His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 342

Stephen's dark eyes were clouded and intense, his voice low and heavy.

"Tessa, you really don't understand men. The way Lester looks at you—he isn't even trying to hide how he feels. Can't you see what he's thinking?"

Tessa suddenly let out a soft laugh. She looked at him like he was speaking complete nonsense.

She shot back with biting sarcasm, "You're right. I don't understand men. That's why I believed my ex when he said that as long as I never mentioned breaking up, he would never leave me first. And when we did split up, he laughed and told me that only a fool would believe something that childish."

Stephen froze. Weren't they just talking about Lester? How did the conversation suddenly flip to him?

Those words were exactly what he had said to her the day they broke up. He remembered how devastated she had been. And honestly, it had not hurt her any more than it had hurt him.

Saying those cruel, calculated things had nearly gutted him.

The jealousy in Stephen's chest instantly melted away, replaced by a crushing weight of regret and sorrow.

His gaze dropped, dark and tormented. His voice turned hoarse. "Tess, I had my reasons for saying those things. That wasn't how I really felt."

Tessa gave a cold laugh. "Which part? The part where you promised you would never leave me unless I asked for it? That wasn't real?"

She scoffed."You don't need to repeat it. I got the message loud and clear."

"No. That's not what I meant. You know that's not it. Tess, I've only ever had you in my heart. My feelings for you have never changed." Stephen took a quick step forward, placing both hands on her shoulders.

"Enough. Saying all this now doesn't change anything. I have other things to do. Now, if you'll excuse me." Her eyes were like ice. She turned and pulled open the car door.

"Tess, just listen to me." Stephen tried to block the door with his hand.

Tessa shoved him back, got inside, and slammed it shut with a sharp thud.

As her car pulled away, Lester finally strolled over.

Clearly enjoying the show, he clicked his tongue twice and smirked.

Tessa stood speechless for a moment, caught off guard. Stephen really knew how to pull the guilt card.

Samson looked completely pitiful, as if his entire life depended on this delivery. His eyes held a pleading sincerity.

"Please, Ms. Yates. I have a family to support. I really can't afford to lose this job."

"Fine. Just leave them there." Tessa sighed, exasperated.

She did not want to make life harder for someone just doing their job.

"Thank you. Thank you so much. I'll leave you to it, then." Samson beamed.

Tessa nodded. "Sure."

After he left, she looked down at the delicate, gleaming jewelry and let out a long, helpless sigh.