continued, "I went to Everbright to look for you yesterday. That's when I found out you were here on a business trip."

He took the mountain of files in Tessa's hand and went on, "Eraline is a tourist hotspot, and the scenery here in July is to die for. It's honestly the perfect time for a vacation. Since I was available, I thought it'd be nice to spend a few days here with you."

Eraline was situated in the northwest and was a popular tourist spot within the country. The county they were currently in was nestled at the foot of several snow-capped mountains.

There was even a lake nearby that was famed for its stunning, year-round, picturesque views. Hence, many visitors would pay this place a visit every year.

It was just as well that Tessa had some time off now that this case was over. So, she had the time to relax and enjoy herself a while longer in the county.

Regardless, that wasn't exactly part of her original plan.

Tessa hummed as she considered her options. In the end, she decided to change her flight and extend her stay here.

After all, Stephen had come all this way just to accompany her. She didn't want to disappoint him.

Besides, he was right in saying that the view here was gorgeous. She would even go as far as to claim that it possessed a certain tranquility to it.

She also had another reason for making such a decision. She couldn't possibly bury herself in work all year round. She needed to achieve some work-life balance

before she keeled over. So, it was

really time for her to take a break after working so hard for so long.

Tessa looked up at Stephen and said gently, "Alright, let's enjoy ourselves here for

a few more days before heading home."

A smile appeared on Stephen's lips. "That's great. Which hotel are you staying at? I'll drive you there."

Tessa promptly gave him the name of the hotel.

Stephen replied, "What a coincidence. I'm staying there as well. Let's go back together."

Tessa nodded agreeably. "Sure."

The hotel she had reserved a room in was the best one in the county, so she already had a hunch that Stephen would be staying there as well.