Milk frothed on Tessa''s lips, creating a striking image.


    Stephen''s gare flickered, his eyes darkening slightly before he quickly looked away. Itis Adam''s apple bobbed as he cleared his throat, awkwardly murmuring, "Get some sleep. Goodnight."


    Without waiting for her response, he tumed and strode toward the states.


    Oblivious to his tuner turmoil, Tessa simply looked away and continued sipping her milk.


    The next morning, Stephen knocked on Tessa''s door, before her n even went off. "Tess, Ime to get up." Tessa opened her eyes, reached for her phone beneath her pillow, and checked the time. It was 9:59 am. Perfect timing


    After getting ready, she came downstairs to find breakfast already set on the table.


    It was a simple but hearty te of a big breakdast.


    She took a bite, and her eyes lit up in surprise. "This tastes exactly Like the ce near ourw firm!"


    Stephen, seated across from her, bummed in response without looking up.


    She hesitated, unsure what his response meant.


    Taking another bite, she confirmed the taste was identical. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, she asked, "Did you boy this from the ce behind ourw firm?" "Yes," be replied tly.


    Tessa was puzzled. "How do you even know about that ce?"


    It was quite a distance from the hotel-at least six miles.


    Why would he go all that way just to buy this breakfast?


    Realizing he couldn''t keep it a secret any longer, Stephen finally admitted, "I... came to Haverford before to see you."


    Tessa was stumed


    He hade to see ber? How had she never known?


    choked on her food, and he quickly handed her a tissue,


    "Slow down"


    "When did youe? Why was I unaware?"


    "The first year after you left, the second, and this year too," Stephen replied calmly.


    Jesse''s beart raced.


    He had been secretly visiting Haverford annually just to see her.


    No wonder the apartment felt so lived-in. It was clear he came here often.


    Her heart pounded as the realization hit her. Trying to shake off the thoughts, she quickly changed the subject. "Thank you, Stephen. The big breakfasts are really delicious.


    Stephennoticed the flush on her ears and smiled but didn''t call her out. Instead, he casually replied, "By the way, I know a highly skilled restoration expert. She was even invited to the Smithsonian to work on restoring artifacts. Maybe she could help."


    "Really?" Tessa''s eyes brightened with hope.


    Stephen nodded. "Yes, I''ll take you to meet her when we get back to Rivertown."


    His words were like a balm to luer troubled brart.


    She couldn''t quite exin why, but she trusted himpletely.


    If he said the restorer was skilled, she was certain her porcin doll would be repaired without a doubt.


    Her mood had shifted entirely from how it was earlier that morning. Stephen had surprised her in so many ways today. She couldn''t help but wonder what else she might not know about him.