His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 14

The day Tyla was discharged from the hospital, the snow had just stopped, leaving behind a pristine winter wonderland. The trees lining the road were coated in frost, and the sky was a clear, brilliant blue.

Samuel had driven to the hospital to pick up Tyla. The couple sat in silence, the atmosphere was thick and heavy between them.

In the backseat, Tessa breathed on the frosted window, her small finger tracing playful pictures on the glass. Her joy was uncontainable.

Finally, Tyla was leaving the hospital.

As they drove, Tessa drew a picture of their family on the window, her face lighting up with delight.

When Tyla caught sight of the drawing, her heart ached, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She turned her head to wipe away a tear and forced a smile. "It's almost your birthday, Tess. What would you like as a present?"

Tessa kept drawing shapes on the fogged window. "Mommy, I want a Cinnamoroll," she replied sweetly.

"Cinnamoroll? Is that a type of dog?" Tyla asked gently. "I've never heard of that breed."

Tessa shook her head. "No, Mommy. It's a cartoon dog. I want a ceramic Cinnamoroll. Sienna told me there's a workshop on Serenity Avenue where we can buy an unpainted ceramic dog and paint it ourselves."

Turning to face Tyla, Tessa added, "Last week, Sienna and Henry went there and painted two really cute porcelain dolls."

Tyla's smile softened. "Alright, Tess. Let's go."

On Tessa's twelfth birthday, the snow fell thick and heavy.

Tessa and Tyla walked hand in hand into the workshop. Their pre-ordered unpainted Cinnamoroll figure was ready and waiting. The two of them eagerly began to paint.

It was the first time they had worked together on something like this.

Tessa was overjoyed with the final result. Her Cinnamoroll turned out exactly like the picture—perhaps even cuter.

Afterward, they left the shop and headed to a nearby bakery.

Tyla carried the cake in one hand while holding Tessa's hand tightly with the other. As they strolled through the falling snow, Tyla suddenly stopped and turned to Tessa, gazing at her with a tender expression.

"Tessa, Mommy loves you very much." Tyla's voice was soft, carried away by the breeze.

Tessa's nose was red from the cold.

Her mother said those words often, so she didn't think much of it. "I love you too, Mommy," she replied with a cheerful smile.

Tyla's nose twitched, and she felt tears begin to well up.

Tessa was still so young, and she was only 12 years old. Tyla couldn't stay with her much longer. What was she going to do?

Fearing that Tessa might see her tears, she turned away and kept walking.

Holding Tyla's hand, Tessa strolled through the bustling Serenity Avenue pedestrian street and made her way to the outdoor parking lot.

From a distance, she spotted Samuel's car. Her father stood nearby in the snow, a cigarette between his fingers. His face was etched with sadness and loneliness.

It was an expression she had rarely seen on him. As if sensing her gaze, Samuel looked up. The sorrow vanished in an instant, replaced by his usual calm demeanor.

For a moment, Tessa wondered if she had imagined it.

Samuel stubbed out his cigarette and, in a hoarse voice, said, "You're back."

Tyla gave a quiet nod.

That night, it was Samuel who prepared dinner.

The three of them gathered around the table, sharing a joyful moment. Tessa wore a crown, made a wish, and blew out the candles.

But just as they were about to enjoy the cake, something unexpected happened.

As Tyla reached for a bite, she suddenly started coughing up large amounts of blood.

Tessa was terrified. The cake slipped from her hands and fell onto her new shoes.

Samuel rushed to Tyla's side, his voice thick with emotion. "Tyla, Tyla, don't scare me. I'll get you to the hospital right away."

The nanny scrambled to call for an ambulance while Tessa stood frozen, her mind racing but unable to process what was happening.

Why was this happening? She had been fine just a moment ago. Why was Tyla suddenly coughing up blood?

Didn't the doctor say she could be discharged?

Wasn't Tyla already recovering?

The ambulance arrived quickly.

The paramedics rushed to load Tyla onto the stretcher.

Before they left, Tessa caught a glimpse of Tyla looking at her with tear-filled eyes. Her mouth moved as if trying to say something.