His Unveiled Passion

Tessa had discovered the truth of why Stephen had broken up with her from one of James' lackeys. She had also found out that Nancy was actually Stephen's

cousin.

She knew that she occupied a special place in his heart and that he was willing to risk his life to save her. Despite knowing all of this, she still didn't suggest for them to rekindle their relationship.

Tessa could not go back to how things were before. There was no longer a possibility of a romantic relationship between them. She thought that Stephen was aware of this fact. However, it seemed that she was mistaken, and he still held onto the unrealistic hope.

Tessa's heart started to throb painfully. The truth was, it was hard for her to accept such an outcome, but she knew that there would be no happy ending for them in the long run. She was a victim of her circumstances, and there was nothing she could do, though she was suffering both physically and mentally.

Stephen had indeed saved Seline. But if Stephen wasn't in the picture at all, Seline wouldn't have been kidnapped in the first place. Her life wouldn't have been in danger. If Stephen wasn't a part of her life, James wouldn't have targeted and used Tessa to take revenge against him.

Seeing how Tessa had her eyes lowered as she continued to stay mute, Stephen's eyes began to redden. Bitterness pooled at the back of his throat, and he felt like he was going to suffocate from how painfully his heart was clenching.

A long moment passed before Tessa spoke in a rough voice. "We can't go back to how things were, Stephen. We can never go back."

The grip around her wrist tightened for a second before it gradually loosened. Stephen finally released Tessa's hand. His eyes were as dark as a bottomless abyss. There was a storm of emotions in his gaze, crashing like waves into one another. He looked extremely pained.

Tessa didn't look into Stephen's eyes, and she didn't say anything else. When Stephen released her hand, she ran from him as fast as her legs could take her.

Stephen stood like a statue amidst the cold, howling wind. His eyes were lowered. Beneath his lashes, a single tear formed and rolled down his cheek. Nobody noticed his presence as he stood there in silence.

In early spring, when the birds took flight once more, and the grass returned to its lush green state, life was breathed into the surroundings, waking those that slumbered during the winter.

New buds sprouted on the branches of the trees lining the roadside while the flowers in the garden blossomed beautifully. The gentle breeze and light rain nurtured the land, allowing everything to thrive once again in the new season.

However, Stephen's world was void of such life. Desolation and dilapidation encroached on his land, turning everything black and white.

...

When Stephen found out that Seline had developed mental issues, he immediately got into contact with the best psychiatrist in the world, Cecilia Bateman. He even took an overnight flight across the globe to personally ask her to check on Seline.

Samuel's lips only curled up condescendingly after he found out what Stephen had done.

Cecilia needed some time to recover from the jet lag after she landed in Rivertown. Once she had adjusted, she immediately sought out Seline to treat her.

Stephen brought Cecilia to the Yates residence. Although Marianne was distant, she still politely thanked Stephen for his help. Meanwhile, Samuel was the same as before, refusing to welcome Stephen into their home.

Cecilia was highly professional and very experienced. She was able to provide a diagnosis soon after her initial examination. She even offered to stayin the Yates residence to spend more time with Seline, so she could provide better treatment for her. śwnovelnoveldrama

She explained in Britharian, "A familiar environment with familiar people is helpful for a young child's recovery process. It's why I wouldn't suggest that you send Seline t& a hospital or a sanatorium. Staying at home will help her the most. If it's convenient for the family?l can stay on to treat her as well."

Stephen replied to her in fluent Britharian. "It shouldn't be a problem for you to stay. Thank you, Dr. Bateman."

Cecilia nodded with a smile. "No problem. As a doctor, naturally I also hope that Seline can have a speedy recovery."

Seeing how the issue was temporarily resolved, Stephen said, "I'll be taking my leave, then."

Samuel's attitude toward him was still icy. He pretended not to hear Stephen and didn't spare him even a single glance. On the other hand, Marianne said, "Alright, take care."

Stephen looked at Tessa with adoration shining in his eyes, but Tessa only lowered her eyes and averted her gaze. His heart throbbed painfully, but there was nothing else he could do but turn on his heel and walk out of the door.

Tessa only lifted her eyes to look at Stephen after his back was faced toward her. His silhouette looked rather lonely. She found it hard to breathe suddenly as her eyes stung.