His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 213

Nancy playfully tossed her hair. She then wrapped her arm around Stephen's, clearly staking her claim. "You must be Ms. Yates. Nice to meet you—I'm Nancy Lloyd, Steve's girlfriend."

Steve.

Girlfriend.

Tessa's gaze dropped to Nancy's hand resting on Stephen's arm. A sharp, painful twist ran through her chest.

Stephen stood motionless, his eyes flicking briefly to Nancy's hand. His throat tightened, the urge to explain building inside him, but the words stayed stuck.

Naomi had seen enough. She marched forward and tore Nancy's hand off Stephen's arm. "Take your hands off him!

"If you want to flaunt your relationship, do it somewhere else! This isn't the place for your public display of affection!" Her face flushed with fury, her eyes burning with rage. "What's the matter? Mr. Jacobson, can't you afford to book a hotel room?"

Her words were like a knife, cutting deep.

Quentin was taken aback and quickly stepped in, attempting to diffuse the escalating tension.

He pulled Naomi back, urging, "Alright, alright, calm down. We're all friends here. Let's not make a scene."

Naomi struggled against him, pushing him away. "Let go! Don't stop me!"

However, he held firm, his gaze pleading with her to calm down.

Unfazed, Nancy flashed a graceful smile. In a soft, coaxing voice, she turned to Stephen. "Steve, it looks like your friends aren't too happy with us. Why don't we get a room and have some time to ourselves?"

Nancy, ever the actress, spoke with perfect poise. Every movement was intentional, embodying the sweet, innocent persona with an undercurrent of calculated charm.

Tessa's heart clenched at those words. Her doe-like eyes filled with unshed tears, her nose tingling with the weight of emotion. She struggled to keep her composure, determined not to cry in front of Stephen and Nancy.

With a quiver in her voice, she forced herself to meet Stephen's gaze. "Stephen, you have your reasons, don't you? Just tell me. I'll understand. Please, don't do this… It's really hurting me. Can we talk about this?"

Her eyes shimmered with tears, and her voice faltered as she spoke, a choked sob escaping. "Didn't you promise that as long as I didn't ask for a breakup, you'd never leave me?"

Stephen's gaze was as cold and unfeeling as an abyss, his lips curling into a bitter, mocking smile. "Ms. Yates, we're adults here. Do you really still believe in such naive promises?"

The color drained from Tessa's face.